The Best Camera Brands in 2023: Top 10 Picks
Choosing the best camera brand can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out as a photographer. Unfortunately, the camera brand you pick does matter; different brands offer different types of cameras, each with its own benefits. And once you’ve spent hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on a camera system, switching to another brand isn’t easy.
Therefore, it’s important to choose your camera brand carefully! Fortunately, because I’ve used cameras and lenses from nearly all of the brands available today, I’m well-placed to help you out. Here are my 10 top picks, including options for beginners, enthusiasts, and even professionals.
The 10 Best Camera Brands:
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1. Canon
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few decades, you’re familiar with Canon, a company that sells printers, scanners, projectors, and of course, cameras. Canon is currently the world’s most popular camera brand thanks to its wide array of options, from powerhouse mirrorless models and DSLRs to bridge cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, and more.
Canon offers something for everyone, which is why you’ll find Canon cameras in the hands of casual photographers and enthusiasts all the way up to the most demanding professional sports and wildlife photographers.
Canon specializes in creating comfortable, easy-to-use, affordable cameras that let you capture stunning photos without breaking the bank. At the same time, Canon’s cameras offer a lot of room to grow, and the company also offers a bevy of lenses to choose from – including some impressive new RF-mount glass – so as you begin to take your photography more seriously, you’ll always have an upgrade (or three) at your fingertips.
Go with the Canon brand if you’re after an all-around camera that feels great to use, offers plenty of cutting-edge features, and keeps your bank account intact.
Plus, Canon cameras pack serious video capabilities, which is perfect for vloggers and even serious hybrid shooters.
2. Sony
Sony is arguably the current leader in mirrorless photography; the company offers an excellent series of full-frame and APS-C mirrorless models, including highlights such as the Sony a7 IV and the Sony a6600. There are also Sony DSLRs as well as popular Sony compact cameras.
Sony mirrorless cameras are all about packing power into a portable body. The company’s autofocus technology is second to none, and its mirrorless low-light capabilities are truly top-notch, which makes Sony cameras a key choice for photographers aiming to shoot sports, wildlife, events, landscapes, and more.
Like Canon, Sony is something of a video powerhouse. The company offers a video-focused mirrorless line, the latest of which is the 4K/120p-shooting a7S III.
Unfortunately, while the Sony cameras themselves aren’t too expensive, the lenses tend to be priced several notches above the competition.
Go with the Sony brand if you’re looking for a camera that can perform well in high-pressure situations, including low-light and sporting events. You might also consider Sony’s ultra-compact APS-C mirrorless cameras for travel and walkaround shooting.
3. Nikon
In recent years, Nikon has struggled to capture the public’s attention, but don’t let that fool you. Nikon’s cameras are more powerful than ever, even if its mirrorless lineup lags behind in both breadth and depth.
Like Canon, Nikon creates well-rounded, affordable cameras. The company offers basic point-and-shoot models (for casual photographers after a pocket-sized option), highly regarded APS-C DSLRs (for more serious beginners and enthusiasts), full-frame DSLRs (for semi-professionals and professionals), and a handful of recent mirrorless models for beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals.
While Nikon’s DSLR lineup – both APS-C and full-frame – offers class-leading high-ISO capabilities and ergonomics, it’s true that Nikon’s mirrorless development has struggled.
The mirrorless cameras Nikon currently offers are certainly impressive, but there just aren’t enough cameras or lenses to entice some folks away from the competition. Nikon is moving in the right direction, however, and in a few years, you’ll undoubtedly have a wide variety of mirrorless options to choose from.
If you’re after an entry-level DSLR, Nikon offers the best of the best (the prices are great, too). And Nikon’s full-frame DSLRs excel at landscape photography and action photography thanks to a combination of high-resolution sensors, stellar low-light performance, and snappy autofocus. However, unless you already own Nikon lenses or one of Nikon’s mirrorless cameras clearly meets your needs, I’d recommend looking elsewhere for mirrorless models.
4. Fujifilm
Fujifilm is a bit of an outlier in the camera world; instead of delivering sleek, ergonomic-focused designs, the company specializes in retro mirrorless models that look like this:
Personally, I’m a big fan of the Fujifilm aesthetic, and there are plenty of photographers who are drawn in by the old-timey dials and tactile shooting experience – but there are also those who find Fujifilm cameras slow and uncomfortable.
Whether Fujifilm is a good choice for you depends on your personal tastes, though I urge you to spend a few minutes with a Fuji model before dismissing the brand.
Note that Fujifilm offers plenty more than a retro look. The X-series mirrorless lineup is crop-sensor-only, but it boasts impressive low-light performance, decent autofocus, and a dozen artsy shooting modes straight out of the days of film. (The Film Simulation modes are amazing. I wish they were offered by every camera manufacturer.)
And while full-frame mirrorless models are conspicuously absent from Fujifilm’s lineup, the company’s medium format cameras are a favorite among professionals.
If you like the Fujifilm retro aesthetic, then Fujifilm is a great choice. You might also consider Fujifilm if you’re looking to do street or travel photography; the cameras are portable and very low profile.
5. Panasonic
Panasonic isn’t the flashiest camera brand out there, and it’s certainly not the most popular.
But once you get past the chunky designs, you’ll find plenty to love – especially if you’re a fan of space-saving sensors.
You see, many of Panasonic’s most powerful cameras use the Four Thirds sensor, which is smaller than the APS-C sensors used by competitors and therefore encourages smaller, lighter Micro Four Thirds camera bodies. FT sensors are great for photographers and videographers aiming to keep their camera kit to a reasonable size and weight, which makes Panasonic an excellent option for travel, street, and casual shooters.
Four Thirds sensors offer another advantage: They produce a 2x crop factor, so all focal lengths are effectively doubled. A 50-200mm lens becomes a 100-400mm lens, and a 10-40mm lens becomes a 20-80mm lens. In other words, you get a lot of reach in a very compact package, and while long focal lengths aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, photographers who do require extra reach will love the opportunity to shoot distant subjects with a pocket-sized lens.
The Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lineup also includes a healthy mix of stills- and video-leaning cameras, so videographers and hybrid shooters should pay careful attention. (Note: All video-lovers should check out the LUMIX GH5S, which boasts 4K/60p recording, dual card slots, and plenty more). Also, for those who aren’t a fan of the Panasonic MFT lineup, I recommend checking out Panasonic’s full-frame mirrorless cameras; the lineup is only just getting started, but the current options offer excellent image quality.
If you’re a fan of small but powerful cameras or you’d rather avoid carrying a backpack that feels like a brick, Panasonic is a great choice. You should also consider Panasonic if you’re a hybrid shooter because several of Panasonic’s cameras are favorites among videographers.
6. Leica
Leica is one of the only luxury camera brands on this list. So while Leica cameras offer stunning image quality, access to incredible lenses, and a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind Leica design, they’re also incredibly expensive.
In other words: If you’re after a reasonably affordable camera – a camera that costs less than $4000 – just skip this section and continue down the list. However, if you do have money to spend and you’re up for a challenge, Leica is certainly worth a look. Leica cameras might be the most beautiful machines you’ll ever encounter, and there’s just something powerful about holding one in your hands.
Note that Leica produces several camera types, including rangefinder models for street and photojournalistic photography as well as full-frame and APS-C mirrorless models for landscape, portrait, and even video shooting. Leica also offers capable compact cameras (though even these cost thousands of dollars!).
Leica rangefinder cameras are especially unique, but for the more budget-conscious, there are plenty of non-Leica options worth considering.
7. Pentax
The last few decades have been difficult for Pentax; in 2008, Pentax merged with Hoya, and in 2011, Pentax sold its camera division to Ricoh.
While Ricoh has attempted to keep Pentax relevant by developing rugged, all-purpose DSLRs (including a relatively affordable medium format model) Pentax has continued to struggle. Critics have attacked Pentax for its refusal to develop mirrorless cameras, and as mirrorless technology becomes more and more popular, Pentax’s DSLR-only strategy seems increasingly ill-founded.
That said, Pentax’s DSLRs are high quality, and the company has taken an alternative approach to camera production that has led to a loyal (if now small) following. For one, Pentax’s DSLRs offer impressive build quality, a feature that appeals to landscape, wildlife, and outdoor action photographers in particular. And while Pentax’s sensor technology isn’t exactly class-leading, the DSLRs do possess in-body image stabilization so you can capture sharp images long into the evening.
Pentax cameras don’t offer the same mix of power, image quality, and comfort found in a Canon or Nikon DSLR, but there is something special about Pentax cameras – and for the right user, a Pentax model can be a great choice.
Therefore, if you’re an outdoorsy photographer who shoots in all sorts of weather and you don’t mind the bulkiness of a DSLR, take a look at some of Pentax’s latest offerings. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.
8. Hasselblad
Hasselblad cameras are incredibly high quality. They’re also incredibly expensive, which is why most photographers, including professionals, have never even touched one.
Hasselblad produces medium format cameras, which boast mindblowing detail and incredible low-light performance. But while medium format often sounds appealing, it’s worth recognizing a few key drawbacks.
For one, medium format cameras tend to be huge thanks to the bigger sensor. And while Hasselblad does offer a series of portable medium format cameras, they certainly aren’t on par with Fujifilm’s APS-C cameras or Panasonic’s MFT options.
Plus, medium format cameras are slow, both in autofocusing and continuous shooting. They’re not for action photography, so if you’re interested in shooting sports, wildlife, street, or event photography, medium format isn’t the way to go.
Then, of course, there’s the price. Hasselblad cameras run from $5000 on up, with some models costing around $35000. (And no, that number is not a typo.)
Choose Hasselblad if you’re an experienced photographer with a lot of money to spend and you specialize in product or landscape photography. Otherwise, choose one of the other amazing camera brands on this list.
9. Olympus
Up until two years ago, Olympus was a niche camera company but was generally respected for its compact, Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras, which delivered class-leading in-body image stabilization, not to mention outstanding autofocus.
Then, however, Olympus sold off its camera division to an investment firm, and while the firm (called Japan Industrial Partners, or JIP) has continued camera development, the future of Olympus is very much up in the air. For that reason, I’d caution folks against buying into the Olympus brand.
Yes, Olympus used to be a great camera company.
Its Micro Four Thirds cameras were – and still are – portable and powerful. I own an Olympus mirrorless camera, and it offers surprisingly good autofocus capabilities, a comfortable shooting experience, and great in-body image stabilization for handholding in low light.
Olympus does boast several ultra-compact, vacation-friendly mirrorless models (such as the PEN E-PL10). And the lens lineup you get with an Olympus camera is truly exceptional; in fact, in addition to the (high-performing, low-cost) native Olympus lenses, you also gain access to Micro Four Thirds lenses produced by Panasonic.
But unless Olympus cameras really appeal to you, I’d recommend looking elsewhere, at least for the time being. Otherwise, you might struggle to find a suitable Olympus upgrade down the line, and you’ll be forced to switch systems (which is always a pain).
10. Kodak
Once a popular camera company, Kodak struggled to adapt to the changing market of the 1990s and 2000s. In 2012, Kodak filed for bankruptcy – and while the company does still exist, it no longer makes cameras.
You can find Kodak cameras on shelves today, but these are sold by another company that licenses the Kodak name. And the selection is limited; you can buy a handful of point-and-shoot models as well as instant and film cameras, none of which are especially well-regarded.
If you’re looking for an instant camera, the Kodak-brand products will do just fine. But if you’re seeking a point-and-shoot camera, Canon, Sony, and Nikon offer better choices.
Choose the Perfect Camera Brand
As I emphasized at the beginning of this article, the brand does matter – and now that you’re familiar with the top companies in today’s world, you can hopefully see why.
Therefore, if you’re after a user-friendly, well-rounded model, you can’t go wrong with Canon or Nikon. If you’re seeking a cutting-edge mirrorless camera, Sony is the way to go, assuming you can handle the lens prices. For a more retro shooting experience, Fujifilm is a great pick. And if you’re after a luxury retro experience, Leica is a great alternative.
Finally, Panasonic and Olympus offer impressively compact and lightweight Micro Four Thirds mirrorless models, while DSLR fans who aren’t drawn in by Nikon or Canon might consider a Pentax model.
Best Camera Brands FAQ
What is the best camera brand in 2023?
That depends on the type of photography you do, your budget, your goals for yourself, and your experience. There are plenty of great camera brands – the trick is determining the one that fits you!
What is the number one camera company in the world?
Canon is the most popular camera company, though Sony’s mirrorless lineup is very impressive, and Nikon’s DSLR lineup is arguably better than Canon’s for still shooters.
What brand of camera do most professional photographers use?
Most professionals use Canon, Nikon, and – more recently – Sony. However, nearly all the camera brands on this list are currently used by some professional photographers because each brand caters to a slightly different subset of shooters.
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Top Camera Manufacturers • PhotoTraces
Are you struggling to determine the best camera brands that exist today? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the number of camera brands on the market, and you’re just not sure where to turn?
You’ve come to the right place.
Because this article is going to give you an overview of all the best camera manufacturers out there. You’ll discover who they are and what they offer.
First, I’ll talk about the biggest and most relevant players in today’s camera market: Canon, Nikon, and Sony. For many years, Canon and Nikon have dominated the digital photography space–but in recent years, Sony has become the main competitor (particularly in the mirrorless market).
Next, I’ll discuss smaller brands, such as Fujifilm (which creates APS-C cameras and recently entered the medium-format market), Panasonic (which uses its own Micro Four Thirds system to create quality cameras), and Olympus (which designed the original Four Thirds system and working on an impressive mirrorless lineup).
By the time you’ve finished this article,
you’ll know all about the major camera brands–and you’ll come away knowing the
best camera brand for your photography.
Let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
Global Digital Camera Brands Market Share
Five brands dominate the global digital camera market. Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Panasonic are the major players in this space. According to recent reports, Canon tops the list with 47.9% market share, followed by Sony with 22.1%, and Nikon claiming 13.7%. Fujifilm and Panasonic follow with 5.6% and 4.4%, respectively. It shows a clear dominance of Canon over other digital camera brands.
However, you should take into consideration that Canon and Nikon still sell plenty of DSLR cameras. At the same time, Sony, Fujifilm, and Panasonic only manufacture mirrorless camera models.
If we check the dynamic from 2020 to 2021, we can see an increase in the market share of Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm at the expense of Nikon, Panasonic, and other smaller players such as Olympus.
Global Mirrorless Camera Brands Market Share
The global mirrorless camera market is an ever-evolving industry, with various brands competing for the top market share.
Sony and Fujifilm have about 10 years of a headstart on Canon and Nikon. But in recent years, Nikon and primarily Canon heavy invest in mirrorless technologies. As a result, Canon is about to catch up with the biggest player in the mirrorless market, Sony.
Currently, there are five major players in this field: Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, and Panasonic. According to recent statistics, Sony holds the largest portion of the market share at 32,1%, followed by Canon with 28,2%, Fujifilm at 11,6%, and Nikon at 6,8%.
Best Camera Brands Today
As I explained above, this article reviews the biggest camera brands and explains their place in today’s digital camera world.
The first brands on this list are the most relevant to photography today
And while the remaining brands are still
important, they don’t come close to competing with the big players in the camera
space.
Now let’s take a look at the biggest camera
company out there:
1. Canon
The Canon brand is the current leader in the
camera space, though Canon is most known for its high-quality DSLRs and DSLR
lens lineup.
The Canon company was founded in 1937 and is responsible for a number of milestones across the 20th century: Canon was the first company to include a micro-computer in a camera, it was the first company to produce a camera with eye-controlled AF, and it was the first company to produce an image-stabilized lens available to the masses.
Canon EOS R6
Canon’s best selling full frame mirrorless camera
Even as the market has shrunk, Canon has
maintained the largest product line in the camera industry. The company still
produces its own (full-frame and APS-C) sensors, as well as cameras, lenses,
and accessories.
Today, Canon offers several lines of hobbyist and professional DSLRs, including the vaunted 1D X series, the 5D series, and the Rebel series.
New iterations of Canon cameras include Canon’s Dual-Pixel autofocus, allowing for ultra-fast focusing in Live View (something other camera brands still struggle with). Canon also offers high-quality point-and-shoot cameras, such as the Canon Powershot series.
Canon EOS R10
Canon’s best selling mirrorless APS-C camera
For many years, Nikon has been Canon’s main competitor – but the rise of Sony has added another contender for the top spot in the imaging business. While Canon has dominated Sony in the DSLR space, Sony has been a mirrorless powerhouse; this is an area where Canon is currently lagging but making great strides in an effort to become competitive.
Over the next few years, expect to see Canon
shift its focus more heavily to its full-frame mirrorless lineup.
Best Selling Canon Camera Models
| Model | Level | Camera Type | Sensor Type | Sensor Size | W. Sealed | IBIS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Rebel SL3 | Entry Level | DSLR | APS-C | 24MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Canon Rebel T7 | Entry Level | DSLR | APS-C | 24MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Canon Rebel T8i | Entry Level | DSLR | APS-C | 24MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Canon 90D | Mid Range | DSLR | APS-C | 33MP | Yes | No | Price $$ |
| Canon M50 | Entry Level | Mirrorless | APS-C | 24MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Canon EOS R10 | Entry Level | Mirrorless | APS-C | 24MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Canon EOS R7 | Mid Range | Mirrorless | APS-C | 33MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$ |
| Canon EOS R6 | Advanced | Mirrorless | Full Frame | 24MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$$ |
2.
Nikon
For many years, Nikon has been Canon’s main competitor, with the two imaging companies battling it out in the consumer and professional camera field. While Canon has consistently claimed the top spot, the Nikon Corporation is actually older–it was founded in 1917 by three big manufacturers of optics and quickly rose to become a leading optics business.
Nikon Z7
Nikon’s flagship full frame mirrorless camera
Nikon’s current product lineup includes some of the best DSLRs available, such as the Nikon D850 and the Nikon D5 (soon to be followed by the D6), as well as three powerful mirrorless options (the Z6 and Z7 for full-frame users and the Z50 as an APS-C snapper). Nikon also owns the Coolpix lineup of point-and-shoot cameras.
In some areas, Nikon is the most vaunted imagining company out there, frequently chosen by professionals due to its incredible image quality and dynamic range capabilities. But Nikon has recently fallen behind Sony in several key areas, including overall camera sales, and is scrambling to catch up in the mirrorless market.
Plus, Nikon struggles to compete with Canon and Sony’s phase-detection focusing technology – which holds back Nikon DSLRs when working in Live View.
Nikon Z50
Nikon’s best selling mirrorless APS-C camera
Like Canon, Nikon has lagged in terms of mirrorless adoption and is currently feeling the effects of this shift; while the Nikon Z6 and Z7 were hailed as an impressive entry into the full-frame mirrorless kingdom, the company has a long way to go before it can go toe-to-toe with the likes of the Sony A7 series.
Best Selling Nikon Camera Models
| Model | Level | Type | Sensor Type | Sensor Size | W. Sealed | IBIS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D3500 | Entry Level | DSLR | APS-C | 24MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Nikon D5600 | Mid Range | DSLR | APS-C | 24MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Nikon Z50 | Entry Level | Mirrorless | APS-C | 21MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Nikon D7500 | Advanced | DSLR | APS-C | 21MP | Yes | No | Price $$ |
| Nikon D780 | Advanced | DSLR | Full Frame | 25MP | Yes | No | Price $$ |
| Nikon Z5 | Mid Range | Mirrorless | APS-C | 24MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$ |
| Nikon Z7 | Advanced | Mirrorless | Full Frame | 46MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$$ |
3.
Sony
While Sony was founded back in 1946, the company only produced its first digital camera in 1988. And it wasn’t until Sony acquired Konica Minolta’s camera division in 2006 that Sony’s camera business really took off, putting Sony in a position to compete with the other leading camera makers allowing the corporate giant to dominate the mirrorless industry.
Sony a7 III
Sony’s top selling full frame mirrorless camera
Today, Sony is the world’s largest manufacturer of digital sensors – and even supplies some of its main competitors with camera sensors, including Nikon, Fujifilm, and Panasonic. Not to mention that Sony dominates the smartphone camera sensor market, producing around 70% of the world’s smartphone sensors.
Related: Sony a6100 vs a6400
This dominance in sensor technology gives Sony
a key advantage when it comes to producing their own APS-C and full-frame
cameras: Sony leverages this expertise to build cameras with incredible image
quality and the most accurate focusing system available.
Plus, Sony’s huge
market cap allows the company to innovate with incredible speed, to produce
cameras such as the Sony a7R IV, the a6600, and the a9 Mark II.
Sony a6600
Sony’s top rated mirrorless APS-C camera
Sony’s only weakness, if you could call it that, is its ergonomics – the small camera bodies, combined with small grips, don’t offer the ease of use that Canon’s DSLR cameras offer.
Best Selling Sony Camera Models
| Model | Level | Type | Sensor Type | Sensor Size | W. Sealed | IBIS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony A6100 | Entry Level | Mirrorless | APS-C | 24MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Sony A6400 | Mid Range | Mirrorless | APS-C | 24MP | Yes | No | Price $ |
| Sony A6600 | Advanced | Mirrorless | APS-C | 24MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$ |
| Sony A7 III | Advanced | Mirrorless | Full Frame | 24MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$ |
| Sony A7 IV | Advanced | Mirrorless | Full Frame | 24MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$$ |
| Sony A7R V | Pro Level | Mirrorless | Full Frame | 61MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$$$ |
4.
Fujifilm
Fujifilm is a company known for its APS-C mirrorless cameras, and, most recently, its medium-format cameras. At the time of writing, Fujifilm ranks as the fourth-largest player in the digital camera industry.
Fujifilm has a long history in the camera market, going all the way back to 1934 – and it spent a number of years competing with the dominant force in the camera industry at the time, Eastman Kodak.
Fujifilm XT5
arguably the best APS-C camera today
While Canon, Nikon, and Sony focus heavily on technical prowess and cutthroat profitability, Fujifilm is known for its unusual products and unique method of doing business. Fujifilm cares deeply about camera aesthetics, creating carefully-designed retro-style cameras that feature mechanical dials and an old-timey film look (though the cameras themselves pack high-quality digital sensors).
Related: Switching from Sony to Fujifilm
Fujifilm also invests heavily in color science in order to mimic the look of Fuji classic films, and the company regularly releases firmware updates years after a camera has been released, something unusual in today’s innovation-focused world.
Fujifilm XS10
best entry-level APS-C camera today
These days, Fujifilm is most known for its APS-C mirrorless cameras, including the X-T3, a very affordable but high-quality crop-sensor body, as well as its medium format cameras, including the 100 megapixel GFX 100.
Best Selling Fujifilm Camera Models
| Model | Level | Type | Sensor Type | Sensor Size | W. Sealed | IBIS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm XT-30 | Entry Level | Mirrorless | APS-C | 26MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Fujifilm X-T5 | Advanced | Mirrorless | APS-C | 40MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$ |
| Fujifilm X-h3 | Pro Level | Mirrorless | APS-C | 40MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$ |
| Fujifilm X-E4 | Entry Level | Mirrorless | APS-C | 26MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Fujifilm X-S10 | Mid Range | Mirrorless | APS-C | 26MP | No | Yes | Price $ |
| Fujifilm X-T4 | Advanced | Mirrorless | APS-C | 26MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$ |
5.
Panasonic
Panasonic began as an electrics company back in 1918 but went on to become the producer of Lumix digital cameras, including the lauded Panasonic Lumix S1R and Panasonic Lumix S1 full-frame mirrorless cameras. Panasonic teamed up with Leica to create full-frame mirrorless lenses, resulting in Lumix Leica lenses.
Despite its recent forays into a full-frame mirrorless territory, Panasonic invests much of its business in Micro Four Thirds cameras, having developed the Micro Four Thirds System with Olympus. This is reflected in lens compatibility, as you can use Olympus lenses on Panasonic cameras.
Panasonic LUMIX GH6
top choice for video recording
Note that Panasonic also specializes in video recording and is a leading brand among videographers.
Best Selling Panasonic Camera Models
| Model | Level | Type | Sensor Type | Sensor Size | W. Sealed | IBIS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic G95 | Mid Range | Mirrorless | Four Thirds | 20MP | Yes | Yes | Price $ |
| Panasonic G100 | Entry Level | Mirrorless | Four Thirds | 20MP | No | No | Price $ |
| Panasonic GH6 | Advanced | Mirrorless | Four Thirds | 25MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$$ |
| Panasonic S5 | Pro Level | Mirrorless | Full Frame | 24MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$$ |
6.
Olympus
The Olympus camera business goes all the way back to 1936 and has successfully navigated the waves of digital and mirrorless explosions to offer high-quality mirrorless and DSLRs to today’s consumers.
Olympus designed (with Kodak) its own camera
system, designed specifically for DSLRs: the Four Thirds System. This was then
developed by Olympus and Panasonic into the Micro Four Thirds system, which is
used by a number of companies (Olympus and Panasonic among them).
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Olympus’ flagship mirrorless model
The Four Thirds System utilizes crop-sensor
technology to create high-quality digital images, and with Olympus’s camera
bodies has come effective in-body image stabilization and impressive
weather-sealing. While Olympus is hardly at the top of the digital camera pack,
it has remained a solid contender in the industry thus far.
Best Selling Olympus Camera Models
| Model | Level | Type | Sensor Type | Sensor Size | W. Sealed |
IBIS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus E-M10 III | Entry Level | Mirrorless | Four Thirds | 20MP | No | Yes | Price $ |
| Olympus E-M1 III | Advanced | Mirrorless | Four Thirds | 20MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$ |
7. Pentax
These days, it’s tough to find a camera brand that isn’t investing heavily in mirrorless tech–unless you look at Pentax.
While Canon and Nikon struggle to catch up to
Sony’s mirrorless lineups, Pentax stubbornly remains a producer of full-frame
and medium-format DSLRs, including the Pentax K-1 and the Pentax 645 series.
Pentax was created in November 1919, though
the company has experienced some turbulent changes in recent years. In 2006,
Pentax merged with Hoya. Then in 2011, the Pentax imaging business was
purchased by Ricoh, which is now pushing its current focus on DSLRs.
Pentax K-1 Mark II
Pentax top rated full frame DSLR camera
While Pentax is famous for its impressively
durable DSLRs, it remains to be seen whether the company’s DSLR-focused
approach will survive the mirrorless onslaught.
Best Selling Pentax Camera Models
| Model | Level | Type | Sensor Type | Sensor Size | W. Sealed | IBIS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentax K-1 Mark II | Advanced | DSLR | Full Frame | 36MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$$ |
| Pentax K-3 III | Advanced | DSLR | APS-C | 26MP | Yes | Yes | Price $$ |
8. Leica
Leica was founded in 1869 and was a big player in the film game–though the digital turn has left Leica treading water in recent years.
These days, Leica focuses on its L-mount
mirrorless cameras, including APS-C and full-frame camera bodies. And in 2018,
Leica, Sigma, and Panasonic created a series of L-mount lenses that can be used
on both Leica and Panasonic camera bodies.
While Leica offers beautiful aesthetics and
amazing design, cameras and lenses are overpriced and underdeveloped; in other
words, the company has struggled to stay fresh in an increasingly tech-focused
world.
Leica Q – $5K APS-C camera
9. Hasselblad
Hasselblad is an imagining company with a rich history, going all the way back to 1841. Hasselblad produces high-end imagining equipment, and focuses almost entirely on medium-format cameras (which were used to capture images by Apollo program astronauts).
In 2020, Hasselblad offers a number of
medium-format cameras, including the X1D-50c, which was hailed as the first
mirrorless medium-format digital camera ever made. Cameras like these
consistently cost over $6000, making Hasselblad cameras a tool of professionals
alone.
10. Kodak
Mention film photography, and people immediately think ‘Kodak,’ – for a good reason. Eastman Kodak is the company that invented color film photography and dominated the film photography business for much of the 20th century.
Though Kodak was the company to invent digital
photography, it failed to account for the digital explosion. This led to
financial insolvency in the 2000s, at which point the company declared
bankruptcy and sold off a slew of its patents.
While Kodak still exists as a
company, it no longer produces camera equipment.
So while you can find used Kodak equipment at camera shops and on eBay, any new camera gear bearing the Kodak label is produced by none-Kodak manufacturers who license the Kodak name.
FAQ: Best Camera Brands
Why Do People Love Fujifilm So Much?
As a Fujifilm shooter, I can tell why I love Fujifilm cameras.
First, it is because of their aesthetics, unique form factor, and controls. Fujifilm cameras are like a natural bridge between film and digital photography. Inside, it has all the advanced tech as any other brand but uses unique mechanical controls that mimic old film cameras. Some people like it, but some prefer a more modern design.
Before shooting with Fujifilm, I used Canon and Sony cameras, and I prefer the mechanical dials approach for controlling the camera.
Second, Fujifilm has a customer-friendly approach to updating old cameras through firmware updates.
You can have a 3-year-old model and then upgrade its software for free, extending its functionality to the latest features that did not exist when you bought the camera. It eliminates the need to upgrade your cameras often to have access to the newest tech.
Fuji XT2 was released in 2016, but with the latest firmware updates, it is still an excellent camera.
Is Fujifilm Better Than Canon
If you evaluate the two brands, Canon is still the photography industry leader. It has an unprecedented number of camera and lens models. No matter what type of photography you do, Canon has a combination of the camera body and quality lens for you.
But if you look at one segment of digital cameras, crop sensor (APS-C) cameras, Fujifilm has an edge.
Fujifilm’s advantage is that it does not manufacture Full Frame cameras, and all its efforts and RND budget are invested in the APS-C cameras and lenses. On the other hand, Canon emphasizes the Full Frame market and, as a result, neglects the crop sensor segment.
Since I have no plans to switch from an APS-C to a Full Frame model, Fujifilm builds better cameras for my needs.
But at the same time, if I had to use Canon cameras, it would not limit my photography. It is just more fun to use Fujifilm.
Does Fujifilm Use Sony Sensors?
In the modern times of global consolidation, all camera manufacturers, except Canon, use Sony sensors. Sony is today’s biggest and most advanced manufacturer of digital sensors.
Even though Fujifilm uses Sony sensors, it managed to put a unique spin on it. It developed an X-trans filter array. The filter array is responsible for interpreting the colors captured by digital sensors. It means that if you have 2 identical Sony sensors used by different companies, Fujifilm will produce a different look and image quality.
Once again, some photographers love X-trans sensors, but some prefer a traditional Bayer filter array (Nikon, Sony, Pansonic, Olympus).
Even though X-trans sensors bring some challenges, their advantages justify their existence. I learned how to deal with challenges and want Fujifilm to continue using the X-trans sensors.
What is the Best Canon Camera for Beginners?
There are plenty of choices for beginners in the Canon line of digital cameras.
Canon still manufactures DSLR camera models, which are a fantastic choice for beginners. For example, Canon Rebel T8i is a great choice.
If you want to take a mirrorless approach, the apparent choice is Canon EOS R10.
Do any Professional Photographers Use Nikon?
Absolutely. In recent years Nikon had bad press because of its marketing missteps. Even now, Nikon is struggling financially. But it never prevented Nikon from designing and manufacturing great cameras.
Today, Nikon sells the best DSLR cameras ever made in both full-frame and APS-C segments (D850 and D500).
Plus, Nikon has the most loyal users. They had to wait a little longer for Nikon to produce top-notch mirrorless modes, but today, Nikon has a complete mirrorless line of cameras, from entry-level to pro-level models (Z50, Z5, Z7).
Is Canon Easier to Use than Nikon?
No, it is not. Two leading brands have different menu systems, different ways of customization, and body designs. I can not say that one brand is easier to use than another; it is just different. You need to learn and get used to it.
Is Nikon Discontinuing DSLR Cameras?
I don’t have inside information regarding the Nikon DSLR line, but at the time of writing, Nikon still manufactures and sells DSLR modes. And D3500 and D5600 models are still great choices for beginners.
Is Fujifilm Better than Sony
Both brands manufacture excellent APS-C cameras. I switched to Fujifilm after shooting for 4 years with Sony models (a6xxx). I prefer Fujifilm. But I have to admit it is a personal preference.
See also: Fujifilm vs Sony
But since Fujifilm does not produce full-frame cameras, Sony has an edge in this segment.
If, at some point, I decide to move from the APS-C form factor to Full Frame, the obvious choice will be Sony.
But I believe that Fujifilm produces better APS-C cameras.
Is Canon Rebel Good for Beginners?
The Canon Rebel is the most popular line in digital photography of all time. Most professional photographers working today started their journey with Rebels (including myself).
And even today, Canon Rebels is an excellent choice for anybody starting with photography. But at the same time, I suggest starting with the mirrorless model Canon R10. Mirrorless is the future, and DSLR is the past.
Best Camera Brands | Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve finished this article, you
should be familiar with the top ten camera brands out there today–and you
should have a sense of the perfect camera brand for your needs.
Remember that Nikon, Canon, and Sony are the ‘big three’ among the digital camera companies, while Fujifilm, Olympus, and Panasonic are more specialized brands. Pentax, Leica, and Hasselblad, are struggling to remain relevant unless you’re in the market for a medium-format camera (Hasselblad), and Kodak is now completely obsolete.
So pick a camera brand and get shooting!
Articles Related to “10 Best Camera Brands Today: Top Camera Manufacturers“
Brands and manufacturers of cameras and lenses
Page content
USSR brands
- Helios
- Industar
- Zenitar
- “ЗМ”
- Rubinar
- “MTO”
- “Jupiter”
- Tahir
- Mir
- “Photokor”
- Sport
- “Amateur”
- Sputnik
- Smena-GOMZ
- Iskra
- “Photon”
- Zenit
- “Start”
- Photo Sniper
- “Sharp”
- Moscow
- Horizon
- “Selena”
- Falcon
- “LOMO”
- “Compact-Automatic”
- Almaz
- “FED”
- “Vega”
- Kyiv-35
- “Kyiv-automatic”
- Kyiv-17
- “Salute”
- Kyiv-6S
- “Spring”
- Seagull
- Silhouette
- “Viliya”
- “Silhouette-automatic”
- “Elikon”
- “Agate”
Trademarks
Outside the USSR, Soviet and photographic equipment of the GDR, was sold both under the original name (in the Latin spelling of the trademark) and as part of the brands
- Revueflex (reflex cameras)
- Revue (cameras)
- Revuenon (lenses)
- Kalimar
- Prinzflex (Dixon)
- Cambron (USA)
- Meprozenit (Japan)
- Diramic (Canada)
through resellers.
Manufacturers
us
- Kodak
- General Electric
- Polaroid
uk
- Ilford Photo
su
- KMZ
- GOMZ (GOZ, TOMP, VTOMP, VOOMP)
- Arsenal
- VOMZ
- FED
- BELOMO
- MMZ
- Vileika plant “Zenith”
- LOMO
- Plant “Jupiter”, Valdai
- LZOS
- KOMZ
- Tasma
de
- ORWO
- AGFA
- Beier
- Huttig
- Ludwig
- Ernemann Werke
- Welta
- Certo
- KW
- Balda
- Emil Wunsche
- Goerz
- Enna Munchen
- Schneider-Kreuznach
- Zeiss Ikon
- Zeiss
- Ihagee
- Pentacon
- Leitz, Leica
- Rheinmetall
- ICA
- Meyer-Optik
- Voigtlander
- Rietzschel
- Mentor
Ross
cr
- Foma Bohemia
jp
- Fujifilm
- Canon
- Tamron
- Sigma
- Nikon
- Sony
- Pentax
- HOYA
- Tokina
- Kenko
- Olympus
- Minolta
- Konica
- Chinon
- Sankyo Kohki
- Cosina
Miranda
cn
- Neewer
- Kamlan
- Meike (Meke)
- Yongnuo
kr
- Samyang
Resellers
- TOE
- Quelle (Revue, Revueflex)
- Hanimex
- Porsche
- Dixon
- Allied Impex (Soligor)
- Cambron (Cambridge Camera Exchange)
- Kalimar
- Vivitar
Alphabetical index
Companies related in one way or another to the photographic industry
Aetna Belca Belomo Busch Canon Daimaru Ernemann |
Franka Friedrich Fujimoto Fujita Fujiwara Hōei Holga Manufrance |
Minagawa Miranda Nokia Norisan Apparatebau Osram Perutz Promura Ross Samsung Schneider |
Sony Paul Vieth Visca Wisner |
Bopp 
Francais 
O.L.) 
C.A.F. 
O.L.) 
Luttke & Arndt 
L.L.) 
M.K. 
F. Shew 
jet anozer photoblog
Top 20 | best professional cameras
Home • Rating, Electronics • 20 best professional cameras in 2023
The choice of the best professional camera will depend on the tasks that you will set for it.
This is due to the different feature sets of individual models, as different professional cameras will have different features: news and sports cameras will feature impressive burst modes, while landscape, fashion and portrait cameras will feature high-resolution sensors.
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This means that choosing the right camera for you will depend entirely on what exactly you will be using it for. In the meantime, if you’re a videographer (or shoot videos regularly for work), then you’ll need a completely different set of features, support for a number of codecs and frame rates will be more important to you than autofocus modes and sensor size.
However, it’s worth noting that with video becoming the mainstream among camera manufacturers, there are now some fantastic professional cameras that offer a wide range of features for both stills and video.
The Sony A1 offers 30fps continuous shooting, a 50.1MP sensor and 8K video shooting capabilities. And the Canon EOS R3 will have a 30fps burst mode and will offer the ability to control autofocus with your eyes (yes, yes, you read that right!).
In addition, the mid-size camera market is becoming increasingly competitive. The release of the compact and relatively affordable Fujifilm GFX 100s has definitely shaken up the market, making models in this segment a little more affordable. Yes, medium format cameras cannot be called “cheap”, but you can still find a couple of products with a more or less adequate price (this includes the Hasselblad 907X 50C).
To help you choose the best professional camera for 2023, we’ve compiled this ranking of the top seven mono cameras currently on the market. After all, when you buy a camera, you are also buying an entire ecosystem of lenses, so it’s worth making sure the camera supports the lens you need. No matter what budget you are limited, if not limited at all, we have collected the top professional cameras of 2023 for any budget.
| Seat | Item | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canon EOS R3 | 5.0 / 5 |
| 2 | Canon EOS R5 | 5.0 / 5 |
| 3 | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | 5.0 / 5 |
| 4 | Canon EOS-1D X Mark III | 5.0 / 5 |
| 5 | Canon EOS R6 | 4.9 / 5 |
| 6 | Nikon Z9 | 4.9 / 5 |
| 7 | Nikon D6 | 4.9 / 5 |
| 8 | Nikon D850 | 4.9 / 5 |
| 9 | Nikon Z7 II | 4.9 / 5 |
| 10 | Sony A9 Mark II | 4.9 / 5 |
| 11 | Sony A7R IV | 4.9 / 5 |
| 12 | Sony A1 | 4.8 / 5 |
| 13 | Fujifilm X-T4 | 4.8 / 5 |
| 14 | Fujifilm GFX 100 | 4. 8 / 5 |
| 15 | Panasonic Lumix GH6 | 4.8 / 5 |
| 16 | Panasonic Lumix S1R | 4.8 / 5 |
| 17 | Panasonic Lumix S5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| 18 | Panasonic Lumix GH5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| 19 | Olympus OM-D E‑M1 Mark III | 4.7 / 5 |
| 20 | Olympus OM-D E-M1X | 4.7 / 5 |
Canon EOS R3
Best professional mirrorless camera
Billed as Canon’s “most technologically advanced full-frame mirrorless” to date, this model is significantly better than last year’s R5 and slightly worse than the real EOS-1D X So, The R3 comes with a host of top-end features, including a 24.1-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor, DIGIC X processor, and a lightning-fast shutter. In practice, all this makes the device ideal for sports and wildlife photographers, as the camera is capable of shooting continuously at up to 30 frames per second, capturing 150x 14-bit raw footage, and, on top of everything else, works she is completely silent.
What’s more, the Canon EOS R3 boasts impressive ISO and AF capabilities ranging from ISO 100 to 102400, delivering around 1,050 AF points across the entire sensor. All this is hidden in a lightweight magnesium body, the camera is also equipped with 5-axis image stabilization.
6K RAW video
autofocus
weatherproof
24.1 megapixels
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Canon EOS R5
The best mirrorless camera for professional photography
As a camera Canon EOS R5 is simply the best product from Canon in the brand’s history. It’s the perfect combination of EOS R shape, EOS 5D function and EOS-1D X professional autofocus. If you’re into photography or hybrid shooters, then this is one of the best cameras you’ll ever get your hands on. Yes, there were some issues with this camera, in particular, due to overheating (or the threat of it) when recording 8K video, but this does not overshadow the extraordinary capabilities of this camera.
It’s not perfect in every way, but given its resolution, frame rate, and video capabilities, it’s worth noting that this is a truly iconic camera. What’s more (it’s a little weird, of course, but still), it wasn’t until the introduction of the much more expensive Sony A1 that users realized just how good the Canon EOS R5 really is.
best AF on the market
1050 AF points
8K video
cost
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Best rugged camera for professional studio shooting
On the face of it, the EOS 5D Mark IV is clearly not the top of the line competing cameras with higher resolution, faster frame rates and better video features 4K. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV crops 4K video a lot. However, the 5D Mark IV has proven itself to be a very efficient, durable and versatile camera that many professional photographers have come to appreciate, and its Dual Pixel AF technology delivers excellent AF performance in real-time and video modes.
However, this camera was released back in 2016, and the manufacturer does not say anything that it plans to update it somehow. So it’s hard for us to recommend this solid but aging workhorse.
responsive touchscreen
4K cut video
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Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Best Professional DSLR for Reportage and Sports support for HEIF and HDR PQ, CFexpress, face tracking and more. Canon has combined the advantages of a DSLR and a mirrorless camera to create a hybrid body that can shoot according to the situation. Although this camera lacks some of the characteristics of mirrorless models, it does so much that no other system can – this is a real breakthrough. Offering the best of both worlds – the sheer speed of an optical DSLR and the increased accuracy of a mirrorless camera – it’s a true hybrid system that meets the needs of individual professionals and individual shooting scenarios. The SLR is not dead.
The EOS-1D X Mark III takes the technical advances of mirrorless cameras and adds a couple of its own, resulting in a stunning professional tool for sports and action photography.
4K no crop
autofocus
no image stabilization
no tilt screen
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Canon EOS R6
The best all-around camera with excellent autofocus at a bargain price
The Canon EOS R6 is a model of the EOS R series aimed at experienced enthusiasts, which will be appreciated by those who do not need the advanced technology and resolution of the EOS R5. This model attracts with its combination of speed, video shooting capabilities and quality work in low light conditions. With the EOS R6, you get a maximum shooting speed of 20fps and autofocus that borrows the deep learning technology from the EOS-1D X Mark III, meaning the camera will adjust to your needs as you use it. The resolution here is just 20.
1MP, but that means the pixels are larger, which in turn allows for better low-light performance. Indeed, the R6 outperforms the R5 in this regard, with a standard ISO range of 100-102400 that can be extended to 50-204800. Add to that Canon’s 5-axis Image Stabilizer, which offers up to eight stops of effective compensation, and you’ve got a really great low-light camera.
amazing auto focus
image stabilization quality
quiet shutter
comfortable ergonomics
waterproof
battery life
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Nikon Z9
Nikon’s best flagship professional full-frame mirrorless camera
Maybe Nikon released its professional, high-end, mirrorless camera too late, but Nikon Z9worth the wait. When it comes to video shooting, this camera is a real monster, head and shoulders above the Canon EOS R3. It can record video at 8K 60p or 8K 30p for up to 2 hours. Nikon has decided to ditch the mechanical shutter entirely, which means the Z9 can shoot continuously at 120 frames per second and has a maximum shutter speed of 1/32000, making it ideal for shooting sports and birds.
The Z9 is equipped with deep learning autofocus, which allows the camera to recognize nine types of subjects: human eyes, faces, heads, and upper body; eyes, heads and bodies of animals; as well as cars, planes, trains and motorcycles. He has the same 493 AF points, the same as the Nikon Z7 II, which may seem surprising if you don’t know that the Canon EOS R3 has a whopping 4,779 AF points. The Z9 will cost a little less than the Sony A1 and Canon EOS R3, while it has a number of additional features.
8K video 60fps
continuous shooting +120 fps
cost
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Nikon D6
Nikon’s best professional DSLR in terms of performance/performance
Canon has taken some big technological leaps with the launch of the EOS-1D X Mark III, the Nikon D6 is more traditional in this regard. Nikon has undoubtedly created a camera that owners of the previous D5 can switch to. The D6 has a new 105-point autofocus system, the p2 continuous shooting mode is 14fps and 10.
5fps. Nikon has also focused on professional workflow and connectivity, not just attention-grabbing technology. If you’re looking for your first professional sports DSLR, Canon has some great deals, but if you’re a long-time Nikon user and have loads of lenses from that manufacturer, then the D6 is an obvious buy.
14 fps and 4K video
Autofocus system
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Nikon D850
Best Inexpensive Professional SLR second or 9frames per second, depending on the settings. Some might say that the Nikon D850 offers the highest resolution a DSLR can offer. Its large, chunky body feels good in the hand and looks great with larger lenses, and while real-time autofocus isn’t top notch, it’s a very powerful, modern camera, it’s an excellent all-around camera that still holds its own today.
large, bright viewfinder
Autofocus System
Live View Slow Focus
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Nikon Z7 II
The best full-frame mirrorless camera for 4K video
The Nikon Z7 II is Nikon’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera and an upgraded version of the original Z7.
All of the changes we noticed with the Z7 II from the original Z7 are certainly welcome, especially the extra memory card slot and dual processors. However, we can’t shake the feeling that Nikon could have done more. In fact, this model is not able to compete with the impressive Canon EOS R5 or Sony A7R IV, it’s just an improved Z7. That said, it’s still an excellent camera, and while it doesn’t have many standout features, it’s capable of shooting 4K Apple ProRes Raw when using an external monitor like the Atmos Ninja V (although you’ll have to buy that separately).
excellent handling
excellent image quality
best in class build quality
lower EVF resolution than competitors
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Sony A9 Mark II
Best pro video camera
Sony A9 Mark II is the fastest and most powerful full frame camera we’ve ever used, but that was before the EOS-1D X Mark III . However, the amazing speed and autofocus performance of the Sony A9The Mark IIs are truly impressive.
We would like Sony to implement something similar to the Olympus Pro capture feature here, so you never miss an important moment. Be that as it may, this is another excellent camera from Sony, worthy of attention!
autofocus
ergonomics
weight
speed
cost
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Sony A7R IV
Best Value for Money Mirrorless Camera
The Sony A7R IV is Sony’s full-frame mirrorless camera with a record-breaking 61 million pixels of continuous shooting at 10 frames per second. It also offers excellent 4K video shooting capabilities, although recording is still limited to 30 fps. Sony’s latest version of Eye AF is amazingly effective at tracking portrait subjects, even with continuous autofocus. While the Sony A9Designed for maximum speed and responsiveness, the A7R Mark IV is extremely versatile and performs well in a variety of conditions. This R-series model offers the highest resolution you’ll find in a full-frame camera, but while 10fps burst shooting is fine, there’s no A9 buffer capacity and responsiveness, so this camera is – not the best option for shooting sports events.
But in terms of resolution, it simply has no equal, not only among Sony’s offerings, but among full-frame cameras in general. Even the new Sony A1 is twice as expensive, but it can’t boast that resolution.
highest full frame resolution to date
compact
poor weight balance with large lenses
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Sony A1
Best professional video camera
This model claims to be the ultimate mirrorless camera. There is literally nothing she can’t take off. Sport? Please shoot continuously at 30fps for this. Small parts? Of course, and all thanks to the resolution of 50.1 MP. Video? No problem thanks to 8K recording capability. The Sony A1 is by far the most advanced and powerful camera on the market…but it all comes at a price, literally. It is about twice as expensive as the Sony A9II, it’s even more expensive than the 100-megapixel Fujifilm GFX 100S. There are also questions about the shooting speed of 30 frames per second (most often it is possible to achieve 15-20 frames per second, which is still impressive).
All in all, though, if you want a camera that can do whatever it’s supposed to do, this is the one for you.
SD/CFexpress combo slots
30 fps burst
fake 8K
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Fujifilm X-T4
Best Inexpensive Professional Camera for Beginners
Can the Fujifilm X-T4 be called a professional camera? Yes, we think you can, and it’s all because of the combination of speed, autofocus system, and video capabilities. The X-T3, first announced in 2018, already impressed many. It lacked only a few key features – image stabilization in the body and a touch screen with a variable viewing angle. The X-T4 has these characteristics, and now it can rightfully be considered the best mirrorless camera in the world. It still features a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans sensor, ultra-fast autofocus, and 4K video capture. Fujifilm has even improved the shutter compared to the X-T3, creating a model that lasts longer and can achieve higher continuous shooting speeds.
In addition, the battery has also been replaced here with a newer model that lasts much longer.
high speed shooting
ergonomics
cost
no charger included
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Fujifilm GFX 100
Best 102MP Medium Format Camera
Want maximum resolution packed into a small, rugged device that’s even good for street photography? Introducing the Fujifilm GFX 100, a marvel of photographic technology that allows you to hide a 100-megapixel medium format sensor in a body the size of a bulky CZK. There’s even built-in image stabilization, which, despite having to stabilize the giant medium format sensor, is virtually identical to the IBIS system on Sony’s smaller full-sized sensors. The image quality is simply impressive; when shooting individual frames at maximum resolution, this camera is practically unrivaled. It even shoots 4K 30p video pretty well!
incredible resolution
full frame 4K video
controls
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Panasonic Lumix GH6
The best mirrorless camera for professional shooting
After the release of the popular Panasonic GH5, which is still considered one of the best options for video shooting, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 needed a lot of work.
However, the GH6 has received improvements in almost every area. It has a brand new 25.2MP sensor and can shoot 4K video at 120fps. or a stunning 5.7K at 60 fps. For those who are fond of product photography, Panasonic offers its own ultra-fast and efficient DFD (Depth From Defocus) contrast autofocus system. From what we’ve seen so far, the image quality is very good, and in burst mode the camera shoots at up to 75fps. (when using the electronic shutter and autofocus), although when shooting with continuous autofocus, the speed drops to 8 fps.
shoots 5.7K at 60 fps.
impressive selection of codecs
25 MP resolution
big enough for an MFT system
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Panasonic Lumix S1R
The best camera for quality photos
The new Lumix S line is a very interesting proposition for professional photographers, especially now that the range of available L-mount lenses is constantly growing and expanding.
The Panasonic Lumix S1R is the most enticing pro offer, capable of shooting 4K video with high-speed 6K photo mode and a huge 47.3MP resolution. The 5.76 million dot electronic viewfinder is amazing. The 24-megapixel Lumix S1 is cheaper and slightly better in terms of video, but it’s all down to cost – if you’re really serious about video, you should go for the more expensive Lumix S1H.
color rendering
resolution
price
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Panasonic Lumix S5
Best Compact Full Frame 4K Camera for Professional Use
The Panasonic Lumix S5 is the camera that offers the best value for money. It was created to solve two of the biggest problems the Lumix S1 and Lumix S1R face – size and autofocus. The camera is more compact than the S1 and S1R, but has the same impressive 24MP sensor as the S1. It still uses contrast-detection AF rather than the preferred phase-detection AF, but it has been greatly improved.
The Lumix S5 is Panasonic’s first full-frame camera with a fully articulating screen, and it’s great for those who want to buy it for shooting video. It allows you to shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second with an internal recording limit of 30 minutes. The Lumix S5 may not have the same resolution as the Lumix S1R, but the rest of its features are very similar, and the fact that it’s slightly smaller is a big advantage.
Dynamic Range
4K Video Recording
Only 7fps Photo Capture
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Panasonic Lumix GH5
Best professional camera for tough field conditions
If 4K video is your priority and high-resolution shots second, then the sealed, dust-proof and even frost-resistant GH5 is a very strong contender ( the GH5S is on the market and is even more video-oriented, but limited to 10-megapixel stills). You get fast continuous shooting and a photo mode that lets you extract 18-megapixel shots from shooting at 30 fps.
When it comes to photography, the GH5 can’t compete with other models, but for video users it’s a much cheaper alternative to a full-fledged camcorder. In addition, this model is now on sale at a big discount, so you can get professional-level video for less than usual. Although this camera has been on the market for a long time, but if you compare the video performance of the GH5 with the best of the competition, it becomes clear that it is still not far behind the leaders. After the release of the Panasonic GH6, professionals will most likely choose it over the GH5.
excellent video performance
excellent viewfinder
small sensor
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Olympus OM-D E‑M1 Mark III
Miro Four Thirds Best Mirrorless Camera
It’s unlikely that Olympus will ever get over the rejection of its smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor format, which is a quarter smaller than full-size competitors. And in vain, because this system has a lot to offer.
In fact, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is an extremely capable, versatile, professional general purpose camera. When shooting sports events, autofocus and frame rates keep up with more expensive full-frame models, and Pro Capture mode (up to 60 fps) exceeds all expectations. In terms of high resolution, its 50MP and 80MP modes are on par with many mid-size cameras, at least when it comes to capturing static subjects. And in any type of shooting, its 7.5-stop image stabilization outperforms all competitors on the market.
15fps continuous shooting
impressive image stabilization
sophisticated menu system
is 20 megapixels enough?
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Olympus OM-D E-M1X
Best Pro Sports Camera
Olympus rocked the market with the release of the OM-D E-M1X, a large new pro sports camera with E- M1. But dig deeper and you’ll find that the E-M1X is a whole other thing, with a large battery and user-friendly controls, as well as a dual processing system that greatly improves autofocus performance (a new AI system for object recognition and tracking, too).