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8 best digital cameras for photography: Buying guide

Last Published on May 03, 2023 19:39 IST

Summary:

You must definitely get your hands on a good digital camera if clicking stunning pictures is your interest. Read on to see some of HT Shop Now's selections. 


The top camera models for photography offer the capabilities to improve your stills game, regardless of whether you're an experienced shooter or a novice enthusiast. There are numerous fantastic options when it comes to outstanding stills performance, even if many of the most recent flagship cameras are hybrids with a video concentration. It's crucial to think carefully about what you're searching for when choosing the right photography camera for you because it will depend on what and how you like to shoot. A flexible choice can be desirable for regular shooting. Or perhaps you want to focus on a certain area, like street or sports photography. You can also prefer mobility to pure performance. We've thoroughly examined the top cameras from the top manufacturers in photography, including Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Leica, Panasonic, and more, regardless of your style and goals. The best options in each format are ranked below and are broken down into three categories: enthusiast, beginner, and advanced. The greatest photography cameras are covered in each section, with alternatives for every price range.

Product List

  1. Sony Alpha a7II

With a 28-70mm lens Configuration: Base Merchandise Description Digital Camera with Interchangeable Lenses, APS-C, Auto Focus, and 4K Video (ILCE 6300L) Black, E-mount compatible body with a 3-inch LCD screen and a 16–50mm power zoom lens Mirrorless Full-frame Camera With the first in-body 5-axis image stabilisation system in a full-frame camera, you can reduce blur in every shot. Best of all, it is compatible with your preferred lenses. You'll be able to record stunning images and videos that are more reliable than ever thanks to the 24.3MP resolution, lightning-fast focusing, and small design. Technology world's first full-frame camera with 5-axis in-body image stabilisation. Reduce blur from camera shake coming from five directions, as opposed to just two in earlier systems: vertical, horizontal, pitch, yaw, and roll. Regardless of your preferences and objectives, we've carefully reviewed the best cameras from the industry's leading manufacturers, including Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Leica, Panasonic, and more. Following is a list of the top choices for each format, divided into three groups: enthusiast, beginner, and advanced. Each category includes options for the best photography cameras in each price range.

Specifications

  • Brand: Sony
  • Model Name: Sony Alpha a7II
  • Effective Still Resolution: 24.3
  • Optical Zoom: 2 x

Pros

Cons

Versatile

Expensive

2. FUJIFILM X-H2

Despite not being a full-frame camera, the Fujifilm X-H2 pushes the limits of APS-C performance. It creates a wonderful all-around solution for most types of photography, from landscapes to wedding photos, by fusing a fantastic new 40MP sensor with the handling of the X-H2S (its stacked sensor sister). The X-H2 is versatile and capable of recording action, even if not as quick as the X-H2S. The X-H2 has the best APS-C sensor for still photography. In our tests, it was able to provide that increased resolution without suffering much from noise or dynamic range issues. In comparison to earlier Fujifilm cameras like the X-T4, we also found the X-H2's autofocus to be far better, with its subject-tracking feature being a true asset in some situations. No matter which X-series lens you combine it with, IBIS and a thick grip that feels comfortable in the hand make for an excellent shooting companion.

Specifications

  • Brand: Fujifilm
  • Model Name: X-H2
  • Form Factor: Mirrorless
  • Effective Still Resolution: 40 MP

Pros

Cons

High-resolution stills

Lack of a 4K/120p video mode

3. Canon EOS R6

The Canon EOS R6 is a more cheap full-frame option that is unquestionably one of the greatest cameras for photography available, while the Canon EOS R5 (see below) is overkill for the majority of users. This is a more than worthy upgrade if you currently own one of Canon's early mirrorless full-frame cameras, such as the EOS R, or any of its DSLRs. According to our evaluation, the EOS R6 is a very good camera for wildlife or sports photography because it has best-in-class autofocus, an excellent in-body image stabilisation system, and burst shooting capabilities.The EOS R6 lacks the ability to record DCI 4K even though it can shoot 4K/60p video. In comparison to competitors who specialise on video, such as the Sony A7S III, we discovered during testing that it has overheating restrictions, making it more appropriate for stills shooters. However, it's an excellent, if expensive, option for photography. For anyone who wants a full-frame camera, it offers incredibly amazing autofocus, handling, and functionality, making it one of the best solutions available.

Specifications

  • Brand: Canon
  • Model Name: Canon Camera EOS R6
  • Form Factor: Camera
  • Effective Still Resolution: 20.1 MP

Pros

Cons

Card slots two

20MP resolution

4. OM System OM-1

Like the Fujifilm X-T4, the OM System OM-1 makes the most of its smaller sensor to offer a compelling alternative for photographers who value portability, mobility, and a fun handheld shooting experience. Not everyone needs a full-frame camera. The OM-1 did well in the majority of our tests because to its brand-new, industry-first stacked Micro Four Thirds sensor and a quick TruePix X processor. Simply put, it's one of the most entertaining cameras you can get.

We discovered that the OM-1 had slightly less aggressive noise reduction than its Olympus-made predecessors and functioned admirably up to ISO 1600. The greatest computational options you'll find outside of a smartphone include High Res Shot, Live ND, and in-camera Focus Stacking, which help offset the smaller sensor's disadvantages.

The controls can be a little tricky, and its autofocus tracking isn't nearly as good as Canon or Sony's. Additionally, the 20MP resolution isn't very high for a camera at this price. However, if you can look past those shortcomings, the OM-1 (and its enormous selection of Micro Four Thirds lenses) will make a great travel companion.

Specifications

  • Brand: OM System
  • Model Name: OM System
  • Form Factor: Mirrorless
  • Effective Still Resolution: 20 MP

Pros

Cons

Stacked sensor improves efficiency

Quite difficult controls

5. Canon EOS R7 32.5MP

The EOS R7 is a fantastic option if you enjoy taking photographs of quickly moving subjects, such as animals, but you can't quite afford a full-frame Canon camera like the EOS R6. Since it has a smaller APS-C sensor than its full-frame siblings, it doesn't perform as well at high ISO, but the advantage is that you can use smaller lenses with greater reach. EOS R7 can shoot continuously at 15 or 30 frames per second. The majority of nature subjects can be captured in a few seconds even though you can't maintain those speeds for as long as a camera like the EOS R6.

Canon's EOS R system includes native lenses for the APS-C sensor, subject-tracking autofocus, a substantial grip, and two UHS-II card slots. The absence of native lenses is the sole negative aspect.

Specifications

  • Brand: Canon
  • Model Name: Canon R7 BODY
  • Form Factor: Mirrorless
  • Effective Still Resolution: 32.5 MP

Pros

Cons

Burst shooting in a hurry

Tiny native lens selection

6. Nikon Mirrorless Z6 II

The Nikon Z6 held the top spot on this list for a while, and even if the Z6 II only offers a slight improvement, it should still be on the shortlist for anyone shopping for a full-frame camera. The Z6 continues to provide excellent value, but if you can afford it, we believe the Z6 II is worth the extra money because it ranks among our favourite mirrorless cameras based on our testing. With its additional Expeed 6 processor, a number of enhancements are made, such as a new 14 fps burst mode (up from the Z6's 12 fps) and some helpful autofocus improvements (especially for animal eye/face detection). Along with the added XQD/CFexpress slot and additional UHS-II card slot, a firmware update added a new 4K/60p video mode. Our tests, which included a variety of circumstances, revealed that the 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor functions effectively at high ISOs. The Z6 II features a build quality that is unparalleled in its class and feels more robust in the hand than its competitors and must buy digital cameras.

Specification

  • Brand: Nikon
  • Model Name: Z6 II
  • Form Factor: Mirrorless
  • Effective Still Resolution: 24.5

Pros

Cons

Outstanding image quality

Not the most expert AF

7. Fujifilm X-S10

Panasonic X-S10 combines size, performance, affordability, and charm. It's a great option that covers all the essentials for still photos and videos for professionals and hobbyists searching for a tiny mirrorless camera. In-body image stabilisation (IBIS), which is impressive for a camera this compact, is included with the tried-and-true 26.1MP APS-C sensor, which is the same as the one in the Fujifilm X-T4.

Some small Sony and Olympus cameras also have this feature, which aids in maintaining image quality while shooting handheld, but none of them, in our testing, match the X-S10's excellent handling or feature set. It boasts a useful vari-angle screen, excellent construction, and it captures stunning 4K video. It makes a great travel or street camera when paired with a prime lens, however the X-S10's roomy grip also works well with longer lenses.

Specification

  • Brand: Fujifilm
  • Model Name: X-S10
  • Form Factor; Mirrorless
  • Effective Still Resolution: 26.1 MP

Pros

Cons

Excellent picture and video quality

Not climate-proof

8. Nikon Z5 Kit 24-50

Although it isn't perfect, the Nikon Z5 is currently the best entry-level full-frame model available, making it a great choice for those looking to make the first switch to the larger format. We found a lot to appreciate about the Nikon Z5 during our testing, including its 24.3MP sensor, which consistently produces vivid, clear, and clean images, its dependable autofocusing technology, and its comfortable, well-built chassis. Addition of high-resolution viewfinder enhances Z6/Z7 performance. Things that many photographers might not be too concerned about are what we felt let the Z5 down during our review: the 4.5fps maximum frame rate being disappointing for action shooters and the crop applied to 4K video being aggravating for vloggers. Neither of those things bother you? It's one of the greatest cameras for taking pictures and a good option for people on a tight budget who desire full-frame.

Specification

  • Brand: Nikon
  • Model Name: Digital Camera
  • Form Factor: Camera
  • Effective Still Resolution: 24.5 MP

Pros

Cons

Extremely strong AF system

Mediocre burst rate

Top 3 features for you

Products

Features 1

Features 2

Features 3

Sony Alpha a7II

Versatile

Expensive

Good for photography

Fujifilm X-H2Superb viewfinderAdequate autofocus-tracking abilitiesPowerful video camera
Canon EOS R6FastIntelligent AFBetter ergonomics
OM System OM-1Strong AF capabilitiesIncredibly quick a sensorStunning video specifications

Canon EOS R7

Gets amazing detail

Full frame

Auto focus

Nikon Z6BSI CMOS sensor functions24MP full-frameOutstanding quality
Fujifilm X-S10Good picture qualitySmartNice view finder
Nikon Z5User friendlyStrong AF systemSuperb handeling

Best overall product

The Fujifilm X-S10 is the best overall product when taking into account its features, characteristics, and special customer service. Along with the factors already mentioned, the camera also has excellent subject recognition, autofocus, and an integrated flash. It is one of the greatest cameras for photography, according to reviews from reputable review sites, because of its excellent ergonomics and 26.1MP APS-C sensor, which is the same as the one in the Fujifilm X-T4.

Best value for money

According to our analysis of reviews and in-depth study, the Nikon Z6 Mirrorless DSLR camera is a worthwhile purchase. It is one of the greatest cameras for photography or filmmaking talents and offers the best value for the money. Both experts and beginners can start with it. It is quite small and mirrorless, with advantages like CCD, wireless communication, and photo sensor technology.

 How to find a perfect digital camera for photography?

If you're a newbie, you can prioritise a touchscreen or pick any DSLR camera based on the features, benefits, and drawbacks listed above. Look for a digital SLR that is Wi-Fi compatible because, at this time, data backup requires internet-capable devices. The budget may be a major factor in determining the best digital camera for you because you aren't made of money. In general, the price of a camera increases with its size and number of bells and whistles.

FAQs on digital cameras

Four factors, including resolution, lens aperture, focal length/zoom range, lens quality, sensor sensitivity, and camera software, largely determine the composition and quality of a digital camera.

Light is captured by a digital camera and focused by the lens onto a silicon sensor. It consists of a grid of microscopic, light-sensitive photosites.

Smartphones are far superior to digital cameras for sharing your photos and videos online rapidly. Digital cameras allow you greater options when it comes to lenses and accessories. You must choose which criteria is most significant to you in order to determine which is ideal for you.

Lens. The lens is the single most significant detachable component of any camera. This is responsible for capturing light from outside situations and directing it towards the camera's sensor, where it interacts with each of the previously mentioned internal camera components.

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