Buyer’s guide: Best photography cameras to invest in

Last Published on Jun 06, 2023 22:55 IST
By: Affiliate Desk

Summary:

Looking for the best camera for photography to showcase your skills? Check out HT Shop Now’s curated list of top-rated photography cameras worth the price. ... Read More


Photography allows us to capture and preserve precious moments in stunning detail. Whether you're an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned professional, investing in the right camera is essential to elevate your photography skills and achieve outstanding results. In this article, we will explore a carefully curated selection of top-performing cameras that offer exceptional features and functionality. From full-frame mirrorless cameras to versatile DSLRs and rugged options, these cameras provide the tools and capabilities necessary to capture breathtaking images and unleash your creative vision. Explore our recommendations, specifications, pros, and cons to make an informed investment and find the best camera for photography.

1. Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3

The Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 has a full-frame mirrorless digital SLR body and is considered the best camera for photography 2023. The tiltable LCD allows for flexible shooting angles, while the wide ISO range from 100 to 51200 enables low-light photography. With a 15-stop dynamic range at low-sensitivity settings and 14-bit RAW output, it delivers natural gradations in images. The camera's 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization helps in achieving steady shots. Additionally, it supports 4K HDR, providing high resolution and a wide colour gamut for lifelike visuals. All these outstanding features are packed into a compact body, making it a reliable choice for photography enthusiasts.

Specifications

  • Display Technology: ‎Tiltable LCD
  • Standing screen display size: ‎2.9 Inches
  • Optical Sensor Resolution: ‎24.2 MP
  • Maximum Shutter Speed: ‎1/8000 Seconds
  • Minimum Shutter Speed: ‎30 Seconds
  • Video Capture Resolution: 2160p
  • Included Memory Card Size: 16 GB
  • Continuous Shooting Speed: 10 fps

Pros

Cons

Smooth 4K video

Limited lens options

Fast autofocus

 

Intuitive controls

 

2. Nikon D7500

The Nikon D7500 is a powerful digital SLR camera with a 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor. With its SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily transfer and share your photos wirelessly. The D7500 also boasts a native ISO range of 100-51200, expandable up to 1,640,000, enabling you to shoot in various lighting conditions. Additionally, it incorporates a 180k-pixel RGB sensor, enhancing the accuracy of auto controls. It is highly regarded for its picture quality and is the best camera for photography beginners because of its easy-to-use and navigation features.

Specifications

  • Standing screen display size ‎: 3.2 Inches
  • Display type: LCD
  • Aperture modes: f/3.5-5.6g
  • Image stabilization technology: Optical
  • Optical zoom: ‎5 x
  • Digital zoom: 7.8
  • Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
  • Maximum resolution: 16 MP
  • Optical sensor resolution: ‎20.9 MP
  • Maximum vertical resolution: 3712 pixels
  • Maximum shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 seconds
  • Minimum diaphragm opening: ‎5.6
  • Min Focal Length: ‎18 Millimeters
  • Video Capture Resolution: 2160p

Pros

Cons

Excellent image quality 

4k video is cropped 

Large ergonomic grip 

 

3. Canon EOS 200D

The Canon EOS 200D is a highly advanced digital SLR camera with cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. With its 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, this camera delivers impressive image quality, capturing stunning details and vibrant colours. Its CMOS sensor technology ensures efficient light capture, contributing to excellent low-light performance and reduced noise levels in your images. The included EF-S 18-55mm f4 IS STM lens further enhances its versatility, allowing you to achieve a wide range of focal lengths for different shooting scenarios. This camera is also compatible with Canon EF-S mount lenses, offering a vast selection of lenses for various photographic needs.

Specifications

  • Display Technology: ‎Vari Angle LCD
  • Memory Storage Capacity: 16 GB
  • Resolution: ‎4K (3840x2160)
  • Standing screen display size: ‎3 Inches
  • Image stabilization technology: ‎Optical
  • Optical Sensor Resolution: ‎24.1 MP
  • Maximum Shutter Speed: ‎1/4000 sec Seconds
  • Minimum Shutter Speed: ‎30 Seconds
  • Min Focal Length: ‎18 Millimeters
  • Video Capture Resolution: ‎2160p
  • Continuous Shooting Speed: 5 fps

Pros

Cons

Easy control settings 

Only one SD card slot 

Fast-focusing performance 

 

4. Sony Alpha ILCE 6100L

The Sony Alpha ILCE 6100L is a remarkable mirrorless digital SLR camera. It is undoubtedly a worthy contender for the best camera for photography and video. With its APS-C sensor and 24.2MP EXMOR CMOS sensor, this camera delivers exceptional image quality with outstanding light sensitivity. One standout feature of the ILCE 6100L is its real-time Eye AF, which tracks and focuses on subjects' eyes with incredible accuracy, whether humans or animals. This feature ensures sharp and detailed portraits, even in challenging shooting conditions. It also offers an ISO sensitivity range of up to 102400, allowing you to capture photos and videos in low-light environments without compromising image quality.

Specifications

  • Included Memory Card Size: 16 GB
  • Display Technology: ‎Touch LCD
  • Standing Screen Display Size: 3 Inches
  • Image Stabilization Technology: ‎Optical
  • Optical Sensor Resolution: ‎24.2 Mp
  • Maximum Shutter Speed: ‎767011 Seconds
  • Minimum Shutter Speed: 30 Seconds
  • Min Focal Length: 16 Millimeters
  • Video Capture Resolution: ‎4k QFHD (3840 X 2160)
  • Continuous Shooting Speed:11 Fps

Pros

Cons

Fast continuous shooting speed

No in-body image stabilization

Compact size

No weather sealing

Good battery life

 

5. Nikon Z50

The Nikon Z50 is a mirrorless camera that combines advanced technology and functionality. It delivers exceptional performance, equipped with a CMOS sensor and an EXPEED 6 image processor. Regarding still photography, the Z50 offers fast continuous shooting speeds of up to 11 frames per second with autofocus and auto exposure. The camera features a 3.2-inch, 1.04 million-dot LCD screen with a clear and vibrant display. In the box, you will find the Nikon Z50 camera body, the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm lens, a strap, battery, charger, and a USB cable. This ensures you have the necessary accessories to start capturing images right away. These features make the Nikon Z50 high on the list of the best camera for photography 2023.

Specifications

  • Display Technology: Touch LCD
  • Resolution: ‎3840 x 2160
  • Standing screen display size: ‎3.2 Inches
  • Display Type: ‎LCD
  • Aperture Modes: ‎f/4.5-6.3
  • Optical zoom: 3 x
  • Maximum resolution:‎16 MP
  • Optical Sensor Resolution: ‎20.9 MP
  • Shutter Speed: ‎767011 Seconds
  • Min Focal Length: ‎16 Millimeters
  • Video Capture Resolution: ‎FHD 1080p

Pros

Cons

Good image and video quality

No headphone jack

Compact size

 

6. Sony Alpha ILCE-7M4

The Sony Alpha ILCE-7M4 is a highly capable camera designed for professional photographers and videographers. The camera boasts an impressive autofocus system with 759 AF points, providing wide AF coverage and ensuring precise focus tracking. This feature is especially useful when capturing fast-moving subjects or when shooting in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of S-Cinetone, a proprietary Sony colour profile, further enhances the camera's video capabilities by providing beautiful and cinematic colour reproduction. With live view functionality, you can preview your shots directly on the camera's LCD screen, allowing for precise framing and composition.

Specifications

  • Display Type: ‎LCD
  • Image stabilization technology: ‎Optical Sensor-shift
  • Optical zoom: 8 x
  • Aspect Ratio:‎ 16:9
  • Maximum resolution: ‎33 MP
  • Maximum Shutter Speed: 2227981 Seconds
  • Minimum Shutter Speed: ‎44591 Seconds
  • Video Capture Resolution: ‎2160p

Pros

Cons

In-body image stabilization

No headphone jack

Weather sealing

 

7. Canon EOS 90D

If you're looking for the best camera for photography under 200000, the Canon EOS 90D Digital SLR Camera is indeed a powerful and versatile option worth considering. One notable feature of the EOS 90D is its Eye Detection Auto Focus, which allows for precise focusing on the subject's eyes. This feature is particularly useful when capturing portraits or subjects where eye contact is essential, ensuring sharp and well-focused images. It supports up to 27 AF points when using lenses with an aperture of f/8 or higher, making it suitable for telephoto lenses and extenders. The face detection feature further enhances the camera's autofocus capabilities, ensuring sharp focus on faces in various shooting conditions.

Specifications

  • Display Technology: ‎Fully articulated LCD
  • Standing screen display size ‎: 3 Inches
  • Image stabilization technology: ‎Optical
  • Optical Sensor Resolution: ‎32.5 MP
  • Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/16000 Seconds
  • Minimum Shutter Speed: 30 Seconds
  • Min Focal Length: 18 Millimeters
  • Video Capture Resolution: ‎2160p
  • Continuous Shooting Speed:10 fps

Pros

Cons

Good battery life 

No in-body image stabilization.

Good image quality 

 

Weather sealing

 

8. Canon M50

The Canon M50 is a feature-packed camera designed to meet the needs of modern photographers. This camera has a CMOS photo sensor, which delivers excellent image quality and low-light performance. It is compatible with Canon EF-M mount lenses, providing many options for different shooting scenarios. The wireless connectivity allows for seamless communication with smartphones and cloud storage services. This enables quick and easy sharing of photos and videos and convenient backup and storage options. With its advanced features and user-friendly design, the M50 is a great choice for those looking for the best camera for photography above 50000.

Specifications

  • Display Technology: Fully articulated LCD
  • Standing screen display size ‎: 3 Inches
  • Image stabilization technology: Digital
  • Optical zoom: 1 x
  • Maximum resolution: 24.1 MP
  • Optical Sensor Resolution: 75 MP
  • Min Focal Length: 15 Millimeters
  • Video Capture Resolution: ‎1080p
  • Continuous Shooting Speed: 10 fps

Pros

Cons

Compact size 

No weather sealing

Fast autofocus system

No in-body image stabilization

9. Olympus TG 6

The Olympus TG-6 Red is a rugged and durable camera designed to withstand tough shooting conditions, making it the best camera for photography for outdoor adventures and extreme sports. It is dustproof, waterproof up to 15m, shockproof up to 2.1m, and crushproof up to 100kgf. It is also freezeproof and has anti-fog capabilities. With a 12MP sensor and 4x zoom lens, it captures high-quality images and videos in any environment. Another notable feature of the TG-6 Red is its anti-fog capability, which helps maintain clear visibility even in humid or foggy conditions.

Specifications

  • Display Technology: ‎LCD
  • Standing screen display size ‎:3 Inches
  • Optical zoom: ‎4 x
  • Digital zoom: 2 x
  • Maximum resolution:12 MP
  • Maximum vertical resolution: ‎2160 Pixels
  • Shutter Speed: 4 Seconds
  • Minimum diaphragm opening: 4.9 Millimeters
  • Min Focal Length: ‎4.5 Millimeters
  • Video Capture Resolution: ‎CMOS
  • Continuous Shooting Speed: 20 fps

Pros

Cons

Durability 

No manual exposure control

Waterproofing 

No viewfinder

Built-in GPS

 

10. Canon EOS 1500D

The Canon EOS 1500D is a powerful DSLR camera equipped with an APS-C CMOS sensor, boasting a resolution of 24.1 MP. This high resolution allows for capturing detailed images suitable for large prints and image cropping. Its ISO sensitivity range of 100 6400 enables noise-free pictures, especially in low-light conditions. The DIGIC 4+ image processor powers the camera, providing fast and accurate autofocus performance. This is particularly beneficial for capturing moving subjects and achieving precise focus in burst photography.

Specifications

  • Display Technology: ‎LCD
  • Standing screen display size:‎3 Inches
  • Resolution ‎value: full HD (1920x1080)
  • Maximum resolution: 24.1 MP
  • Horizontal resolution: ‎1920 Pixels
  • Optical Sensor Resolution: ‎24.1 MP
  • Maximum vertical resolution: ‎1080 Pixels
  • Maximum Shutter Speed: ‎767011 Seconds
  • Minimum Shutter Speed: ‎30 Seconds
  • Min Focal Length: 18 Millimeters
  • Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
  • Continuous Shooting Speed: ‎3 fps

Pros

Cons

Excellent image quality

No in-body image stabilization.

Weather sealing

 

Top 3 features for you

ProductFeature 1Feature 2Feature 3
Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3
24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
Fast hybrid autofocus system10 fps continuous shooting
Nikon D7500
20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Fast autofocus system with 51 focus points
8 fps continuous
Canon EOS 200D
24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Fast autofocus system with 9 focus points
Ultra Wide Angle and Telephoto lens
Sony Alpha ILCE 6100L
24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
4K QFHD high resolution11 fps continuous shooting
Nikon Z50
20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Hybrid autofocus system with 209 focus points
VR lens type
Sony Alpha ILCE-7M4
33-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
Fast hybrid autofocus system with 567 focus points
10 fps continuous shooting
Canon EOS 90D
32.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Full HD 120p video
High-speed continuous shooting of up to 10 fps
Canon M50
24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Fast autofocus system with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology
Up to 10 fps continuous shooting
Olympus TG 6
12-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor
4x optical zoom lens
Waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and dustproof design
Canon EOS 1500D
24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Full HD video recording at up to 60 fps
Built-in Monaural Microphone

Best overall product

The Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 stands out as the best overall product in its class for numerous reasons. Its advanced 4D Focus system ensures precise and fast autofocus, while the ability to shoot 4K HDR delivers stunning image quality. The real-time Eye AF feature captures perfect portraits, and the camera's long battery life allows for extended shooting sessions. With smooth PC tethering and a wide range of lenses, photographers have enhanced flexibility and creative possibilities. Additionally, the XGA OLED Tru-Finder provides a high-resolution and immersive viewing experience. All these features combine to make the Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 the best camera for photography.

Best value for money

The Canon EOS 1500D is the best value for money due to its impressive features and affordable price. Its 24.1 MP APS-C size CMOS sensor allows for high-resolution images and flexible image enlargement. The camera's significant background blurring capability, achieved through its sensor and imaging processor, enhances subject focus and produces professional-looking results. This camera offers all these features and more at a much more competitive rate than other photography cameras on the market.

How to find the Best Camera For Photography?

Here are some key considerations and steps to help you in your search for the best camera for photography

  • Determine your photography goals: Think about the type of photography you want to pursue. Different genres may require specific features or capabilities. For example, if you're into wildlife photography, you may need a camera with fast autofocus and high burst shooting capabilities.
  • Consider camera types: There are several camera types, including DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex), mirrorless, and compact cameras.
  • Research and compare different models: Once you have determined the camera type that suits your needs, research and compare different models within that category. Consider factors like sensor size, resolution, autofocus system, low-light performance, video capabilities, user interface, and overall build quality.

Ultimately, the best camera for photography is one that meets your requirements, fits your budget, and inspires you to explore and improve your photography skills.

FAQs on Best Photography Cameras

There are many great cameras available, but the best camera for photography depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include the Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3, Nikon D7500, Canon EOS 200D, and Sony Alpha ILCE-6100L.
DSLR cameras use a mirror mechanism to reflect light into an optical viewfinder. In contrast, mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror and use an electronic viewfinder or the rear LCD screen for composition. Mirrorless cameras are generally more compact and offer silent shooting and in-body image stabilization advantages.
The number of megapixels determines the resolution of the camera's images. Higher megapixels can capture more details and allow for larger prints. A camera with around 16-24 megapixels is sufficient for most photography needs.
Optical zoom refers to the camera's lens physically zooming in or out, maintaining image quality. Digital zoom, on the other hand, crops the image digitally and enlarges it, resulting in a loss of image quality. Optical zoom is preferred for capturing detailed and high-quality images.
The autofocus system is crucial for capturing sharp and well-focused images quickly and accurately. A fast and reliable autofocus system can especially benefit sports, wildlife, or any fast-moving subjects. Look for cameras with advanced autofocus technologies and sufficient focus points for your needs.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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