QUICK MENU

With so many models from so many brands, choosing the best camera for photography can be a challenge. Whether you’re a new beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, we’ve put together this expert guide to make the process easier. We’re constantly testing the latest models from leading brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm, so that we can highlight the best option for every budget.

From novice to professional, our guide to the best camera for photography features models for all skill levels. Every recommendation is based on the results of our extensive review process. This goes beyond spec sheets to assess true performance, informed by our own real-world experience with each camera. Besides core factors like image quality and autofocus, we comprehensively assess how cameras handle in a range of scenarios. We spend hundreds of hours checking that each model’s features live up to expectations.

We think the best photography camera overall is currently the Sony A7 IV. It’s a versatile full-frame option that combines class-leading autofocus with superb image quality and a deep lens ecosystem. It’s not cheap, though, and those on a budget may be better served by the Canon EOS R10. This entry-level model lacks the features of some higher-end choices on our list, but we still recommend it as the best beginner camera right now, thanks to its superb autofocus. 

Timothy Coleman

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. He notes, "curating this guide is a challenge, because there are so many excellent cameras on the market. We've taken the time to pick out specific options for different types of photography. It's worth noting that, because so many models are now hybrids, you might be able to save by choosing a stills-focused camera."

The quick list

If you’re looking for a shortcut to the best camera, the quick round-up below will give you an instant overview of the top options. When you find one that suits your needs and budget, use the links to jump to an in-depth summary.

1. Sony A7 IV

The best full-frame hybrid overall

With excellent autofocus, image quality and video features, the Sony A7 IV is every bit the modern mirrorless hybrid.

Read more below

2. Sony A7R V

The best professional camera for stills

With a huge pixel count and superb autofocus, the Sony A7R V delivers outstanding stills when paired with a top-tier lens.

Read more below

3. Canon EOS R10

The best camera for beginners

With a compact build, good handling and modern autofocus, the Canon EOS R10 represents excellent value for beginners.

Read more below

4. Canon EOS R7

The best APS-C camera for enthusiasts

If you can look past its limited range of native lenses, the EOS R7 is a fast, powerful camera that handles well and shoots excellent stills.

Read more below

5. OM System OM-1

The best Micro Four Thirds camera

Lovely in the hand and versatile to shoot with, the OM System OM-1 delivers solid performance with its 20MP stacked sensor.

Read more below

6. Fujifilm X100V

The best premium compact

With a fixed focal length that’s perfect for street photography, the Fujifilm X100V is a premium compact with plenty of retro style.

Read more below

Load the next 6 products...

7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The best value photography camera

It’s not cutting-edge, but a compact body, excellent image stabilization and handy touchscreen make this a great value option.

Read more below

8. Nikon D3500

The best beginner DSLR

Excellent image quality, superb battery life and an intuitive interface mean the Nikon D3500 is still a fantastic value option for novices.

Read more below

9. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

The best instant camera

If you want an instant camera that’s easy to use, cheap to refill and capable of producing vibrant prints, the Instax Mini 12 is it.

Read more below

10. Nikon Z9

The best pro hybrid for sports and wildlife

Built like a rugged DSLR, the Z9 is Nikon’s most powerful camera ever, complete with an electronic-only shutter and 8K video.

Read more below

11. Hasselblad X2D 100C

The best for outright image quality

Setting a new benchmark for medium format cameras, the X2D 100C is Hasselblad’s most versatile model yet.

Read more below

12. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review

The best professional DSLR

It's not cheap, but if you want the best DSLR money can buy, Canon's flagship has the skills to deliver in any shooting situation.

Read more below

The best camera for photography 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best full-frame hybrid overall

The best full-frame hybrid for enthusiasts

Specifications

Sensor size: Full-frame

Resolution: 33MP

Viewfinder: 3,690K dots

Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,037K dots

Autofocus: 759-point AF

Maximum continuous shooting rate: 10fps

Movies: 4K at 60p

User level: Intermediate

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You need an all-rounder for stills and video: There are better specialist cameras out there, but as an all-rounder the A7 IV is the best mirrorless camera you can buy.

✅ Your Sony A7 III is starting to feel its age: The A7 IV is a big upgrade on the A7 III in almost every respect, including resolution, autofocus, usability and video. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You mostly shoot sports and action: While the Sony A7 IV is by no means a slow coach, there are better cameras out there for pro sports performance.

❌ Value is your main priority: You'll get more bang for your buck with a more specialist camera and an extra lens or two with the money saved.

Following the fantastic A7 III was never going to be easy, but the A7 IV is a worthy successor. With a new 33MP sensor that’s solid for both stills and video, it’s a compelling mirrorless option for hybrid shooters. In our review, we called it a "brilliant blend of photographic power and video versatility".

A price hike does mean it’s no longer an entry-level full-frame camera like its forebear, but a Bionz XR processor powers solid performance that broadly justifies the extra expenditure. 

The A7 IV also benefits from Sony’s class-leading autofocus skills, plus upgrades like 10-bit video and an almost endless buffer depth with a CFexpress card. Our tests found this buffer to be more generous than most photographers will need, with image quality leaning more towards resolution than low-light performance. 

No hybrid camera comes without compromise: there is a heavy crop on 4K footage and it isn't the simplest camera for beginners to use. The Canon EOS R6 also offers faster burst speeds for a similar price. But considering its powerful versatility and higher resolution, the Sony A7 IV deservedly takes our number one spot. 

Read our in-depth Sony A7 IV review

The best pro camera for stills

The best photography camera for most professionals

Specifications

Sensor size: Full-frame

Resolution: 61MP

Viewfinder: 9.44m-dot EVF

Monitor: 3.2-inch articulating touchscreen, 2.1m dots

Autofocus: 693 PDAF + 425 CDAF

Maximum continuous shooting rate: 10fps

Movies: 8K at 24p

User level: Expert

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You shoot landscapes, portraits or studio photography: With a 61MP sensor and a powerful processing engine, image quality is excellent.

✅ You need subject the best autofocus: AI subject detection AF provides more reliable autofocus for more subjects in more scenarios.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don’t have or can’t afford the best optics: A 61MP sensor is unforgiving of any lens deficiencies, so you'll also need expensive high-end pro lenses.

❌ You don’t need the resolution: Do you need 61MP? If not, you'll save a packet by opting for the A7 IV instead. 

The Sony A7R V takes up the mantle from the A7R IV as Sony’s sharpest full-frame mirrorless camera. As we found in our review, it also solves several of the A7R IV’s drawbacks to become a more complete professional camera. A new 61MP sensor and Bionz XR processor team up to deliver remarkably detailed stills. Eight stops of image stabilization made it easy to shoot handheld in testing, too. We were also impressed by the effectiveness of Real-rime Recognition AF. It’s not perfect, but it can generally detect a range of subjects and capture them crisply.

From our time with the A7R V, we think its level of detail makes it best suited to landscape and studio work. Do keep in mind that it only produces its best results when paired with top-spec lenses, which will add heavily to the already high price tag. The A7R IV offers the same resolution, but we do think the A7R V is the better camera overall, particularly with a sharper EVF that makes framing a joy. That said, if you don’t need so many sensor pixels, you’ll find better value for less elsewhere.

Read our in-depth Sony A7R V review

The best mirrorless camera for beginners

The best camera for beginners overall

Specifications

Sensor size: APS-C

Resolution: 24.2MP

Viewfinder: 2,360K dots

Monitor: 2.95-inch articulated touchscreen, 1,040K dots

Autofocus: 651-area AF

Max continuous shooting rate: 15fps (mechanical), 25fps (electronic)

Video: 4K at 60p

User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You're a beginner looking for your first camera: The power and usability of the EOS R10's autofocus, plus its superior burst-shooting, put it top of the pile for those starting out.

✅ You need an affordable sports or family camera: While the EOS R10 has more a mid-range price tag, its burst shooting speeds and autofocus are worth the premium if you're looking to shoot moving subjects.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need a wide choice of native lenses: Right now, the EOS R10's main weakness is a lack of native lenses.

❌ You'll be mostly shooting video: No headphone jack for monitoring audio, nor any in-body image stabilization to keep things steady. This isn'y a vlogging camera.

It isn't the cheapest camera for beginners, but we think the Canon EOS R10 is the best option for those starting their photographic journey. Spiritual successor to Canon's popular mid-range DSLRs, the EOS R10 has two standout skills: impressive subject-tracking autofocus and speedy 15fps burst shooting, which was previously unheard of at this price.

Both combine nicely to make the EOS R10 a versatile little camera for shooting all kinds of subjects, from portraits to speeding pets. During our autofocus testing, which we conducted on cats, deer and a rapid cockapoodle, the R10 found and tracked subjects' eyes very well, with 15fps burst speeds producing a decent hit rate. 

While it isn't a compact camera, the EOS R10 is lightweight at 429g and has a deep grip that makes it well-balanced in the hand with all kinds of lenses. Unfortunately, the EOS R10 doesn't yet have many native lenses (just two at the time of writing) and lacks in-body image stabilization. But if you're happy to buy some of the many full-frame RF lenses that work well with the camera, or adapt old ones using an EF-EOS R adapter, then it's a versatile sidekick that's ideal for fledgling snappers.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS R10 review

The best APS-C camera for enthusiasts

The best APS-C camera for enthusiasts

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor: APS-C

Resolution: 32.5MP

Autofocus: 5915 AF points

Screen type: 2.95-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.62m-dot

EVF: 0.39-inch, 2.36m-dot

Continuous shooting speed: 15fps (mechanical), 30fps (electronic)

Movies: 4K

User level: Enthusiast

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You want performance on a budget: If you can't shell out for Canon's full-frame models, the EOS R7 is a more affordable route to excellent subject-tracking autofocus.

✅ You want a travel-friendly camera: Its small proportions and fantastic handling make the EOS R7 a lovely all-rounder to travel with.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to buy a lot of native lenses: At the time of writing, the native RF-S lens range is limited; rivals like the Sony A6600 and Fujifilm X-H2S are better served.

❌ You want the full-frame experience: The EOS R7 works wonders with its APS-C sensor, but it can't compete with full-frame alternatives when it comes to low light.

If you don’t need full-frame, we think there’s no crop sensor camera that can currently beat the Canon EOS R7. In our review, we highlighted its superb autofocus performance, excellent in-body image stabilization and the class-leading detail delivered by its 32.5MP sensor. 

Across a range of scenarios, the EOS R7 produced lovely images in our real-world tests, although its full-frame cousins still have the edge in low light. We were also impressed by its 30fps burst speeds, which make it a great choice for sports and wildlife enthusiasts.

Our tests also found the EOS R7 a nice camera to hold and use, with a decent grip and generous spread of direct-access controls. Dual UHS-II card slots are a welcome bonus, while the ability to record uncropped 4K/60p video output makes the EOS R7 a tidy all-rounder. The only major drawback at present is the continued lack of native lenses, an issue not suffered by alternative APS-C cameras such as the Sony A6600 and Fujifilm X-T5.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS R7 review

The best Micro Four Thirds camera for enthusiasts

The best Micro Four Thirds camera for enthusiasts

Specifications

Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds

Resolution: 20.4MP

Viewfinder: 5,760K dots

Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1,620K dots

Autofocus: 1,053-point AF

Maximum continuous shooting rate: 10fps (mechanical shutter), 120fps (electronic)

Movies: 4K at 60p

User level: Intermediate/Professional

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You're action photographer after the best bang for buck: Stacked sensor with Quad-Pixel AF, extensive subject detection AF, wildlife photography-friendly MFT format, this is an outright action camera.

✅ You don't want to be weighed down with kit: A like-for-like full-frame system will likely be twice the size, weight and price.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want resolution: These days, 20MP in a photography-centric flagship camera with this price tag is modest. 

❌ You want the best single-shot image quality: The OM-1's multi-shot computational workarounds are good for specific scenarios, but they can’t be used for everything.

Not everyone needs a full-frame camera. Like the Fujifilm X-T4, the OM System OM-1 embraces the benefits of a smaller sensor to create a compelling alternative for photographers who prioritize size, versatility and a fun handheld experience. Thanks to its stacked Micro Four Thirds sensor – the first of its kind – and a speedy TruePix X processor, the OM-1 performed admirably in most our tests. Quite simply, it's the one of the most enjoyable cameras you can buy. 

We found that the OM-1 performed well up to ISO 1600 and had slightly less aggressive noise reduction than its Olympus-made predecessors. Its computational modes are also the best you'll find outside a smartphone, with the likes of HIgh Res Shot, Live ND and in-camera Focus Stacking going some way to compensating for its smaller sensor. 

On the downside, its autofocus tracking isn't quite up to the level of Canon or Sony, and the controls can be a little fiddly. That 20MP resolution also isn't huge for a camera of this price. But if you can overlook those drawbacks, then the OM-1 (and its huge range of Micro Four Thirds lenses) will make a fine companion. 

Read our in-depth OM System OM-1 review

The best premium compact

The best premium compact for beginners

Specifications

Type: Premium compact

Sensor: APS-C X-Trans CMOS

Resolution: 26.1MP

Lens: 23mm, f/2

Viewfinder: Hybrid EVF

Screen type: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1.62m dots

Maximum continuous shooting speed: 11fps

Movies: 4K

User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You want a stylish snapper: From its body design to its exposure dials, the X100V is packed with retro appeal.

✅ You want a unique shooting experience: If you haven't used the X100V's hybrid viewfinder, try it and thank us later.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to buy it new: The X100V's popularity skyrocketed over the last 18 months and it's still sold out almost everywhere.
❌ You want flexibility: As a fixed lens compact, you can't zoom in out or out for a different field of view from its 35mm focal length.

On paper, the Fujifilm X100V shouldn’t make sense: a compact camera styled like something from the fifties, with a fixed 23mm f/2 lens and a premium price tag. Yet the model’s predecessors have become iconic among street photographers – and the X100V echoes their spirit. Understated and timeless, we found its compact retro body very special in our review. 

The X100V keeps what worked on the X100F, only tweaking what it needs to. There's now a tilting touchscreen – which we found very handy in testing – and a weather-resistant body (although you need to add a filter to the lens to get full weather-sealing). 

The series’ fixed aperture lens setup has always been fantastic for street and portrait photography, and the results are only better now that Fujifilm’s added a new 26.1MP APS-C sensor paired with the latest X-Processor 4. Autofocus is faster, noise control better and image quality improved. Sure, it’s niche and certainly not cheap, but there’s nothing else quite like it.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X100V review

The best value camera for photography

The best value camera for most photographers

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor: Micro Four Thirds

Resolution: 20.3MP

Autofocus: 121 contrast detect AF points

Screen type: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.04m dots

Continuous shooting speed: 15fps

Movies: 4K

User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You want a compact, capable camera: Small but mighty, the E-M10 Mark IV offers a lot of features in compact packaging.
✅ You like to shoot handheld: Impressive in-body image stabilization helps to keep images sharp even shooting at 1/8th of a second.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You’re a videographer: While the E-M10 Mark IV can produce impressive video, its feature set isn’t geared towards vlogging.
❌ You want a cutting-edge camera: Missing features such as phase detection autofocus, the E-M10 Mark IV is a step behind its rivals.

It isn’t the latest Micro Four Thirds model on the market, but if you want a travel-friendly option for shooting impressive stills, we think the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV represents fantastic value. The result of careful refinement over several generations, the Mark IV offers a generous feature set and works with hundreds of affordable lenses.

In our review, we noted that its 20MP sensor enables to the Mark IV to capture greater dynamic range than smartphones and compact cameras. We were also very impressed in testing with its five-axis in-body image stabilization, which gives it the edge over rivals like the Fujifilm X-T200 when shooting handheld.

Its button layout also makes it an approachable camera for beginners, as does the 3-inch touchscreen. Video limitations – such as the lack of microphone input and 4K/30p cap – do hold it back from competing with hybrids. All the same, the E-M10 Mark IV remains an appealingly portable, affordable photography upgrade.

Read our in-depth Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review

The best DSLR for beginners

The best DSLR camera for beginners

Specifications

Type: DSLR

Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.2MP

Lens mount: Nikon F

Screen: 3-inch, 921K dots

Viewfinder: Optical

Continuous shooting: 5fps

Movies: 1080p

User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You have a sharp eye: The D3500’s 24.2MP sensor produces impressive stills, especially when paired with decent DX mount lenses.

✅ You value longevity: With a huge 1,550-shot battery life, the Nikon D3500 is a camera that can keep going and going on a single charge.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to shoot 4K video: Unlike most smartphones, the Nikon D3500 is limited to Full HD recording, rather than 4K footage.

❌  You like to use a touchscreen: With the same fixed 921,000-dot display as the D3400, the D3500 doesn’t benefit from a touch interface.

This list is dominated by mirrorless cameras, but if you still prefer the benefits of DSLRS – namely, their handling, superior battery lives and value – then we think the Nikon D3500 is the best one around for beginners. Taking the baton from the hugely successful Nikon D3400, it brings a 24MP APS-C sensor and an incredible 1,550-shot battery life that beats the stamina of most mirrorless cameras by about three times. 

The useful Guide mode is there to walk beginners through creating effects like a blurred background, while the Nikon DX system has a vast array of lenses. If you're starting out, we'd recommend buying the D3500 with the AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, as its brings handy vibration reduction for very little extra cost. Those looking for a travel-friendly camera should still consider mirrorless alternatives like the Fujifilm X-T200 and Canon EOS M50 Mark II, but otherwise this remains a brilliant way to learn the photographic basics and start your new hobby.

Read our in-depth Nikon D3500 review

The best instant camera

The best instant camera for beginners

Specifications

Lens: 60mm

Focusing: Normal and macro

Flash: Built-in

Self-timer: None

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You want point-and-shoot simplicity: Auto exposure control and affordable film refills make the Instax Mini 12 an accessible camera to shoot with.

✅ You want vibrant party prints: With rich vintage colors, Instax prints have a distinctively attractive look that’s great for capturing memories.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You shoot in sunlight a lot: The Mini 12 tends to overexpose images in bright light, not helped by the always-on flash which fires every time.

❌ You want a tactile camera: The bubble-like design is fun, but it’s also slippery in the hand making it tricky to keep hold of at times.

When it comes to photo quality, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 can’t compete with present company. But if you want an instant camera that’s affordable, easy to use and fun to shoot with, we think the Mini 12 is a winner. Building on everything we loved about the Instax Mini 11, it makes it simple for beginners to create small but vibrant printed snaps.

The Mini 12 benefits from parallax correction, which we found a useful addition: it means what you see when framing is closer to what gets printed. Fujifilm has also repositioned the exposure sensor to get more accurate readings, although we found that the Mini 12 still overexposes in bright sunlight.

We did find its design a little slippery to handle, but the lens controls are even more intuitive than before: you turn on the Mini 12 by twisting its lens, or activate the close-up mode by pulling it. This straightforward setup makes it even more appealing for parties and kids, especially when you factor in the affordable cost of film refills.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 review

The best pro hybrid for sports and wildlife

The best hybrid for sports and wildlife photography

Specifications

Sensor size: Full-frame

Resolution: 45.7MP back-side illuminated stacked sensor

Viewfinder: 3.69m-dot OLED EVF

Monitor: 3-inch bi-directional tilting touchscreen, 1.04m dots

Autofocus: 493 hybrid phase/contrast detect AF points

Maximum continuous shooting rate: 20fps raw, 30fps hi-res JPEG, 120fps lo-res JPEG

Movies: 8K/60p, 4K/120p

User level: Expert

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You need a dependable camera for most situations: Pros especially need a reliable tool, first and foremost, and they won't be let down by the Nikon Z9.

✅ You want resolution and speed
What's seriously impressive about the Z9 is that it outguns the similarly-priced Nikon D6, while boasting more than twice the resolution

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a lightweight tool: Compared to the Canon EOS R3 and Sony A1, the Nikon Z9 is both heavy and bulky. 

❌ You don't need everything in one camera: Could the Nikon Z9 be more than you need, given its size and price? For example, the smaller Z7 II has the same resolution yet is almost half the price. 

Blazingly quick, the Nikon Z9 is a fantastic choice for discerning photographers in need of a camera capable of keeping up with even the most intensive sports and wildlife applications. While large thanks to its built-in vertical grip, the Z9 is a heavyweight beast for multi-angle shooting thanks to its two-way tilting touchscreen.

All the Nikon hallmarks are present with this model - namely fantastic build quality and class-leading weather sealing but the Z9 takes it up a notch. At the time of its release, it was a groundbreaking model from the brand as the first professional-grade camera without a mechanical shutter - something made possible due to its stacked sensor’s readout speeds.

Subsequent firmware releases have meant that it’s only gotten better with age too. Alongside reliable Eye AF tracking, the Z9 is capable of serving up crisp video at 8K/60p, 4K/120fps, or oversampled 4K footage with a respectable 125-minute recording limit. Stills, as you would expect, are fantastic with beautiful images coming from the 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor with excellent image stabilization.

The only potential downside with the Z9 is its larger form factor. This could be a non-issue if you prefer battery grips - or are used to the higher-end DSLRs of yesteryear - but there are smaller options out there. Nikon’s Z7 II for example offers the same level of detail for stills in a smaller package. It does, however, lack the Z9’s more advanced video features.  

Read our in-depth Nikon Z9 review

The best camera for outright image quality

The best camera for outright image quality

Specifications

Sensor size: Medium format

Resolution: 100MP

Viewfinder: 5.76m-dot

Monitor: .6-inch tilt touch screen, 2.36m-dot

Autofocus: 294-point array

Max cont. shooting rate: 3.3fps

Movies: N/A

User level: Expert

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You love design: Hasselblad X System cameras are the most beautifully designed digital cameras around with spot on handling, too.
✅ You’re a stickler for color: Where the X2D’s image quality truly stands out is in color rendition and dynamic range. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need to keep up with the action: Hasselblad's best autofocus yet is still slower than 10-year-old high-end DSLRs.
❌ You want all the features: The X2D is a purist photography experience and doesn't even record video.

If money is no object and you want the very best image quality, then the Hasselblad X2D 100C is our top pick. It’s very much a camera for photography purists – in fact it doesn’t shoot video at all – but it’s far from being outdated. We love its refreshing simplistic design and ergonomics that lets you focus on taking pictures. We also appreciated the convenience of its built-in 1TB of SSD storage.

And then there’s its 100MP medium format sensor that produces images packed with detail and unmatched color rendition, while its in-body image stabilization – a first for Hasselblad – eliminates the need for a tripod, which was previously unthinkable for a medium format camera. 

That’s not to say it doesn’t occupy a narrow niche: burst shooting tops out at 3.3fps, and even with speed enhancements, its autofocus still lags far behind the latest mirrorless models. Its native lens range is also lacking a proper telephoto option. Yet despite these drawbacks, the X2D is right up there with our favorite medium format cameras, and one to get with that winning lottery ticket. 

Read our in-depth Hasselblad X2D 100C review

The best professional DSLR camera

The best DSLR camera for pro photographers

Specifications

Type: DSLR

Sensor: Full-frame

Resolution: 30.4MP

Autofocus: 61 AF points

Screen type: 3.2-inch touchscreen, 1.62m-dot

EVF: 0.39-inch, 2.36m-dot

Continuous shooting speed: 7fps

Movies: 4K

User level: Professional

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if:

✅ You want the best DSLR performance: From autofocus to resolution, the EOS 5D Mark IV sets the bar for pro-grade DSLR models.
✅ You shoot a range of subjects: Whether you shoot landscapes or wildlife, the Mark IV's versatility means it can handle almost any scenario.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You shoot a lot of video: DCI 4K video capture is a welcome addition, but a 1.64x crop limits is usefulness for videographers.
❌ You have a limited budget: Even compared to rivals like the Nikon D850, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV commands a high price.

For professionals who prefer the feel of a DSLR, we think the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the best option available today. There’s no escaping that it represents a significant investment, but our review found that the Mark IV does plenty to justify the outlay for serious shooters.

Predictably, its 30.4MP full-frame sensor turns out fantastic amounts of detail. Our tests revealed improved dynamic range and high ISO performance compared to the 5D Mark III. We were also impressed by the reliability of the metering system, while AF tracking performed reliably well, even with a bias towards the center of the frame.

Though at times we wished for a vari-angle display, the touchscreen interface is still a welcome addition, and a neat complement to the large viewfinder. All this in a package that feels well put together and wonderfully familiar. Provided video isn’t high on your agenda – there’s a heavy 1.64x crop on 4K footage – we think the EOS 5D Mark IV is a fantastically well-rounded and versatile DSLR for photography.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review

How to choose the best camera for you

The main thing to look at when buying a digital camera is sensor size. Larger isn't always better, but it is a good guide to what kind of camera it is, how expensive the lenses will be, and who it's aimed at. In general, Micro Four Thirds and APS-C cameras are for both hobbyists and pros, while full-frame models tend to be strictly for advanced photographers with bigger budgets. Compact cameras with 1-inch sensors are for travel zooms and everyday photography. 

Other features to look out for are viewfinders (electronic or optical), which are considered essential by most photographers, and handling. If you're likely to want to use longer lenses, then a good grip is essential. You should also consider which lenses you're likely to need for your favorite types of photography – for example, bright prime lenses are better for portraits and street shooting, while wide-angle zooms are more useful for landscapes. Deciding which camera system, including lenses, is the best for you is often better than choosing a camera in isolation.

What type of camera is best for photography?

As you’ll find in our comprehensive buying guide above, there’s no single factor that defines what type of camera is best for photography. From sensor size to resolution, there are many aspects to bear in mind when choosing a stills camera, which is why it’s a good idea to consider the feedback from our real-world tests when deciding.

The importance of each of these factors will come down to your preferred style of shooting. Objectively speaking, the larger a camera’s sensor, the more light it can gather – and the higher its resolution, the sharper its images will be. That’s why we rate mirrorless cameras such as the Sony A1 so highly for their stills performance: its 50.1MP full-frame sensor is the class of the field.

But the question isn’t necessarily that simple. The highest resolutions tend to be overkill unless you’re a professional photographer. Equally, full-frame cameras are less travel-friendly due to the size of their sensors. For that reason, you might prefer a mirrorless camera with a high-resolution APS-C sensor, such as the Fujifilm X-H2. Or if you’re just starting out, the best photography camera for you could be an APS-C model with a lower resolution, such as the Canon EOS R10.

The elephant in the room is whether a DLSR is better than a mirrorless camera for photography. For a full analysis of this question, it’s worth reading our mirrorless vs DSLR camera guide. The short summary is that most manufacturers regard mirrorless cameras as the future of photography, with the latest models offering unrivalled performance and results. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you should discount DSLR models, as you can read below.

Are DSLRs best for photography?

DSLRs have long been a byword for 'serious' photography, but they're no longer at the top the camera tech tree. Mirrorless cameras, which replace the DSLR's optical viewfinder with a wholly electronic EVF, are now the beneficiaries of the camera giants' latest lenses and autofocus systems. Neither Canon nor Nikon has released a new DSLR in years. That's why our list above is dominated by mirrorless cameras, rather than DSLRs. 

That doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't consider buying a DSLR for photography. Their main benefit now is value for money – their lack of an electronic viewfinder means they're usually cheaper than mirrorless equivalents, and their maturity means they have a wide range of affordable lenses. Classic DSLRs like the Canon EOS 6D are also excellent second-hand buys. But the smarter long-term investments are now mirrorless cameras.

How we test cameras

The best cameras for photography don't going to come cheap these days, and so it's important to read up on real-world tests such as TechRadar's which are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character, so we focus heavily on those, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.

To start with, we look at the camera's design, handling and controls to get a sense of what kind of photographer it's aimed at and who would most enjoy shooting with it. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed.

Regarding performance, we use the fastest supported memory card type (whether that's UHS-I, UHS-II, CFexpress and so on) and make sure it's formatted, then shoot photos in both raw and JPEG (if available). We have standardized camera settings to test burst shooting (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) – we then select the various burst shooting modes and shoot sequences in front of a stopwatch to record how long sequences last, the number of frame and how quickly the buffers clears, repeating the test for both raw and JPEG files.

In various lighting conditions, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in single point, area and continuous modes. We also shoot a range of photos of different styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) in raw and JPEG to get a sense of metering and its sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.

If the camera's raw files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how we can push areas like shadow recovery. And we'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.

Battery life is another important consideration. We start our test with a fully charged battery and run our usual camera testing until the battery has reached zero. We then count how many shots were possible and check that number against the camera's official CIPA rating – the results can differ for better or for worse. Finally, we test the camera's video skills by shooting some test footage at different frame-rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.

We then take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value-for-money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbHCoamanJGne6S7zGilnq%2BjZK%2Bmv9Nmmpqllaeu