While the best smartphones keep getting better with computational photography and crazy telephoto lenses, dedicated cameras still produce footage you just can get on your mobile device. Our favorite camera is the Fujifilm X-T5 thanks to its stunning image quality for a great price. But whether you’re after a full-frame camera for the crispest and most detailed shots or a rugged option to take on your next camping adventure, we’ve found a camera for you.
TL;DR – These are the Best Cameras:
The best cameras give you so much more flexibility with changing your focal length, bokeh, and tweaking exposure. Not to mention dedicated cameras are far more capable when shooting sports, landscapes, video, and almost anything you throw their way, so take a look at our top five picks below.
1. Fujifilm X-T5
Best Camera
Pros:
- Well-priced
- 40MP sensor produces detailed, low-noise images
Cons:
- Not great for shooting video
The Fujifilm isn’t the fastest, most accurate, highest resolution camera in the work, nor is it the best camera for video. But it’s possibly one of the best-priced cameras on the market at $1,699 to start that offers plenty of character that hits the right balance of image quality between megapixels, noise, and color.
From the outside, this is a real photographer’s camera with all the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture dials right at your fingertips, leaving you with almost no need to ever get into a digital menu while shooting. Then the 40MP sensor produces images with plenty of detail without introducing too much noise even at higher ISO speeds. Shooting video with this camera is passable for most users, but it’ll take a lot of work and gear to create something cinematic with the Fujifilm X-T5.
2. Sony A7 IV
Best Full Frame Camera
Pros:
- Fast autofocus system
- Records 4K60p video with full 10-bit 4:2:2 color
Cons:
- Lower res 30MP sensor
If your budget allows it and you’re looking for more depth of field in your images and better video overall shoot for the $2,499 Sony A7 IV. This full-frame camera features a 33MP sensor that might be lower-res than our top pick, but it’s bolstered by one of the best and fastest autofocus systems around and a powerful Bionz XR processor.
This camera also offers much better video capabilities with up 7K that’s downsampled to a higher detailed 4K30p output. Alternatively, you can record a 4K60p video with full 10-bit 4:2:2 color. Just be aware there’s a large 4K crop when shooting at full resolution and your frame will shrink dramatically.
3. Panasonic Lumix S5 II
Best Camera for Video
Pros:
- Steady and reliable autofocus mode in video
- Great weatherproofing
Cons:
- Bulkier design
If you’re looking to specialize in more photos than video the Panasonic S5 II hits an insanely sweet spot for features to its $1,999 price. It only features a 24MP sensor, but it still shoots up to 10-bit 6K video at 30 frames per second. Plus you have all the V-Log if you like to color correct your footage and plenty of industry standards like CineD2, CineV2, and a Rec2100 HLG.
The autofocus in video mode is also steady and reliable. The best thing about shooting video with the Panasonic Lumix S5 II is it has a built-in fan with shielded ventilation that’s cleverly built into the viewfinder so you can record even while it’s raining.
4. GoPro Hero 12 Black
Best Action Camera
Pros:
- Excellent stabilization features
- 5.3K 60p 10-bit video
Cons:
- Poor performance in low-light
If you’re after a camera ready to take on all your adventures from skiing and mountain biking to skydiving and cliff jumping, a GoPro Hero is the best companion. The latest model continues the ultra-durable, feature-rich tradition. So, you’ll enjoy top-notch stabilization, Bluetooth audio, time-coded footage, and a whole lot more that make it great for novices and professionals alike.
The GoPro Hero 12 Black records footage using a 27MP sensor with a unique, almost square 8:7 aspect for easier reframing into horizontal and/or vertical media. The results are crisp and vivid images in the daylight, but the camera’s performance in low-light situations could be better. Still, the addition of HDR along with 5.3K 60p 10-bit video makes for stunning shots. You even get great mics, making this a viable vlogging option.
5. DJI Mini 4 Pro
Best Drone
Pros:
- Camera flips vertically and horizontally
- Compact, lightweight design avoids aerial regulations
Cons:
- Lightweight build is more susceptible to damage
Looking to take your shots to the sky? The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a small but mighty camera drone available for under $1,000. With it comes a unique nose-mounted camera that flips vertically or horizontally, excellent stabilization for ultra-smooth video, and an awesome ActiveTrack 360° feature. The sensor is capable of capturing high-resolution 48MP RAW photos and recording video at up to 4K at 60 frames per second in SDR, HDR, and D-Log M for some vivid footage.
You don’t need to worry about being a professional when handling this drone, as it’s under 249 grams so it can slip under some aerial regulations, and comes with an obstacle sensing to help with navigation. At the same time, it’s not lacking power, lasting 45 or 34 minutes, depending on the battery chosen, and hitting a maximum flying speed of 35.8mph.
How to Choose the Best Camera
A budget must first be set before venturing out to find a camera. You’ll find low-cost digital point-and-shoot digital cameras work well for personal photography and vlogs. Upping your spending, a 4/3 or APS-C sensor delivers better, more detailed footage appealing to hobbyists and professionals alike. Full-frame cameras cross the threshold, becoming a true pro-level option with a high price tag to follow.
In addition to your typical offerings, we’ve included more rugged cameras ready to withstand drops and water. There’s even a drone in this guide. These options can shoot some surprisingly great still and video footage for less money than you’d expect. If you’re looking for something to take adventuring, you may want to consider one of these cameras instead.
After deciding on your budget and camera type, there are a host of features and extras to choose from. Grabbing a camera with automatic controls is perfect for beginners, while manual controls are great once you get the hang of the craft. Megapixels aren’t as important as you’d think but still affect the image quality, providing larger shots with more detail. Still, even professional photographers get by just fine with 24MP. Lenses often need to be purchased separately, and different ones should be used based on the photos you take, be it portraits, landscapes, or close-ups. Just a word of warning, lenses don’t come cheap, so grabbing a standard one is a great place to start.
Camera FAQ
Why is a standalone camera better than a phone?
The best iPhones and Android phones take some top-notch photos, which will make you question why you need a camera at all. And some people may not, especially if you’re just taking everyday shots and videos for sharing on socials. Plus, it’s hard to beat the compact size and versatility phones bring.
But for those who want to get creative or use their footage for more than posts on social media, a camera is an amazing tool. You’ll enjoy manual controls to skew the shot exactly to your liking, while the ability to swap specialized lenses gives you finer control over the composition.
High-end smartphone models like the iPhone 15 Pro and even budget offerings including the Google Pixel 7a feature sensors with higher megapixels than the cameras in this guide. However, megapixels aren’t everything, and when you blow up a phone’s images on a bigger screen, you’ll quickly see why a standalone camera reigns supreme. A camera’s shots will feature richer colors and more detail.
Of course, you can’t forget the convenience that the design of a camera brings. You’ll enjoy viewfinders, and some offer a tilting or rotating screen to easily see what you’re capturing, even at awkward angles. The ergonomics of the camera are far superior, and the physical, tactile shutter is easier to press than the touchscreen on your phone.
Which cameras are best for beginners?
For those just dipping their toes in the world of photography, a smartphone or a simple point-and-shoot camera featuring fully automatic operation is the best place to start. If you’ve enjoyed your time using those cameras and are looking to make photography a hobby, that’s when you’ll want to invest in something a little nicer. Find a camera that allows you to swap lenses and adjust settings manually, so you can grow your skills. Mirrorless cameras are a great option, as they’re often lightweight and speedier than their DSLR counterparts. Be sure whichever you choose has both manual and automatic modes because honing this craft takes some practice
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Kevin Lee is IGN’s SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam.
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