The best camera for photography 2022 – the best choice for every style and budget

Sony A7 IV

It would never be easy to follow Sony’s fantastic A7 III, but the A7 IV is a worthy successor. Featuring a new 33MP sensor suitable for both photos and videos, it’s an interesting mirrorless option for hybrid photographers. In our review we called it “a brilliant combination of photographic power and video versatility”. The increase in price means it’s no longer an entry-level full-frame camera like its predecessor, but the Bionz XR processor has solid performance that justifies the extra cost.

The A7 IV also benefits from Sony’s premium autofocus features, as well as upgrades like 10-bit video support and infinite buffer depth with the CFexpress card. Our tests found this buffer to be more generous than most photographers need, with image quality more resolution-oriented than low-light performance. No hybrid camera works without compromise – 4K images abound, and it’s not the easiest camera for beginners. The Canon EOS R6 also offers faster shutter speeds for the same price. But given its powerful versatility and higher resolution, the Sony A7 IV deserves our number one spot.

Fujifilm X-T4

It’s not a full-frame camera, but in our review we called the Fujifilm X-T4 the best APS-C camera we’ve ever tested, and the combination of features, size and value make it a great choice for amateur photographers. . The X-T4 builds on the impressive foundation of the Fujifilm X-T3, adding internal image stabilization (IBIS), faster burst shots, and some successful design improvements. Its versatile capabilities are enhanced by a larger battery (allowing it to shoot 500 shots on a single charge) and improved autofocus, which our tests have proven to be fast and reliable in most scenarios.

We think the X-T4’s 26-megapixel APS-C sensor is the class leader for stills, but the X-T4 is also an excellent camcorder. Internal Image Stabilization (IBIS) is a big plus here, and the X-T4 supports it with a wide range of tools and a great shooting experience, including a fully articulated touchscreen. It may cost as much as some full-frame cameras, but the X-T4 and its fine selection of X-series lenses are a great smaller option for those looking for an all-in-one mirrorless camera. Despite the looming prospect of the Fujifilm X-H2, it remains one of the best cameras for photography.

Canon EOS R6

While the Canon EOS R5 is superior to most people, the EOS R6 is a more affordable full-frame option that is simply one of the best cameras for photography. If you already own one of Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless cameras, like the EOS R, or one of its DSLRs, this is a more than worthwhile upgrade. Based on our review, the EOS R6 has best-in-class autofocus, an excellent built-in image stabilization system, and burst shooting capabilities that make it an excellent camera for wildlife or sports photography.

Despite its ability to record 4K / 60p video, the EOS R6 lacks options such as DCI 4K mode and we have found that it has overheating limits compared to video-centric rivals like the Sony A7S III, making it more suitable for shooting. photo. But for photography, it’s an excellent (but expensive) option, with truly impressive autofocus, controls, and features making it one of the best options for anyone who needs a full-frame camera.

OM OM-1 system

Not everyone needs a full-frame camera, and like the Fujifilm X-T4 (see # 2 above), the OM OM-1 system takes advantage of the smaller sensor to create an attractive option for those who prioritize size. and versatility. and a fun portable experience. With a new stacked Micro Four Thirds sensor, the first of its kind, and a fast TruePix X processor, the OM-1 performed admirably in most of our tests. Simply put, it’s one of the coolest 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 predecessors. Computer facilities are also the best available outside of a smartphone, and things like High Res Shot, Live ND, and in-camera focus stacking compensate for the smaller sensor somewhat.

Canon EOS R7

If you enjoy photographing fast-moving subjects like wildlife and can’t move your head around a full-frame Canon camera like the EOS R6, the EOS R7 is an excellent choice. It has a smaller APS-C sensor, so its high ISO performance isn’t as strong as its full-frame siblings, but the upside is that you get a wider range with smaller lenses. The EOS R7 also offers fast shooting speeds, with our tests supporting claims of 15fps (with the mechanical shutter) or 30fps if you switch to using the electronic shutter. You won’t be able to sustain these speeds as long as a camera like the EOS R6, but a few seconds is enough to capture most of the wildlife.

Another big advantage of Canon’s EOS R system is its autofocus capabilities in subject tracking, and the EOS R7 inherits them as well. Our tests proved that this was a dream for the subjects of nature, action and sport. We were also fans of its thick grip, which makes it comfortable with long lenses, as well as its two UHS-II card slots, meaning it’s a camera that might even tempt pros to look for a different body. The only downside at the moment is the lack of native lenses for the EOS R7’s APS-C sensor, of which only two are available at the time of writing. However, you can always attach current full frame RF lenses or tweak older EF lenses while you wait for Canon to produce more.

Nikon Z6 II

The Nikon Z6 has reigned on this list for a long time – and while the Z6 II is just a modest successor, it should definitely be on anyone looking for a full-frame camera. The Z6 still offers good value for money, but we think the Z6 II is worth the extra cost if you can afford it – it’s one of our favorites based on our review experience.

The Expeed 6 add-on processor brings a number of improvements, including a new 14fps burst mode (versus the Z6’s 12fps) and some useful AF effects (especially for animal eye and face detection). You also get an additional UHS-II slot to complement the existing XQD / CFexpress slot, and a firmware update introduced a new 4K / 60p video mode. Our tests in various scenarios showed that the 24-megapixel full-cell BSI CMOS sensor works well at high ISOs. The Z6 II also has class-leading build quality that feels better in the hand than its competitors.

Fujifilm X-S10

It’s hard to think of another camera that offers the same combination of size, performance, affordability and appeal as the Fujifilm X-S10. For both hobbyists and professionals looking for a small mirrorless camera, it’s an excellent choice that covers all platforms for both photos and videos. As our review found, you get the proven 26.1MP APS-C sensor (the same as the Fujifilm X-T4, see above) and impressively for the camera this tiny internal image stabilization (IBIS).

This feature, which helps preserve image quality when shooting handheld, is also found on some smaller Sony and Olympus cameras, but none offer the excellent handling or functionality of the X-S10 according to our tests. It has a conveniently replaceable screen, excellent build quality and impressive 4K video recording. Pair it with a prime lens and you’ll have a great travel or street camera, although the X-S10’s large grip makes it great even with longer lenses.

Nikon Z5

While not perfect, the Nikon Z5 is the best entry-level full-frame camera you can buy right now, making it a great option for those looking to upgrade to a larger camera for the first time. With 24.3 megapixels that reliably produce crisp, sharp and clear images, a reliable autofocus system, and a comfortable, well-built camera body, the Nikon Z5 was very popular during our review.

Equipping the same high-resolution viewfinder as its more advanced Z6 / Z7 siblings is a nice touch that adds a touch of premium quality to the process. The disappointments of the Z5 are things some may not worry about – the maximum frame rate of 4.5 frames per second is astounding for action photographers, and cropping 4K video is frustrating for vloggers. Do any of these things bother you? It is one of the best cameras for photography and a great choice for those who want full frame on a budget.