The Best Cameras 2021
Mar 14th, 2021
Best Camera 2021: We put together 10 top options from all different price ranges
We selected the best cameras from paperbacks to action cameras and full size SLRs.Looking for the best camera for you? We are here to help you.
If you don’t know which model would be best for you, we recommend narrowing down your options as follows. Of course, your own available budget means a lot when buying a new camera, but perhaps even more important is identifying your own level of experience as well as your shooting style. There are several great cameras in the world, but it is pointless to buy professional quality if you just click the pictures every now and then.
For novice photographers, there are also numerous excellent options, such as the Fujifilm X-S10 and the Nikon Z50. For the more experienced, we recommend the full-cell Canon EOS R6 or Nikon Z6 II. Regardless of your own photography experience, choosing the best camera depends on identifying your own needs and then meeting them with the guide below.
To help you choose, we have considered the size, price and features of the cameras in the guide when choosing the best camera in each category. Each camera in our buying guide is excellent in its own area, ranging from best-in-class value for money.
Choose the best camera for you
The supply of cameras has shrunk in recent years - fewer new models are coming, and few new products will remain on store shelves longer before a new version is launched.
One would think that the choice would thus be even easier, but the declining number of models has led to a situation where only a few camera types dominate the whole market. The features are similar in many, even if the manufacturer is different.
Image quality, which is the most important criterion for most buyers when choosing a new camera, is better than good in almost all cameras sold today. This is especially true for SLRs, both mirrorless and mirrorless, which, regardless of the manufacturer, offer such good image quality that a highly trained eye is required to notice qualitative differences.
Thus, other features of the cameras play a more important role. How well does autofocus work? Can the camera maintain a high shutter speed for two seconds or two minutes? Is the device resistant to water and dust? Is a bright telephoto lens available for the camera? Does the video work well? And so on.
The easiest way is to read the tests and find out if there is a camera that is best suited for your own use. A photographer who crawls among the undergrowth to capture immortal moments of nature needs quite different qualities than parents who want to photograph their offspring.
The best camera depends very much on your own needs. Many needs can be met with a cell phone camera, but they still have their limitations that make many end up buying a decent camera. The right camera still offers better image quality and more options.
Before we get to the best cameras of the year, let’s go through a few more basic things about choosing the right device.
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1. Fujifilm X-T4
2. Canon EOS R6
3. Nikon Z6 II
4. Fujifilm X-S10
5. Sony A7 III
6. Nikon Z50
7. Fujifilm X100V
8. Sony A6100
9. Nikon D3500
10. Sony A7S III
1. Fujifilm X-T4
Are you looking for a hybrid camera that is capable of both video and photography? Then the Fujifilm X-T4 is one of your best options. It is one of the best APS-C cameras we have tested and improve on the Fujifilm X-T3convincing output with built-in stabilizer (IBIS), faster burst shooting, and other useful embellishments. It also has a large battery that can shoot around 500 images, as well as enhanced autofocus that is reliable and fast. The 26-megapixel sensor is the best in its class, but the real splendor of the X-T4 lies in its video capabilities. IBIS already helps tremendously, but in addition, the camera has a wide range of tools to ensure a great video shooting experience. The price of the camera is in front of a full-cell camera, but a good selection of X-series lenses makes this an excellent and smaller option for those looking for a mirrorless camera.
- • Cell: APS-C
- • Resolution: 26.1 MP I'm looking for: 3 690K points Display: 3.0 - inch foldable touch screen, 1,620K dots Focus: 425-point AF
- • Continuous shooting speed: 15 fps (mechanical shutter), 30 fps (electronic)
- • Video recording: 4K @ 60 fps
- • User level: Medium
2. Canon EOS R6
While the Canon EOS R5 is an exaggerated choice for most, it’s still one of the cheapest full-screen options, which is also one of the best cameras currently available to buy. If you already own Canon’s previous mirrorless full-cell model, this is a worthwhile upgrade for the better. The EOS R6 has best-in-class focus, excellent image stabilization and comic speed, making it suitable for animal and sports photography.
While the camera is capable of capturing 4K / 60fps video, the EOS R6 lacks DCI 4K-like features and has overheating limitations that make it a better alternative to just photography. For them, it’s an excellent, albeit expensive, alternative with the convincing focus, usability, and features that make the EOS R6 one of the best cameras on the market right now.
- • Cell: Full cell
- • Resolution: 20.1 MP
- • Display: 3.0 - inch foldable touch screen, 1,620K dots
- • Focus: 6 072-point AF
- • Continuous shooting speed : 12 fps (with mechanical shutter), 20 fps (electronic)
- • Video: 4K @ 60 images / s
- • Level of use: Professional
3. Nikon Z6 II
The aging Nikon Z6 has been our choice as the best camera for a long time. While the Z6 II is only a moderate upgrade from its predecessor, both options are still top options when looking for a full-cell camera. The Z6 continues on the path of great quality and offers great usability, but we think the Z6 II is worth the extra price. Its revamped EXPEED 6 processor brings with it slide-out enhancements such as a new 14-image burst (the Z6 had 12) and convenient autofocus enhancements, especially for eye and face detection.
In addition, the camera has an additional UHS-II slot and the predecessor XQD / CFexpress slot, in addition to which the firmware update will add 4K / 60p shooting mode to the camera in February 2021. The II has the best frame in its class that can withstand more bumps than its competitors.
- • Cell: Full cell
- • Resolution: 24.5 MP
- • Display: 3.2 - inch flexible touch screen, 2,100k dots Focus: 273-point hybrid AF
- • Continuous shooting: 14 fps
- • Video: 4K @ 30p
- • User level: Intermediate / professional
4. Fujifilm X-S10
Sometimes mirrorless cameras manage to find the ideal point in terms of size, price and features - and that’s where the Fujifilm X-S10 can be found. It is suitable for both hobbyists and professionals who need another camera with them. It is capable of capturing high quality both photos and video. The reliable 26.1 megapixel APS-C sensor is packed into a compact camera with built-in image stabilization. It also has a convenient folding screen, great design and 4K video capability. When you buy a fixed lens alongside the camera, it’s great for travel and street photography. But thanks to the camera's large handle, a larger telephoto lens also fits well.
- • Cell: APS-C
- • Resolution: 26.1 MP
- • Display: 3 - inch folding touch screen, 1.04 million dots Focus: 425-point hybrid AF
- • Continuous shooting: 8 fps (mechanical), 20 fps (electronic) Video: 4K @ 30p
- • User level: Beginner / intermediate
5. Sony A7 III
It's easy to fall in love with the Sony A7 III. Already the first A7 model in the series and the successor A7 II showed that Sony's camera technology is going in the right direction. At the latest, this newest addition to the collection really managed to stand out in the market for mid-range mirrorless cameras.
The camera's core is powerful enough for even faster-paced shooting: the body includes a 24.2-megapixel full-frame, 4K video recording, internal image stabilization, 10-frame burst speed and a 693-point autofocus system. The dual memory card slot and 710-frame battery life complete the first-class package in terms of value for money and performance. There is still room for improvement in the viewfinder and weather protection, but despite its small shortcomings, the Sony A7 III is definitely one of the most versatile cameras of the moment.
- • Cell: Full size
- • cell Resolution: 24.2 MP
- • Display: 3.0-inch swivel touch screen, 921,000 dots
- • Autofocus: 693-point autofocus
- • Continuous shooting speed: 10 fps Video: 4K
- • User level: Intermediate / professional
6. Nikon Z50
Looking for a smaller and cheaper version of the full-screen Nikon Z6 for travel and overview? The Nikon Z50 sits perfectly in the task and offers an excellent transition to Nikon’s mid-range APS-C cameras. The camera is especially suitable for those who want to replace the digital SLR camera with a mirrorless body. Unlike the smallest competitors, such as the Fujifilm X-T30, the Nikon Z50 is focused on handling, which can be seen, for example, in the sturdy handle.
The Z50 produces excellent photos. The camera has the same high-quality autofocus system as the Nikon Z6, which is especially helpful when shooting static subjects. However, in sports and action shooting, the autofocus system is not quite up to the level of the Sony A6400.
The impressive electronic viewfinder and swivel touch screen make the Z50 a notable body for travel and overview. The camera gets even more versatile when you get an adapter for Nikon's older F-mount lenses - making the lens range much wider than the new Z lenses.
- • Camera Type: Mirrorless Cell: APS-C
- • Resolution: 20.9 MP
- • Lens: Z-mount
- • Display: 3.2-inch swivel touch screen, 1,036,080 dots
- • Viewfinder: Electronic Continuous shooting speed: 11 fps
- • Video: 4K
- • User level: Enthusiast
The Fujifilm X100V should not work on paper. It is a compact camera reminiscent of 1950s models with a fixed 23mm f / 2 lens and an expensive price tag. Yet this model has become a classic among photographers. Behind that timeless body lies something special.
7. Fujifilm X100V
The X100V retains everything that worked before and corrects shortcomings by adding, among other things, a foldable touch screen and water resistance, which, however, requires a separate filter. The fixed lens in the series has always been excellent for street and portrait photography, and the end result is even better today thanks to the new 26.1 MP APS-C sensor and X-Processor 4 processor. In addition, the focus is faster and the image quality and noise reduction are better. The hybrid EVF also has a higher resolution. When you add even faster continuous shooting and 4K video capabilities to the equation, you have a very attractive compact camera in your hands. It has a limited user base and an expensive price tag, but there is little like it on the market.
- • Type: High quality compact Cell: APS-C X-Trans CMOS
- • Resolution: 26.1 MP Lens mount: 23 mm, f / 2
- • Display: 3.0 - inch folding touch screen, 1.62m dots Continuous shooting speed: 11 fps
- • Video: 4K
- • User level: Beginner / hobbyist
8. Sony A6100
Launched five years ago, the Sony A6000 for beginners has proven to be a hugely popular camera. Now, Sony has added several enhancements to its successor, the A6100, to keep the camera increasingly competitive in the current mirrorless camera market.
The compact yet powerful A6100 is beginner-friendly but also includes features that even the most adventurous photographers will appreciate. The full potential of the camera does not immediately come into its own, but that does not mean that no joy can be found. The camera features the same 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor as Sony’s higher-end cameras, and the autofocus system is also inherited from the manufacturer’s flagship model, the Sony A6600 . The result is excellent tracking capability that, combined with a good lens, produces sharp and color-accurate images.
Battery life is also valid, and the display responds to touch - albeit with minor limitations. The camera also shares a few performance and handling issues with its more expensive siblings: for example, the Auto ISO feature is not suitable for shooting moving subjects. However, a few disadvantages are excusable, especially for such a model for beginners. The versatile A6100 deserves the same popularity as its predecessor.
- • Camera type: Mirrorless Cell: APS-C
- • Resolution: 24.2 MP
- • Lens mount: Sony E
- • Viewfinder: Electronic Display: 2.95-inch swivel touch screen, 921,600 dots
- • Continuous shooting speed: 11 fps
- • Video: 4K
- • User level: Beginner
9. Nikon D3500
This list is dominated by mirrorless cameras, but if you’re looking for a traditional SLR camera for better usability, battery life and value, then we recommend the Nikon D3500. It is the best camera for beginners with a 24 MP APS-C sensor and almost three times the battery life of 1,550 shots compared to mirrorless cameras. Useful Guide mode guides you through hazy wallpapers, among other things, and Nikon DX series lenses come with a big slide.
If you are just starting to shoot, we recommend purchasing the AF-P DX 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G VR lens with the D3500, as it has a built-in stabilizer. If you plan to take the camera on a frequent trip, then we still recommend a mirrorless option like the Fujifilm X-T200 or the Canon EOS M50, but otherwise it’s a good idea to start with the basics of photography.
- • Type: Digital SLR camera Cell: APS-C CMOS, 24.2 MP
- • Lens mount: Nikon F
- • Display: 3 inches, 921K dots Viewfinder: Optical Continuous shooting speed: 5 fps
- • Video: 1080p
- • User level: Beginner
10. Sony A7S III
For a long time, it looked like the Sony A7S III would never arrive, but our expectations were rewarded. If you are looking for a full-cell hybrid camera specifically designed for video use, this model is your best option. Actually, the only reason the A7S III is not on a higher ranking is its high price. If price is not an obstacle and you want a small 4K camera that is extremely capable in low light shooting situations, you will not be disappointed. The video quality is excellent and the camera can record for long periods of time. Unlike the limited video recording on the Canon EOS R5, we didn’t come across any overheating warnings here, even though we were shooting over 30 minutes into the tube.
The A7S III is a professional-grade camera with professional-grade video capabilities: it can shoot 16-bit raw via HDMI, has excellent focus, a 9.44 MP viewfinder and built-in image stabilization that makes handheld shooting smooth. Of course, it also has a headphone jack and a 3.5 mm microphone jack, as well as the option for XLR audio and four audio inputs via the XLR-K3M. If you don’t miss high-resolution photos, it’s also a viable option for photography. This is undoubtedly a costly option, but otherwise the Sony A7S III is the best camera in its class and takes mirrorless video functionality to a whole new level.
- • Type: Mirrorless
- • Cell: Full cell Resolution: 12.1 MP Lens mount: Sony E
- • Viewfinder: 9.44 MP EVF
- • Display: 1.44m dot touch screen
- • Continuous shooting mode: 10 fps Video: 4K @ 120 images / s
- • User level: Intermediate / professional
Check these things before buying a new camera
When you buy a new camera, you need to figure out many features and functions. We made a list of the most important things to consider. Feel free to first take a look at camera tests and product reviews, for example in the Digital Image Tool Guide , you will see what experienced professionals have said about the models that interest you.People’s camera needs are different, but there are a few basic things to at least pay attention to when considering stores.
1. Image sensor size
The size of the image sensor is the single technical factor that most affects image quality.The image sensor captures light, as the film did on analog cameras in decades ago.The cells of cheaper compact cameras and smartphones are smaller than the claw of a little dragonfly, while the cells of full-size cameras are the size of a large stamp, so it can collect much more light and image information.
2. Number of focus points
Some cameras have thousands of focus points, but whether they are 50 or 5,000 is not as essential as one might think in light of the numbers. The important thing is that they are evenly distributed over the image area so that the camera can focus even if the subject is at the edge or at an angle. Focus points usually fill a larger portion of the image area when shooting through the screen than when shooting through the optical viewfindr. Focusing is faster when shooting through the viewfinder.
3. Burst speed
Continuous shooting speed refers to how many frames per second the camera can take.For landscape and building photographers and portraits, this is not particularly important, but for sports and bird photographers, for example, it is a good thing if the burst speed is at least ten frames per second.
4. Battery life
The better the battery life, the better - then the risk of losing a good shooting situation in the event of a power outage is reduced. In practice, however, one charge gets more dry than promised in the operating instructions.The operating instructions usually describe a shooting method in which the camera is turned off and on often, and e.g. flash. Video recording, of course, consumes battery power briskly.If the indicated number of shots on a single charge is less than 400, we recommend purchasing a spare battery if there is a lot to shoot in one shooting trip.
5. ISO sensitivity
At high ISO values, you can shoot in low light without shaking the images and showing too much movement. As the ISO sensitivity is increased, the image signal from the cell is amplified, and at the same time the image noise is increased.Some cameras have the option of using six- or seven-digit ISO values, although this may not tell you much about how good or better bad results are obtained at the highest ISO sensitivities.However, a high maximum value can be an indication that medium values such as ISO 25 600 or 51 200 still produce quite valid images.We do not usually exceed ISO 12,800 to ensure that the image quality is always good enough.
6. Display
Today, the size of a liquid crystal display (LCD) is usually 3 to 3.2 inches. Screen accuracy is at least as important. It should preferably have at least a million dots so that the image it reproduces does not pixelate.It’s also at least a good thing if the screen turns in different directions. This makes it much easier to shoot, for example, overhead or on the ground.
7. Ergonomics
You should try the camera at a store, if at all possible. Only then do you feel how it feels in your hands - even when you have a lens attached to it.At the same time, check how conveniently the main controls and buttons are positioned.
8. Resolution
Camera resolution was still a hot topic of discussion a few years ago, but today most cameras have a resolution of at least 12 megapixels, images are always repeated in detail unless printed on paper and enlarged to poster size.The 4K screen is equivalent to 8.3 megapixels, and the 17 megapixel image can already be magnified into a high-quality A3 poster without any worries. The high resolution also allows for severe cropping and partial enlargements.
9. Camera system
When purchasing a SLR camera, you should consider the composition of the included accessories such as a lens, flash unit, etc. - in relation to what you already have.Some systems include, for example, special lenses.It may also be that your old lenses are accessing your new camera through an adapter.
10. Weather protection
You should also consider whether you want a weatherproof model with joints that are all sealed so that water and dust cannot get in.Most cameras can withstand a small cloud of dust and morning fog, but if you want to shoot in heavy rain or at the seaside, you should get a fully weatherproof camera.Digital image number 10/2019 contains a large camera guide that brings together all the SLR cameras on the market.
11. The smart light tent guarantees perfect light and sharp images
With the digital photo tent, you get a nice little home studio that is also easy to take with you anywhere.The new light tent makes it easier than ever to photograph macro objects such as flowers and insects or food and goods that are to be sold over the internet.The uniform background of the light tent gives your images a professional look, and its LED lamps illuminate the images perfectly without shadows or reflections.
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