The best cameras for photography haven't forgotten their photography roots.
Although cameras these days may be increasingly focusing on video, there are some seriously impressive new contenders with much improved autofocusing and burst shooting skills.
So, if you're looking for a solid stills camera, you have plenty of excellent options.
Every one seeks for a good camera to have a clear picture of what we are shooting.
Is it a versatile camera for everyday shooting that you need? Or are you looking to specialize in a particular sub-genre? Is it speed, size, or style that's more important to you?
Will you be needing something with interchangeable lenses or is a fixed lens better suited for you?
We have gathered the best of the cameras, splitting this guide into three skill levels — enthusiasts, novices, and advanced.
Each one contains the best cameras, and systems, for those experience levels and budgets.
Sony A7 IV - Almost a perfect all-rounder that's great for stills and video.
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
PRICE - 2,06,136.23.
REASONS TO BUY
- Impressive 33MP sensor.
- Class-leading autofocus.
- Vari-angle screen.
REASONS TO AVOID
- Heavily cropped 4K footage.
- Complex for beginners.
Sony A7 IV is a "brilliant blend of photographic power and video versatility".
The A7 IV benefits from Sony’s class-leading autofocus skills, upgrades like 10-bit video support and a seemingly endless buffer depth with a CFexpress card.
Fujifilm X-H2 — A stunning alternative to full-frame.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sensor size: APS-C
Resolution: 40MP
Viewfinder: 5,760K dots
Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1,620K dots
Autofocus: 425-point AF
Maximum continuous shooting rate: 15fps (mechanical shutter), 20fps (electronic)
Movies: 8K/30p
User level: Advanced
PRICE - 1,90,158.
REASONS TO BUY
- Superb, high-resolution stills.
- 8K video with lengthy record times.
- Cheaper than full-frame rivals.
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not as fast as X-H2S.
- No 4K/120p video mode.
The X-H2 offers 15 fps burst shooting with its mechanical shutter, with an impressively deep buffer if you use CFexpress cards.
This makes it impressively versatile and more than good enough for capturing action, if not quite as rapid as the X-H2S.
We reckon you that X-H2's 40MP APS-C sensor is now class-leading for stills photography.
Throw in IBIS and a deep grip that feels comfortable in the hand no matter which X-series lens you pair it with, and you have a recipe for a really enjoyable snapping companion.
Canon EOS R6 — A superb camera with best-in-class features.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sensor size: Full-frame
Resolution: 20.1MP
Viewfinder: 3,690K dots
Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1,620K dots
Autofocus: 6,072-point AF
Maximum continuous shooting rate: 12fps (mechanical shutter), 20fps (electronic)
Movies: 4K at 60p
User level: Professional
PRICE - 2,09,990.
REASONS TO BUY
- Class-leading autofocus.
- Excellent full-frame IBIS.
- Dual card slots.
REASONS TO AVOID
- Video recording limits.
- 20MP resolution.
The EOS R6 brings best-in-class autofocus, a superb in-body image stabilization system, and burst shooting powers that mark it out as a very fine camera for wildlife or sports photography.
For photography, it's an excellent option that delivers hugely impressive autofocus, handling and features that make it one of the best options around for anyone who needs a full-frame camera.
OM System OM-1 — A brilliant all-rounder for those who don't need full-frame.
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
PRICE - 1,62,990.
REASONS TO BUY
- Stacked sensors boost performance.
- Impressive stabilization.
- Useful computational modes.
REASONS TO AVOID
- Only 20MP resolution.
- Slightly fiddly controls.
The OM System harnesses the benefits of its smaller sensor to create a compelling alternative for those whose priorities are size, versatility and a fun handheld experience.
Quite simply, it's one of the most enjoyable cameras you can buy.
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.
Canon EOS R7 — A fine choice for wildlife photographers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sensor size: APS-C
Resolution: 32.5MP
Viewfinder: 2,360K dots
Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1,620K dots
Autofocus: 5,915-point AF
Maximum continuous shooting rate: 15fps (mechanical shutter), 30fps (electronic)
Movies: 4K at 60p
User level: Hobbyist / professional
PRICE - 2,99,386.
REASONS TO BUY
- Speedy burst shooting.
- Tenacious autofocus.
- Great value.
REASONS TO AVOID
- Limited native lenses.
- No 4K/120p video mode.
If you like shooting fast-moving subjects like wildlife and can't quite stretch to a full-frame Canon camera like the EOS R6, then the EOS R7 is a great choice.
Another big bonus of Canon's EOS R system are its subject-tracking autofocus skills and the EOS R7 inherits these, too.
This is great for a person who dreams to shoot wildlife, action and sports subjects.
Summary
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best digital cameras for most people to buy, according to their needs.
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our camera reviews.
Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera.
Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
Written by
Ramadevi Chelliah