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10 Best Cameras for Photography in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Last Updated on

person taking angle shot using mirrorless camera

If you’re trying to take top-notch photographs, it all starts with getting the right camera. But there are hundreds of cameras out there, and they all promise to take great photos. They don’t all deliver, though, so we developed this guide to highlight 10 of the best options on the market. With any of these cameras, you can take outstanding photographs in a wide array of situations.

There are in-depth reviews for each one, along with a comprehensive buyer’s guide to walk you through everything that you need to know.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Fuji Films X-T30 Fuji Films X-T30
  • Mirrorless setup
  • High-quality photos
  • Records in 4K too
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Ricoh Digital Camera GR III Ricoh Digital Camera GR III
  • Affordably priced
  • High-quality photos
  • Comes with a lens
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Pentax K-3 Mark III Camera Pentax K-3 Mark III Camera
  • High-quality photos
  • Easy to use
  • Takes up to 11 images per second
  • Pentax KP Body Compact Pentax KP Body Compact
  • High-quality photos
  • Easy to use
  • Responds well to different lighting environments
  • Pentax K-1 Mark II Camera Pentax K-1 Mark II Camera
  • High-quality photos
  • Full-frame design
  • Weather-resistant construction
  • The 10 Best Cameras for Photography

    1. Fuji Films X-T30 — Best Overall

    Fuji Films X-T30

    Camera type: APS-C mirrorless
    Resolution: 26.1 MP
    Weight: 13.5 ounces
    Magnification: Adjustable with lens (not included)

    If you’re looking for the best overall camera for photography, look no further than the Fuji Films X-T30. It’s a mirrorless DSLR camera that can record fast-moving objects, but it’s also dynamic enough to take great photographs in a wide array of lighting environments.

    Furthermore, while it takes high-quality photos in almost any situation, if you ever need to record, it can do that in 4K! The entire camera is lightweight and easy to use, making it an outstanding choice for amateurs and professionals alike.

    We wish that it was a full-frame camera, but that would drive up the price. Furthermore, it doesn’t come with a lens, but that means you can go out and get exactly what you want.

    Pros
    • Great mix of price and performance
    • Mirrorless setup
    • High-quality photos
    • Records in 4K too
    • Lightweight camera
    • Easy to use
    Cons
    • Not full frame
    • Does not come with a lens

    2. Ricoh Digital Camera GR III — Best Value

    Camera type: APS-C mirrorless
    Resolution: 24.2 MP
    Weight: 1.52 pounds
    Magnification: 1x to 2.8x

    If you’re on a tight budget but want a top-notch camera, the Ricoh Digital Camera GR III is the way to go. Not only is it available at a great price, but it also comes with a lens, so that’s one less thing that you’ll need to purchase.

    However, it is hard to swap out the lens, so if it’s not what you want, this camera might not be for you. Still, it’s an APS-C mirrorless camera, which allows for a ton of versatility in different environments.

    Additionally, it’s a compact camera with shake-reduction technology that enables you to take great photos even if you’re not the best photographer. With all these outstanding features, it’s not hard to see how this is the best camera for photography for the money.

    Pros
    • Affordably priced
    • High-quality photos
    • Comes with a lens
    • Compact design
    • Shake-reduction technology
    Cons
    • Not full frame
    • Not easy to upgrade
    • Limited magnification range

    3. Pentax K-3 Mark III Camera — Premium Choice

    Camera type: APS-C mirrorless
    Resolution: 25.73 MP
    Weight: 1.8 pounds
    Magnification: Adjustable with lens (not included)

    If you’re not worried about how much you’re going to spend, you’ll want to consider the Pentax K-3 Mark III Camera. While it’s expensive, the quality of photos that you’ll get makes it well worth the cost.

    It can take 11 photos per second, ensuring that you get the perfect shot every time. Furthermore, it has 4K recording capabilities, and it uses a shake-reduction feature to help you get a crisp photo.

    Whether you’re in a low-light situation or trying to capture a moving object, this camera can do it with ease. However, it isn’t a full-frame camera, it is expensive, and it doesn’t come with a lens.

    Still, it’s a great option if you can afford the upfront cost of everything.

    Pros
    • High-quality photos
    • Takes up to 11 images per second
    • Easy to use
    • Uses shake-reduction features
    • Includes 4K recording
    • Versatile in different lighting environments
    Cons
    • Not full frame
    • Expensive
    • Does not come with a lens

    4. Pentax KP Body Compact

    Camera type: APS-C Mirrorless
    Resolution: 24.3 MP
    Weight: 1.41 pounds
    Magnification: Adjustable with lens (not included)

    The Pentax KP Body Compact is an APS-C mirrorless DSLR camera that takes high-quality photos in a ton of different situations.

    It’s an extremely versatile option that’s easy to use, and with the shake-reduction system, you get fewer blurry photos and more pristine images. Since it’s a DSLR camera, it’s easy to upgrade to different lenses for different situations, but keep in mind that this camera doesn’t come with a lens out of the box.

    It’s also not a full-frame camera, but it is an outstanding choice that you’ll want to consider at this price point.

    Pros
    • High-quality photos
    • Easy to use
    • Responds well to different lighting environments
    • Easy to upgrade
    • Uses a shake-reduction system
    Cons
    • Not full frame
    • Slightly expensive
    • Does not come with a lens

    5. Pentax K-1 Mark II Camera

    Pentax K-1 Mark II Camera

    Camera type: DSLR full frame
    Resolution: 36.4 MP
    Weight: 2.23 pounds
    Magnification: Adjustable with lens (not included)

    The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a full-frame camera, which alone makes it worth considering. You get a wide field of view with this camera, and with 36.4 MP resolution, you also get top-notch photos that you can do whatever you want with.

    It also has a lightning-fast aperture speed for capturing moving objects and a high ISO that enables you to capture images in both low-light and high-light situations. It’s also weather resistant, so if you do get caught out in a storm, you don’t have to worry about the rain ruining your camera.

    However, it is a bit expensive and doesn’t come with a lens. That means you’ll need to make at least one more high-priced purchase before you can use the camera.

    Pros
    • High-quality photos
    • Full-frame design
    • Outstanding in different lighting conditions
    • Does a great job of capturing moving objects
    • Weather-resistant construction
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Does not come with a lens

    6. Sony Alpha 7R III Mirrorless Camera

    Sony Alpha 7R III

    Camera type: Mirrorless and full frame
    Resolution: 42.4 MP
    Weight: 1.45 pounds
    Magnification: Adjustable with lens (not included)

    While the Sony Alpha 7R III Mirrorless Camera is expensive, there’s no denying that it comes with tons of features that help offset the cost. First is the 42.4 MP photo resolution, which is the highest photo resolution of any camera on this list.

    Furthermore, it uses both a mirrorless and full-frame design, which means you get the best of the best technology on the market today. You get a wide field of view, super-fast autofocus, and the ability to take great pictures in a ton of different lighting environments.

    Finally, it can also record in 4K, although it isn’t up to dedicated video camera standards. This is an expensive option and doesn’t come with any lens, but it’s a professional-quality camera that’s well worth the cost.

    Pros
    • High-quality photos
    • Records in 4K
    • Fast autofocus
    • Full frame
    • Outstanding dynamic shooting ability
    Cons
    • Expensive option
    • Does not come with a lens

    7. Canon EOS R6 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

    Canon EOS R6

    Camera type: Mirrorless and full frame
    Resolution: 20 MP
    Weight: 1.5 pounds
    Magnification: Adjustable with lens (not included)

    Canon is a major name in the photography industry, and its ESO R6 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera is a good indication of why. It’s expensive, but it comes with everything that you could possibly want in a camera and more.

    It’s both mirrorless and full frame, which enables you to get professional-quality photographs in just about any environment. Not only can it take photos in low-light areas, but it also does a great job of capturing moving objects without any blurring.

    We wish the photo resolution was a little higher than 20 MP, considering the high price tag. It also doesn’t come with a camera lens, so you’ll need to add that to the purchase price when you’re evaluating different options.

    Pros
    • Records in 4K
    • Full-frame camera
    • Outstanding ability to capture moving objects
    • Dynamic shooting range
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Does not come with a lens
    • Low photo resolution

    8. Canon EOS Rebel T7

    Canon EOS Rebel T7

    Camera type: APS-C mirrorless
    Resolution: 24.1
    Weight: 1.04 pounds
    Magnification: Included 1x–3x (adjustable with lens, not included)

    If you’re looking for a more affordably priced Canon DSLR camera, consider the EOS Rebel T7. It’s an APS-C mirrorless camera that takes high-quality photos with a 24.1 MP resolution. Furthermore, it’s easy to upgrade the lens to get whatever you want, but it does come right of the box with a lens that you can use.

    It’s lightweight and easy to use, and it even comes with a built-in Wi-Fi capability that makes it easy to share photos to different devices.

    However, it’s not a full-frame camera, and compared to other, more expensive options, the quality of the photos simply isn’t there. It’s good enough for amateur photographers, but if you’re looking for a professional-quality product, this isn’t it.

    Pros
    • High-quality photos
    • Affordably priced
    • Lightweight design
    • Easy to upgrade lens
    • Built-in Wi-Fi capability
    • Includes a lens
    Cons
    • Not full frame
    • Not that effective in different environments

    9. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80

    Panasonic LUMIX FZ80

    Camera type: Point and shoot
    Resolution: 18.1 MP
    Weight: 1.36 pounds
    Magnification: Up to 60x

    The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80’s low price tag definitely shows up in the features that it doesn’t offer. For starters, it has low-resolution quality. 18.1 is still high enough to get great photos, but it’s not quite as sharp as some other cameras.

    Furthermore, while it does come with a lens, it’s not one that you can replace. So, if you ever want other capabilities, you’ll need to get a whole new camera.

    But it does have an optical zoom of up to 60x, and that enables you to capture images of faraway objects with ease. In fact, it’s completely possible to get a view of Jupiter and its moons with just this camera!

    It also comes with 4K recording capabilities, and it’s both lightweight and easy to use. If you’re an amateur photographer, this camera might be exactly what you want, and you won’t need to blow your budget to get it.

    Pros
    • Affordably priced
    • Great zoom capabilities
    • Lightweight option
    • Easy to use
    • Built-in image stabilization
    • Records in 4K
    Cons
    • Not that effective in different environments
    • Low photo resolution
    • Can’t upgrade it

    10. Sony a7 III

    Sony a7 III

    Camera type: Mirrorless and full frame
    Resolution: 24.2 MP
    Weight: 1.44 pounds
    Magnification: Adjustable with lens (not included)

    The Sony a7 III is a professional-quality camera in every way, and that starts with its mirrorless and full-frame design. This enables you to get an outstanding field of view, the ability to photograph fast-moving objects, and a dynamic shooting range in both high-light and low-light situations. It does record in 4K, but it’s not a professional-quality feature.

    It’s lightweight and easy to use for both professionals and amateurs. It is expensive and doesn’t come with a lens, though. But if you can afford it, you’ll love everything that this camera offers.

    Pros
    • High-quality photos
    • Full-frame camera
    • Lightweight design
    • Image-stabilization features
    • Records in 4K
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Does not come with a lens

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    Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Cameras for Photography

    With so many features in cameras, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what everything is and what you need. That’s why we developed this comprehensive buyer’s guide to walk you through everything that you need to know before purchasing your camera.

    DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

    Every camera option but one on this list is a DSLR, and there are plenty of mirrorless camera options too. DSLR cameras enable you to swap out the lens, which gives you the ability to adapt to different situations and get more from your camera.

    If the camera is both DSLR and mirrorless, it has a fast shutter speed, which helps you capture moving objects. Furthermore, mirrorless cameras tend to be small, making it easier to have recording capabilities. They do cost more than DSLRs, but they have superior image stabilization properties, meaning you get fewer blurry images and better results!

    Mirrorless Cameras
    Image Credit: Satermedia, Pixabay

    Full Frame vs. Crop Sensor Cameras

    Not every camera on this list is a full-frame camera, but it’s a huge perk. Full-frame cameras provide a much larger field of view than traditional crop sensor cameras.

    They also do a better job of collecting light in low-light situations, and they control bright environments better. If you’re looking to capture a shallow depth of field, full-frame cameras excel there too.

    The main tradeoff is the price. Full-frame cameras cost more than crop sensor cameras, so they’re out of many amateur photographers’ price range.

    How Many Pixels Do You Need?

    One of the first things that many people look at when picking a camera is the resolution. But while the total number of pixels matters, it’s not quite as important as some people think. That number only comes into play when you’re trying to make the image larger. Even with an 18-MP camera, the lowest resolution on this list, you can expand an image to a 16” x 24” without any drop-off in quality. Most photographers will be more than happy with a 40” x 60” print with this camera.

    The top resolution camera on this list has a 42-MP resolution and that delivers near-perfect results all the way to 30” x 45”. You can explode them well past 50” x 75” without seeing much of a drop-off in quality.

    So, if you need the extra resolution, it all comes down to how large you want the photos!

    A Note on 4K Recording

    Many of the cameras on our list have 4K recording, and it’s certainly a nifty feature. However, if you’re comparing the frame rate to dedicated video cameras at a similar price point, these cameras can’t keep up.

    This recording capability can make for fun moments, but don’t expect professional quality from any of the cameras on this list.

    See also:

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    Conclusion

    If you’re still debating about what camera is right for you after reading through the reviews and the buyer’s guide, we highly recommend going with the Fujifilm XT30. It’s the top choice for a reason, and it can deliver professional-quality results on an amateur-friendly budget.

    However, if you are on a tight budget, the Ricoh Digital Camera GR III is an outstanding choice too, and it comes with the lens that you need right out of the box. Don’t put off your photography goals any longer; get a camera that can get you there.


    Featured Image Credit: Prasanna Kumar, Unsplash

    About the Author Robert Sparks

    Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.