The 6 Best Cameras For Photography - Fall 2023 Reviews

The Sony α7 IV is the best camera for photography that we've tested. It's a very well-rounded hybrid model that sits just shy of pro territory. With a new, higher-resolution 33 MP sensor over its predecessor—the highly popular Sony α7 III—it captures highly detailed photos with plenty of leeway to crop and make edits. Dynamic range is excellent, and Sony's real-time autofocus continues to set the standard for what AF is capable of.

It isn't a perfect camera by any means. Yes, it has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), but we've seen more impressive stabilization implementations, and if you want to shoot uncompressed RAW files, the camera's max burst rate drops to 6 fps, which is a bit disappointing for high-level sports or wildlife photography. Our previous favorite, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, has it beat in that respect, with 12 fps burst shooting (or up to 40 fps in electronic shutter mode). However, with the wide selection of glass available for Sony's E-mount, including plenty of third-party lenses at a range of price points, the α7 IV has a notable advantage, especially as Canon keeps its RF mount cloistered from third-party interest.

If the Sony α7 IV is a little out of your price range, the Fujifilm X-T5 is a fantastic choice at a lower price point. With a 40-megapixel APS-C sensor, it's one of the best cameras for photographers interested in landscapes or portraits, giving you plenty of leeway to crop and edit your photos. While it isn't as well-suited to low-light shooting as full-frame alternatives, the detail and image quality you can get out of this camera is hard to beat at this price point.

The camera also honors Fujifilm's photography-oriented roots with vintage-style exposure dials that make it a breeze to adjust your settings on the fly and a three-way tilting screen that's incredibly versatile for waist-level shooting and street photography. It's also quite portable. If you're looking for a more robust camera with better ergonomics for studio work, you might prefer the Fujifilm X-H2. It uses the same sensor as the X-T5 but has a bigger body and some additional benefits for hybrid or video shooters, like a full-sized HDMI port and CFexpress card slot. However, it's a bit pricier and less portable.

Fujifilm knocked it out of the park with the original Fujifilm X-S10, one of the best-value APS-C cameras around, yet somehow managed to improve the formula with the Fujifilm X-S20. It's pricier, but it's a fantastic mid-range camera for hybrid shooters. With great ergonomics, an excellent tried-and-true sensor, and an updated autofocus system, it can handle all kinds of photo work. Plus, it records video in 4k at up to 60 fps and 6.2k at up to 30 fps, with internal 10-bit recording, making this a very impressive video camera.

If you're an action photographer, an alternative like the Canon EOS R7 will nab you significantly faster shooting speeds and a slightly more intuitive autofocus system overall. However, it's more expensive, and lens options are still fairly limited for Canon's RF-mount, so the X-S20 is the way to go for most shooters.

If the Fujifilm X-S20 is out of your price range, consider an entry-level model like the Nikon Z 50. Like the Fujifilm, it uses an APS-C sensor, so it's less suited to low-light photography than our full-frame picks above. However, it performs admirably in low light for a crop sensor camera and offers plenty for both beginners and more advanced users.

For one thing, it's one of the most well-built and comfortable entry-level cameras we've tested, with a weather-sealed body and generous handgrip. Its large viewfinder gives you a clear view of your subject, and the camera has a highly intuitive user interface that's accessible to newcomers. Battery life isn't amazing, however, so if you'd prefer a longer-lasting battery, the Sony α6400 is better. The Sony also has slightly better autofocus, but the ergonomics and user interface could be better.

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the best bang-for-your-buck cameras on the market. It's a great choice for beginner photographers thanks to its simple and intuitive controls and a variety of auto-shooting modes that allow novice photographers to play around with different photography styles. On top of that, it has a highly accurate and easy-to-use autofocus system, and it's very portable for travel or street photos.

Unlike the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, which it effectively replaces, this is also a good camera to grow with since it uses the same lens mount as full-frame Canons like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. That means you can use both APS-C and full-frame lenses with the R50, making it easier to upgrade to a full-frame body down the line. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another great budget option, especially if you want the more portable Micro Four Thirds system. There's a well-established lineup of lenses, as well. That said, its autofocus system is much less reliable than the Canon camera's, and the camera is a bit less suited to low-light shooting because of its smaller sensor.

If you thought high-quality photography was reserved only for large interchangeable lens cameras, think again. The Fujifilm X100V proves that point-and-shoots still have something to offer in the age of smartphone photography. This premium compact camera has the same 26-megapixel APS-C sensor as higher-end models like the Fujifilm X-T4. Its design also hearkens back to vintage rangefinder cameras, with a hybrid electronic/optical viewfinder offset from the body's center. As if that wasn't enough, it has an excellent 35mm full-frame equivalent prime lens, which is versatile enough for different photography styles. It isn't the smallest point-and-shoot but compact enough for travel or street photography.

The Sony RX100 VII is a more portable alternative if you need something smaller. It even has a zoom lens if you prefer to have more flexibility with framing. However, it uses a smaller one-inch sensor, so image quality isn't as good as the Fuji. If you're after portability and image quality, the RICOH GR III is a street photographer's dream and another worthy alternative. However, ensure you're okay with giving up a viewfinder and tilting screen.