digital
When imagining the best cameras, we tend to focus on specs like continuous shooting speed, resolution, and camera performance.
05/01/2022
When imagining the best cameras, we tend to focus on specs like continuous shooting speed, resolution, and autofocus performance. While these are important factors, I would argue that what really makes a good camera is not something that comes out of a spec sheet. That's why I think the best digital camera is the
Fujifilm X-T4
— not because it has the most megapixels, the biggest sensor or the fastest performance, but because more than any other camera, it inspired me to pick it up and shoot it.
That's not to say its spec sheet doesn't impress. The X-T4 is the most balanced camera I've ever used thanks to a combination of excellent image quality, solid performance and great video features. But he does not win any of these categories directly.
If money is not a problem, you can consult the
Canon EOS-R5
or another full-frame camera. The R5 is a very impressive camera with a powerful, if impractical 8K video mode, but it costs more than twice as much as the X-T4. Luckily, in 2020 there is no such thing as a bad camera, and you have plenty of options at various price points.
If you're waiting for a sale, we've found some of the< /p>
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before
Cyber Monday2020
.
In one look:
Best Overall Digital Camera:
Fujifilm X-T4
Best DSLR Camera:
Nikon D780
Best All-in-One Mirrorless Camera with Frame:
Canon EOS-R5
Best Digital Camera For Travel:
Sony RX100 VII
Best Digital Camera For Kids:
Olympus Tough TG-6
Best Digital Camera For Beginners:
Sony A6100
Best digital camera for video:
Sony A7S III
Best digital camera: Fujifilm X-T4
Daven Mathies/Digital Trends
Why should you buy this:
A powerful and complete camera that won't break your back
Who is it for:
Avid photographers, or anyone looking for a one-size-fits-all camera
Why we chose the Fujifilm X-T4:
The X-T4 uses a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, a format that's roughly half the size of full frame. (If it's resolution and sensor size you're looking for, Fujifilm has you covered too, with the 100MP, medium format
Fujifilm GFX 100
.) The X-T4, however, is for those of us who prefer practicality and usability over outright resolution - and that's most people. The smaller sensor means a smaller package, and the X-T4 packs pro features into a lightweight, easy-to-carry camera.
Don't take that to mean the X-T4 is a slouch when it comes to image quality. Its X-Trans sensor delivers stunning detail and dynamic range, and Fujifilm's in-camera film simulations replicate a range of popular film looks with no editing required. Moreover, no other camera offers a shooting experience comparable to the Fujifilm X-T4.
The classic design with analog-inspired control dials is married to modern features like 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization, 4K/60 video, and a fully articulating monitor. He runs the gamut from street photography to video production and everything in between, and he does all of those things with a very high degree of skill.
I've always loved shooting Fujifilm X-series cameras, but I couldn't ignore their few quirks. The X-T4 is the first model to address virtually every complaint I've ever had, even solving a problem (lack of stabilization in older models) that was previously considered impossible due to size constraints. Battery life has almost doubled, the articulating screen is great for video and autofocus with face and eye tracking is encroaching on Sony territory – although that's an area that still leaves room. to improvement. The newly designed shutter is very quiet and can shoot at 15 frames per second, which honestly is faster than any Fujifilm photographer would ask for.
The X-T4 retains much of the same technology as the Fujifilm X-T3, including the sensor, image processor and 3.69 million dot electronic viewfinder. The video mode is also largely the same, but Full HD can now hit 240fps compared to the X-T3's 120fps. This means that the X-T3, which is now
greatly reduced,
may be the best choice for you if you don't need stabilization, super-fast burst shooting, or extreme slow-motion video.
But for me personally, after turning the
Fujifilm X-T4
and seeing how all of its features work in concert, I don't want to film anything less.
Read our
Fujifilm X-T4 review
or find out more
best mirrorless cameras
Best DSLR Camera: Nikon D780
Daven Mathies/Digital Trends
Why should you buy this:
Performance, features, image balanced quality and price
To whom is it addressed:
Anyone who still needs an optical sight and marathon range.
Why we chose the Nikon D780:
The D780 is Nikon's finest DSLR. It replaces the incredibly popular D750 - since 2014 - and uses an updated 24-megapixel sensor. This is Nikon's first DSLR to feature phase detection autofocus
on chip
, a feature inherited from its mirrorless Z-series that gives the D780 responsive performance in Live View and video mode. The eye-detection autofocus, in particular, is very impressive.
In fact, the D780 is essentially the DSLR version of mirrorless.
Nikon Z6
.
This begs the question: why buy the D780 when you could just get the Z 6, which is currently a bit cheaper? Honestly, I think most people are better off doing just that. Mirrorless cameras offer advantages in terms of packaging, usability and, at least in this case, price. The Z 6 is a capable camera and I love the strategy Nikon is taking with its
Z series lenses
.
The D780, therefore, is more of a specialist. Many photographers still enjoy using an optical viewfinder, and the D780, while nothing new, is still nice, offering 100% frame coverage and a bright pentaprism. Additionally, a DSLR's larger body can be more comfortable when paired with certain lenses, especially longer zooms that become front-heavy on mirrorless cameras.
Battery life is another plus. Optical sights consume very little power. Combined with efficiency improvements, the D780 can run all day with a CIPA rating of 2,260 shots per charge. I have to imagine that only a small group of people actually need this kind of long lasting power, but it's a welcome feature for those who need it and it means you can save money by not having no need to buy spare batteries.
The higher-res D850 was my previous choice for best DSLR, and it's still the best camera for some photographers, namely working professionals. I think the
Nikon D780
offers the best balance of features for the price, however, and its 4K video and faster live autofocus make it the right choice for the majority of customers. I wish Nikon had put an AF joystick in there, but hey, you can't win them all.
Read our
Nikon D780 review
or see more
best dslr cameras
Best full-frame mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R5
Daven Mathies/Digital Trends
Why you should buy this:
High resolution, excellent autofocus, fast performance, advanced 8K and 4K video.
To whom is it addressed:
Professional photographers and serious enthusiasts.
Why we chose the Canon EOS R5:
The Canon EOS R5 shocked me. After the good but not the good EOS R and the very disappointing
EOS PR
, I had gotten used to Canon phones with their mirrorless cameras. But the R5 — and its sister camera, the
EOS-R6
— blazes a new trail for the 2-year-old full-frame EOS R series, and it's a bold one. The EOS R5 is the most technologically advanced camera I've tested, and while it doesn't live up to all the hype, it still succeeds where it matters most.
The R5's 45-megapixel sensor puts it in the same class as other high-res mirrorless cameras like the Nikon Z 7. That's not the highest pixel count you can get in a full-frame camera. format (this price goes to 61MP
Sony A7R IV< /p>
), but it's perfectly tuned to deliver 8K video or 2X oversampled 4K video. It can record RAW 8K at 30fps or compressed, 10-bit 4K at up to 120fps, although overheating is an issue in modes above 4K/30.
But make no mistake: while Canon from the start the R5's video capabilities have been heavily hyped, it's still a stills camera first. The newly developed sensor, which is unique to the R5, is Canon's best high-resolution chip to date, delivering superb color and excellent noise performance at high ISO sensitivity. Autofocus is another strong point, and the R5's subject recognition and tracking is one of the best I've used. I was particularly impressed with how quickly it identified and locked onto animals, including birds in flight. Combined with the ability to shoot up to 20fps with the electronic shutter and the speed offered by CFexpress memory cards, the R5 could be an excellent choice for wildlife photographers who need both fast performance and the resolution to reap great harvests. p>
The R5 is not a perfect camera, however. I took a few minor issues with the design and handling, including the uncomfortable autofocus joystick and the lack of dedicated drive mode and AF mode buttons. It's also heavier for a mirrorless camera at 1.62 pounds. The biggest downside, however, is simply the price. While it's true that you get what you pay for, this camera just isn't the best value for most customers considering the needs of the average photographer. But if you want the best technology in the world of photography and don't mind paying for it, you'll be very happy with the
Canon EOS-R5
.
Read our
Canon EOS R5 Review
or find out more
best full frame cameras
Best digital camera for travel: Sony RX100 VII
Daven Mathies/Digital Trends
Why should you buy this:
Impressive performance and image quality.
Who is he for:
Photo enthusiasts and professionals on the go.
Why we chose the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII:
The seventh generation of Sony's revolutionary advanced compact improves on an already excellent recipe by adding a blackout-free viewfinder, faster autofocus and a 3.5mm microphone port. This is mixed with a list of "don't-fix-what-isn't-broken" features carried over from the RX100 VI.
The 1-inch-type 20-megapixel sensor returns, although continuous shooting speed has dropped slightly from 24fps to 20. As if I was counting - it's still ridiculously fast, and the reduction is what allows the viewfinder without blackout, arguably a more important feature for tracking fast-moving subjects. Additionally, autofocus speed has also seen a slight improvement over the VI.
Like Sony, the RX100 VII also includes a full set of video features. It can shoot 4K video at 30 fps, 1080p at up to 120 fps, and super slow motion at 240, 480, and even 960 fps at lower resolutions. It also features Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) to capture maximum dynamic range and playback
HDR content on compatible TVs
, a feature normally reserved for much higher-end cameras. A 3.5mm microphone jack has also been integrated into the RX100 VII, a first for the series.
But perhaps best of all is that none of the RX100 VII's advanced features are thrown in your face. They're there if you go looking for them, but if you want to sit back and enjoy an easy-to-use pocket camera, then you can have it hassle-free.
The hefty price tag certainly isn't for everyone, but this is a camera that will easily last you many years. If you don't need the latest and greatest, you can always buy older RX100 models brand new for a lot less money. They can't match the performance of the mark VII, but they still take stunning images thanks to very similar sensors. If the improved viewfinder, slightly faster autofocus and mic jack don't impress you, save some cash by opting for the still great
Sony RX100 VII
.
Read our
Sony RX100 VI review
or find out more
best compact cameras
Best digital camera for kids: Olympus Tough TG-6
Why should you buy this:
Water, dust and shock resistant
To whom is it addressed:
Parents, adventurers, and anyone who needs a solid point-and-shoot.
Why we chose the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-6:
While Olympus can't officially call the Tough TG-6 childproof, it's waterproof to a depth of 50 feet, can survive a 7-foot drop, and will even withstand 200 pounds of pressure. Your child can drop it in the tub, throw it down the stairs, or run it over with their Tonka Truck and the TG-6 will keep spinning. It's not designed to be a kids camera, but it will get the job done.
The TG-6 is about as simple as point-and-shoots, but it has powerful and fun features hidden beneath the surface if you want to use it yourself. The 25-100mm lens offers a decent zoom range and a truly stunning macro mode for detailed close-ups. The light-painting mode is ideal for camping trips and provides entertainment for young creatives armed with flashlights. The camera can even shoot RAW, although its small sensor certainly doesn't match the image quality of other cameras on this list. For travel and vacations, it has built-in GPS with geotagging and location logging capabilities that can create a map of your adventure visible in the app
Olympus Image Track
.
the
Olympus Tough TG-6
doesn't have many improvements over the TG-5, but when you can find the TG-5 for sale, it's actually not cheaper. And sure, most smartphones have some degree of weather resistance these days, and with a decent case they can even survive a good drop, but why risk damaging your phone when cameras like the TG -6 are there?
Read our
Olympus Stylus Tough TG-5
see or see more
best cameras for kids
Best digital camera for beginners: Sony A6100
Why should you buy this:
A beginner-friendly camera with a beginner-friendly price tag that doesn't skimp on features.
For who:
New buyers are getting into mirrorless cameras
Why we chose the Sony A6100:
Sony's full-frame mirrorless cameras are great, but pricey. the
Sony A6100
brings some of the best features of the A7 series into a camera under $900 (including lens). It still uses the same Sony E-mount as the A7, so you can use all the same lenses if you want to be able to upgrade to a full-frame model later.
The A6100 sports a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor
smaller than full frame, which helps the camera keep its low profile. While that means low-light performance won't match full-frame Sonys, it still delivers great results in most situations.
You also get Sony's incredible 425-point hybrid autofocus system. Like the latest A7 models, the A6100 includes Sony's AI-powered Real-Time Eye Tracking and Real-Time Eye AF technologies to recognize and track subjects. This is particularly useful when shooting photos at 11 fps, the A6100's maximum burst speed. Whether tracking your pets or capturing all the action from your kid's little league game, the A6100 has it all.
Beyond photography, the A6100 is also very capable for movies. It shoots 4K video and gives you a microphone jack if you're serious about boosting audio quality.
While the A6100 lacks extras like image stabilization - a feature included in the more expensive p>
Sony A6600
— the camera packs several important features into a compact and affordable camera. I'm not the biggest fan of Sony's menu system, but the A6100's touchscreen makes it easier to use and gives the camera a smartphone feel, making it accessible to device buyers. picture for the first time.
If you don't need the class-leading autofocus of the
Sony A6100
, you might want to check out the
Fujifilm X-T200
, which features a more refined control layout and a better screen and viewfinder.
Read our
Sony A6100 review
or find out more
best mirrorless cameras
Best Digital Camera for Video: Sony A7S III
Ted Forbes / The Art of Photography
Why buy this:
Exceptional full-frame 4K video quality.
To whom is it addressed:
Video pros and advanced enthusiasts.
Why we chose the Sony AX700:
Sony hasn't rewritten the formula for the A7S III, which is built around a 12-megapixel sensor just like the A7S II before it. But while it's the same resolution, it's a new sensor, now back-illuminated and with a lower base ISO of 80. These features should slightly improve noise levels and dynamic range. Measuring 4,240 pixels wide, the sensor delivers 4.2K video, although you can opt for standard 4K with a slight 1.1X crop. Even at 4.2K, the camera can shoot 60fps, but you'll need to switch to regular 4K to hit 120fps.
Important for video professionals, the A7S III is the first Sony Alpha camera to offer
4:2:2 10 bit color
— up to 4K/120. Combined with Sony's Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) or S-Log3 color profiles, this means the A7S III is now ready for high dynamic range (HDR) production. Video can be recorded in h.264 or h.265 compression at up to 280 megabits per second, or in a new all-intraframe codec at up to 600 Mbps, which will result in larger files but be less intensive on your computer when it comes to editing.
And it's getting better. When recording externally via HDMI, the A7S III can output 16-bit RAW video. That should mean even greater dynamic range and color depth when paired with an Atomos Ninja V or other RAW-capable external recorder.
Even the best video camera is nothing without great sound, and thankfully the A7S III delivers here too. When using the optional XLR microphone adapter, the camera can record four independent audio channels internally. A common use for this would be to combine two external mics with the camera's built-in stereo mic. And, yes, there is a headphone jack.
Although the A7S III is clearly aimed at the videographer, there are several features that photographers and photographers will appreciate. The new electronic viewfinder has over 9 million pixels and is the highest resolution electronic viewfinder available. This gives photographers and videographers a bright and detailed view of the scene. The sensor-shift stabilization system is good for 5.5 stops of shake deduction and works in conjunction with Sony's optically stabilized lenses for the best results. The autofocus system is also brand new, with on-chip phase detection with face and eye tracking that brings the A7S series in line with Sony's other mirrorless cameras. And finally, the menu system has been completely redesigned and allows you to store separate photo and video settings. It might seem like a minor change, but a more efficient menu removes one of the biggest issues we've encountered with Sony cameras.
If the cost of
Sony A7S III
puts it out of your reach, you might want to consider the
Panasonic Lumix GH5
. Although it uses a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor that doesn't match Sony's image quality, it offers much the same advanced control for videographers in a smaller, cheaper package.
Learn more about the
Sony A7S III
How does a digital camera work?
Digital cameras use a lens to focus light onto an electronic imaging sensor. This sensor - the digital equivalent of analog film - is made up of millions of light-sensitive pixels that see red, green or blue light. Once processed, these pixels combine to create a color image.
Sensors are available in a variety of sizes. Although larger sensors generally provide better image quality, they also require larger lenses. That's why DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with full-frame sensors can be very large, while point-and-shoot cameras, let alone stills, are incredibly compact.
What is a DSLR Camera?
DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex and it is an evolution of the cinema era SLR. These cameras use interchangeable lenses and mirrors to reflect light from the lens to an optical viewfinder. When you put your eye to the viewfinder of a DSLR, you see straight through the lens like a window. Since optical viewfinders don't have pixels, they provide a very sharp and responsive view, but they can't show you the real-time exposure simulation and they don't work at all for shooting video or in direct.
What is a mirrorless camera?
A mirrorless camera is a type of camera that uses interchangeable lenses. It's related to the DSLR, but don't confuse the two. Mirrorless cameras do away with the bulky mirror system of a DSLR (hence the name) and instead use electronic viewfinders, or just no viewfinder at all. This allows for lighter and smaller designs, but professional models can still be a bit bulky and heavy. Like DSLRs, mirrorless cameras allow you to attach a variety of lenses and typically use larger sensors than point-and-shoot cameras, resulting in higher image quality.
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