The Best Cameras for Photography 2022

Choosing the best camera might just be difficult, so we've sorted them by a few factors to make it easier.

Moment Cine Clear Filters Fujifilm XT4 5571

Faster burst rates, higher video resolutions, slots for accessories such as microphones or flashguns, long battery life, and rapid memory card compatibility... The list goes on and on. Whether you're looking to add photography to your professional portfolio, or simply want to beef up your social media presence, it makes sense to invest in a good camera. Even the most advanced camera phones fall short.

At A Glance:

To Know:

Comparable in size to the original X-T1 and 50g lighter than its predecessor, X-T5 features the latest high-resolution, 40-megapixel X-Trans 5 HR sensor for simply stunning results. Quick and easy to use thanks to its classic, dial-based layout, the camera features cutting-edge technology to produce stunning results. This includes a seven-stop in-body image stabilization system, Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode for 160-megapixel files, three-way tilting LCD with 1.84 million pixels and action-freezing shutter speeds up to 1/180,000 sec from the electronic shutter. In addition to its versatile suite of stills capabilities, X-T5 is also a highly capable moviemaking machine, recording up to 6.2K in 4:2:2 10-bit color internally – or 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW via HDMI.

What We Love:

COMPACT

With the passage of time, the smallest moments can develop into the most powerful memories – that’s why it’s important to preserve them with the best possible tool.

ALL AROUND ABSOLUTELY VERSATILE FOR ANY OCCASION

Offering the ultimate image quality, X-T5 features the class-leading, 40.2-megapixel X-Trans 5 HR CMOS sensor in a compact, lightweight body that maximizes functionality and portability. Imaging performance is in no way compromised by the camera’s diminutive proportions. Instead, X-T5’s improved image processing algorithm delivers outstanding results, packed with detail right across the native ISO range, which now extends to ISO 125.

HYBRID SHOOTING

X-T5’s capabilities are enhanced by its powerful video functions, which complement the camera’s impressive stills performance.

The Details:

Brand: Fujifilm

Camera Type: Mirrorless

Best For: On-the-fly street sceneries, family photos at any event, friends laughing, dogs playing, backyard sessions, product photography, and whatever else comes to mind. It can do it all!x

Moment Fujifilm 16782337 X T5 Mirrorless Camera Body Silver thumbnail

Fujifilm

X-T5 Mirrorless Camera

Eyeing a new camera? The Fuji X-T5 camera features cutting-edge technology to produce stunning results with 40mpx resolution, familiar dials, and a great IBS

Buy for $1,699.95

What We Rate

Skill Level

Just getting started Understands manual settings Shoots regularly Professional

Photo Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really good Best Out There

Video Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really good Best Out There

Auto Focus

Always hunting It Works It Works Quickly Quick and Locked In

Low Light

Very noisy. Average Clean Crisp And Clean

Battery Life

Sucks Not bad Good Really Good

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily Carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top Of The Line

To Know:

The Sony A7 III is a wonderful all-arounder with a varied feature set that makes it a good fit for a variety of applications, but the earlier Sony A7 II is still on sale and worth considering if you want something a little less expensive. If you're just getting started, grab it with the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS, unless you already have a lens or two.

What We Love:

HIGH-QUALITY IMAGES

High speed and low-light performance, the full-frame 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor.

FAST CAPTURE

Equipped with a refined image processing system that allows it to capture full 24.2MPimages at up to 10 fps with continuous and accurate AF/AE.

RELIABLE SENSOR

Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor.

The Details:

Brand: Sony

Product Type: Mirrorless Camera

Best for: Fantastic hybrid camera for shooting high-resolution photos and videos

Moment Sony ILCE7 M3 K B Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera with FE 28 70mm OSS lens thumbnail

Sony

Alpha a7 III Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

Looking for a well-rounded full-frame Sony, suitable for both photo and video? Alpha a7 III with its improved speed and low-light performance has you covered

Buy for $2,198.00

What We Rate

Skill Level

Just getting started Understands manual settings Shoots regularly Professional

Photo Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really good Best Out There

Video Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really good Best Out There

Auto Focus

Always hunting It Works It Works Quickly Quick and Locked In

Low Light

Very noisy. Average Clean Crisp And Clean

Battery Life

Sucks Not bad Good Really Good

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily Carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top Of The Line

To Know:

The Alpha 7C is designed for photographers and filmmakers who want full-frame quality and performance but also want a small, lightweight camera that they can take with them wherever they go and use for all types of picture and video work. Sony introduces the world's smallest and lightest full-frame camera, featuring all the power and performance of a full-frame camera in an APS-C-style body. The Alpha 7C redefines what a full-frame camera can be thanks to newly designed electronics and construction, including a tiny electromagnetic-drive shutter mechanism, a compact 5-axis in-body image stabilization unit, and a monocoque magnesium alloy build.

What We Love:

24.2MP RELIABLE SENSOR

Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor.

BEAUTIFUL FOR IMAGES

ISO range of ISO 50 – 204800 and massive 15-stops of dynamic range

READY AND SET FOR VIDEO

693 focal-plane phase-detection AF points, AI technology with Real-time AF Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for both stills and video.

The Details:

Brand: Sony

Product Type: Mirrorless Camera Body w/ Kit Lens

Best For: Quality Images, Performance, and a lightweight camera on the go!

Moment sony ILCE7 C B Alpha 7 C Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera black Thumbnail

Sony

Alpha a7C Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

Eyeing a high-performance, quality, lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera? The Alpha 7C is a great choice especially with the FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens kit

Buy for $1,798.00

What We Rate

Skill Level

Just getting started Understands manual settings Shoots regularly Professional

Photo Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really good Best Out There

Video Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really good Best Out There

Auto Focus

Always hunting It Works It Works Quickly Quick and Locked In

Low Light

Very noisy. Average Clean Crisp And Clean

Battery Life

Sucks Not bad Good Really Good

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily Carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top Of The Line

To Know:

For the outstanding all-around build, quality, and appealing features, this bad boy is Canon's next landmark camera. This mirrorless beauty not only dominates every market segment but also features a 45MP sensor with fantastic quality thanks to the revolutionary low-pass filter system, as well as the world's best autofocus tracking system. With a staggering 5,940 AP points for photography and 4,500 for video, it's no surprise that this technological marvel enthralls everyone; mind you, this camera has the same AF system as the EOS 1D X Mark III. Internally store an uncropped 8K Raw footage at up to 29.97 frames per second in 4:2:2 12-bit Canon Log or HDR PQ in both UHD and DCI. This is a performance of cinematic quality. However, the EOS R5 suffers from some recording limitations while filming in both 8K and 4F; firmware has been released to alleviate this issue, but it is unquestionably one of the downsides.

What We Love:

EXCEPTIONAL 8K VIDEO

So good, it’s unruly.

IMAGE QUALITY IS 11/10

Honestly doesn’t get any better than this.

FAST AF

Same AF system as their most expensive Mark III camera.

The Details:

Brand: Canon

Product Type: Mirrorless Camera

Best For: Any creative on the professional end needing a Canon flagship.

 

What We Rate

Skill Level

Just getting started Understands manual settings Shoots regularly Professional

Photo Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really good Best Out There

Video Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really good Best Out There

Auto Focus

Always hunting It Works It Works Quickly Quick and Locked In

Low Light

Very noisy. Average Clean Crisp And Clean

Battery Life -

Sucks Not bad Good Real Good

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily Carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You'd Expect Solid Top of the Line

To Know:

The most technologically advanced, innovative camera that Sony has ever released, the Alpha 1 combines high-resolution and high-speed performance at a level never previously reached. A 50.1-megapixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS™ image sensor capable of up to 30 fps continuous shooting with up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second, 8k 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video, and much more, the Alpha 1 will allow creators to capture what they’ve never been able to before. Peak performance and an incredible community of love around this future cult-classic.

What We Love:

Crazy Optics

50.1 MP Sensor capabilities provide insane image results.

Easy Autofocus

Quick shooters will relish in its fast, reliable AF tracking.

High Dynamic Range

15 stops of dynamic range for a wide variety of shooting experiences.

The Details:

Brand: Sony Alpha

Product Type: Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera

Best For: High profile professional photographers needing one of the best, most advanced cameras on the market.

Moment Sony ILCE 1 B Alpha 1 Full frame Mirrorless Camera thumbnail

Sony

Alpha 1 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Body

Never go for second best! The Alpha a1 Mirrorless Digital Camera is the most technologically advanced and innovative camera that Sony has ever released

Buy for $6,498.00

What We Rate

Skill Level

Just getting started Understands manual settings Shoots regularly Professional

Photo Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really Good Best Out There

Video Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really Good Best Out There

Auto Focus

Always Hunting It Works It Works Quickly Quick and Locked In

Low Light

Very noisy. Average Clean Crisp And Clean

Battery Life

Sucks Not Bad Good Really Good

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily Carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top Of The Line

To Know:

Sony's RX100 compact camera series is acclaimed by many as the finest of the best when it comes to compact cameras. It's small, light, speedy, and high-quality.

Burst shooting at a whopping 24fps in both JPEG and Raw formats with full autofocus is possible. It has a 1-inch sensor and a 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens, and it takes extraordinarily detailed 4K video as well as super-slow-motion footage.

What We Love:

24-200mm SUPER ZOOM

Built-in ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24–200 mm F2.8-4.5 zoom lens covers a broad zoom range equivalent to two standard zoom lenses (24–70 mm and 70–200 mm), all in a very compact size.

FANTASTIC IMAGES & VIDEOS

Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, and 4K HDR (HLG) video with external audio let you capture reliably stunning imagery wherever you go.

COMPACT

Fits your hoodie pocket! Pro photography, videography, and vlogging in your pocket or Fanny Sling!

The Details:

Brand: Sony

Product Type: Mirrorless Camera

Best For: Street scenes, wide-angle portraits, lifestyle images, Instagram sponsored posts, short GIFs made with its video capabilities, and on-the-go captures.

Moment Sony DSCRX100 M7 B Cyber shot DSC RX100 VI Digital Camera thumbnail

Sony

Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII Digital Camera

This is the do it all pocket-sized compact camera you've been looking for! Vlog, shoot video or pictures wherever you go reliably with the Sony RX100 VII!

Buy for $1,298.00

What We Rate

Skill Level

Just getting started Understands manual settings Shoots regularly Professional

Photo Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really good Best Out There

Video Quality

Passable Pretty Good Really good Best Out There

Auto Focus

Always hunting It Works It Works Quickly Quick and Locked In

Low Light

Very noisy. Average Clean Crisp and Clean

Battery Life

Sucks Not Bad Good Really Good

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily Carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You'd Expect Solid Top of the Line

The greatest mirrorless camera for video.

Are you on the list? You don’t want to miss our weekly email with fresh, inspiring content.