Best camera
OK, we admit it, it’s an impossible question. The best camera for a pro photographer is a million miles from the best camera for an adventure sports nut. So what we’ve done is pick out what we think are the standout cameras in their fields. This may be because they have the most amazing features and specifications, because they’re amazing value for what they offer or because they are just brilliant at the job they’ve been designed for.
Along the way we’ll explain some of the jargon and the differences between cameras, though if you need a bit more help deciding what kind of camera you need, you can get a lot more information from our special step-by-step guide: What camera should I buy?
On the other hand, you may already have a clear idea of the kind of camera you want, in which case you could go straight to one of our more specific camera buying guides:
New and exciting cameras are coming out all the time, of course, and we’ve got a whole bunch on our shortlist that we want to get in for a proper review, including the latest models from Nikon, Olympus, Canon and Fuji.
If you want to know what else might be coming along during 2016, take a look at our in-depth Camera Rumors 2016 article.
But if you just want to know what we think are the top ten standout cameras you can buy right now – regardless of user level or price point – then keep on reading. These are cameras we’ve tried and tested ourselves, so if you want to know any more about any of them, just click the link to the full review.
1. Sony A7R II
Sony’s top mirrorless camera is a real show-stopper
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: full frame, 42.4Mp | Lens: Sony E mount (full frame) | Monitor: 3-inch tilting, 1,229k dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 5fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Expert
See more Sony Alpha A7R II deals
Excellent resolution High-end 4K video Relatively limited lens range Menus need streamlining
Once, if you wanted a professional quality full frame camera it had to be a Nikon or Canon DSLR. But Sony has changed all that with its mirrorless A7 series cameras, and the A7R II is its highest resolution model. Its 42.4 megapixel sensor is second only to the 50-megapixel sensor in the Canon 5DS for resolution, yet the A7R II is only two-thirds the size and weight of the Canon. It has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and 5-axis image stabilization built into the camera body, and the full-time live view that’s integral to the mirrorless design gives Sony’s A7-series cameras a real advantage for video.
2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 II
It’s the baby of the range but the Olympus is a little gem
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds, 16.1MP | Lens: Micro Four Thirds | Monitor: 3-inch tilting, 1,037k dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 8.5fps | Movies: 1080 | User level: Enthusiast
See more Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II deals
Small size Versatile and customizable Comparatively small sensor 4K timelapse movies play at 5fps
The OM-D E-M10 II is another mirrorless camera but at the opposite end of the scale to the Sony. It’s small, neat and rather beautiful and designed for beginners and enthusiasts rather than pros. It’s looks and handles like a miniaturised DSLR, complete with a top-quality electronic viewfinder and extensive external controls – yet despite its small size, it doesn’t feel unwieldy or cluttered. It uses the Micro Four Thirds format, which means that the sensor is a little smaller than those in other mirrorless cameras – but it means the lenses are smaller and lighter too, and there’s a really good range to choose from.
3. TomTom Bandit
It’s the action cam with everything, even motion sensors!
Type: action cam | Weight: 190g | Waterproofing: Splashproof, with lens swap | 4K video: 15fps | 1080: up to 60fps | 720: up to 120fps | Stills resolution: 16Mp | Battery life: 3hrs
Clever editing features Easy to mount and position Heavy compared to rivals Needs a lens swap to be waterproofed
In third place we’ve chosen a camera that’s even more different. You might expect our top action cam to be a GoPro, since that brand name has become practically synonymous with the action cam market as a whole. Instead, we’ve chosen the TomTom Bandit for its bullet-shaped design – perfect for helmet mounting – and its in-built GPS and G-force sensors. The way these are used is really clever – when they detect that something exciting just happened, producing G-force spikes, they automatically tag that section of video. Later on, you just give your phone a shake and the TomTom app will automatically combine the best bits into a movie, ready for sharing.
4. Sony RX100 III
Premium performance in a super-small package
Type: high-end compact | Sensor size: 1-inch, CMOS | Megapixels: 20.1 | Lens: 24-70mm-equivalent, f1.8-2.8 | Screen: 3-inch tilting, 1,228,800 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 5fps | Video: 1080p | User level: Enthusiast/expert
See more Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III deals
Especially compact size Wide aperture lens Fiddly EVF activation No touch-screen
The problem with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras is that they don’t fit in your pocket. They’re fine if you’re going out on a proper photo expedition with all the gear, but impractical on a day out with family or friends. That’s why high-end compact cameras are so popular – they combine DSLR-style manual controls with a bigger sensor and better image quality than you’ll get from a regular pocket-sized compact. And Sony’s RX100 series cameras pull off that combination of compactness and quality brilliantly. The latest model is the RX100 IV, but we’ve chosen the older RX100 III because it’s practically as good but a whole lot cheaper. You get a 1-inch sensor and a 2.9x zoom lens with a large maximum aperture plus a high resolution pop-up EVF, Wi-Fi with NFC, 10fps continuous shooting and a customisable control ring around the lens. Brilliant.
5. Panasonic TZ70/ZS50
The perfect travel camera – small but versatile and with a big zoom
Type: Compact travel camera: Sensor: 1/2.3-inch, 12.1Mp | Lens: 24-720mm, f/3.3-6.4 | Monitor: 3-inch, 1,040K dots | Viewfinder: Electronic | Continuous shooting: 10fps | Movies: 1080 | User level:Beginner/enthusiast
See more Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ70 deals
30x wideangle-to-telephoto zoom rangeManual controls and even raw filesSmall sensor restricts qualityA touch-screen would have been nice
The problem with the RX100 III, and high-end compact cameras like it, is that the zoom range is limited. This means you’re a bit restricted to subject matter, and you might be happy to sacrifice just a little image quality in exchange for a longer zoom range. This is why so-called ‘travel compacts’ are so popular. These are like regular point and shoot cameras – perfect for novices and casual photographers – but with souped 20x or even 30x zoom lenses. The best examples add some more powerful controls, and the TZ70 is the best of the best. In fact, it’s half way to being a full-on high-end compact, with manual exposure modes and the ability to shoot raw files too – it even has an electronic viewfinder built in. We can’t wait to take a look at the brand new TZ80 and TZ100, though.
6. Leica Q
Not just a brilliant camera, but a thing of beauty too
Type: high-end compact | Sensor size: Full frame | Megapixels: 24MP | Lens: 28mm, f/1.7 | Screen: 3-inch touch-screen, 1,040K dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting: 10fps | Video: 1080p | User level: Expert
Especially compact size Wide aperture lens Fantastic full-frame quality Fast f/1.7 Leica lens
Going from one extreme to another, the Leica Q costs ten times more than the TZ70 and its fixed focal length lens offers a fraction of its versatility. Leica also has a reputation for producing absurdly overpriced cameras with specifications that can be matched by regular cameras costing a fraction as much. But the Leica Q does have a 24-megapixel full frame sensor, it does have a Leica Summilux lens and it does handle like a dream. It’s also capable of producing beautiful quality images. It’s far too expensive for all but the most affluent consumers, but then you can say the same thing about a Ferrari. The difference is that you might (if you win the Lottery) just about be able to afford the Leica Q.
7. Nikon D7200
Versatile, powerful and capable of excellent results
Type: DSLR | Sensor: APS-C, 24.2Mp | Lenses: Nikon DX, FX | Monitor: 3.2-inch, 1,229K dots | Viewfinder: Optical | Continuous shooting: 6fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Enthusiast
Especially compact size Wide aperture lens Excellent sensor and image quality Features and sturdy build
We’ve come a long way down this list without mentioning a single DSLR, and there was a time when this was the camera of choice for any keen photographer. So this is where we put this right, with a pat on the back for the Nikon D7200. This is one of Nikon’s most advanced APS-C format cameras and offers compelling blend of power, performance and price. It has a 24-megapixel APS-C format sensor with no anti-aliasing filter to produce some of the sharpest images you’ll see outside of professional full-frame cameras. The D7200 can shoot at 6 frames per second for up to 100 JPEG photos or 27 raw files, and it uses a 51-point autofocus system taken straight from Nikon’s pro DSLR range. The only other APS-C Nikon to beat it is the brand new D500, and that costs a lot more money.
8. Canon EOS 760D
Canon’s best entry-level DSLR yet offers power and performance
Type: DSLR | Sensor: APS-C, 24.2Mp | Lenses: Canon EF/EF-S | Monitor: 3-inch articulating, 1,040K dots | Viewfinder: Optical | Continuous shooting: 5fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Beginner/enthusiast
Good touch-screen/button controls Good 24Mp sensor Pentamirror offers only 95% coverage Slow route to setting AF point
We like the Nikon D7200 and we like the Canon EOS 760D for much the same reasons. These cameras offer a level of performance, features and image quality that are not so far behind much more expensive professional cameras, but at a price which the average photo enthusiast can afford – and maybe have enough cash left over for a couple of decent lenses, too. There is a cheaper alternative, the EOS 750D, which uses the same sensor, but we prefer the EOS 760D for its more advanced external controls and its additional status LCD on the top plate.
9. Panasonic LX100
Amazing big-sensor quality and classic controls in a pocket-sized camera
Type: High-end compact | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds, 12.8MP | Lens: 24-75mm, f/1.7-2.8 | Monitor: 3-inch, 921K dots | Viewfinder: Electronic | Continuous shooting: 11fps | Movies: 4K | User level:Expert
See more Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 deals
Micro Four Thirds sensorClassic manual controls12Mp resolution not the highestPocketable but only just
We’ve already featured one high-end compact camera on our list and here’s another. The LX100 would be a lot higher on our list if it wasn’t for just a couple of little gripes. Its multi-aspect ratio sensor only delivers 12 million pixels, even though the sensor has 16 million, and it’s just a little too big for the average pocket. Otherwise, it’s a dream. Somehow, Panasonic has squeezed a mirrorless camera sized Micro Four Thirds sensor into its compact camera sized body, and a 4x zoom lens to go with it with a maximum aperture of f/1.7-2.8. It’s topped off with traditional external controls for lens aperture and shutter speed, and it’s like using a beautiful classic camera with all the advantages of modern digital imaging.
10. Panasonic FZ1000
The bridge camera for the photographer who wants quality too
Type: Bridge camera | Sensor: 1-inch, 20.1Mp | Lens: 25-400mm, f/2.8-4.0 | Monitor: 3-inch articulating, 921K dots | Viewfinder: Electronic | Continuous shooting: 12fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Enthusiast
See more Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 deals
Large 1-inch sensor Very good lens Big, heavy and not cheap Not the longest zoom range
Our final camera is a ‘bridge’ camera, a type that we don’t normally like very much because the ultra-zoom design forces the makers to use titchy 1/2.3-inch sensors the same size as those in point-and-shoot cameras. You get the look and feel of a digital SLR, but you certainly don’t get the image quality. But the Panasonic FZ1000 is different. It sacrifices a huge zoom range in favour of a much larger 1-inch sensor. It’s a compromise most serious photographers will applaud. You get a 16x 25-400mm effective zoom range, which is pretty handy even if it doesn’t match the 50x or 60x zooms of most bridge cameras, but you also get a massive jump in quality – this is the same size sensor you get in the Sony RX100 III. The FZ1000 also offers full manual and semi-manual controls, the ability to shoot raw files and 4K video. It’s big and pretty expensive, but it’s in a class of its own amongst bridge cameras.
Top Brands
"fact is that sony does make much more better cameras that this and you cannot refute that." Really? Care to explain? Also, while we are at it, please define what makes a camera "better."
don't forget to use professional picture hooks, otherwise the pro hammer will be a waste of money lol
What about D5200?
fix the Leica Q entry.
What about a Nikon L330? Is that good enough for pro photography?
What? How could you not have any of the Sony A7 series cameras on this list?? Cheaper than your top pick and far superior by every measure, and can use just about any lens. Wow, major miss there.
You can tell techradar is full of BS when there's no Sony Alphas on the list!
Where is Pentax? K5IIs,K-3 Both great cameras!!Along with others in the pentax lineup!
Not exactly. I agree that the photographer is the professional, but there are "professional" cameras designed to meet the needs of a pro photographer. And there are actually professional grade hammers out there for full-time / professional carpenters
Clearly Sony didn't pay the advertising bill.
I don't think you understood what I meant. It is certain that canon, Panasonic, and Sony all make good cameras. I'm not being biased towards Sony in any way, all I'm saying is that from this list, they should have added some Sony cameras such as the a7 because they are actually really good.
I'm not a professional photographer so I'm can't technically judge what makes a camera "better", although I will be learning more how to operate them.
No one here is a sony fanboy, fact is that sony does make much more better cameras that this and you cannot refute that.
No Sony RX100????? U SUCK!!!!!!!
need to do your research first before you post such articles. the price listed for the 7D Mk ll is totally wrong, that's the price of a discontinued 7D, the mark ll is around £1100-1200
Samsung nx1 have to be on this list. A superp mirorelss camera.
What a joke. Seriously, no Sony's on this list? The a7ii, a7S and the new a7Rii are three of the cutting edge cameras on the market. Stupid list.
This is an absolute disastrous list…
Which camera should I buy?
Nikon D7100 or D5500
I thought the price for the 7D Mkii was a tad low. Clicked on the link, to be taken to a page for a second hand 7D Mki – the previous model. I think your page needs an update, it is misleading in it's current form.
Would be a great point if there were not cheap hammers that fall apart and quality hammers that perform consistently for years. While a high end pro tool is indeed little extra value in the hands of an amateur, tool quality and performance does make a difference in the hand of an expert. Otherwise there would be no pro market, and every pro photographer would be using point and shoot cameras.
All the Sony fanboys be like
Pathetic and worthless article that is financially influenced and/or biased at best or woefully ignorant at worst. Anyone who knows anything about cameras would expect to see the Sony A7RII at the high price range, and the Sony a6000 at the lower price range on that list. Rod Lawton has lost all credibility.
Agreed
There is. A professional camera is more robust for example, more made to be reliable, etc.
Wow, what a bad list. Where is the Sony R100? Where is the A7II, or the video king the A7s? Very messed up.