You know what’s the least important part of taking a great photo? Gear. The vision you have and the work you put into realizing it are far more critical.
That’s not to say gear doesn’t matter, just that it’s best used in service of something larger, not obsessed over. That’s why this guide doesn’t get too deep into the weeds of megapixel counts, sensor sizes, and pixel peeping. All these cameras are capable of producing amazing images; which one is right for you depends more on your needs than the size of the sensor.
But choosing the right one can be confusing. I’ve spent years now testing dozens of cameras in all kinds of shooting scenarios to come up with what I think are the best choices for different types of photographers.
Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, like the Best Compact Cameras, Best Camera Bags, and Best Action Cameras.
Updated August 2022: We’ve added some more buying advice and updated pricing and availability throughout.
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Photograph: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Full Frame or APS-C?
Sensor Talk
The internet has an obsession with sensors, megapixels, and zooming in on images to find their flaws. Here’s the thing: If sharpness is what you want, shoot the largest format you can. But know that great photographs don’t need to be razor-sharp from edge to edge. Few of them are.
That said, most of the cameras here have “full-frame sensors” (except the Fujifilm models, which use the APS-C sensors). There is nothing magical about this size; it just happens to be the same size as 35-mm film. This means that any lens made for a film camera can (probably) be adapted to work with the camera and produce the same field of view.
There are much smaller sensors—micro four-thirds, for example—that are capable of producing very sharp images. Future versions of this guide may include some micro four-thirds cameras, but for now, to keep things simple, I’ve limited testing to APS-C and larger sensors.
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Photograph: Sony
Best for Most People
Sony A7 IV Camera
Sony’s new A7 IV (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a 33-megapixel full-frame camera capable of incredibly sharp images, with excellent dynamic range and the best autofocus system on the market. It’s compact and lightweight enough to carry all day without back strain, and the grip is comfortable. The five-axis image stabilization means you can hand-hold it in lower light, and the wide range of 4K video options make it the best all-around photo and stills combo on this page. There are better still cameras (see the Sony A7RIV below) and better video cameras, but nothing else combines the two quite as well.
What I don’t like about it, or any other Sony, is the labyrinthine menu system. Luckily there are enough customizable buttons that it’s not too difficult to set things up so you never need to dive into the menus.
Specs: 33-megapixel full-frame sensor, 10 frames per second (fps), 7K oversampled 4K/30fps video, SD and Express cards
Another option: If you don’t need the new autofocus features, the A7III remains a solid choice, and it’s frequently on sale for under $1,800.
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Photograph: Fujifilm
Best on a Budget
Fujifilm X-T4 Camera
Fujifilm’s X-T4 is one of the best values in the camera market. Fujifilm uses APS-C sensors, which are smaller than the full-frame sensors in the rest of the cameras in this guide, but the images are every bit as sharp. The X-T4 has in-body image stabilization and significant autofocus improvements compared to its predecessor. There’s also a clear division between photo and video mode, so you can easily switch back and forth. The XT-4 even offers a fully articulating rear touchscreen, something you won’t find in either of the Sony cameras.
The camera body’s design is reminiscent of film cameras, and perhaps the best thing about it is how seldom you need to use digital controls. ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation, and shooting modes are all accessible via physical dials. Plus, Fujifilm’s excellent line of lenses is surprisingly affordable relative to some of the others on the list, making this one of the least expensive systems to invest in. My only real gripe is the grip; it’s on the small side for a body of this size.
Specs: 26-megapixel XTrans APS-C sensor, 15 fps with full AF, 4K/60fps video, dual SD cards
