Choosing a camera for your photography work can be a challenging task if you’re making a significant investment, so it deserves serious consideration. One of the critical things to think about when comparing a camera is what you want to achieve and for what projects you will be using it the most. Considering a wide range of budgets, we’ve made a comprehensive list of the best photography cameras, along with some tips on how to choose the camera best suited to you.
Summary
Part 1: Top 12 Pro DSLR Photography Cameras for 2021
Camera | Price | Type | Resolution | Megapixels | Max Continuous Shooting Rate | User Level |
Sony A1 | 6,499.99 | Mirrorless | 8K | 20.8MP | 50.1fps | Professional / Can shoot anything |
Nikon D6 | 6,499.95 | DSLR | 4K | 28.8MP | 14fps | Professional / Creators on the go |
Sony A9 Mark II | 5,999.99 | Mirrorless | 4K | 24.2MP | 20fps Electronic, 10fps Mechanical | Expert / Sports camera |
Canon EOS R5 | 3,899.00 | Mirrorless | 8K | 45MP | 12fps | Expert / Professional photography & videos |
Nikon D850 | 2,999.95 | DSLR | 4K | 45.7MP | 7fps | Professional / Professional photography & videos |
Canon EOS R6 | 2,499.00 | Mirrorless | 4K UHD | 20.1MP | 12fps Mechanical Shutter, 20fps Electronic Shutter | Enthusiast / Professional filming & photography |
Olympus OM-D E-M1X | 1,799.99 | Mirrorless | 4K | 20.4MP | 15fps | Enthusiast / Professional / Creators on the go |
Fujifilm X-T4 | 1,699.00 | Mirrorless | 4K | 26.1MP | 30/15fps | Professional / Professional photography & videos |
Fujifilm X-S10 | 999.00 | Mirrorless | 4K | 26.1MP | 30/8fps | Intermediate / Enthusiast / Hobbyists looking to level up |
Panasonic FZ1000 II | 899.99 | DSLR (Bridge Camera) | 4K | 20.1MP | 12fps | Intermediate / Enthusiast / Hobbyists looking to level up (no extra lenses) |
Nikon P950 | 799.95 | DSLR (Bridge Camera) | 4K | 20.1MP | 30fps | Intermediate / Enthusiast / Hobbyists looking to level up (no extra lenses) |
Fujifilm X-T200 | 799.99 | Mirrorless | 4K | 24.2MP | 8fps | Enthusiast / Professional / Vloggers |
1. Sony A1
Price: $6499.99
Pros: One of the highest spec cameras on the market with 30fps burst shooting
Cons: Some stabilization issues + big price tag
The Sony A1 is an incredible device with an enormous resolution and super clear image quality. While the camera spec records 30fps Burst Shooting, users report this isn’t always achieved. Burst Shooting aside, the Sony A1 is a fantastic option for Sports content creators
2. Nikon D6
Price: $6499.95
Pros: Solid build, Easy upgrade from previous Nikon Models
Cons: One of the most expensive options.
The Nikon D6 is a professional camera with all the intuitive Nikon controls we’re used to. The Auto Focus system isn’t as impressive as similar Canon models, but Nikon has focused on a seamless workflow with a range of connectivity options.
3. Sony A9 Mark II
Price: $5999.99
Pros: Super fast shooting ability
Cons: Confusing interface and menu options
The Sony A9 Mark II is one of the fastest cameras on the market, with impressive Auto Focus and connectivity. The Sports camera is sure to capture every frame of the action. if you can find your way around the menus to set the camera up.
4. Canon EOS R5
Price: $3899.00
Pros: Stunning 8K shooting capabilities.
Cons: Some overheating when shooting in 8K for more extended periods
The Canon EOS R5 is an excellent camera for both photography and video work and makes switching between functions super easy. The resolution and image quality are outstanding and definitely one of Canon’s most robust cameras to date.
5. Nikon D850
Price: $2999.95
Pros: Huge, clear viewfinder, amazing resolution
Cons: Can be difficult to use if it’s your first Nikon Camera
The Nikon D850 is one of the highest spec DSLR cameras ever made, with an incredible resolution of 45.7 megapixels. The chunky body feels stable and sturdy, offering great balance with longer lenses. A solid camera for most projects.
6. Canon EOS R6
Price: $2499.00
Pros: Low-Light filming capabilities + 5-axis in-body image stabilization system
Cons: Offers a much lower resolution than other cameras
The Canon EOS R6 is the camera for the enthusiast, with fantastic low-light capabilities making it an option for professionals. The lower megapixels might not be such a drawback for web creators, making it the perfect option for business owners that want to shoot professional content themselves.
7. Olympus OM-D E-M1X
Price: $1799.99
Pros: Huge battery capacity + AI Focus Tracking System
Cons: Not a significant advance to the EM-1
The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is a purpose-built sports camera with extreme speed and incredible autofocus. The body is sturdy and slightly bigger than other cameras, but the size allows for a larger battery and better stability when using large lenses.
8. Fujifilm X-T4
Price: $1699.00
Pros: Fantastic Stabilization
Cons: Relatively new camera – Unsure of lifespan
The Fujifilm X-T4 is a relatively new camera to the market and a fantastic upgrade to the X-T3. The camera boasts 6.5-stop in-body stabilization, making it ideal for events and sports videographers.
9. Fujifilm X-S10
Price: $999.00
Pros: A fantastic Intermediate Level camera
Cons: Lacks external Exposure Controls
The Fujifilm X-S10 is a firm favorite of vloggers and online content creators with a sturdy and compact body, it’s easy to grab and go. The in-body stabilization and multi-angled rear screen make the camera easy to use while producing professional-quality footage.
10. Panasonic FZ1000 II
Price: $899.99
Pros: 16x Optical Zoom + Reasonable Battery Life
Cons: Only Micro USB, no USB-C option
The Panasonic FZ1000 II is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a lot of flexibility in their shots, without the need for lots of lenses. The 16x Optical Zoom and 3cm Macro Focus make this an ideal camera for intermediate wildlife videographers or photographers.
11. Nikon P950
Price: $799.95
Pros: Huge 83x Optical Zoom
Cons: No Touchscreen
The Nikon P950 is the perfect option for wildlife photographers and videographers, with a massive 83x optical zoom. The body is chunky, looking similar to a DSLR camera, but the size doesn’t do much to counteract the enormous zoom lens. Best to invest in a tripod for this camera.
12. Fujifilm X-T200
Price: $799.99
Pros: Compact and stylish with superb photo quality.
Cons: Disappointing Battery Life and Limited Video capabilities
The Fujifilm X-T200 is an incredible still camera with an attractive price point. The 4K video functions are great for controlled situations but missing some features for more professional videographers, ideal for vloggers that want a professional camera to meet their needs.
Part 2: Top 13 Beginner Photography Cameras for 2021
Camera | Price | Type | Resolution | Megapixels | Maximum continuous shooting rate | User Level |
Sony RX100 | 1,299.99 | 4K | 4K | 20.1MP | 30fps | Intermediate / Expert / Traveling photographers |
Panasonic Lumix G9 | 999.99 | Mirrorless | 4K | 20.3 | 20fps | Enthusiast / Intermediate photographers |
Sony a6400 | 899.95 | Mirrorless | 4K | 24.2MP | 11fps | Hobbyist / Intermediate / Vloggers & Marketers |
Nikon Z50 | 899.95 | Mirrorless | 4K | 20.9MP | 11fps | Expert / Intermediate photographers |
Fujifilm X-T30 | 899.00 | Mirrorless | 4K | 26MP | 30fps | Intermediate / Vloggers & marketers |
Fujifilm X-E3 | 849.00 | Mirrorless | 4K | 24.3MP | 14fps | Intermediate photographers |
Canon G7 X | 699.99 | DSLR | 4K | 20.2MP | 6.5fps | Hobbyist / Intermediate |
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 | 699.99 | DSLR | 4K | 24.1MP | 5fps | Hobbyist / Intermediate |
Sony ZV-1 | 649.99 | DSLR | 4K | 16.1MP | 8.6fps | Beginner / Vloggers |
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | 599.99 | Mirrorless | 4K | 20.3MP | 15fps | Beginner / Personal use |
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS | 599.99 | DSLR (Bridge) | 4K | 20.3MP | 10fps | Beginner / Intermediate / Instagram influencers & marketers |
Nikon D3500 | 599.95 | DSLR | HD | 24.2 | 24fps | Beginner |
Olympus TG-6 | 379.99 | Underwater Camera | 4K | 12 | 20fps | Intermediate / Underwater photos & video |
1. Sony RX100
Price: $1299.99
Pros: Fits in your pocket
Cons: Expensive
The Sony RX100 is a neat little camera that fits in your jacket pocket, making it ideal for vloggers and on-the-go content creators. The camera features many smart functions, including ultra-sharp 3 inch LCD and exposure preview. The size does cause one major issue, however, as the HDMI port is located on the bottom.
2. Panasonic Lumix GX9
Price: $999.00
Pros: 6.5-stop image stabilization
Cons: ISO range smaller than preferred
The Panasonic Lumix GX9 isn’t the greatest camera for video recording, but for photography, this camera is packed full of neat features. With amazing handling and fantastic stabilization, the camera offers both 4K and 6K photo modes.
3. Sony a6400
Price: $899.99
Pros: Compact, light with no limit 4K video shooting
Cons: No in-body stabilization
The Sony a6400 is the ideal camera for businesses looking to produce their own photos and video content. Super easy to use, this camera features a built-in flash, 4K video recording without limit, and a 180º tiltable LCD screen. The lack of stabilization means you’ll probably need a tripod.
4. Nikon Z50
Price: $899.00
Pros: Impressive handling with a great viewfinder
Cons: Lacks native lens options
The Nikon Z50 is a compact and lightweight camera, ideal for photographers on the go. The native lens range is limited, but those that are available offer powerful performance. The camera also lacks a joystick for choosing autofocus point, which can be annoying if you are used to having one.
5. Fujifilm X-T30
Price: $899.00
Pros: Great autofocus and built-in flash
Cons: No in-body stabilization
The Fujifilm X-T30 is a fun camera, ideal for intermediate photographers or beginners looking to level up. The body is designed for easy use, with a tilting LCD screen and tactile controls, but it isn’t weather-sealed, so not a great option for outdoor photographers.
6. Fujifilm X-E3
Price: $849.00
Pros: Up to 325 autofocus points
Cons: Poor battery life
The Fujifilm X-E3 offers excellent quality images with a slim, attractive body design. The camera might be a little hard for beginners to pick up, and the limited touch screen controls can be frustrating.
7. Canon G7 X
Price: $699.99
Pros: Large aperture and fast shutter speed
Cons: No viewfinder
The Canon G7 X is an intermediate to a professional camera, with one glaring issue – there is no viewfinder. Instead, users are limited to a tilting LCD screen, which, although bright, isn’t optimal. The body is sturdy and hardwearing, and the image quality is fantastic, even if previewing is challenging.
8. Canon EOS Rebel SL3
Price: $699.99
Pros: Intuitive controls + lightweight
Cons: Very few autofocus points
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 might be more expensive than the Powershot, but it is packed with extra features that take this popular camera to another level. With a fantastic fully-articulating LCD and amazing resolution, this is the smallest and lightest Canon available.