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Digital camerascomein all shapes and sizes, with models designed to cater to a range of budgets and experience levels. These include conventional DSLR cameras with comfortable ergonomics and establishedlens ecosystems, mirrorless models with cutting-edge autofocus systems and advanced video specs, and travel-friendly point-and-shoots, not to mention more niche models like retro-chic rangefinder-style cameras and bridge cameras with built-in superzoom lenses. With such a wide range of cameras, it can be hard to narrow down your options.
Thankfully, we've done some of that work for you. We've bought and tested over 100cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best digital cameras to buy. In this article, we focus primarilyon interchangeable-lens cameras, but if you're looking for a compact fixed-lens camera, you can check out our picks for the best compact cameras. Andif you're just getting started with photography, you might be better served by ourbest cameras for beginners. Finally, if you're looking for a camera for video work, check out the best 4k video camerasor the best vlogging cameras we've tested.
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Best Digital Camera
Canon EOS R6 Mark II 8
Travel Photography
7.9
Landscape Photography
8.2
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.3
Raw Photo Performance
8.6
Vlogging
7.8
Studio Video
9.2
Action Video
5.8
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
Full FrameSee all our test results
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the best all-arounder we've tested for enthusiasts. This camera is well-built, comfortable in the hand, andwell-suited forall kinds of photo and video work. Its high-resolution, full-frame sensor captures excellent image quality, with plenty of dynamic range to preserve detail and impressive noise handling in low light. It's also a video powerhouse, with uncropped 4k recording at up to 60 fps, internal 10-bit 4:2:2 color, and a very effective in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system.
That said, Canon's RF lens ecosystem is still being built out, so there aren't as many native and third-party lens options as an alternative like theSony α7 IV. The Sony is a fantastic option in its own right, with a higher-resolution sensor, similar video specs, and a very reliable autofocus system. However, it has a slower max burst rate, particularly when shooting uncompressed RAW files, and it doesn't support RAW video output. You can't go wrong with either of these cameras, but the Canon has a slight edge.
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Best Digital Camera For Video
Panasonic LUMIX S5 II 15
Travel Photography
8.0
Landscape Photography
8.7
Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.7
Raw Photo Performance
8.9
Vlogging
7.7
Studio Video
9.4
Action Video
5.6
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
Full FrameSee all our test results
If you need a camera for advanced video work, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II offers incredible value for its price. Though it doesn't have features like RAW video output or internal ProRes support out of the box (you'll have to get thePanasonic LUMIX S5 IIX for that), it's still a highly capable hybrid camera for video that'll be more than enough for most video shooters. With 6k open gate recording and oversampled 4k recording at up to 60 fps, plus a dedicated Slow & Quick mode for slow-motion capture, there's a range of recording options to suit different video styles. It also features excellent IBIS, and its full-frame sensor is well-suited to shooting in less controlled lighting conditions.
If you need those more advanced features, the Fujifilm X-H2S is a fantastic alternative. It's a powerhouse that supports external RAW video recording and includes Apple ProRes codecs from the jump. Its stacked sensor design also keeps rolling shutter distortion to a minimum, which is great for action video. That said, the X-H2S is pricier than the Panasonic and is likely overkill for most people.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Digital Camera
Fujifilm X-T5 10
Travel Photography
8.2
Landscape Photography
8.1
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.3
Raw Photo Performance
8.1
Vlogging
7.4
Studio Video
8.9
Action Video
6.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
Ifa camera like the Canon EOS R6 Mark IIisout of your price range, the Fujifilm X-T5 is a fantasticchoice at a lower price point. Though it uses an APS-C sensor, it's one of the highest resolution APS-C sensors on the market, at 40.2 megapixels, giving you stunningly detailed images and lots of leeway to crop in your photos if needed. With its portable design, dedicated exposure dials, and three-way tilting screen, the X-T5's photography-first design is also great for street or travel photos.
Though it's aimed primarily at photographers, the camera has some surprisingly impressive video specs, with internal 10-bit capture, Log recording, and 4kat up to 60 fps. If you don't need those features and would prefer a full-frame sensor, the Nikon Z 6II is another great choice at this price point. It's less portable, but its ergonomics and user interface are excellent. However, as mentioned, it lacks newer models' more advanced video capabilities.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range Digital Camera
Sony α6700 17
Travel Photography
8.3
Landscape Photography
8.2
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.3
Raw Photo Performance
7.9
Vlogging
7.8
Studio Video
8.3
Action Video
7.6
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Sony α6700 is a seriously impressive mid-range camera and a long-awaited update to Sony's APS-C lineup. With advanced video specs that bring it up to the standards of today's market—including 4k 120p capture, internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and IBIS—it's a great choice for hybrid shooters. It's no slouch for photography, with a 26 MP backside-illuminated crop sensor that captures stunning images with plenty of detail, dynamic range, and best-in-class autofocus.
That said, it does have some limitations. If, for example, you need RAW video output, the Fujifilm X-S20 has you covered and also supports 6.2k open gate recording. However, 4k is capped at 60 fps on this camera, and this model has a less reliable autofocus system. Sports and wildlife shooters may also prefer the slightly pricier Canon EOS R7, which has better ergonomics and faster burst shooting but fewer native lens options.
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Best Entry-Level Digital Camera
Canon EOS R10 7
Travel Photography
7.8
Landscape Photography
7.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.4
Raw Photo Performance
7.5
Vlogging
7.6
Studio Video
8.3
Action Video
4.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
Canon is king when it comes to entry-level models, with a range of affordable, easy-to-use bodies at different price points. The best of these is the Canon EOS R10, which marries the familiar ergonomics and intuitive interface Canon is known for with a great APS-C sensor, some surprisingly advanced video specs, and one of the best autofocus systems you can find at this price point. The biggest drawback is that lens selection for Canon's RF mount is still quite limited, but if that isn't a dealbreaker, there's much to love here.
Alternatives with more established lens lineups include the Fujifilm X-S10 and theSony α6400. The Fujifilm is one of the few cameras at this price point with IBIS, which can help you get smoother handheld shots, though its autofocus is much less reliable than that of the R10. Meanwhile, the Sony model is behind the times for video features and has a less intuitive user interface and ergonomics, but there are many native and third-party E-mount lenses to choose from. Its AF holds up quite well, too, and it's a little cheaper.
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Best Budget Digital Camera
Canon EOS R50 9
Travel Photography
7.9
Landscape Photography
7.5
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.0
Raw Photo Performance
7.4
Vlogging
8.0
Studio Video
8.1
Action Video
4.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If you're on a tighter budget, the Canon EOS R50 is one of the best-value mirrorless cameras you can get, short of buying a camera secondhand. Like the Canon EOS R10, it features a simple interface and intuitive controls that are ideal for beginners. However, it has a more compact body. On top of that, it has a good autofocus system, though it's a simpler version of the AF found on the R10, and good video features for the price.
Ultimately, it shares a lot in common with the older Canon EOS M50 Mark II, but as part of Canon's RF mount system, it's compatible with both APS-C lenses and larger full-frame lenses that you might see on the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. Though lens options are still limited, that makes it a great choice if you see yourself upgrading to a full-frame body down the line. Otherwise, the M50 II is still a great deal. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another good alternative if you want something even more compact. It's part of the Micro Four Thirds system, so it makes for a more portable overall kit and even includes IBIS, but its autofocus isn't as reliable for fast-moving subjects.
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Best Cheap Digital Camera
Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D 5
Travel Photography
6.7
Landscape Photography
6.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.0
Raw Photo Performance
6.9
Vlogging
2.6
Studio Video
3.2
Action Video
2.5
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
You could argue smartphones have replaced truly "cheap" interchangeable-lens cameras, but the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is one of the few interchangeable-lens cameras you can buy brand new for relatively cheap. At this price point, you won't find top-notch build quality or many extra features—this model doesn't even have a flip-out touchscreen. But if you want to get a feel for photography beyond pointing your phone and tapping a screen, the T7 will get you there without spending a fortune.
While this is a very pared-down camera, it still features a great sensor capable of capturing excellent photos, especially when paired with a good lens. On that front, if you outgrow the kit lens, you'll have plenty of options within Canon's well-established EF/EF-S ecosystem, which includes quite a few affordable options. For a mirrorless alternative, the Canon EOS R100 is a solid, cheap option with a similarly pared-down but more portable design. There are fewer lens options, so we prefer the Rebel T7, which you can find even cheaper on the used market.
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Recent Updates
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Mar 14, 2024: We've replaced the Sony α7 IV with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II as the 'Best Digital Camera' because it's currently on sale and has a few advantages.
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Feb 15, 2024: Replaced the Fujifilm X-H2S with the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II as the 'Best Digital Camera For Video' because the Panasonic offers better value for most users.
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Jan 17, 2024: Replaced the Fujifilm X-S10 with the Canon EOS R10 as the 'Best Entry-Level Digital Camera' because of its intuitive user interface and better autofocus.
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Dec 13, 2023: Replaced the Nikon Z 6II with the Fujifilm X-T5 as the upper mid-range pick because of its high-res sensor and advanced video features; replaced the Canon EOS R100 with the Canon EOS Rebel T7 as the cheap pick because it offers more lens options and can be found cheaper used.
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Nov 16, 2023: Replaced the Fujifilm X-S20 with the Sony α6700 as the mid-range pick. Renamed 'Best Lower Mid-Range Digital Camera' to 'Best Entry-Level Digital Camera', and replaced the Nikon Z 50 with the Fujifilm X-S10 in that spot.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best digital cameras for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to findor almostout of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose foryourself, here's the list of all our camera reviews. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
