The best camera in 2022

Our guide to the best cameras will help you figure out how to take the next step in your photography or videography journey. Whether you're a total beginner looking for a first camera, an experienced enthusiast on the hunt for an upgrade, or a content-creating professional who needs the best in class, we'll have you covered with the top ten cameras in this guide.

When putting together this list, we've aimed to cover a broad spectrum of the different types of camera available, as well as including options at all different price points. So, as well as some of the more expensive top-of-the-range cameras, we've included options for those on a budget. However, we've made sure not to include anything that's a false economy – some cheap cameras are shoddy enough that they're not worth even their meagre price tag. Everything we've picked here is absolutely worth its asking price, and then some.

New to photography and video? There can be a lot of jargon and technical language thrown around, and while we've aimed to make this guide accessible, we are going to talk about features like sensor size, image stabilisation, the differences between mirrorless and DSLR cameras, that kind of thing. If any of that is unfamiliar to you, click to jump straight to our what to consider when buying a camera, where we run through the basics and the technical terms, as well as answering a few frequently asked questions.

Fundamentally, the best camera for you is about what you need to shoot. Check out the specs of each of the models to get a sense of which is right for you. If you want more choices for those just starting out, see our guide to the best cameras for beginners. We also have a guide to the best point-and-shoot cameras if you'd prefer an all-in-one model – and once you've got your camera, make sure you pick up one of the best memory cards.

The best cameras available now

For beginners

For those are relatively new to photography and video, here we've picked the best cameras for learning the basics. While there are some cheaper models out there, we've opted for cameras we think are genuinely worth their asking price. This means that while these cameras are beginner-oriented, they offer enough image quality and depth of control to provide a platform for beginners to learn and grow.

(Image credit: Olympus)

01. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV The best mirrorless camera for beginners Specifications Type: Mirrorless Sensor size: Four Thirds Resolution: 20.3MP Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds Monitor: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360,000 dots Continuous shooting: 5fps Movies: 4K UHD at 30p User level: Beginner Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Amazon Low Stock View at Wex Photo Video Reasons to buy + Gorgeous build and feel + Useful beginner modes... + ... with room to grow Reasons to avoid - Only 5fps burst

Stylish, user-friendly and capable of producing fantastic images – the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a winner of a camera for beginners, and one of the best entry points for photography. Its well laid-out controls make it simple for anyone to get to grips with, and it's full of nifty features like a built-in optical image stabiliser.

What this does is steady the camera internally while you're shooting. This means that you can use slower shutter speeds without needing to mount the camera on a tripod, and still get sharp images free from blur. This greatly expands the camera's utility in low light, and also helps with its other top-line feature: the ability to capture 4K UHD video.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a Micro Four Thirds camera. This refers to both its sensor size and its lens mount. The sensor is a little smaller than those of many other comparable cameras, though Olympus has updated it for this version to deliver excellent image quality and detail. The lens mount, meanwhile, is a shared system with Panasonic, meaning you have an enormous range of lenses to choose from when you're kitting out the camera. Don't worry though; the lightweight 14-42mm kit lens that the E-M10 Mark IV tends to come bundled is a great starting point, so you don't need to rush to buy anything.

There's also a high-quality electronic viewfinder on the E-M10 Mark IV, as well as all-around excellent handling and controls. We could gush all day about this camera, but for now we'll just say that it's an ideal choice for beginner photographers and videographers.

(Image credit: Canon)

02. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D The best entry-level DSLR around gets updated with 4K video Specifications Type: DSLR Sensor size: APS-C Resolution: 24.1MP Lens mount: Canon EF-S Monitor: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000K dots Viewfinder: Yes, optical Continuous shooting: 5fps Movies: 4K UHD at 25p User level: Beginner Today's Best Deals View at Amazon Low Stock View at Currys View at Canon (UK) 193 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Great choice for students + Massive lens range + Tiny, light body Reasons to avoid - Mirrorless rivals offer stronger specs

One of the most popular cameras among photography students, the Canon EOS 250D is a DSLR that offers a superb starting point. It's built with good old-fashioned DSLR handling and a rugged body that can handle some time spent outdoors in the big wide world. It's not fully weather sealed like more expensive cameras, but in most conditions you'll be fine.

As it's a DSLR, the EOS 250D also has an optical viewfinder. While electronic viewfinders on mirrorless cameras are getting better and better, many photographers still prefer the immediacy of an optical viewfinder, and find it easier on the eyes.

Canon has included plenty of handy guide modes and tutorials on the EOS 250D, helping new users to get up to speed and understand the basics of how to expose an image. Also, the fact that it's got an APS-C sensor (larger than the Four Thirds sensor on the E-M10 IV) provides a real step up in terms of image quality and low-light performance, especially when compared to a smartphone.

Finally, there's also something to be said for the fact that this is a Canon EF-mount camera. One of the most extensive and venerable lens systems in the business, it gives you an absolutely fantastic range of lenses to choose from, including brand-new optics and vintage lenses from yesteryear.

For enthusiasts

For those who are a little more experienced and know their way around a camera, these are the best cameras in the mid-range right now. Offering high-quality images at a reasonable price, these are the ideal points of upgrade for someone who is outgrowing a beginner camera, or who is already a seasoned smartphone shooter and doesn’t need hand-holding through the basics.

(Image credit: Fujifilm )

03. Fujifilm X-T30 One of the best all-rounder cameras ever made Specifications Type: Mirrorless Sensor size: APS-C Resolution: 26.1MP Lens mount: Fujifilm X Monitor: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360,000 dots Continuous shooting: 8fps (20fps with electronic shutter) Movies: 4K UHD and DCI at 30p User level: Beginner to intermediate Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Amazon Low Stock View at Amazon 504 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Gorgeous JPEGs + Snappy, reliable AF Reasons to avoid - 10-minute limit for 4K - No weather sealing

One of the best mid-range mirrorless cameras around, the Fujifilm X-T30 has actually received a minor update in the form of the X-T30 II. We’re sticking with the original as our recommendation for now, as it’s still widely available at a discounted price, but if you want a newer camera with faster operation and a high-resolution LCD screen, and don’t mind paying a bit more, consider the newer version.

So what makes the X-T30 so good? Well, let’s deal first with that gorgeous retro styling – plenty of manufacturers imitate this, but Fujifilm by far does it best, and its cameras do a tremendous job of looking and feeling like film SLRs of yesteryear while still having all the latest digital conveniences.

Its APS-C sensor is an X-Trans model that produces images of sublime quality, and there are loads of great film simulation modes built in, allowing you to give your images a real retro flavour. With 8fps continuous shooting it can keep up with most subjects, and having access to the Fujifilm X series of lenses is a tremendous boon for any photographer – these super-sharp optics are simply sublime.

(Image credit: Nikon)

04. Nikon Z fc Nikon's new mirrorless on the block is styled with retro cool Specifications Type: Mirrorless Sensor size: APS-C Resolution: 20.9MP Lens: Nikon Z Monitor: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000ots Viewfinder: EVF Max burst speed: 11fps Movies: 4K User level: Enthusiast Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at John Lewis View at Reasons to buy + Great handling and looks + Handy vari-angle display Reasons to avoid - Only takes UHS-I cards - Few DX-format Z lenses

While flagship mirrorless systems tend to steal the headlines as far as professional users are concerned, the manufacturers are also looking to entice a few more casual shooters with more budget-friendly models. Case in point, the Nikon Z mirrorless system and the Nikon Z fc. One of the newer cameras for the range, it's an APS-C model, very similar to the previous Z50, but with retro styling that gives it points for the cool factor.

With 11fps burst shooting, a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder and the ability to shoot 4K 30p video, this is a camera that's got it where it counts. The hybrid autofocus system is also a considerable feather in its cap, ensuring you'll generally have a pretty easy time capturing most subjects.

It's missing a few things that the bigger cameras have. We might have liked a weather-sealed body or internal image stabilisation, but these are reasonable enough compromises to keep the camera at a relatively low price. One thing to note though is that the Nikon Z system doesn't have a huge number of natively DX-format (APS-C) lenses for its Z system. We'd expect this problem to correct itself over time as the system expands, but it's something to be aware of. You can use FX-format lenses on the Z fc, just be aware that they'll give you a longer equivalent focal length than is on the box – and will cost a pretty penny.

(Image credit: Canon)

05. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III One of the best compact cameras for serious enthusiasts Specifications Type: Mirrorless Sensor size: APS-C Resolution: 24.2MP Lens: 24-72mm equivalent f/2.8-5.6 Monitor: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360,000 dots Max burst speed: 9fps Movies: Full HD User level: Enthusiast Today's Best Deals View at John Lewis View at Currys View at Amazon 40 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Superb image quality + Small and weather sealed Reasons to avoid - Limited zoom lens - 200-shot battery

This is one of the most advanced and versatile compact cameras around. The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III packs an APS-C sensor into its relatively slim body, which is hugely impressive, and immediately gives it an image-quality edge over most other fixed-lens cameras.

Accordingly, images captured on the PowerShot G1 X Mark III look fantastic. The high-quality electronic viewfinder provides a top-of-the-line composition experience, and it's also great to see a compact like this with such comprehensive weather sealing. Take the G1 X Mark III out into rough conditions and it'll keep on shooting, which is definitely not the case for a lot of cameras in its class.

Some users may find the lens a little limited. The focal range of 24-72mm is generally useful without being exceptionally interesting, and the aperture range of f/2.8-5.6 is pretty restrictive in low light. Also, it's worth noting that the G1 X Mark III doesn't shoot 4K, and video-wise tops out at Full HD. For a day-to-day shooting compact, it's really well designed and a great choice – just be aware of these limitations before you plunge.

(Image credit: Nikon)

06. Nikon D780 A newer DSLR for serious photographers Specifications Type: DSLR Sensor: Full frame Megapixels: 24.4MP Monitor: 3.2-inch, 2359k-dot tilting touchscreen Viewfinder: Optical Max burst speed: 7fps (viewfinder), 12fps (live view) Movies: 4K User level: Enthusiast Today's Best Deals View at Park Cameras View at John Lewis View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Excellent 4K video + Dual UHS-II card slots Reasons to avoid - Relatively expensive (new) - Chunky design

Nikon proved the DSLR was well and truly alive and kicking with its 2020 release, the D780. A mid-range full-frame DSLR, this camera has that rugged, chunky handling that DSLR photographers love, but also packs in loads of great features cribbed from mirrorless cameras, making it a superb combination of the two. And access to the incredible stable of F-mount lenses is the icing on the cake that makes the D780 a truly tempting choice for creatives looking for a camera with real versatility to it.

It's designed to handle both stills and movies with aplomb, producing uncropped 4K video that's downsampled from 6K capture. If your work involves video content in any way, this is a superb choice of camera; if it doesn't, consider the lower-priced Nikon D750 which is a great low-cost full-frame DSLR that is still in production.

The D780 borrows a few top-of-the-line features from its more expensive siblings, including the 180k RGB metering and scene recognition system from the D850 above, so you can be sure you are still getting plenty of bang for your buck. As it's a DSLR, the body is unavoidably large, so those who want a more portable system will want to consider one of the mirrorless or compact options on our list.

For experts

Whether you’re shooting photos or video, these are the pro-spec cameras that will deliver the high-quality results you need. For content creators, pro photographers, and serious enthusiasts who are looking for the best, these are the dependable cameras at the upper end of the scale. They come at a high price, but earn every penny.

(Image credit: Panasonic)

07. Panasonic Lumix GH5 II The best 4K camera for video and filmmaking gets a refresh Specifications Type: Mirrorless Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds Resolution: 20.3MP Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds Viewfinder: EVF Monitor: 3-inch vari-angle display, 1,840,000 dots Max burst speed: 12fps Movies: 4K User: Expert Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at John Lewis View at Currys Reasons to buy + Excellent video control + 6.5-stop stabilisation + Large stills buffer Reasons to avoid - Sensor struggles in low light

The original Panasonic Lumix GH5 was one of the most highly regarded consumer video cameras around. Panasonic has given it a quick, light, 2021 refresh in the form of the GH5 II, and while it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it does make another compelling argument for being one of the best, most cost-effective video cameras you can get right now.

Producing pristine 4K video, the GH5 II offers 60p video capability, the V-Log L profile, VFR (Variable Frame Rates), 10-bit internal recording and more. It's no slouch with stills either; while 20MP might be a little limiting for some, the GH5 II can shoot at up to 12fps and has a big stills buffer capacity. The headline specs might not be the highest around, but in truth the GH5 II is one of the most capable all-rounders available right now.

The GH5 II uses the Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens mount. This means there are a huge number of lenses to choose from, with the ability to use Olympus lenses as well as Panasonic. The sensor is smaller than full-frame or APS-C, which some will turn up their noses at, but the GH5 II provides many features to compensate, such as 6.5-stop image stabilisation. This is a powerful camera, especially for hybrid photo/video content creators.

(Image credit: Sony)

08. Sony Alpha A7 IV The pro mirrorless camera for all purposes, a near-perfect balancing act Specifications Type: Mirrorless Sensor: Full-frame Megapixels: 33MP Lens mount: Sony E-mount Monitor: 3in fully articulating touchscreen, 1,040k dots Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36m dots Max burst speed: 10fps Movies: 4K User level: Enthusiast/professional Today's Best Deals Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Amazing burst mode + Class-leading Sony AF Reasons to avoid - Needs fast (expensive) cards - Prices out casual users

The Sony A7 cameras used to be pitched as relatively entry-level full-frame mirrorless cameras, in contrast to the more specialist A7R and A7S models. With the fourth in the series, that’s no longer really the case. The Sony A7 IV is an absolute beast of a camera, sporting a 33MP sensor and incredible buffer capacity. It can shoot at 10fps and just… keep on doing that, for ages. For 828 consecutive uncompressed RAW + JPEG files, no less. Pair this with Sony’s class-leading autofocus and improvements across the board, and it’s clear that this is a mirrorless camera for a huge range of professional and semi-professional users.

One thing to bear in mind is that shooting all those high-resolution images at fast burst modes will require a memory card that's capable of keeping up with the high volumes of data involved. You're probably looking at a CFExpress Type A card rather than SD; check out our guide to the best memory cards for cameras if you need to go more in-depth on this.

You could argue that it’s a shame that casual and amateur users are being somewhat priced out of the A7 line, but the A7 III and even A7 II are still available and are still fantastic cameras in their own right.

(Image credit: Canon )

09. Canon EOS R6 The best balance of features and price, the EOS R6 is a near-perfect all-rounder Specifications Type: Mirrorless Sensor size: Full frame Resolution: 20.1MP Lens: Canon RF Monitor: 3-inch fully articulating touch display, 1,620,000 dots Viewfinder: 0.5-inch OLED EVF, 3,690,000 dots, 100% coverage, 0.76x magnification, 120fps refresh rate Max burst speed: 12fps mechanical shutter, 20fps electronic shutter Movies: 4K UHD User level: Enthusiast/expert Today's Best Deals View at Canon (UK) View at Amazon View at Selfridges Reasons to buy + Exceptional autofocus + Does basically everything well Reasons to avoid - Pretty expensive - Only 20.1MP

Though it isn't the super-star headline-grabber of the EOS R series (that honour belongs to the EOS R5), we reckon the Canon EOS R6 is the best all-around camera you can buy right now. A superbly speedy machine, it takes full advantage of the sophisticated RF lens mount to deliver lightning-fast autofocus, with exceptional communication between camera and lens.

With twin card slots and some of the best in-body stabilisation in the business, the Canon EOS R6 ticks pretty much all the boxes for any working professional or enthusiast photographer. It lacks the 8K video and 45MP resolution of the EOS R5, meaning it's a substantial cost-saving for those who don't need such things. One could argue that 20.1MP is perhaps a smidge too low, but as long as you aren't committed to making huge prints of all of your images, this should be more than enough for most purposes.

Lightweight, snappy and sophisticated, the Canon EOS R6 is on the cutting edge of photo technology. We can't wait to see what comes next!

(Image credit: Nikon)

10. Nikon Z7 II The flagship full-frame mirrorless from Nikon, one of the best professional cameras Specifications Type: Mirrorless Sensor size: Full frame Resolution: 45.7MP Lens mount: Nikon Z Viewfinder: EVF Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2,100,000 dots Max burst speed: 10fps Movies: 4K UHD User: Expert Today's Best Deals Low Stock View at Wex Photo Video View at Amazon View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Superb images + More affordable than rivals Reasons to avoid - Display not vari-angle - So-so electronic viewfinder

The flagship full-frame mirrorless camera from Nikon, the Z7 II, is designed to woo photographers who might have been swayed by showboaty mirrorless models from Canon and Sony. So it's got similar specs to the likes of the EOS R5 or A7R IV, with 45MP of resolution, speedy burst shooting and high-quality 4K video. It may not have headline-grabbing specs like 8K video, but it is more affordable than its rivals in the same class.

Overall, the Nikon Z7 II is a very impressive all-around package. It handles like a dream and produces images that look seriously impressive. Any pro or serious enthusiast photographer will find this camera does everything they could need and more, and does so with welcome extras like an upgraded battery that lasts longer compared to the original Z7. Dual card slots too! Very nice.

Any negatives? The monitoring situation is a little disappointing, with an LCD screen that only tilts and isn't fully articulated, and an EVF that's lower resolution than some rival cameras. None of this is deal-breaking though, and if you're looking for a full-frame mirrorless system to jump into, Nikon's Z series is definitely worth considering.

The best camera: What to consider

When determining which is the right camera for you, one of the first things to suss out is which type you want to use. Consumer cameras can be broadly divided into two categories. There are further sub-categories of course, which we'll get to, but right off the bat, it's a good idea to decide whether you want:

A compact camera. This term refers to cameras that have a fixed lens on their front, which can't be changed. The focal length/range and maximum aperture settings that are listed on the box are all you're getting. While this does restrict versatility, it is simpler and more convenient, and tends to make the camera more affordable. While many compacts are oriented towards beginners, there are plenty of premium compacts for more advanced users.

An interchangeable-lens camera. These cameras have a lens mount that allows you to swap lenses at will, provided they fit of course. Having to buy lenses as well as a camera body does drive the cost up, but you gain an immense amount of flexibility, and the ability to use lenses with specialist focal lengths (such as super-telephotos or fisheyes) and larger maximum apertures.

Interchangeable lens cameras comes in two main types, which are as follows:

DSLRs. These are the direct successors of film SLRs, and the acronym stands for digital single-lens reflex camera. They are bulkier and heavier than other types of camera, but also tend to be hardier and more weatherproof. They also contain an internal mirror system that allows for the fielding of an optical viewfinder, meaning you can press your eye to the camera and see exactly what you're shooting. The main manufacturers of DSLRs are Canon and Nikon.

Mirrorless cameras. As the name implies, these cameras forgo the mirror system of a DSLR. This means no optical viewfinder, but allows the body to be smaller and lighter. Plus, most now field electronic viewfinders that are virtually lag-free. Mirrorless cameras are where the most exciting advancements in camera technology are happening, especially in terms of video. They run the gamut from entry-level to high-end professional.

When considering which type and model of camera is right for you, it's worth considering what you want to shoot with it, as this will help you narrow down which specs are important and which are not. Do you need fast burst speeds for capturing fast action? Do you require weather sealing for outdoor shooting? Do you like the sound of a convenient, portable compact, or does the versatility of being able to invest in a lens system sound more like your speed?

In the guide above, we've listed all the key specs and main pros and cons of each camera we've picked, as well as the price, to help guide you to the right camera for you.

Which camera sensor is best? Sensor size is an important metric in the world of cameras. Cheap cameras and smartphones will have smaller sensors, while professional cameras will have larger ones. Why does it matter? It's not about resolution per se, but rather to do with the size of the pixels on the sensor. A 16-million-pixel sensor that's a 1/2.3-inch type (commonly found on smartphones) will have smaller, crammed-in pixels, compared to a 16-million-pixel full-frame sensor, which is the type found on professional cameras, and is considerably larger. This means a noisier image, especially in low light. Smaller sensors also incur what's called a "crop factor", meaning they narrow the effective focal length of a lens. For example, APS-C sensors have a 1.5x crop factor compared to full-frame, meaning they increase the focal length of a lens by about 1.5x. A 50mm lens mounted to an APS-C camera will behave like a 75mm lens. This can be quite useful, as it allows you to get closer to a subject without having to shell out for expensive telephoto lenses. Large-sensor cameras have their advantages, and will produce generally better images and videos, but they are bulkier and more expensive than small-sensor camera. It's all about weighing up your needs and your budget.

Which camera do YouTubers use? If you're looking for a good YouTube camera, then it's worth taking a careful look at the video specs. You'll want to think about things you may not consider when looking for a photography camera: does it have an input socket for a mic? Can it live-stream? How is the video autofocus? One of the most popular cameras among YouTubers is the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, a capable compact that does everything video users need, for a competitive price. Check out our guide to the best cameras for YouTube where we have plenty more choices.

What camera lens do I need? If you've bought an interchangeable-lens camera like a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, then you'll be faced with the question of which lenses to buy. As there's a huge amount of choice here, it's worth thinking about what you need before you buy. Wide-angle lenses (8-35mm) are great for landscapes and architecture, as they fit a lot into the frame and exaggerate lines for visually striking effects. Standard lenses (35-70mm) are good for street and day-to-day shooting, as they provide a naturalistic perspective. Telephoto lenses (more than 70mm) are good for wildlife and action, and any kind of shooting where you can't get close to your subject. Short telephotos (around 85mm) are also good for portraiture, as they provide a flattering perspective for your subjects. There's also the question of zooms and primes. While zoom lenses provide much greater versatility and allow you to experiment with different perspectives, prime lenses (that is, lenses with a single fixed focal length) offer much greater optical quality, resulting in sharper images.

How many megapixels do I need on a camera? There's a common misconception that buying a camera is all about getting as many megapixels as you can. This isn't the case – resolution is one aspect of a camera, and may be more or less important depending on what you plan to shoot. Resolution is mainly useful for two thing – printing images in high quality, and cropping into images without losing detail. For fine artists and photographers shooting for large billboards, lots of megapixels are a must. However, high-resolution files are very large, meaning if you're aiming to capture fast action in burst mode, they may be a hindrance, as your camera and memory card may struggle to keep up. Also, when lots of megapixels are crammed onto a small sensor, it can create lots of image noise. You get a cleaner image when there's a lot of sensor space for large pixels – this is why video users generally don't care too much about megapixels, as they never need to print and much prefer a clean image. Don't think of megapixels as the most important aspect of camera tech – they're just another factor to consider when making your choice.

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