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Best for Most People
Sony A7 IV Camera
Best on a Budget
Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera
Megapixel Madness
Sony A7RV
Best for Nikon Fans
Nikon Z6III Mirrorless Camera
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. 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 on the sensor or other specs.
Still, choosing the right one can be confusing. I’ve spent years 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 Camera Bags, Best Action Cameras, Best GoPro Hero, and Best Instant Cameras.
Updated February 2025: We’ve added the new Nikon Z6 III, Panasonic S5 II, and Fujifilm X100VI, refined our recommendations, and updated links and prices throughout.
Sensor Size: Full-Frame, APS-C, Micro Four Thirds
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 amazing 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 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 light 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 video-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. My only hesitation buying this right now would be that the successor, the A7 V is rumored to be coming in early 2025.
Specs Sensor size 33 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 10 fps RAW Video 7K oversampled; 4K30p ★ Alternative: If you don’t need the new autofocus features, the A7III remains a solid choice, and it’s frequently on sale for under $1,400.
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Photograph: Fujifilm
Best on a Budget
Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera
The Fujifilm X-T5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the best cameras I’ve tested. The 40-megapixel APS-C sensor in the new X-T5 is impressive enough that you’d be hard-pressed to tell it from a full frame sensor. Images from the X-T5 are sharp, wonderfully detailed, and don’t suffer too much noise. This sensor also manages to retain that uniquely Fujifilm look.
The X-T5 is more focused on the shooter of stills than video, though it can record up to 6.2K/30p video. 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 this 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: 40-megapixel XTrans APS-C sensor, 15 fps with full AF, 4K/60 fps video, dual SD cards
Specs Sensor size 40 MP XTrans APS-C Max Photo Frame rate 15 fps RAW Video 4K60p ★ Alternatives: The X-H2 ($1,999) is the best option for those more interested in video. It uses the same sensor as the X-T5, but can record 8K/30p video and has nice video extras like a fully articulated rear screen, support for an external cooling fan, 3.5mm headphone jack, and HDMI out.
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Photograph: Sony
Megapixel Madness
Sony A7RV
The A7RV has a massive 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, the largest sensor you can get (unless you opt for medium-format cameras). If that’s not enough, there’s a 16-shot, high-resolution mode that can create 240-MP images (so long as your subject is static, e.g., a landscape). The dynamic range in the A7RV is outstanding, and the ability to recover detail in the shadows is something you’ll only believe once you do it yourself.
The autofocus speed and intelligence are nice, particularly the eye detect. The viewfinder is huge and bright (and, although this might sound strange, an option for smaller RAW files. Fully uncompressed RAW files from this sensor run around 125 megabytes per image. There are now options to shoot large, medium, or small lossless compressed RAW files.
Specs Sensor size 61 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 10 fps RAW Video 8K 24p/25p; 4K 60p/50p -
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Best for Nikon Fans
Nikon Z6III Mirrorless Camera
Nikon’s Z6 III brings most of the flagship features of Nikon’s far more expensive Z8 and Z9 to the Z6 line. The Z6 III (8/10, WIRED Recommends) features Nikon’s 24-megapixel partially stacked CMOS sensor, very fast and accurate 3D subject-tracking system, and ProRes encoding for video—making it one of the best hybrid, photo/video cameras on the market.
The “partially stacked” bit means you get some of the performance benefits of a stacked CMOS sensor, like those found in the Nikon Z8 and Z9, but not the downsides, or at least fewer of the downsides. Stacked sensors, ahem, stack the processing circuits right on top of the sensor itself (technically it’s behind the sensor), which means the RAM is directly tied into the sensor, making for incredibly fast readout. This is what allows high-end cameras to shoot upwards of 12 RAW images per second without the viewfinder blacking out. The downside to stacked sensors is that you run into some rolling shutter distortion with moving objects, and there is often less dynamic range. The Z6 III’s partially stacked sensor is an attempt to lessen those downsides, and it mostly works. The 5.76-million-dot viewfinder has a blazing fast 120-Hz refresh rate and is insanely bright and wonderful (it supports full HDR color space). The back panel isn’t bad either, with a 2.1-million-dot display and full articulation, which makes it easy to shoot video from pretty much any angle.
The main downside here is the Z6 III has about a stop less of dynamic range than its competitors, but in actual real-world use, I didn’t find this to be a factor.
Specs Sensor size 24 MP Partially Stacked Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 12 fps RAW Video 6K/60p RAW ★ Alternatives: For more resolution, there’s the Nikon Z8 for $3,397, which is very nearly identical to the Z6 except it has a higher resolution, 45 MP fully stacked sensor, and a few more on-camera buttons (the Z8 also has a sensor shield to protect it when changing lenses, which I love). The Nikon Z5, on the other hand, is one of the cheapest full-frame cameras. Often on sale for around $800, the Z5 is a stripped-down Z6. It’s a barebones camera, but for some that might be all you need.
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Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Best for Classic Camera Vibes
Nikon Zf Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Zf (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the camera I would buy if I were in the market for a new camera. I grew up in the film era, and I am still more comfortable turning dials and knobs than I am using touchscreens. The Nikon Zf offers just that. Every setting you need to make an image is accessible on a dial or knob: ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. There’s also a switch to change shooting modes and another to change to black-and-white mode or video mode.
The Zf looks like a 1980s film camera, but the 24-megapixel sensor and speedy autofocus system is decidedly modern and very nearly as good as the Nikon Z6 III above. There’s no beefy grip to hold onto (though you can buy one), and I hate that Nikon doesn’t give you a battery charger, but otherwise the Nikon Zf is a fantastic camera. I suggest the version with the 40-mm lens, which pairs well with this body.
Specs Sensor size 24 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 13 fps Video 4K/60 fps (cropped for 60 fps) -
Photograph: Canon
Best for Canon Fans
Canon EOS-R
The Canon EOS R is a mirrorless option for people who loved their DSLRs. It’s a hefty beast, with a solid feel that reminds me of what I used to love about film cameras. Even the on-off switch is made of metal. The sensor is typically Canon, which is to say sharp, with good contrast and the characteristic Canon color rendering (it’s slightly warmer in tone than some of the others here). The phase-detect autofocus is fast and accurate.
One thing I really like is that when you change lenses there’s a cover that swings out to protect the sensor from dust. (The exception is if you have an adapter and you remove the lens but not the adapter.) Every camera on this list would benefit from adopting this feature. The R-Mount lens system uses a very wide base diameter, like the Nikon system, and achieves similar results—there are fast R lenses around. The better news for those already invested in Canon glass is that there’s a $99 adapter that will let you affix just about any older Canon lens to the R.
Specs Sensor size 30 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 8 fps Video 4K/30 fps (cropped for 60 fps) ★ Alternatives: If you need faster autofocus or faster shooting capabilities, the Canon EOS R6II ($2,300) is a better choice. You’ll lose a few megapixels in the sensor, but get much faster autofocus and 40 fps burst rates. If it’s megapixels you want, the Canon EOS R5 ($3,400) Is the way to go.
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Photograph: Leica Camera AG
A Luxe Fixed-Lens Option
Leica Q3
Leica’s Q3 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) packs a 60-megapixel sensor and Maestro IV processor, which it uses to produce some truly wonderful images. True to Leica’s reputation, shooting with the Q3 is a wonderful, simple experience that helps you focus on what you’re doing, not the camera.
The autofocus on this model is better than on the Q2, but it’s still not a sports camera by any means. The fixed 28-mm lens is great in both manual and auto focus modes. I never used to be a fan of 28-mm lenses, but lately they’ve grown on me. In late 2024 Leica complicated the buying decision by releasing the Q3 43, which is otherwise the same Q3, but with a 43mm f/2 lens.
The Q3 also has a bright, sharp viewfinder. It’s not the camera for everyone, but for a certain kind of photographer the Q3 is an absolutely perfect fit.
Specs Sensor size 60 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 15 fps Video 8K/30p Lens Fixed 28mm or 43mm -
Photograph: Panasonic
Best for Video
Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II
Panasonic’s S5 II is a compact, full-frame mirrorless with a very sharp 24-megapixel sensor. The S5 mostly holds its own against the rest of these full-frame cameras in still image quality, but what really sets it apart is the extra video features. Support for V-Log recording, Real Time LUTs, anamorphic 4K, video recording to SSD, and more. While many of the others on this page can boast quite a few of these features, no other camera has them all. The result is a camera that’s perfect for hybrid video and stills shooters. The S5 II improved autofocus considerably over the original S5, adding phase detection and closing the autofocus gap with competitors.
The S5 uses the L-mount lens system, an effort to do for full-frame what Panasonic did for micro four-thirds: create a unified lens mount standard. Leica is the driving force behind the L-mount, but Panasonic and Sigma also have plenty of glass in L-mount. That means there’s no shortage of lenses for the S5. If your primary use case is video, be sure to check out our guide to the gear and tips you need to make studio-grade home videos.
Specs Sensor size 24 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 5 fps Video 6K/30p
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Photograph: Sony
Best for Travelers
Sony A7C R
If you want the smallest body you can get but still want a full-frame sensor, the Sony A7C R (7/10, WIRED Recommends) offers the most bang for your buck. It’s plenty small and light, even with a lens. The 61-MP sensor offers amazing detail and very good dynamic range. Throw in some best-in-class autofocus with great subject tracking, and you have a camera that can handle just about anything. It’s expensive, but if you can afford it, this is a great camera.
Specs Sensor size 61 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 8 fps Video 4K/60p with a 1.2x ★ Alternatives: There is the A7C II (note, no R) which at $2,198 is cheaper, uses the smaller 33 MP sensor, but is otherwise very close in size. Outside of that though. there are regrettably few travel-friendly full-frame cameras. The Fujifilm X100VI (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a wonderful travel cam with a great 40 MP APS-C sensor (the same sensor as the X-T5 above). As with the Leica Q3 this is not an interchangeable lens camera, you get a fixed 23-mm lens (35-mm equivalent in full-frame). The X100VI is a joy to use and produces wonderful images. The main problem is that a TikTok-inspired obsession with this camera has driven the price up to insanity levels and just finding one can be difficult.
Buying Advice
Photograph: Wotancraft
There is no such thing as the perfect camera. Each has its own limitations, and part of the magic of photography is learning how to get around them. What you want to find is the camera best suited to the type of photos you like to take. This can be a complicated process so we put together an entire guide to choosing the right camera, which walks you through all the jargon, acronyms, sensor options, and extra features to help you figure out the best options for you.
If you want to shoot wildlife, you need good in-body stabilization. If you’re a street photographer shooting from the hip, stabilization isn’t as important, but an extending viewfinder screen becomes paramount. If you’re a landscape photographer who always uses a tripod, you probably don’t need either of those things, but you might need a sensor capable of sharp, wall-size prints.
Once you’ve figured out the best camera for your needs, buy a lens to go with it and start shooting every day. Read the manual for your camera and learn what it can and cannot do, and then use it over and over until it is an effortless extension of your mind. Once you have the comfort level, the gear fades into the background where it belongs, and you can focus on making the images you’ve always dreamed of creating.
Oh, and hey, you may want to pick up a camera bag, sling, cube, or other accessories for your new system. We have just the guide to help.
