Top 5 Best Cameras for Photography in 2025

Today’s best cameras are almost always capable of shooting both photos and videos. If your primary goal is to shoot stills, certain cameras provide better value and performance than hybrids, particularly for photography. These are the cameras you’ll find here: from premium compacts to mirrorless flagships, we’ve compiled this buying guide to assist photographers in selecting their next camera.

The Nikon Z6 III is our favorite camera for shooting stills, thanks to its impressive combination of speed and quality, focusing abilities, and elite handling. However, if you don’t shoot a lot of action or video, the Sony A7 IV has an advantage in terms of detail, whereas professional models provide next-level quality. The Canon EOS R10, which we consider the best camera for beginners, offers better value and easier handling.

When selecting a camera, consider your budget and skill level, as well as what and how you prefer to shoot. You may cover a variety of sports, for example, or prefer the handling of a DSLR. That’s why our expert team spent hours testing a variety of cameras in real-world scenarios. The results of those reviews are summarized below to assist you in selecting your ideal photography camera.

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Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Cameras for Photography in 2025

1.Sony α7 IV

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The a7 IV is the conceptual and executional successor to the a7 III, but not in terms of market position. We adored the a7 III when it debuted years ago, as it pushed the boundaries of mirrorless autofocus at a very appealing starting price. The a7 III occasionally goes on sale, but Sony hasn’t permanently reduced the price. We now recommend the Panasonic Lumix S5 for photographers who cannot afford a camera—at press time, the S5 is available for with a starter zoom.

The a7 IV is significantly more expensive, costing around, and thus not a direct replacement for the a7 III. The price is reasonable, though; the Canon EOS R6 costs the same. The R6’s 20MP sensor isn’t ideal for photographers who need to crop, but there aren’t many other drawbacks. More expensive full-frame models typically have more pixels, such as the 45MP Nikon Z 7 II , or fast-reading stacked sensors for action photography, such as the Sony a9 II. Both of these features are combined in the 50MP Sony a1, which costs. Lower-cost options compromise build quality and do not provide as fast burst rates.

The a7 IV’s pricing falls in the middle of the pack, reflecting its capabilities. It’s a generalist body with a lot of pixels, great low-light performance, intelligent subject recognition, and dependable autofocus. It also functions well as a video camera, with support for 10-bit 4K60 footage and a full-size HDMI port for connecting to an Atomos Ninja V for external ProRes recording.

Sony sells the a7 IV as a standalone body, which is a good option for users who are already invested in the system, or with the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 zoom for. The 28-70mm lens, which Sony introduced alongside the original a7 in 2013, is very old and should be retired. You should budget for a better zoom to match the camera’s capabilities—we recommend the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS or the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary for photographers new to the Sony system.

The a7 IV maintains Sony’s design ethos, with only a few minor changes that improve on the a7 III’s already robust control set. The dimensions are also similar; the a7 IV measures 3.8 by 5.2 by 3.1 inches and weighs 1.4 pounds, which is consistent with the previous model (3.9 by 5.0 by 2.5 inches, 1.4 pounds). If you want a smaller camera, Sony’s a7C is another option (2.8 by 4.9 by 2.4 inches, 1.1 pounds). The a7C produces identical image quality as the a7 III, but with a newer autofocus system.

Sony has made a few changes to the top plate controls but hasn’t moved too much around. The shutter release remains on top of the handgrip with an integrated on/off switch. The front control dial is right ahead, incorporated into the grip.

2.Fujifilm X-T5

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The X-T5 is a more photography-focused camera than the X-T4, with the return of the excellent two-way tilting rear screen mechanism, which is useful for composing off-axis shots in both landscape and portrait modes.

The X-T5 can also shoot video, but its specifications are less ambitious than those of the expressly hybrid X-H2. So there’s no 8K capture, and the 6.2K footage is taken from a 1.22x cropped region of the sensor, rather than the full width as in the X-H2. Similarly, the X-T5’s ‘HQ’ 4K footage is based on this 6.2K crop, not an 8K readout. The X-T5, like the X-H2, can capture 4K at up to 60p from the full width of its sensor, but it does not use all available pixels.

The X-H2’s ProRes modes are also missing, as are any of the options that required the use of a CFexpress Type B card. Instead, the X-T5 stores everything on a matched pair of UHS-II SD card slots. Fujifilm claims that the camera can shoot 6.2K/30 video for 90 minutes or 4K/60p video for 60 minutes at 25°C (77°F); these figures drop significantly at higher temperatures, and there is no option to add a fan to compensate.

The specifications for photography are very similar to those for the X-H2, with the camera capable of shooting 40MP images at up to 15fps using the mechanical shutter.The X-T5 offers the 20-shot pixel-shift high-res mode from the X-H2, allowing you to create 160MP composite images. As with the existing camera, you need to combine the images yourself using Fujifilm’s Pixel Shift Combiner desktop software. There’s no motion correction, which limits the types of situations it can be used in.

Fujifilm is one of the few companies still making high-end APS-C models, with most other brands focusing on full-frame for their photography enthusiast offerings. This brings a different cost/size/image-quality balance, especially once you factor in the lenses you might use. In this instance, we’ve picked the Panasonic S5 II for comparison. There are less expensive full-frame options, but the S5 II is one of the lower-priced rivals that provide something of a match for the X-T5’s level of stills and video capability.

The X-T5 retains a 3.64M dot OLED viewfinder, but it makes use of the X-H2’s higher magnification optics, resulting in an impressive 0.8x equivalent magnification. In Boost mode, the finder can operate at up to 100fps, which is less than the X-H2’s 120fps limit. Fujifilm claims that the eye sensor for switching between LCD and EVF should be about twice as fast as on the X-T4, making the camera feel more responsive.

To distinguish between the X-H and X-T series, the X-T5 lacks a headphone jack and instead uses a micro HDMI port for video output. This is the same setup as the X-T4, and like that camera, the X-T5 can output audio through a USB adapter included in the box.

3.Sony α6700

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Sony a6700 retains the relatively compact design of the a6600, the previous best E-mount APS-C mirrorless camera, but adds a few key improvements. Outside, the a6700 features a swing-out display and an in-grip control dial. On the inside, the camera gets an updated 26MP BSI CMOS chip that supports 10-bit video, as well as the high-end a7R V’s AI-powered focus system.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about the a6700 is how similar it is to the a6600. Although most mid-tier mirrorless cameras, like SLRs, have a central viewfinder that lines up with the lens, all of Sony’s APS-C E-mount cameras, with the exception of the one-and-done a3000, place them in the corner.

The a6700 follows the trend by placing its viewfinder in the top left corner. This body style is well-suited to smaller lenses, and many photographers may benefit from the increased situational awareness provided by this viewfinder position. On the other hand, this design is less suitable for large, heavy telephoto lenses, which are easier to hold steady when working from a center viewfinder.

A corner viewfinder results in a smaller overall body. The a6700’s top is flat (there is no viewfinder hump like on the Fujifilm X-T5), allowing it to fit into smaller camera bags than competitors. According to the specifications, the Sony measures 2.7 by 4.8 by 2.5 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.1 pounds, while the X-T5 measures 3.6 by 5.1 by 2.5 inches and weighs 1.2 pounds.

Despite keeping things largely the same as its predecessors, the a6700 does make a few ergonomic improvements. For example, it’s the first in the series to feature a front-facing display for self-recorded video and a command dial in the grip for easier manual exposure control.

Like most cameras in this price range, the a6700 has a full magnesium alloy chassis that can withstand some rough handling. Sony does not provide an IP rating, but it does advertise dust and moisture resistance as a feature, assuming you use sealed lenses. Many of Sony’s APS-C lenses lack weather protection, so in inclement weather, opt for a G series lens (or FE full-frame lens).

E-Mount also benefits from third-party manufacturers who have stepped in to fill some gaps in the lineup. Meanwhile, rival Fuji has a fully developed APS-C lens system, while Canon and Nikon fall behind. Nikon does not have a camera that competes with the a6700, and Canon’s strategy so far has been to steer R7 customers toward reasonably priced full-frame lenses.

4.Canon EOS R10

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Canon EOS R10 fills a gap in Canon’s mirrorless camera lineup that had existed for several years. If you’re a beginner looking to broaden your photographic horizons, or an existing Canon fan looking for a fun second camera for everyday shooting, it’s now one of the best cameras on the market, and because of its small size and weight, it’s also one of the best for travel.

While it is slightly more advanced and expensive than traditional entry-level cameras such as the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D DSLR, the EOS R10 is a significant upgrade and well worth the price. It’s essentially an evolution of double-digit DSLRs such as the Canon EOS 90D, which became popular among those looking to capture their family, vacations, and daily lives with smartphone-level quality.

The Canon EOS R10’s charm stems from its Digic X processor, which enables the latest autofocus technology and impressive burst-shooting speeds for its price. You get Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and 15fps continuous shooting (though the EOS R10’s buffer applies a firm brake), so this camera is more than capable of capturing a shot of the family dog’s winning goal in the garden water polo.

The EOS R10 can track a variety of subjects, including people, animals (dogs, cats, birds), and vehicles, and follows them around with tenacity. This is a very useful tool that elevates this camera above rivals such as the Fujifilm X-S10, though that camera does compete with in-body image stabilization and (for the time being) a larger selection of lenses.

Ah, yes, lenses. The EOS R10’s main flaws include a slightly small viewfinder (with 0.59x magnification). Canon has only released two native lenses for the EOS R10 and EOS R7: the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and the RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom. This is quite low in comparison to Sony and Fujifilm, but you can use both Canon’s full-frame RF lenses and older EF lenses on this camera with an optional adaptor.

These options should keep you going until Canon releases new APS-C lenses. However, if you want more options right away or dislike uncertainty, a camera like the Fujifilm X-S10 or Fujifilm X-T30 II may be better suited.

If you’re just starting out and want a lightweight camera that can grow with you, the Canon EOS R10 is one of the best beginner cameras available. Its new 24MP CMOS sensor produces some lovely images with enough leeway to recover some details from shadows, even if you won’t want to regularly push it past ISO 6400. You can also shoot some impressive video, even though the 4K/60p mode requires a 1.56x crop.

Despite its relatively old-fashioned sensor, which is not backside-illuminated, the EOS R10’s powerful processor, autofocus experience, and versatile controls make it an excellent choice for beginners as well as those looking to advance. That means you can have a lot of fun with it while you wait for Canon to release some new native lenses.

5.Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Canon’s smallest SLR, the SL2, gets a minor upgrade with the SL3 . The new edition includes a more modern image processor and support for 4K video, but there aren’t many other improvements. It’s a good option, though not as small as mirrorless cameras—which reduces the case for its size. If you prefer an optical viewfinder, this is a good camera, but not as capable as our Editors’ Choice, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i.

The SL3 is one of the smallest SLRs available, but it remains an SLR. It is 3.7 by 4.8 by 2.8 inches (HWD) and weighs 15.8 ounces without a lens attached. It’s slightly smaller overall than the Nikon D3500 (3.9 by 4.9 by 2.8 inches, 12.9 ounces), but larger than a typical mirrorless camera, such as Canon’s EOS M50 (3.5 by 4.6 by 2.3 inches, 13.8 ounces).

It’s a shame that Canon’s smallest and least expensive EF-S lens, the 24mm f/2.8 STM, isn’t sold in conjunction with the camera. It appears to be an excellent fit and should be considered for use with the SL3 (or another Canon SLR if you want a small, inexpensive prime lens).

The SL3 is small enough that nearly all of its physical controls are on the right side of the body. The exception is the Menu and Info buttons, which are located in the top left corner of the rear plate, above the LCD and to the left of the eyecup.A hot shoe (for an external flash) and a built-in pop-up flash are located on top, centered behind the lens. All of the top plate controls are squeezed to the right. There are mode and command dials, ISO and Display buttons, a shutter release, and the Movie/On/Off power switch.

The Record button is located right next to the eye cup. You won’t be able to press it easily with the camera close to your eye, but you’ll be using the rear LCD to frame video, so its placement is fine. The buttons you’re most likely to use with the camera close to your eye are more easily accessible. Focus point selection and AE-L (represented by an asterisk icon) are located on the right, in the area raised up to create an indentation for a thumb rest. The Av/EV button is located just below the indentation; it is used to adjust EV compensation in most modes and to switch between aperture and shutter control when working manually.

There’s also a four-way control pad on the rear, used to navigate menus and move the active focus area around the viewfinder or rear display. Delete and Play are below, and Q/Set is at the d-pad’s center.The SL3’s viewfinder is optical—something that sets it apart from mirrorless cameras, which use electronic viewfinders as a rule. Modern electronic viewfinders are very good, so opting for an optical finder is no longer the de facto best option.

What type of camera is best for photography?

As you can see from our comprehensive buying guide above, there is no single factor that determines which type of camera is best for photography. From sensor size to resolution, there are numerous factors to consider when selecting a stills camera, which is why it’s a good idea to consider feedback from our real-world tests before making a decision.

Each of these factors’ importance will be determined by your preferred shooting style. Objectively, the larger a camera’s sensor, the more light it can collect, and the higher the resolution, the sharper the images. That’s why we give mirrorless cameras like the Sony A1 II such high marks for stills performance: its 50.1MP full-frame sensor is best in class.

But the question isn’t necessarily that simple. The highest resolutions tend to be overkill unless you’re a professional photographer. Equally, full-frame cameras are less travel-friendly due to the size of their sensors. For that reason, you might prefer a mirrorless camera with a high-resolution APS-C sensor, such as the Fujifilm X-H2. Or if you’re just starting out, the best photography camera for you could be an APS-C model with a lower resolution, such as the Canon EOS R10.

The elephant in the room is whether a DSLR is superior to a mirrorless camera for photography. For a more in-depth look at this topic, see our mirrorless vs DSLR camera comparison. In a nutshell, most manufacturers believe that mirrorless cameras are the future of photography, with the latest models providing unparalleled performance and results. However, this does not necessarily imply that you should discount DSLR models, as explained below.

Are DSLRs best for photography?

DSLRs were long the byword for ‘serious’ photography, but they’re no longer at the top the camera tech tree. Mirrorless cameras, which replace the DSLR’s optical viewfinder with a wholly electronic EVF, are now the beneficiaries of the camera giants’ latest lenses and autofocus systems. Neither Canon nor Nikon has released a new DSLR in years. That’s why our list above is dominated by mirrorless cameras, rather than DSLRs.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t consider buying a DSLR for photography. Their main benefit now is value for money – their lack of an electronic viewfinder means they’re usually cheaper than mirrorless equivalents, and their maturity means they have a wide range of affordable lenses. Classic DSLRs like the Canon EOS 6D are also excellent second-hand buys. But the smarter long-term investments are now mirrorless cameras.