Buying a digital camera looks very different today than it did a few years ago. Smartphone cameras continue to improve, so there are significantly fewer buyers of budget compact camera models. There are not so many good inexpensive cameras left. Entry-level DSLRs, meanwhile, are facing serious competition from mirrorless models, and budget-minded users can choose from the best compacts with large image sensors, mid-size interchangeable-lens cameras, or semi-professional superzooms that capture sharp, close-up photos from a distance.
This article provides an overview of the best cameras in various price categories.
Pocket cameras: Entry level compacts
It's no secret that smartphones have caused serious damage to the demand for cameras for non-professionals. There are many models of unknown manufacturers in online stores.worth up to 6 thousand rubles, but none of them are worth the money if you already have a good smartphone. However, if you increase the price bar by 2 times, you can find good cameras for the amateur from Canon and Nikon.
These thin cameras differ from smartphones in having a zoom lens, but according to users, they often use outdated CCD image sensor technology, which limits image quality at high ISO settings and maximum video resolution of 720p. However, those who are looking for a small camera for recreation or nature walks can still find some inexpensive smartphone alternatives.
Transition to the price category up to 25 thousand rubles. will allow you to purchase cameras with more modern CMOS image sensors and very long zoom lenses (currently 30x is the standard). For the most part, video quality does not exceed 1080p. You can find models with small electronic viewfinders, the ability to shoot in raw format and very fast autofocus. Photos from such devices are better than from smartphones. Some models in this price range are water and dust resistant.
Best entry-level cameras
Good cameras for beginners are not only compact models. Photographers who want a simple and inexpensive image capture device can get what they want by purchasing a DSLR or mirrorless camera. According to experts, the best models for those who are more interested in getting high-quality imagesand less - in learning to work with the lens aperture scale, are the Sony A6000, Canon T7i and Olympus TG-5.
But there are other options. Users often recommend the Canon G9 X, a relatively inexpensive pocket-sized camera that offers measurable benefits over a smartphone in terms of image quality and user-friendly touch interface. Nikon D3400 with its assist mode is one of the best inexpensive DSLRs, and Canon EOS M100 is considered the best representative of mirrorless models. The Nikon D3400 is equipped with a 24.3-megapixel sensor, can shoot high-definition video and transfer photos to a smartphone via a Bluetooth connection. The Canon EOS M100 is a very compact camera with a 24MP APS-C sensor. Features fast autofocus and 6.1 fps continuous shooting. Has a tilting touch screen, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Users who decide which good and inexpensive camera to choose, experts advise to decide what exactly they want to get. An appropriate size should be assessed, as a camera is no good if it cannot be used only because of its very large size. You should also check the connectivity - you will probably need to quickly transfer the picture to your smartphone. Ease of operation is not a problem these days. Almost all cameras have an auto mode, and models with user-assisted interfaces will allow you to take better pictures without having to master technical jargon.
Old school film cameras
You don't have to have a digital camera. Film models are still being produced, and cameras that take instant photos are still in demand. They eliminate the hassle of developing film and make it easy to share photos with friends and family immediately after shooting. Entry-level models cost about 4 thousand rubles, and the cost of film is usually about 500 rubles. The best cameras of this type, according to user reviews, include the Fujifilm Instax Mini and Lomography Lomo'Instant lines.
You can also buy a new 35mm or medium format camera. True, there are not as many options for developing film and printing photos as before. If you can still find a laboratory in a big city, then in small cities you will have to resort to postal services.
You can still find film SLR cameras and compacts in stores. If there is a desire to purchase a new model, then user reviews recommend Lomography products. It produces models ranging from the Sprocket Rocket, which allows panoramic shots along the entire length of the film, to the high-end medium format LC-A 120. The latest model is quite compact and features a sharp, low-distortion wide-angle lens, an integrated exposure meter, and a 4-zone focus.
Small Camera, Big Sensor: Elite Compacts
Many people will be surprised to see a compact fixed lens camera sold atprice from 25 to 60 thousand rubles. After all, at the same price you can find a model with interchangeable optics. But these small, high-end devices are for experienced photographers who already have a mirrorless or DSLR with a lens kit, but want something small as an alternative.
For a long time, the best models were equipped with 1/1.7” (7.6 x 5.7 mm) sensors, which gave them modest advantages over the more common 1/2.3” (5.76 x 4.29mm) used in entry-level cameras and top smartphones. Sony changed that in 2013 with its revolutionary RX100 camera, which made the 1-inch class (13.2 x 8.8mm) the center of attention.
Such a sensor has about 4 times the area than the chips installed in the best smartphones and entry-level cameras. The result is a much sharper image, especially at high ISO. The industry has settled on 20 megapixels for this type of sensor. It provides an excellent balance of image quality and noise control.
With a larger sensor comes a shorter zoom. For the most part, models are 2.9x magnification (24-70mm) or slightly longer at 4x (25-100mm). These lenses capture a lot of light across their entire zoom range, and the optics responsible for this require a large front element and a short zoom range.
Now longer zooms are starting to appear in this category, but with narrower apertures and lenses that provide 10x zoom (25-250mm). Cameras with small apertures do less well in low light, but are the best cameras for travel when you need a pocket model with a wide zoom range. The 1-inch sensor size typically delivers reliable quality up to ISO 3200 and even up to ISO 6400 when shooting in Raw, so shooting in dim light is possible.
There are also models with even larger image sensors and shorter zooms or no zoom at all. You can buy a small camera with an APS-C sensor, which is mounted on fixed focal length DSLRs, they even have a couple of options with large full-frame sensors.
Transition type models
Produced cameras with a fixed lens, the size and shape of which resemble reflex counterparts. These models typically have very long lenses (up to 83x), 1/2, 3” sensor and electronic viewfinder, sync contact and tilting display. If zoom is what you're looking for, then a crossover camera might be a better choice, though it's not as effective in low light as a DSLR.
There are also high-end models with larger 1-inch sensors and shorter zooms. They are significantly smaller than digital SLR cameras with comparable magnification. It is enough to imagine that in the case of the latter one has to carry a set of two or three interchangeable lenses to cover the range of 24-200mm, 24-400mm or 24-600mm. They are usually more expensive than mirrored ones.cameras and transitional cameras with smaller sensors, but they do better with higher ISO settings and faster optics. If you need the compactness and versatility that a long zoom offers, then you should consider purchasing a model with a 1” sensor. But you need to be ready to pay the maximum.
According to the reviews, the best transitional cameras are Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10, Canon PowerShot SX60 HS, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000, Leica V-Lux, etc. The DSC-RX10, for example, features an impressively sharp 24-200mm lens and features fast 10fps continuous shooting, fast focusing, customizable controls, a clear electronic viewfinder, a tilting display, multi-interface sync contact, and integrated Wi-Fi with NFC.
Travel cameras
No wonder transitional models tend to be ideal for travel lovers. They feature a wide zoom range, so you don't have to mess with changing lenses. If you choose the best camera with a 1-inch sensor, you can take pictures in different lighting conditions. But the traveler may want to have another type of camera as well.
If you need something miniature, then a compact may be suitable. But you need to be prepared to spend money on a decent device. For a noisy company, the best compact camera would be the Olympus TG-5. It has a fast lens with 4x optical zoom (24-100mm) and a solid build. In addition, you can dive with itdepth up to 15 m. The device allows you to capture Raw-frames and shoot beautiful video in 4K resolution.
According to owners, the GoPro action camera is the best choice for video lovers.
For a relaxing holiday, good quality cameras are the Sony RX100 III and Canon G7 X Mark II, which will take great pictures in a form factor.
If the user is not looking for any frills, then the best option would be a quality mirrorless camera (and several lenses), which will allow you to take photos and shoot videos that you will not be ashamed to show to family and friends. The Sony A6000 remains the best option available, but there are alternatives such as the more stylish Fujifilm X-E3.
Mirrorless vs DSLR: which is better?
User feedback is disappointing that mirrorless-specific features, including tilting touch displays and wireless connectivity, were not immediately available in DSLRs. For example, while video capture has been greatly improved in Canon's top cameras, consumers are better off with an inexpensive mirrorless camera if they want fast autofocus when recording motion pictures.
The mirror directs the light from the lens to the optical viewfinder. Getting rid of it allows for a thinner design with fewer moving parts, as well as more accurate autofocus. At the same time, autofocus is fast on the latest digital mirrorless models. So fast that desiresreturn to SLR does not occur.
If the user is ready to work without a viewfinder and use the LCD display for visualization, then you can find reliable mirrorless models with a complete lens for less than 30 thousand rubles. As with digital SLR cameras, different manufacturers support different lens formats. For example, when buying a Sony mirrorless camera, the user is bound to Sony E and FE lenses, and if you choose Fujifilm, you will have to deal with the X system.
The exception is the Micro Four Thirds system, which is a format shared by Olympus and Panasonic, as well as more specialized units such as the Blackmagic. The MFT sensor format has a 4:3 aspect ratio instead of the 3:2 aspect ratio of most DSLRs.
According to experts, Canon, Nikon and Pentax offer the best entry-level SLR cameras with traditional optical viewfinders. Sony continues to support the A-mount, which originates from Minolta AF lenses, but has moved to electronic viewfinders with its Alpha SLT series. The fixed mirror design and EVF allow the video focusing system to use the same sensor as for still images. This provides mirrorless-level AF performance.
Traditional DSLRs have trouble autofocusing video. Contrast methods require the focus to move just above the point of focus and back to fix. This can lead to errors whentracking a moving object. Manufacturers have been working to solve this problem by using optics with pulse or stepper motors that are quieter and smoother during focusing, but still not up to par with most mirrorless cameras.
According to user reviews, this effect is also observed in the simplest digital mirrorless models, which rely entirely on contrast focusing. But they don't have it as noticeable as DSLRs, and mid-range devices that match the cost of entry-level DSLRs use phase detection on the image sensor.
High end mirrorless and SLR cameras
Immediately after overcoming the price barrier of 60 thousand rubles. begins the area where the user must be well versed in which camera best suits his preferences. When buying a device in this price range, you need to take a serious look at the optics and accessories available for each system and weigh the pros and cons of different image sensor formats.
In recent years, mirrorless cameras have made significant advances in tracking autofocus. The best cameras track objects and take pictures as quickly as comparable DSLRs. For each system and type of shooting, you can find quite adequate optics.
MFT cameras allow you to mount Olympus or Panasonic lenses. These include optics such as fisheye, ultra-wide, tele and zoom lenses. Fujifilm releases a powerful set, includingincluding a 100-400mm zoom that can be combined with a teleconverter for even greater coverage. Sony cameras can use both APS-C (E) and full frame (FE) lenses up to 300mm, but longer focal length (telephoto) options are not currently available.
But all the listed optics are not as extensive as in Canon and Nikon systems. According to experts, there are many excellent third-party options from Sigma and Tamron. With such types of SLR lenses as Sigma 150-600 mm F5-6.3, mirrorless cameras cannot be compared in cost. There's also access to exotics like the AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR, which are simply not available in mirrorless format.
For photographers who want to shoot distant subjects and use telephoto lenses, users are encouraged to take advantage of the flexibility provided by APS-C and MFT sensors. There are also a number of full-frame models aimed at hobbyists. Full size is so named because it corresponds to the physical dimensions of 35mm film, and is a good choice for landscapes, portraits, event coverage and reportage. A large sensor combined with a fast lens gives greater control over depth of field.
Those who need interchangeable lenses can find many options in the price range of 60-150 thousand rubles. Perhaps too much. Models in this price range are very close in features, performance and image quality.
When initially choosing a system or in the absence of largeinvestment, the first thing to do is determine which lenses are needed and consider their cost when making a decision. That being said, you might find that the slightly higher case cost is worth it if the optics available for the phone are significantly cheaper than the competition.
Next, consider the capabilities of the camera itself. If autofocus and burst speed are a big deal, then it's best to focus on the APS-C models, which have no equal in this regard. The best camera for shooting landscapes or portraits is a full-frame camera, so if you get one, you can invest in the size and quality of the sensor, not in the focus system.
The choice between an optical or electronic viewfinder is another question that needs to be answered. Modern EVF sights are really good - they update quickly, allowing you to track movement. Users who haven't used them for several years will be surprised how far they've come. But for some photographers, nothing beats an optical viewfinder. In this case, a DSLR would be preferable to a mirrorless one.
According to experts, the best SLR cameras are Nikon D850, D5, D500, D750, Canon EOS 5D Mk IV, Rebel T7i, 80D.
Professional Features: Full Format
The best cameras for professional photographers are Canon or Nikon DSLRs, but there are also some very capable counterparts. There are reasons why mostprofessionals chooses one of these two popular brands. These include a solid base of professional bodies and lenses, user assistance and the convenience of years of use. But that doesn't mean you can't go the other way. For example, Sony makes top-of-the-line DSLRs and several mirrorless models that are equally as good for professional photographers.
Which cameras are best for shooting sports? Needless to say, such cameras do not require the high resolution of DSLRs used for shooting weddings and other events, but must capture frames at a much faster rate, typically around 10 fps, while continuously tracking and exposing. Sony has a great model in the mirrorless subspace - the A9 camera. The camera is lighter and cheaper than competing DSLRs, but it focuses and shoots at an incredible 20 fps and records in ultra high definition.
Medium Format Digital Cameras
This is an option for those who, for some reason, the resolution of full-frame cameras is not enough. In the better days of film cameras, medium format indicated sizes over 35mm but smaller than 8x10cm. That's a pretty big range. Good digital cameras are equipped with 33x44mm sensors, which are used in most professional cameras, including Pentax and mirrorless models from Fujifilm and Hasselblad.
At the top of the spectrum of medium format models, you can find the sensor54 x 40mm, which is roughly the size of 6x4.5cm film. An example is the insanely expensive Phase One XF 100MP. It offers 100MP raw image capture, which is more than overkill for the vast majority of photographers.
