Using one of the best cameras for photos and videos will undeniably give us the greatest chance to capture fabulous shots, whether a full-frame, crop sensor or micro four-thirds, mirrorless, or DSLR camera.
After years of testing and reviewing the best cameras, we think the Sony A7R IV is the best camera overall. Its fast autofocusing is paired with a massive 61MP full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor and 4K UHD 30p video.
It's also great for astrophotography thanks to its ISO range of 100-32,000 (expanded 50-102,400) to help capture clearer images of night skies. Want to learn more? Read on or check out our full Sony A7R IV review.
Jase Parnell-Brookes, Cameras and Skywatching Editor
This guide highlights the best of the best from trusted brands including Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm and Olympus. We've done the legwork for you by testing and rating each camera based on our rigorous review process and compiled a list of our top picks. We've also highlighted what type of photographer would benefit from each model the most.
While this guide covers multiple photography disciplines, we have other, more tailored guides too, such as the best cameras for astrophotography, the best mirrorless cameras or best DSLR cameras. If you've already purchased your camera and are now looking to pair it with one of the best lenses for astrophotography or the best zoom lenses, we have guides for those as well!
Best cameras for photos and videos 2023
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Best cameras for photos and videos 2023 ranked
Thanks to its enormous 61-megapixel sensor, the Sony A7R IV can capture even the smallest details in poor lighting, making it an excellent camera for astrophotography. It handles so well in low light it's also a favorite in our best cameras for low light photography guide. 61-megapixel images are testing for memory cards and hard drive storage, but thankfully, there is an option to switch the camera to a more file-handling-friendly 26-megapixel APS-C sensor with a 1.5x crop factor.
In our hands-on Sony A7R IV mirrorless camera review, we found that even though the subtle upgrades following the Sony A7R III don't look like much on paper, they made a world of difference when it came to using it in real life. The improved hand grip makes it much nicer and more comfortable to hold; it has more prominent and, thus, more tactile buttons, which are particularly helpful when operating with cold fingers or while wearing gloves.
The Sony A7R IV is not cheap, but if you want to make a long-term investment, you won't find much better for shooting weddings, portraits, studio work, and landscapes.
- Read our full Sony A7R IV review
The Nikon Z9 is one of the best-performing digital cameras ever made, and in our Nikon Z9 review, we gave it a highly respectable four and a half out of five stars. Because of the price of this camera, it's realistic to say it's really for professionals who earn their living taking photos or videos, as it is excellent at both.
Thanks to its 'market-leading' burst shooting, the Z9 is ideal for fast-moving sports and wildlife photography, as well as catching those fleeting special moments at weddings or events. It shoots at 20FPS RAW and an unimaginable 120FPS to low-res JPEG. You will never miss a shot. Furthermore, it's also remarkably good at identifying and tracking faces and eyes.
Although this camera is fantastic, we don't think it would be a good choice for astrophotographers who only shoot astro. Nonetheless, it would be fabulous for the occasional astro shoot combined with the photography styles we've discussed above.
The hefty battery on the Z9 is incredibly long-lasting. Even when we tested it while shooting over three hours of astrophotos, it only lost less than 20 percent.
The range of connectivity options is also impressive. There's Snapbridge file transfer, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ethernet connection and USB-C. What more could you need?
- Read our full Nikon Z9 review
The Canon EOS R7 is Canon's newest flagship APS-C mirrorless camera. During our Canon EOS R7 review, we were pleasantly surprised with the handling and image quality in several scenarios — it was an absolute pleasure to shoot with.
Although it's marketed primarily as a camera for wildlife photographers, you can use it across many disciplines. Its low light performance impressed us; even at an ISO of roughly 6000, there was barely any noticeable noise, and the pictures were vivid and accurate to color.
The camera is small and compact, making it a good option for travelers and vloggers. Vloggers will also benefit from eye tracking and autofocus (which it does effortlessly), as well as the fact there is no record limit and the footage is of excellent quality.
The only real disappointment was the buffer-clearing speed. However, if you're using this camera for astro or landscape photography, you rarely need to shoot at 30FPS. That said, if you're looking for a camera to capture events like motorsports or wildlife, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.
This camera has almost everything a full-frame camera has but at a reasonable price and in a compact body — we think it more than holds its own in comparison.
- Read our full Canon EOS R7 review
The Sony A7 III is the perfect camera for low-light shooters since it has a full-frame 35mm sensor, an autofocus range of -3EV, and an expanded ISO range of up to 204,800. We don't solely mean the night sky here but indoor sports, portraits, and generally unfavorable lighting conditions. Even though it only shoots 24.5MP stills, which seems low for this price point, this is the key to its ability to keep image noise incredibly low.
In our Sony A7 III review, we found that the remarkable images this camera can produce pack quite a punch for such a small form factor. It's a flexible shooter, and to give it an in-depth review, we put it to the test in various environments, including a week-long photo tour of London and a commercial portrait gig. We loved its versatility and thought the eye autofocus was impeccable, but the AF tracking couldn't quite keep up with our hyperactive puppy.
The A7 III also captures excellent video footage at 4K UHD 30FPS, though it does top out at ISO 51200 as it can't use the expanded option that it can for stills. However, this thing can practically see in the dark, so we can forgive it. It can capture approximately 710 still photos on a full charge, which is very impressive.
Due to the wide variety of available E-mount lenses, this camera is incredibly versatile and can be used for any shoot.
The Sony A7 IV is the upgrade of this model. However, the A7 III is still a fantastic camera and a cult favorite among many photographers, and because it has been replaced, you could snatch a bargain.
- Read our full Sony A7 III review
The Canon EOS R5 has outstanding features for multiple photography styles and needs. It boasts a 45MP CMOS full-frame image sensor and, as mentioned in our Canon EOS R5 review, has one of the best autofocus systems we have ever used.
With accurate face, eye, and head detection, the tracking is best in class for sports and action photographers. This camera is a dream for portrait photographers, too, especially in events like weddings where you don't want to miss a moment.
It can distinguish detail even in the darkest shadows thanks to its generous 15 stops of dynamic range and exceptional noise handling. For astrophotographers, more data is captured, and you can recover it during post-processing. It also offers 8K RAW video recording.
The large flip-around screen is ideal for vloggers and content creators since it eliminates the need for additional monitors while recording. This is one of Canon's most complete packages, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, provided you can stretch your budget that far.
- Read our full Canon EOS R5 review
This is possibly the one camera to rule them all — albeit with a price to match. At over $6000, this is realistically reserved for serious professionals who can earn money back from working in the business.
The massive 50.1MP stills resolution, 8K 30p video, a generous 5.5 stops of image stabilization, and a class-leading electronic viewfinder can all be used to create amazing photographs, in any setting. This thing can do it all.
If the 50.1MP resolution makes your computer sweat, you can also switch to Lossless compressed files. In these files, the image quality is almost identical to that of uncompressed raw files, but the file size is almost halved after the camera intelligently removes unnecessary data from the image. This also helps the buffer clear quicker when out on shoots.
In our Sony A1 review, we especially liked the impressive dynamic range. It can happily handle different contrasts within an image, even if the foreground is shaded and the background is in sunlight. This lends itself well to astrophotography too.
Additionally, the Sony A1 has a bird mode AF that performs with the same level of accuracy as the human and animal modes, regardless of how little the bird is, making it a fantastic camera for wildlife photography.
- Read our full Sony A1 review
If you need a camera that can do absolutely anything, then, as we discussed in our Nikon D850 review, don't hesitate to get yourself this model. Even though it is already five years old, it can still compete with the top mirrorless cameras on the market. Best cameras for astrophotography, Best Nikon cameras for 2022 and Best DSLR camera guides.
When paired with one of the wide variety of F-mount lenses available from Nikon, it is entirely at home when shooting wildlife or sports at up to a reasonable 9FPS (with an additional battery grip) or capturing portraits with breathtaking clarity.
The sizeable optical viewfinder will appeal to traditionalists because it allows them to see the scene with their own eyes rather than a little screen. With 4K UHD 30p video, the movie footage this camera can capture is impressive. You can also capture slow-motion with 1080p 120FPS video, which allows fast-paced action to be slowed down four times for cinematic effect.
This camera is built for professional use and has a price tag to match. It's weather-sealed and tough enough to withstand some rough and tough without compromising on performance. It even has backlit buttons to practice astrophotography without impacting your night vision.
- Read our full Nikon D850 review
Another Nikon entry in this guide, and one that you'll also find in our best beginner cameras guide, is the Nikon Z fc. It's a gorgeous, timeless-looking camera that is a joy to use. It's well-suited to casual users (which is what the 'c' in the name signifies), thanks to its straightforward use and familiar and user-friendly approach to camera controls.
We think Nikon could improve the continuous shooting option mode, so professionals looking to shoot sports or action may want to look elsewhere. The noise reduction performance, however, is excellent for other types of shooting, so you can bump the ISO up in low lighting and still get stunning pictures. We tested this in our hands-on Nikon Z fc review and were pleased to find that we could push the ISO to ISO 12,800 and still achieve acceptable images with minimal unwanted noise.
The autofocus modes prioritize people, and the camera excels at tracking faces — perfect for candid street photography, portrait work or shooting events where you want to be quick to capture fleeting moments of emotion, like at weddings. Thanks to the touch screen's excellent responsiveness and minimal lag, you won't ever miss a spontaneous moment again. The entire camera is quick to operate; it's ready to shoot less than a second after powering it up.
- Read our full Nikon Z fc review
The Fujifilm X-T5 is ideal for photographers who appreciate convenience and versatility. It comes in a small, compact package and offers superior image stabilization technology with seven stops of dynamic range, impressive low-light performance, and a fast processor, making it ideal for capturing action or sporting events.
The stylish and retro-looking body is ergonomic, and the manual control dials delight traditionalists. As we discussed in our real-life Fujifilm X-T5 review, these dials do take some getting used to, especially in the dark. If you're used to a DSLR style of handling, adjusting the aperture on the lens barrel will feel completely alien.
We think the Fujifilm X-T5 is also one of the best cameras on the market for timelapse photography. If you are looking for different options for this style of shooting, take a look at our list of the best cameras for timelapse videos.
- Read our full Fujifilm X-T5 review
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV sets the bar high for users who want to upgrade from smartphones or bridge cameras. You can achieve impressive results simply by staying in 'auto' mode, although you have all the manual dials and settings at your disposal when you want to venture into manual shooting.
After putting it through its paces in our hands-on Olympus OM-D E- M10 Mark IV review, we recommend it as an excellent everyday-use camera. With a beginner-friendly interface and 16 in-camera filters, including HDR, Gentle Sepia, and Instant Film, it offers the ideal balance of convenience, quality, and style.
This camera is tiny and easily pocketable, but this doesn't mean it lacks features — a lot of functionality is packed into its small body. Some smaller cameras can be tricky to use because of their size, but not here; this camera has a substantial feel, and the right-hand grip's ergonomic design makes one-handed operation possible and comfortable.
The surprisingly large LCD screen is remarkable, with excellent clarity and resolution with over 1m dots. All of the dials and menus are easy to navigate and feel intuitive, even during the first use.
- Read our full Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review
The Nikon Z6 (featured in our 'honorable mentions' below) is an excellent camera for astrophotography. However, the newer and slightly more sophisticated Nikon Z6 II is a perfect all-arounder if you plan to shoot multiple photographic styles.
One of the upgrades in this newer model is a second memory card slot, offering an instant backup for peace of mind when on a shoot (or just additional storage). There's also the faster burst rate of 14FPS for high-speed shooting, a better buffer capacity, and more immediate and snappier autofocus, thanks to the dual processing engines.
The Z6 II offers a higher video frame rate of 60FPS at 4K UHD resolution than the Z6's 30FPS, allowing for crisper footage, especially slow-motion video.
For the astrophotographers among you, the shutter speed range is much broader; you can now take exposures of up to 900 seconds (15 minutes). This functionality includes a countdown on the top LCD screen, eliminating the need to touch the camera and run the risk of jogging it in the middle of an exposure.
As we explained in our Nikon Z6 II review, If you already own the Z6, the updates don't warrant upgrading to this model, but considering that the Z6 is now an aging first generation of Nikon's mirrorless foray, the Z6 II is a serious contender.
- Read our full Nikon Z6 II review
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3, also known as the EOS 250D, is ideal for any photographer who wants to reduce the weight of their kit bag. Coined (and from our in-depth Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D review, it feels like) the lightest DSLR in the world. At just 459g, which isn't much heavier than most mirrorless cameras, and with an articulating screen, it's ideal for travel photographers with a restricted luggage allowance or for those whose gear acquisition syndrome has them bogged down with a heavy kit bag.
The fully articulating touchscreen makes it simple to compose images at any angle to provide fresh vantage points without contorting yourself into uncomfortable positions — also helpful for shooting selfies or vlogging.
With only 9 AF points when shooting through the viewfinder and support for only UHS-I SD cards, this camera would suit beginners or hobbyists who don't want to spend a fortune. It also features in our best beginner cameras guide.
There's even a useful Guided UI mode that turns the camera into a guide to help users new to photography to get their settings correct. With the Creative Assist mode, you can add filters and color adjustments to get the desired effect while you shoot or edit them in-camera after taking the photo. The fact you can do this is advantageous if you don't want to experiment with third-party image editing apps right away or like to share your images quickly without post-processing.
- Read our full Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D review
In our hands-on Nikon D3500 review, we considered it a versatile entry-level camera designed primarily for anyone wanting to get started in more advanced photography without spending big bucks. Due to the D3500's crop sensor, all lenses will have an additional 1.5x crop, extending their reach and allowing distant subjects to seem larger in the frame. Especially useful for astrophotography, wildlife, and sports photography.
The Nikon D3500 has 11 autofocus points in the middle of the frame. Although this may seem slightly constricting, it isn't a big deal because you can lock it and recompose the image after the camera has autofocused. Though we should point out that its possible the focus can be slightly off when using fast telephoto lenses because the movement between focus and shutter release alters the distance of the lens to the subject.
The 24.5MP stills produce more than enough detail in images for online and print use, matching that of many flagship DSLR cameras across different brands.
The D3500 records 1080 60p video footage which is surprising for a camera of this reasonable price point. It means smooth, professional-looking movie capture, perfect for YouTube and other social media. We think this is an ideal, affordable camera that beginners will love.
- Read our full Nikon D3500 review
Though we don't consider the Sony A6600 to be anything revolutionary, it is an excellent camera that punches well above its weight. It captures vibrant colored images and it is also very user-friendly, making it fantastic for beginners. There is the bonus functionality of in-body stabilization, which is rare for an APS-C camera but can be very handy — especially if you're traveling without a tripod.
The tracking capabilities are flawless, so this camera is excellent for photographing sports (including motorsports). The eye tracking is also impressive, even when we performed the 'Black Cat Test' during our Sony A6600 review.
We found this camera to be excellent for astrophotography. Even after increasing the ISO significantly, you can capture incredible detail in the darkest shadows and get sharp points of light (such as stars), as unfavorable noise is kept to a minimum and is easily removed in post-processing.
Video capabilities are good, though again, nothing exceptional. It has built-in cinematic modes and performs well for casual travel videos or vlogging, but the frame rates aren't the fastest, so we wouldn't recommend it if shooting professional-looking movies is your main reason for purchasing a new camera.
- Read our full Sony A6600 review
Honorable mentions: Previously featured models
The cameras below are models that once sat in the best cameras for photos and videos guide but ones that have now been either superseded or discontinued and are therefore becoming increasingly difficult to get your hands on. That said, they are still available, even if you have to hunt a little harder to find them, and you might be able to pick up high-quality used models from retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama.
The compact design of the X-T4 from Fujifilm has been packed with plenty of features and capabilities, making it ideal as a backup camera for professionals and more than capable for semi-professionals. It can take still pictures at a rapid 15FPS or 30FPS using an electronic shutter and a 1.25x crop setting right out of the box. This makes it ideal for photographing sports, wildlife, or any other fast-paced activity (and even tracking solar or lunar events).
In our Fujifilm X-T4 review, we especially liked how it handled low-light shooting. The ISO goes up to a staggering 51,200 using the 'command' setting, making it a great option for astrophotography.
The X-T4's hybrid contrast and phase-detection autofocusing technology uses a huge 425 AF points for dependable focus in every shot. This camera comes with two SD card slots that are both UHS-II compatible, so you won't have to worry about losing a shot with its fast burst mode and 60FPS video.
The Fujifilm X-T4 gives you all the advantages of a cutting-edge camera without any limitations by combining a vintage SLR appearance with contemporary mirrorless features. Boasting top-of-the-line specs, it is one of the finest APS-C cameras available. Now that the Fujifilm X-T5 is available, you might be able to grab this older model as a bargain.
- Read our full Fujifilm X-T4 review
The Nikon Z6 is more financially accessible than its chunkier Z7 sibling. The Z6 has a lower 24.5MP stills resolution than the Z7 but the same five-axis in-body image stabilization. It also has far less image noise because of its lower resolution, making it ideal for photographing the night sky when paired with an astro lens. We put the camera to the test in our Nikon Z6 review and loved its superb ISO range, excellent handling and easily navigable menu.
Thanks to its sharp Z-mount lenses, five stops of in-body image stabilization, and compatibility with older Nikon lenses via the FTZ adapter, the Z6 is a fantastic option for practically any type of photography. Wildlife, sports, portraits, landscapes, product photography — you name it, the Z6 can do it.
Our favorite thing about this camera was the backlit sensor, which we thought was impressive and afforded us remarkable low-light image quality. We'd even go so far as to say this is one of the best cameras for astrophotography around and have placed it in our best cameras for astrophotography top eight.
For sports and wildlife photography, where you're likely to encounter fast-paced motion, the Z6 shoots at a generous 12FPS. It also has eye/animal eye autofocus (once you've updated to the most recent firmware) to ensure you stay locked on target. If you need the professional video capture of ProRes RAW, then the Z6 outputs 12K raw video to an external recorder, but do note that you might need to have this set up at a Nikon service center first.
- Read our full Nikon Z6 review
Best cameras for photos and videos 2023: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera I can buy?
The Sony A7R IV is the best camera overall. Based on our extensive testing, we've rated the Sony four and a half out of five stars and it sits at the top of this buying guide for best cameras for photos and videos because of its outstanding image quality and excellent all-round features.
Its astronomy variant model the Sony A7R IVA ranks third in the best cameras for astrophotography and is the highest overall ranking mirrorless camera.
How to choose the best camera for photos and videos?
The size and detail of a camera's image sensor will always be paramount when looking for the best camera. Full-frame cameras generally perform better than crop-sensor APS-C counterparts or Micro Four Thirds cameras because they can provide a wider dynamic range and lower image noise which is especially useful when photographing in low light.
It's also important to consider lens availability when buying into a camera system. The main competitors listed here like Nikon, Canon, Sony and Olympus all have a wide range of camera lenses that is also complemented by third-party lens manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron and more. We've also tested and ranked the best lenses for astrophotography and best zoom lenses. Each will come with different maximum apertures, altering the camera's settings whilst shooting to maintain good exposures so be sure to pick the lens that's right for your shooting subject. If in doubt, get the widest maximum aperture you can but bear in mind they will be more expensive.
What camera type is best for photography?
Overall, the Sony A7R IV is the best type of camera for photos, according to our in-depth reviews of all the most popular camera models on the market. However, the best camera for an individual depends on its destined use.
Astrophotographers will need to seek out full-frame cameras that handle high ISO noise well to produce clean night sky shots. However, portrait and wedding photographers may need a camera with an electronic shutter to remain quiet when shooting intimate moments. Further still, wildlife, sports and action photographers will need a camera with a high frame burst speed to capture fast-moving subjects.
We highlight which camera is best for what purposes in this guide, but we also have other helpful pages, such as the best cameras for beginners which are typically smaller and less expensive, best mirrorless cameras and best dslr cameras that concentrate on their respective camera types and the best cameras for low light for those that love golden hour and the blue moment.
Don't forget we also look at the best camera phones and best cameras for timelapse as well.
What are the top five cameras?
The Sony A7R IV, Nikon Z9, Canon EOS R7, Canon EOS R5 and Sony A1 are the top five cameras in the world right now. After testing every single model, we've given them four and a half stars out of five each.
They give extensive stills and video detail, can keep up with even the most power-hungry professional photographers and deliver outstanding functionality.
What cameras do professionals use?
This depends on the type of photography a professional shoots and there are many professionals that shoot with every camera brand out there. However, Nikon, Canon and Sony are most common, but manufacturers such as Panasonic, Leica, Hasselblad, Olympus and more are favoured by some.
What types of cameras are there?
There are two main types of cameras on the market when advancing from compacts and smartphones: DSLR and mirrorless. Though increasingly DSLR lines are being discontinued by many manufacturers as they refocus their efforts on mirrorless models.
On DSLRs, the view through the viewfinder is piped up the lens by a mirror and prism arrangement, while on a mirrorless camera, the viewfinder is electronic where a live feed from the sensor is displayed on a small screen. Mirrorless cameras are newer tech and tend to be smaller and lighter. You can see more comparisons in our guide to DSLR vs mirrorless cameras.
What camera features do I need?
Features like in-body image stabilization, fast burst shooting speeds, 4K or 8K video capture and an interchangeable lens format will suit most varied shooting conditions.
Connectivity is important too, so look for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi synchronization (and the appropriate app or computer software to accompany it). Plus, check for wired connections such as USB-C or ethernet if fast file transfer is important to you.
Do I need to buy a tripod?
Yes, in many cases one of the best tripods will help take sharper, clearer photos by steadying the camera during exposure. This is crucial if you're interested in astrophotography or landscape photography as it allows longer shutter speeds and lower ISO sensitivities to get sharp images with minimal noise.
This is also useful for shooting at slow shutter speeds to create artistic, blurred shots of subjects such as clouds or waterfalls. If you need to travel light then see our top picks of the best travel tripods, too.
How we test the best cameras for photos and videos
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best cameras to buy, here at Space.com we make sure to put every camera through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each camera is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each camera is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each camera and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera to a sleek little crop-sensor DSLR wouldn’t be appropriate, though each camera might be the best-performing product in its own class.
We look at how easy each camera is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date imaging technology, whether the cameras can shoot high-quality stills photos and high-resolution video, and also suggest if a particular camera would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
