Best camera for photography in 2023: our top picks for every style and budget
Best camera for photography in 2023? That’s a tough one to answer. First, you need to decide on the type of camera you want, and then what features are most important to you — zoom or autofocus or image stabilization? Once you’ve gotten that figured out, it can be hard to wade through all the available options to find the best camera for your specific needs, whether you’re looking for the most affordable option or simply the one that delivers the most bang for your buck. That’s where we come in.
DSLR
The best DSLR cameras currently on the market are models that offer the user a broad range of features. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is an example of this. It has a professional-grade full-frame sensor, 30.4 megapixels, 1080p video recording at 30 fps, ISO up to 25600, and more! But it’s also expensive at over $4000. If you want to save money while still getting quality photos, then go with a Canon Rebel T5i. Its body isn’t as durable or weatherproof as its pricier counterpart, but it does have an 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, 3 inch articulating touchscreen LCD monitor, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS tracking.
Mirrorless
Cameras with this category of design are more compact, lighter, and often have better battery life than DSLRs. These are perfect for those who want a high-end experience without the bulk of a traditional DSLR. Some people might think that these cameras lack features compared to DSLRs, but one thing they do offer is touchscreen capability. This means you can use your smartphone or tablet as a live viewfinder. It’s also easier to attach accessories like microphones, lights, tripods and other equipment to mirrorless cameras because there isn’t any need for an additional mount plate.
Another point worth mentioning is the crop factor which will be different depending on what type of lens you’re using on your camera. The crop factor refers to how much larger an image appears when taken with a lens designed for APS-C sensors rather than full frame sensors (most professional photographers use these). With such a small sensor size, any lenses mounted on the body will have reduced magnification capabilities when attached and will usually create images which look very similar in size to their APS-C counterparts.
Point & Shoot
Our favorite point and shoot cameras are the Canon G7x, Sony RX100 IV, Nikon J5, Olympus TG-4, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60/DMC-TZ100/DMC-LX10 or the Ricoh GR II. The Canon G7x is a great starter camera that takes high quality photos. The Sony RX100 IV is an excellent all around point and shoot with powerful lenses. The Nikon J5 has a flip screen which makes it easy to take self portraits or get up close to your subject without having to get so close. The Olympus TG-4 is waterproof up to 50ft deep without needing a case or housing which makes it great for underwater photographers who don’t want to worry about getting their gear wet. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60/DMC-TZ100/DMC-LX10 also features wifi connectivity and 4K video recording which sets it apart from other point and shoots.
We’ve narrowed down the options into three categories below based on price. Point & Shoot Cameras cost $400-$1000, Mirrorless Cameras cost $2000-$3000 and DSLR Cameras cost $3000+
Video Cameras
The best video cameras are the ones that are simple to use, have good resolution, support high-quality video recording, and have low-light capabilities. The Nikon D3400 is a great option because it offers all of these qualities at an affordable price. If you’re looking for something with even higher resolution, the Sony Alpha A7 III is a quality choice. It has a 24MP sensor with 4K video capability, as well as a 3 tilting LCD screen and Full HD 1080p recording. Plus, its autofocus system is fast enough to keep up with moving subjects. For those who want more advanced features like time lapse or slow motion capabilities, there’s the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 which shoots 4K Ultra HD video and still images while including zoom range from wide angle up to telephoto (24-360mm). Another noteworthy feature on this model is its 180 degree rotating LCD touchscreen so you can shoot selfies easily too!
Accessories
We recommend the following accessories to get the most out of your new camera.
- Camera bag, to keep your gear safe and organized.
- Tripod, to take steadier shots when using long shutter speeds or night shots. – Remote shutter release, so you can take a picture without touching the camera lens.
- Memory cards (at least 16GB), so you’ll never have to worry about running out of space on your card. A lens cleaning kit, which is always good to have on hand in case something spills on your lenses while they’re not mounted onto the body. A basic flashlight that won’t damage any electronics should it be pointed at them (preferably LED). A good set of quality rechargeable batteries, because batteries are expensive! Finally, an SD card reader so you don’t need to use your laptop’s USB port just to download photos from your memory card.
