Professional photographers may spar over whether Canon or Nikon is the best brand, which ISO setting should be used for low-light shots, or whether or not smartphone-based or mirrorless cameras could ever beat a DSLR, but whether you’re professional or a hobbyist, there are countless cameras out there which can suit your purpose. When you’re considering the purchase of a camera, it is first worth working out what you want it to do for you. Some models will come as body-only with lenses as separate purchases, some will come with a variety pack already included, and others may come with one fixed lens and no other. If you want a camera for special occasions, holidays, or going out only, a compact and travel-friendly camera may be your best bet – but if you want to eventually go professional, you might want to consider spending out a little more on a DSLR or mirrorless to give yourself more versatility later. Below, you will find ZDNet’s top picks for cameras, whether for yourself or as a gift during the holiday season. Must read:
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An excellent body, however, is only part of the story, and you will need to invest in high-quality lenses to pull out the full potential of the Mark series. Pros:
Exceptional image qualityFuture-proof for years to comeImproved auto focus on past models
Cons:
ExpensiveBulkyBody-only, lenses will be an additional expense
While the built-in lens can be restrictive, this point-and-shoot is still a worthwhile camera to consider. Pros:
Lightweight Good image quality, overallContinual shooting an option (7.0 fps)
Cons:
Fixed 24-72mm zoom lensBattery life could be improvedLow-light conditions can be challenging
Pros:
83x (24mm – 2,000mm) zoom telephoto lens, ISO limit of 100 – 6400 4K UHD video recording optionsDual Detect Optical vibration reduction
Cons:
16 megapixel CMOS sensor – there are more powerful options in the same price bracketReports of poor autofocus performanceNon-touch display
You can buy the camera together with a 16 - 80mm lens or a 15 - 55mm lens as a bundle. Pros:
4K videoGood battery lifeComfortable handgrip
Cons:
No lenses includedExpensive entry pointReports of overheating in certain settings
Pros:
100 - 32000 ISO4K videoGood battery life (although a second pack is recommended for day shoots)
Cons:
Expensive outlay, not counting lensesCan be bulky without an additional gripA steep learning curve
Pros:
Dustproof, crushproof, and shockproof protectionsWaterproof up to 50 metersUseful auto scene modes
Cons:
Fixed 4x wide-angle lens
