The best 10 cameras in comparison

A digital camera is a significant investment. Since the release of the first digital camera available to consumers in 1990, digital photography has advanced at an incredible speed. When choosing a camera, it's no longer just a Nikon vs. Canon dilemma. Each manufacturer offers many different types of cameras, and it's hard to choose among the best DSLR cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, or mirrorless cameras. With a wide array of options in the market, it's essential to take your goals and camera specifications into careful consideration to make the right choice. If you're looking for the best camera to fit your needs, you came to the right place.

What type of camera do you need?

The first thing you should figure out is what type of camera fits your needs. A smartphone's camera might be enough for casual photographers, but a dedicated camera delivers better image quality. There are three basic camera categories: DSLR (digital single-lens reflex), mirrorless, and point-and-shoot. All three types vary in size, features, and purpose.

If you're a first-time buyer who needs an easy-to-use camera to document personal activities for keepsakes and sharing on social media, a point-and-shoot camera is the best choice for you. It's straightforward to use, and it comes with several pre-sets, so you won't have to fumble with manually adjusting each frame before taking a photo; some cameras even come with built-in features like smile or face detection. Most point-and-shoot cameras are compact and lightweight, ideal to carry during events. A lot of them also come with waterproof cases, so they are great for travelers. Price-wise, point-and-shoot cameras are the most affordable among the three camera types, so it's an excellent entry-level option if you're only starting to dabble into photography.

If you're a professional photographer or a serious hobbyist, you're no stranger to the wonders and capabilities of the mighty DSLR camera. From sweeping landscape photos to stunning portraits and detailed macro shots, DSLRs comes packed with features. Being able to shoot RAW images also opens a myriad of photo editing possibilities. But being a jack-of-all-trades comes with a downside: most DSLRs are heavy and bulky, often requiring dedicated bags or hard cases for transportation. DSLRs are also expensive, but their durability often makes up for the extra dollars you need to shell out.

The compact and stylish mirrorless cameras are becoming more and more popular. Sony and Fujifilm are churning out competitive devices in terms of specs and price, especially when compared to Canon mirrorless cameras and Nikon mirrorless cameras. Most mirrorless cameras are smaller than DSLRs, making it the camera of choice for travelers and journalists who need to produce high-quality photos on the go. If you're getting a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, the possibilities of the shots you can take are almost endless. Some may think the mirrorless camera combines the best of the DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras: it's compact yet powerful, it's easy to use yet customizable for manual shooting, and its price is often somewhere between affordable and professional grade.

Intrepid adventurers would add action cameras to this list. With the advent of wearable cameras such as GoPro and handheld gimbal devices like DJI's Osmo Pocket, capturing every thrilling adventure is effortless. Some of these action cameras deliver stunning 4K videos and high definition images — in snow, underwater, or thousands of feet up in the air.

What to look for in a camera?

Now that you've chosen the type of camera you want based on your needs, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty: camera specifications. Figuring them out on your own could get a bit intimidating, especially with all the jargon and numbers! But don't worry, we've listed down the five most important factors to check for when it comes to making a camera decision that works best for you.

Image quality

For image quality alone, there are already several factors to consider, but we're narrowing it down to three things: sensor size, pixel count, and video quality.

Contrary to popular belief, a higher megapixel count doesn't always mean better performance. It all comes down to the sensor size. The sensor size determines how much light the camera can take to create an image. The bigger the sensor size, the more light the camera can absorb to come up with a brighter, crisper image. This leads us to the next factor: pixel count.

Canon defines pixel count as "the number of pixels contained in an image sensor, or that a captured photograph is made up of. The higher the number, the more information there is." Pixel count is measured in megapixels (MP). The average value for cameras nowadays is 16.6MP, so this is a reasonable basis when choosing a camera. If you need more detailed images, get a camera with a higher pixel count.

Factors like ISO sensitivity (the camera's ability to capture light) and the number of focus points (specific points used by the camera to focus on the subject) should also be considered to create an image with depth, focus, and even drama. ISO can go as high as 1,640,000, for example, for the Nikon D7500. The high light sensitivity of this Nikon DSLR makes it possible to capture rapidly moving objects — ideal for sports photography and photojournalism.

If you're into vlogging or filmmaking, you need a camera that can deliver high-definition videos (and we've created a special list just for you where you can view the best cameras for vlogging). Today, the average video resolution is 1080p at 30fps. If you are looking for a camera with a stunning 4k video resolution, check out the Fujifilm X-T4, the Sony a7 III, or the Panasonic Lumix GH5S.

Design & size

Now that we've got the basics of image quality covered, it's time to talk about the design. Sometimes, it's as simple as asking yourself: Will this camera fit in my favorite travel bag? or Will this be easy to carry while traveling?

The weight and the size of the camera should be taken into account in relation to your primary purpose. A bulky DSLR will do well on a tripod in a studio, a handy mirrorless camera would be great for a sightseeing trip, and a handheld pocket camera would be perfect for sports. You should also take into consideration whether you would benefit from a flip screen. The placement of buttons and eyepiece should feel comfortable on your fingertips and eyes.

Connectivity & ease of use

With today's fast-paced technology, even cameras need to be connected. Many cameras come equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection, enabling you to access your photos on your phone or laptop easily. Before purchasing a camera, it's also best to test its usability. Are the instructions, buttons, and menu easy to understand? If you're buying a camera with interchangeable lenses, is it easy to switch rapidly between different types of lenses?

Durability

All the factors and features discussed above would be useless if the camera is not durable. Its endurance will ensure that you'll get your money's worth. Depending on your purpose, ask yourself if you need a camera that's water-resistant and resilient to extreme weather.
The camera's battery life also comes into play here. How many shots can you take before you need to recharge it? A good number is at least 300 shots (depending on your memory card size). To get a better idea of this number, it helps to look at the battery CIPA.

Price

The last (and perhaps the most limiting) factor you need to consider when purchasing a camera is your budget. Always spring for the best camera that you can afford to get the most out of your money. Remember, buying a camera is an investment. It's up to you to make it a wise one.