15 Best Cameras in 2024 – Top Cameras for All Skill Levels

<p>This isn’t just about the heavy hitters in the photography world. We’ve also kept an eye out for those who are just dipping their toes into the vast ocean of photography. Speaking of oceans and photography, we also have a <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g41486062/best-travel-cameras/”>guide for the best travel cameras</a>. Simplicity, ease of use, and a gentle learning curve have been key factors in our selection. For the seasoned photographers, we’ve included beasts that can capture every detail, color, and texture like a dream.</p><p>So, whether you’re about to embark on a photographic journey or looking to upgrade your gear, our guide through these 15 exceptional cameras will be your beacon. </p>”/>

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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

best cameras 2024

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Best Camera for Beginners

Canon EOS R10

EOS R10

Best Camera for Beginners

Canon EOS R10

Pros
  • Great versatility between photo and video
  • Compact
Cons
  • Not great quality after dark

The Canon EOS R10 boasts impressive features like a high-resolution sensor for detailed images, rapid-fire shooting capabilities for capturing action shots, and advanced autofocus that makes it a breeze to snap sharp, in-focus pictures. It’s like having a mini studio in your hands, with the added bonus of beginner-friendly controls that guide you through the magic of photography. This camera does a great job of transforming those early “oops” moments into “wow” shots, all while keeping your wallet relatively happy.

Sensor 24.2MP APS-C Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
Image Processor DIGIC X
In-Body Image Stabilization No
AF Points 4,503-Point
Viewfinder 0.39-inch OLED EVF, 2.36 million dots
Display 3.0-inch Vari-angle colour LCD Touch Screen, 1.04 million dots
ISO 100-32,000 (expandable to 51,200)
Max Video Resolution 4K at 60p (cropped)
Ports USB type-C, micro HDMI, mic mini jack, headphone mini jack, hot shoe, E3 remote control
Storage 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II
Wireless Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 4.2
Shooting Speed 15fps Mechanical, 23fps Electronic
Battery Life (CIPA) 430 Shots
Size 4.82″ x 3.45″ x 3.28″
Weight 15 Ounces

Best for Outdoor Photography

Sony Alpha 7R V

Alpha 7R V

Best for Outdoor Photography

Sony Alpha 7R V

Pros
  • Phenomenal Image Quality and detail
  • Lightweight and adored by professionals
Cons
  • Price

The Sony Alpha 7R V (A7R5) is a rugged, high-resolution beast perfect for outdoor photography adventures. Imagine capturing every leaf and dewdrop in stunning detail with its mega-resolution sensor while its robust build laughs in the face of harsh weather.

Plus, its advanced autofocus is like having a hawk-eyed assistant, ensuring your shots are crisp and clear, whether you’re snapping a butterfly mid-flight or a sunset over rugged mountains. This camera is the outdoor photographer’s dream, turning every expedition into a gallery-worthy exhibit.

Image Processor BIONZ XR
In-Body Image Stabilization No
AF Points Contrast-detection AF with 25 points
Viewfinder 0.71x
Display Tiltable 3″ LCD with 921,600 dots
ISO 100–32,000 (expandable to 50–102,400)
Max Video Resolution 8K at up to 25p (cropped)
Ports HDMI Type-A, flash sync terminal, USB-C, USB-micro, headphone, and microphone jack
Storage 1x SD, UHS-1
Wireless 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth
Shooting Speed 4.0fps
Battery Life (CIPA) 340 Shots
Size 5″ x 3.72″ x 1.9″
Weight 407g

Best Camera for Video

Panasonic Lumix S5 II

Lumix S5 II

Best Camera for Video

Panasonic Lumix S5 II

Pros
  • Advanced Image Stabilization
  • Support all aspect ratios
Cons
  • Not best for shooting in slow motion

Think of the Panasonic Lumix S5M2 as your ultimate video wingman. It’s got a stabilizer that makes your handheld shots super smooth like you’ve got a gimbal in your hands. And the autofocus? Spot on. It keeps everything crystal clear, no matter how fast-paced your scene is. Plus, it can handle long shooting sessions without overheating—a real trooper for those endless takes.

Image Processor L2 Technology
In-Body Image Stabilization Yes
AF Points 779 Selectable Points
Viewfinder 0.78x
Display Large 3.0″ 1.84m-dot LCD
ISO 100 to 51200 in 1/3 EV increments.
Max Video Resolution 24 Megapixels, 6k video, built-in stabilisation, 30fps bursts, and unlimited recording
Ports HDMI Type-A, 2.5mm, USB-C, USB-micro, 3.5mm headphone and microphone jack
Storage Dual SD slots support UHS-II V90
Wireless 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0
Shooting Speed Up to 9fps with mechanical shutter. Up to 30fps with electronic shutter
Battery Life (CIPA) 370 Shots
Size 5.29″ x 4.03″ x 3.55″
Weight 740g

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Best Camera for Content Creators

FUJIFILM X-S20

X-S20

Best Camera for Content Creators

FUJIFILM X-S20

Pros
  • Dedicated mode just for vlogging
  • 4K/60p live streaming
Cons
  • Not weather sealed

The Fujifilm X-S20 is like the Swiss Army knife for influencers—sorry, Content Creators. This camera is compact, versatile, and always ready for action. Its high-resolution sensor ensures your photos pop with detail, while the subject-detection autofocus keeps you in the spotlight, whether you’re capturing fashion, food, or travel adventures.

For those vlog moments, its new Vlog mode and Product Priority mode make shooting videos a breeze. This camera’s blend of quality and portability makes it a top pick for influencers on the go.

Image processor X-Processor 5
In-body Image Stabilization Yes (movie mode only)
AF Points 425
Viewfinder 0.62x with 50mm Lens
Display Built-in OLED viewfinder with a magnification of 2.36m-dot touch-enabled LCD
ISO 160 to 12800 (80 to 51200 extended)
Max Video Resolution Up to 6.2K internally at 30P in 4:2:2 10-bit color. It can also record 4K/60P video and 1080/240P high-speed video.
Ports USB-C: With power delivery for charging, Micro HDMI: For connecting to a computer via USB, 2.5mm microphone jack: Can also accept a wired shutter release 3.5mm headphone terminal: On the grip
Storage Single SD card slot
Wireless 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth
Shooting Speed Up to 20fps continuous shooting with electronic shutter (30fps with 1.25x crop) 1/4000th second max. shutter speed (1/32,000th using the electronic shutter)
Battery Life (CIPA) 750 frames in normal mode and 800 frames in economy mode
Size 5″ x 3.35″ x 2.56″
Weight 491g

Best for Filmakers

Panasonic Lumix BS1H

Lumix BS1H

Best for Filmakers

Panasonic Lumix BS1H

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Pros
  • 5.9k capture
  • Can operate solo or with crew
Cons
  • No V-mount battery option

Like a filmmaking ninja, the Panasonic Lumix BS1H is compact, stealthy, and shockingly powerful. It’s a full-frame camera in a box-style design, perfect for squeezing into tight spaces or perching on gimbals. With 6K resolution and V-Log, it captures film-quality footage with ease. Plus, its versatile connectivity options make it a cinch to fit into any professional setup. It’s the ideal choice for filmmakers who want high quality in a quirky, small package.

Image Processor Venus Engine
In-body Image Stabilization No
AF Points 225
Viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (EVF) with resolution of 5,760,000 dots, magnification of 0.78x, and a maximum refresh rate of 120 fps. The camera also has a 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen
Display 3.2″ 2.33m-dot tilt free-angle touchscreen LCD
ISO 6K resolution at maximum ISO 51200
Max Video Resolution 6K 24p / 5.9K 30p 10-bit unlimited video recording capability
Ports USB 3.1 Type-C. 3G-SDI (BNC), HDMI Type-A, 3.5 mm headphone output. 3.5 mm input, 2.5 mm LANC control input, Dual UHS-II card slots
Storage Two internal SD card slots—for simultaneous or relay recording
Wireless 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth Video Output, Control
Shooting Speed 1/16000 to 1/2 sec
Battery Life (CIPA) Single Panasonic AG-VBR59 battery—can last for about two hours
Size Approx. (Excluding Protrusions) 3.66″ x 3.66″ x 3.1″
Weight 585 g

Best Camera for Portraits

Nikon Z 7II

Z 7II

Best Camera for Portraits

Nikon Z 7II

Pros
  • Great value
  • 45MP sensor, which means more resolution and sharper images
Cons
  • Tilt-angle display, not vari-angle

The Nikon Z 7II is a portrait photographer’s dream. Its high-resolution sensor ensures every detail, from freckles to the softest hair, is captured with crystal clarity. The eye-detection autofocus is like having a personal assistant that never misses a focus on the eyes, which is vital for portrait perfection. Plus, its dual card slots mean you can keep shooting without worry. This camera is like a painter’s brush, capturing the soul in every portrait.

Image Processor Dual EXPEED 6
In-Body Image Stabilization Yes (5-stops 5-axis image sensor shift)
AF Points 493
Viewfinder EVF, 3,690k dots, 100% coverage
Display 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen
ISO 64 to 25,600
Max Video Resolution Uncropped 4K UHD up to 30p, cropped 4K UHD up to 60p
Ports USB 3.0: A C connector, External USB-C charging: The camera can be charged by plugging it into an outlet using the external EH-7P cord, or using a battery with suitable charger, 120 mm connection: A removable port with a bayonet connection
Storage One slot accepts CFexpress (Type B) and XQD cards, The other slot accepts standard SD cards
Wireless WiFi 802.11ac (SnapBridge or Nikon Wireless Transmitter Utility), Bluetooth 4.2 (SnapBridge)
Shooting Speed 10 FPS RAW
Battery Life (CIPA) 420 Shots
Size 5.3″ x 4.0″ x 2.8″
Weight 615 g

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Best for Sports Photography

Nikon Z9

Z9

Best for Sports Photography

Nikon Z9

Pros
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Fastest still image frame rate of 120 fps
Cons
  • Limited buffer

The Nikon Z9 is a powerhouse for capturing movement and sports. Its blazing-fast autofocus locks onto subjects precisely, crucial for fast-paced action. The camera’s high-speed continuous shooting means you won’t miss a millisecond of the excitement. Its robust, weather-sealed body stands up to challenging outdoor conditions, perfect for any sports event. This camera is like a seasoned sports photographer, always ready to catch the peak of the action.

Sensor 45.7MP back-side illuminated stacked sensor
Image Processor Expeed 7
AF Points 493 hybrid phase/contrast detect AF points
ISO Range 64 to 25,600 (Expandable 32 to 102,400)
Stabilization 5-axis, 5.5 stops (up to 6 stops with specific lenses)
Max Shutter Speed 1/32,000 Second
Video 8K up to 60p (via upcoming firmware), 4K up to 120p • 8- or 10-bit H.265, 10-bit Apple ProRes 4:2:2 HQ (firmware), 12-bit in-camera ProRes RAW HQ (firmware)
Viewfinder Super-bright OLED, 3.69m dots, 100% coverage
Memory Cards 2x CFexpress Type B
LCD 3-inch bi-directional tilting touchscreen, 1.04m dots
Max Burst 20fps RAW, 30fps hi-res JPEG, 120fps lo-res JPEG
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB-C, headphone jack, mic jack
Size 5.87″ x 5.89″ x 3.56″
Weight 1,160g

Best High End Camera

Nikon Z8

Z8

Best High End Camera

Nikon Z8

Pros
  • Dual-axis touch LCD
  • Sturdy, weather-sealed build
Cons
  • Battery life could be better

The Nikon Z8 is a gem in the high-end camera market. It boasts a blend of top-tier resolution, speed, and image quality, making it a standout choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts. The camera’s robust build and advanced features cater to a wide range of photographic needs, from studio work to wildlife photography. It’s a tool that combines precision and versatility, offering unmatched quality in the high-end segment.

Image Processor Expeed 7
In-body Image Stabilization Yes (5-axis, 5.5 stops—up to 6 stops with specific lenses)
AF Points 493 phase-detect points, 493 contrast-detect points
Viewfinder Super-bright OLED, 3.69m dots, 100% coverage
Display 3-inch bi-directional tilting touchscreen, 1.04m dots
ISO 64-256,000 (Expandable to ISO 32-102,400)
Max Video Resolution 8K up to 60p, 4K up to 120p • 8- or 10-bit H.265, 10-bit Apple ProRes 4:2:2 HQ, 12-bit in-camera ProRes RAW HQ
Ports SuperSpeed USB, Dedicated USB for power, 1000BASE-T Wired-LAN, HDMI, Microphone port, One CFe Type B card slot, One SD UHS-II card slot
Storage CFexpress (Type B), XQD, SD, SDHC, SDXC
Wireless 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi
Shooting Speed 20fps shooting speed (30fps if shooting in jpeg)
Battery Life (CIPA) 340 Shots
Size 5.67″ x 4.65″ x 3.27″
Weight 910g

Best Camera on a Budget

Nikon D3500

D3500

Best Camera on a Budget

Nikon D3500

Pros
  • Great battery life
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Can’t shoot in 4K

Ideal for budget-conscious photography enthusiasts, the Nikon D3500 shines with its simplicity and efficiency. Its 24.2MP sensor delivers quality images, and the camera’s lightweight design and long-lasting battery are perfect for on-the-go shooting. This model makes photography accessible and enjoyable, especially for beginners. Its combination of affordability and performance is unmatched in the entry-level market.

Image Processor Expeed 4
In-Body Image Stabilization No
AF Points 11
Viewfinder Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex
Display 3-inch LCD display with 921,000 dots of resolution
ISO 100–25600
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 60fps
Ports Compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards with 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of storage
Storage CFexpress (Type B), XQD, SD, SDHC, SDXC
Wireless Not Wi-Fi enabled, but it can transfer images wirelessly via Bluetooth using Nikon’s SnapBridge application
Shooting Speed 5fps at full resolution
Battery Life (CIPA) 1,550 Shots
Size 4.88″ x 3.82″ x 2.76″
Weight 365g

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Best Vintage Point and Shoot

Olympus MJU-II Stylus Epic

MJU-II Stylus Epic

Best Vintage Point and Shoot

Olympus MJU-II Stylus Epic

Pros
  • Well rounded
  • Fast autofocus
Cons
  • Some find it difficult to use

​​The Olympus MJU-II Stylus Epic is revered in the vintage camera world. Its compactness and sturdiness make it a go-to for travel photography. Known for its sharp lens, it captures vivid images with that classic film quality. Simple to use with dependable autofocus, it appeals to a wide range of photographers, from novices to experts. This camera encapsulates the essence of vintage point-and-shoots cherished for their analog charm. This one for $290 is standard in terms of the price you’ll find second-hand.

Lens 35mm f/2.8
Viewfinder Yes
Power CR123A Battery
Autofocus Half-press of the shutter button engages multi-beam autofocus
On/Off Mechanism Works with the clamshell cover
Size 4.25″ x 2.32″ x 1.38″
Weight 135g

Best for Vertical Shots

Nikon Z50

Z50

Best for Vertical Shots

Nikon Z50

Pros
  • Weather sealed
  • Great video quality
Cons
  • Flip down screen not very practical

​​Ideal for vertical shots, the Nikon Z 50 features a design that’s easy to handle upright, perfect for today’s social media trends. Its flip-down LCD is a boon for framing shots from unique angles, enhancing selfies and vlogging experiences. Compact and user-friendly, this camera caters to the needs of content creators who prioritize vertical format in their work.

Image Processor Expeed 6
In-Body Image Stabilization No (However, it does come with two kit lenses that have image stabilization)
AF Points 209
Viewfinder Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with a 0.99-cm/0.39-in magnification, 2360k-dot (XGA) OLED, and color balance
Display 3.2 inch tilting TFT monitor. It has a resolution of 1,040,000 dots
ISO 100–51200, Expandable to 204,800
Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 and a maximum video quality of 4K 30fps
Ports USB: Micro-B USB 2.0 connector that can be used to charge the camera’s battery, Micro HDMI: Type D HDMI connector
Storage Single slot for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) memory cards
Wireless 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.2
Shooting Speed Up to 11fps at 20.9 MP
Battery Life (CIPA) 300 Shots
Size 4.98″ x 3.68″ x 2.36″
Weight 395g

Best Compact Camera

Sony RX100 VII

RX100 VII

Best Compact Camera

Sony RX100 VII

Pros
  • Tilting touch screen
  • Great eye detection capabilities
Cons
  • Expensive

Packing a punch in a pint-sized package, the Sony RX100 VII is a marvel of compact camera engineering. Imagine having the power of a pro camera that fits in your pocket!

It’s a dynamo with a 1-inch sensor and top-notch lens, ensuring superb image quality. The autofocus is lightning-fast, a dream for capturing life on the go. Plus, it’s a vlogger’s best friend with its 4K video chops—a true heavyweight in the world of lightweight cameras.

Image Processor BIONZ X
In-Body Image Stabilization Yes
AF Points 357
Viewfinder 0.39-type electronic viewfinder(OLED), 2,359,296 dots
Display 3-inch touchscreen
ISO Auto: (ISO100–ISO12800 Level, selectable with upper/lower limit),
Max Video Resolution 4K / 30p HD / 120p
Ports 3.5 mm microphone port, Micro HDMI port: An uncompressed 4K/30p output, Micro USB socket
Storage SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo
Wireless IEEE802.11b/g/n(2.4GHz band, Bluetooth Standard Ver. 4.1 (2.4 GHz band)
Shooting Speed Up to 11fps at 20.9MP
Battery Life (CIPA) 310 Shots
Size 4″ x 2.29″ x 1.69″
Weight 275g

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Best Drone Camera

DJI Air 3

Air 3

Best Drone Camera

DJI Air 3

Pros
  • Long battery
  • Easy to fly
Cons
  • One button is programmable

The DJI Air 3 is a game-changer in the world of drone cameras. It captures the world from above with its stellar 1-inch sensor, ensuring top-notch image quality. It’s like having a flying photography studio. The drone’s design smartly balances compactness with advanced features, including intuitive obstacle sensing for safe navigation. Plus, its extended battery life means more time in the air, more shots, and more fun. It’s a dream for aerial photography buffs, offering stunning high-res views from the skies.

Image Processor Two 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors. These sensors are Type 1/1.3 Quad Bayer sensors that support 10-bit color in a D-Log, HLG, or standard profile
In-Body Image Stabilization Yes
AF Points Wide-angle camera: 82° FOV, 24 mm format equivalent, f/1.7 aperture, 1 m to ∞ focusMedium tele camera: 35° FOV, 70 mm format equivalent, f/2.8 aperture, 3 m to ∞ focus
Viewfinder Vision Assist feature that provides real-time views from the front, back, left, and right. It also has an omnidirectional vision system and a three-dimensional infrared sensing system
Display Built-in 5.5-inch FHD screen on the RC2 controller.
ISO 100-6400
Max Video Resolution 4K/100fps
Ports USB-C
Storage 8 GB of onboard storage (about 15 minutes worth of 4K video)
Storage Cards Supported UHS-I Speed Grade 3 or higher microSD; SDXC and UHS-I microSD cards with a maximum capacity of 512 GB
Wireless 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.2
Battery Life (CIPA) Approx. 80 minutes (with DJI 65W Portable Charger), Approx. 60 minutes (with DJI 100W USB-C Power Adapter and Battery Charging Hub)
Packed Size 8.15″ × 3.96″ × 3.59″
Flying Size 10.19″ x 12.83″ x 4.17″
Weight 720g

Best Instant Camera

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1

Instax Square SQ1

Best Instant Camera

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1

Pros
  • Great aesthetic
  • Performs really well in low light
Cons
  • Not rechargeable

The Instax Square SQ1, an instant camera, stands out for its ease of use and the unique square format of its photos. It’s a blend of retro charm and modern functionality. This camera is particularly great for capturing quick, candid shots, and its built-in selfie mode ensures great self-portraits. It’s ideal for those who love the tangible feel of instant photos with a contemporary twist.

In-Body Image Stabilization No
Viewfinder Reverse Galilean finder, 0.4×, with target spot
Shooting Speed Programmed electronic shutter 1/2 to 1/400 sec. Slow synchro for low light
Battery Two CR2 Batteries
Size 5.28″ × 4.73″ × 2.38″
Weight 453g

Best Mirrorless Camera

Sony Alpha 7 IV

Alpha 7 IV

Best Mirrorless Camera

Sony Alpha 7 IV

Pros
  • Reliable autofocus
  • Good in low light
Cons
  • Dynamic range is weaker than the competition once you exceed ISO 400

The Sony Alpha 7 IV is a standout in the mirrorless camera lineup. It’s like having a professional studio in your hands—the high-resolution sensor delivers stunning clarity in your shots. The autofocus system is impressively fast, capturing moments as they happen. And for video? It’s top-notch, offering high-quality recording. It’s ergonomically designed, making it comfortable for all-day use, a big plus for both professionals and photography enthusiasts.

Image Processor Bionz XR
In-body Image Stabilization Yes (Standard and Active)
AF Points 759 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection areas with 94% coverage
Viewfinder .68M-pixel OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF)
Display 3-inch, 1.03M-dot vari-angle LCD touchscreen
ISO Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
Max Video Resolution 4K video at 60fps
Ports USB-C; USB Micro-B; HDMI port; 3.5mm headphone jack; 3.5mm external microphone port
Storage Slot 1: Supports UHS-II SDXC cards and CFexpress Type A cards. Slot 2: Supports SDXC cards only and UHS-II transfer speeds
Wireless 2.4 and 5 GHz bands + Bluetooth
Shooting Speed 10fps
Battery Life (CIPA) 580 Shots
Size 5.16″ x 3.78″ x 3.15″
Weight 659g
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