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Finding the best camera isn't just about picking the most expensive model — it’s about choosing the one that fits how, where and what you shoot. For some, that means a lightweight mirrorless camera that delivers DSLR-level quality without the bulk. For others, it might be a compact gimbal camera built for smooth handheld footage, or a rugged action cam that can survive mountain trails, underwater dives or chaotic travel days. The world of cameras is incredibly diverse, and today’s gear can do a lot more than just snap high-res photos.
We’ve tested a wide range of options to help you choose the best camera for your needs and budget. Content creators might gravitate toward vlogging-friendly setups with flip-out screens, strong autofocus and solid 4K video. If you're after a mid-range all-rounder, there are models that strike a great balance between performance and portability. And for those chasing the best of the best, premium cameras with full-frame sensors and interchangeable lenses offer unbeatable control and image quality. From mirrorless marvels to adventure-ready action cams, this guide breaks down the top picks to elevate your photography or video game.
Best cameras for 2025
Best mirrorless cameras
Mirrorless is the largest camera category in terms of models available, so it’s the best way to go if you’re looking for something with the most advanced features. Canon and Nikon recently announced they’re discontinuing development of new DSLRs, simply because most of the advantages of that category are gone, as I detailed in a video. The biggest selling feature of a mirrorless camera is the ability to change lenses depending on the type of shooting you want to do.
Canon Best mirrorless camera for most people Canon EOS R10 My top pick under $1,000 is still the 24.2-megapixel Canon R10, which is a great model for both photographers and content creators. It can shoot bursts at up to 23 fps in electronic shutter mode, and offers 4K 10-bit at 30p with supersampling and no crop, or 4K 60p with a 1.5x crop. It has a fully articulating display for vlogging, along with a 2.36-million dot electronic viewfinder. It uses Canon’s Dual Pixel AF with subject recognition mode that works in both photo and video modes. The main drawback is a lack of in-body stabilization. $980 at Amazon
Nikon Best for most - runner up Nikon Z 50 II Though not quite as pretty and compact as my previous pick, the 21-megapixel Nikon Z fc, the new Z50 II offers improved performance and more advanced tech across the board. That means you can now shoot 4K video at up to 60 fps instead of just 30 fps (albeit with a crop) and shoot bursts (JPEG only) at up to 30 fps. Autofocus has been overhauled to be more responsive and now includes 3D tracking with AI modes for animals, birds and vehicles. There’s also an auto mode that selects the subject for you — a handy feature for beginners. $907 at B&H Photo
Sony Best for content creators Sony ZV-E10 II The Sony ZV-E10 II is the best camera for vloggers, edging Fujifilm’s new creator model the X-M5 thanks to the superior autofocus. It comes with a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor that’s much faster than before, so rolling shutter wobble is mostly a non-issue. You can shoot supersampled 4K video at up to 30p using the full sensor width, or 4K 60p with a small 1.1x crop. It also supports 10-bit S-Log3 video capture, LUT imports and more. The main drawbacks are the lack of an electronic viewfinder and mechanical shutter. $998 at B&H Photo
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