Our favourite cameras for photography

The Fujifilm X100VI is a fantastic compact camera, making it our top choice if you want an all-in-one digital camera for travel or street photography. 

The X100VI has a slim, timeless design similar to the X100V that came before it and comes in both black and silver finishes. There’s a 2-way tilting LCD monitor for shooting from different angles, along with a hybrid viewfinder that lets you switch between an OLED EVF and a more traditional optical viewfinder. The Electronic Rangefinder function also lets you see a small EVF on the OVF, so you can get a magnified view of the area in focus along with the view outside of the frame lines. 

On the front of the camera is a fixed 23mm f/2.0 lens equivalent to 35mm on a full frame camera. The lens is versatile and well-suited to a variety of subjects. It’s also small enough to keep this camera compact and travel-friendly, but can be paired with wide and tele conversion lenses to achieve different focal lengths. 

The high-resolution 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor is the same one found in the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-T5, with the same going for the latest X-Processor 5. 

Subject tracking and autofocus have been given a boost, with improved Face and Eye AF compared to that on the X100V, as well as the ability to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains, insects and drones. 

The electronic shutter supports up to 20fps continuous shooting, there’s 5-axis IBIS and there are 20 Film Simulation modes to choose from to create more stylistic looks straight out of camera. 

The battery is good for around 450 stills or 45 minutes of 6.2K/30p video and the camera supports F-Log, F-Log 2 and 4:2:2 10-bit video. Despite its decent video specs, the X100VI remains a stills-first camera, best suited to capturing sharp and bright photos in a compact package. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full Review: Fujifilm X100VI

If you’re looking for a capable high-end mirrorless camera with a versatile set of skills, the Nikon Z9 is our top pick. 

This camera is particularly great at handling high-speed photography, with a 120fps burst model that includes full autofocus capabilities. The camera features a 45-megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS sensor and a 492-point AF system with 10 AF-area modes and subject detection for nine categories. 

Along with 45-megapixel stills, the Z9 can capture stunning 8K/60p RAW video, or sharp 4K/60p oversampled from 8K. 

The camera itself is huge, though still smaller and more lightweight than its DSLR equivalent, the Nikon D6. It’s also heavy, weighing in at 1340g and weather-sealed for additional durability. One useful design feature is a second grip and shutter release button for comfortable portrait shooting. This does add to the bulk of the camera, but if you’re someone who likes to move between portrait and landscape intuitively, this is a nice touch. 

If you’d prefer something with many of the same features but a smaller footprint and smaller HEIF files, the Nikon Z8 provides an easy compromise for around £1300 less. However, the Z9 carries a larger battery and that dual grip, to name a few benefits to the larger camera. 

You’ll need a CFexpress or XQD card to use the Z9, which is an additional cost to consider, and it certainly isn’t a pocket-sized travel camera. However, if you’re looking for a large camera equipped to take on any shooting scenario, the Z9 is very hard to beat.

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full review: Nikon Z9

If you’re looking for a full-frame DSLR, the Nikon D850 is the best we’ve reviewed in recent years, earning an impressive 4.5/5 stars from our reviewer. 

The camera features a weather-sealed magnesium alloy design for durability with physical buttons and a good amount of customisation options. There’s a large 100% viewfinder at the top and a 3.2-inch, 2.36m-dot touchscreen monitor that can be tilted to shoot at different angles. 

Like the Z9, the camera packs a 45.7-megapixel sensor that puts the D850 in the same category as the 50.6-megapixel Canon 5DS and the 42-megapixel Sony A7R II which were released around the same time. There’s also the EXPEED 5 processor on board, which you can find in the Nikon D500 and the D5. 

The camera takes advantage of a fast and accurate 153-point Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system, 7fps continuous shooting (9fps if you pay extra for the attachable battery grip), and support for 4K video capture at 30fps. 

Reviewer: Michael Topham

Full review: Nikon D850

The Fujifilm X-T5 is a fantastic pro-grade camera for photography that doesn’t break the bank at just £1600. That’s less than half the price of our current favourite pick, the Nikon Z9. 

The X-T5 combines retro good looks with plenty of features and the highest-resolution APS-C sensor on the market to create a camera worthy of taking over the Fujifilm X-T4. 

The Fujifilm X-T5 sports a similar eye-catching design to the X-T4 with classic milled dials and an even more lightweight feel than its predecessor. Despite its retro design, the X-T5 is remarkably robust with 56 weather-sealed points to keep out dust and moisture, as well as the ability to operate in temperatures as low as -10 degrees. 

Along with a huge 40-megapixel crop sensor, the Fujifilm X-T5 benefits from speedy autofocus and a rapid 15fps burst rate that opens up the camera to wildlife and sports photographers alike. 

Subject detection allows the X-T5 to detect humans, eyes, animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, planes and trains, while five-axis IBIS with seven stops of compensation ensures that camera shake is kept to a minimum even in low-light conditions and when using longer focal lengths. 

Additionally, the battery life on the X-T5 allows for 140 more shots than its predecessor and the X-T5 can be charged on the go using a power bank. 

When it comes to video, the Fujifilm X-T5 is capable of capturing 6.2K footage at up to 30p and at 4:2:2 10-bit internally. This means the files can capture a large amount of tonal data that will help with colour grading later down the line. There’s also support for Fujifilm’s F-Log 2 profiles internally, as well as Apple ProRes RAW when captured externally. 

Coming back to image quality, we found that RAW files help a huge amount of tonal data, making it easy to recover detail in lighter and darker areas in editing. You can even push beyond the 40-megapixel sensor and capture huge 160-megapixel shots thanks to the Pixel Shift feature that combines 220 frames into a single high-quality image. 

If you’re looking for a huge 40-megapixel sensor in a small package with retro flair, the Fujifilm X-T5 is hard to beat. 

Reviewer: Matty Graham

Full Review: Fujifilm X-T5

The Nikon D3500 is an affordable choice for anyone searching for a fantastic DSLR for beginners. It’s also significantly smaller than many DSLRs you’ll find on the market (though still a bit bigger than most mirrorless alternatives). 

The camera is limited to a fixed 921K-dot display, but the body takes advantage of the additional grip and balance you’ll find with a DSLR, as well as the extended 1550-shot battery life. The 18-55mm AF-P kit lens is also ideal for first-timers offering consistently sharp results across its focal range. 

The D3500 is powered by a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and packs a good number of features you might expect to get with a more professional DSLR, including the full set of program AE, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual modes. 

The 100-25,600 ISO range allows for decent low-light performance for its price and the 5fps burst mode is more than fast enough to capture kids and pets in motion. 

Video is limited to HD rather than 4K, but stills are very good. We found the camera capable of capturing realistic colours in both indoor and outdoor settings. 

If you’d rather opt for a Canon model, the Canon 250D is also a great cheap option for beginners. 

Reviewer: Rod Lawton

Full review: Nikon D3500

The Panasonic Lumix GH7 builds upon the strong legacy left by the Lumix GH6, delivering meaningful improvements to image quality, autofocus and 32-bit audio support. The GH7 is the best camera we’ve tested when it comes to video quality and pro-friendly video modes. 

Physically, the GH7 is identical to GH6 that came before it, sharing the exact same design and control layout including a wide array of buttons and dials. The camera is quite bulky due to its built-in cooling system which uses a fan to enable unlimited recording times for hi-res video, though this is a worthy trade-off in our opinion. 

The camera is dust- and splash-resistant and features the same small but crisp OLED viewfinder and double-hinged 3-inch touchscreen as the GH6. 

The phase-detect autofocus system is much faster and more accurate than the contrast-detect AF on the GH6. There’s subject detection of humans, animals, cars, motorcycles, trains and places, with all of them focusing extremely quickly and reacquiring the subject if it moves in and out of frame. 

The built-in image stabilisation is excellent, with the system offering up to 7.5 stops of correction resulting in an almost gimbal-like level of performance while walking. This combination of top-tier stabilisation and autofocus makes this camera ideal for vlogging. 

The GH7 features the same 25.2-megapixel sensor found in the Panasonic G9 II, addressing the Dynamic Range Boost issue experienced by many on the GH6. Photos and videos look fantastic by Micro Four Thirds standards, going toe-to-toe with the best APS-C cameras in any situation. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full Review: Panasonic Lumix GH7

While the GH6 offers some of the highest quality video, the Sony ZV-E10 is the best when it comes to vlogging features. It’s also beginner-friendly and affordable, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to move beyond your smartphone’s recording capabilities. 

The ZV-E10 is one of the smallest and most lightweight mirrorless cameras we’ve reviewed at just 343g. To put that into perspective with the other cameras in this list, that’s almost a quarter of the weight of the Nikon Z9. 

There’s no electronic viewfinder, with the camera instead relying on a bright, 3-inch flip-out touchscreen, but there are plenty of vlogger and influencer features onboard. The list includes image stabilisation, real-time autofocus tracking for the eyes and face and the flexibility of Sony’s E-mount lens system. For those less concerned about swapping out the lenses, the ZV-1 is similarly great and slightly cheaper. 

The ZV-E10 delivers rich and clean 4K video at up to 30fps or 1080p at 60fps and there are Sony’s Slow and Quick modes for features like slow motion capture. The camera is also capable of snapping some sharp 24.2-megapixel stills. 

One of the more unique vlogging features here is Sony’s Product Showcase mode, which is sure to come in handy for reviewers and influencers in particular who find themselves holding objects up to the camera. Though we found it could be a little fussy at times, the feature nevertheless offered a good improvement over the standard face detection-based mode when used in these situations. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full review: Sony ZV-E10

If you’re interested in a more spontaneous way to capture photos, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is the best instant camera we’ve tried and tested. 

This hybrid instant camera has a lightweight plastic build with a retro faux leather and silver aesthetic that doesn’t look dissimilar to the compact Fujifilm X100V. 

The hybrid design makes it possible for the camera to hold 45 images at a time, allowing you to preview them on the 3-inch LCD screen and print them as desired without wasting unnecessary paper and ink. 

Despite this, the camera maintains the charm of a traditional instant camera with its simple controls, including two shutter buttons, flash, a preset dial and a lever to print your images.  

The image quality offers the same punchy colours and detailed results as other Instax cameras, though we did find that skin tones had the tendency to come out a bit pale. If you’re looking to capture something a bit more stylistic, there’s also the option to add vivid, pale and monochrome filters to your photos, while lens effects on offer include vignetting, soft focus and blur.

That said, the camera doesn’t do too well in low-lighting conditions so that’s something to be aware of if you plan on taking the camera to parties and other dim indoor environments.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

The Fujifilm X-H2S is our best mirrorless camera for high-speed photography. 

The Fujifilm X-H2S arrived in 2022 as one of two hybrid cameras alongside the identical-looking X-H2. However, where the X-H2 focuses primarily on resolution, the X-H2S is all about speed. 

With the X-H2S, Fujifilm has opted for a more neutral look over the retro design of the X-T5. The camera has a small and lightweight body with a 3-inch vari-angle display, an OLED EVF and a monochrome LCD monitor so you can check your settings at a glance. 

The X-H2S takes advantage of a new processor and image sensor combo, being the first camera powered by the new X Processor 5 and X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor. It also benefits from a new autofocus algorithm, which we found did a fantastic job of tracking people and vehicles alike. Then there’s the incredibly speedy 40fps burst mode which makes the X-H2S the fastest Fujifilm X series camera yet. 

The camera doesn’t come equipped with the 40-megapixel sensor found on the X-H2, nor does it take advantage of that camera’s 160-megapixel Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode. What the X-H2S does capture are wonderfully bright and sharp 26-megapixel stills. Colours are vibrant and punchy and Fujifilm’s famous film simulation modes make it easy to replicate a range of looks and styles directly in-camera. 

The hybrid camera can also capture sharp 6.2K video at up to 30p or 4K at up to 120p with support for Apple ProRes 422 HQ on board, too. 

The X-H2 has a 40-megapixel sensor for those looking to snap even higher-resolution images and you can get a full-frame camera like the Sony Alpha 7 IV for just a few hundred pounds more than the APS-C X-H2S. 

However, for those looking for a lightweight camera with fast autofocus and an even more impressive burst mode, the X-H2S is a great choice. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies 

Full review: Fujifilm X-H2S

The Panasonic Lumix S5II might just be Panasonic’s most widely appealing full-frame camera to date. The S5II improves upon the Panasonic S5, making it a great buy for young and aspiring content creators. 

The Lumix S5II is Panasonic’s first mirrorless camera to adopt phase-detection AF, combining it with its usual contrast-based Depth-from-Defocus autofocus to create a hybrid system comparable to those used by competitors. 

The camera also delivers many upgrades over the still-available Panasonic S5, including a new full-frame sensor, a new processor, upgraded image stabilisation and an integrated heat management system to support unlimited 6K and 4K video capture. 

The Lumix S5II has a DSLR-style body with a tough and weatherproof magnesium alloy construction. It’s a bit bulkier than the Panasonic S5 due to the integrated cooling system, but the Panasonic S5II is still compact and lightweight for a full-frame camera. 

The camera comes with a brand new 3.68-million dot OLED viewfinder, which we found to be wonderfully crisp and detailed with high contrast and a fast refresh rate giving it almost the feel of an optical viewfinder. There’s also a 3-inch monitor with a vari-angle design for versatile positioning and a range of touch controls, including the ability to change settings and set autofocus points. 

In-body image stabilisation is excellent for shooting video, as is the new phase hybrid autofocus system. The AF isn’t as snappy as that found on some Sony and Canon cameras, but it’s very capable and a marked improvement over the Panasonic S5. 

Photographers can shoot at up to 9fps with the mechanical shutter or 30fps with the electronic shutter and connectivity options are strong, with a full-size HDMI port, 3.5mm headphone and mic inputs and a USB-C port for charging all included. 

All-in-all, the Panasonic S5II is a powerful all-rounder for anyone looking to capture full-frame video and sharp photos. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen 

Full Review: Panasonic Lumix S5II

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is one of the best all-round full-frame cameras you’ll find right now, making it a great pick for anyone considering upgrading from a smaller-sized sensor for the first time. 

The R6 Mark II looks very similar to the original Canon EOS R6, sharing the same weight and dimensions as its predecessor. The design is robust with a fair amount of weather-sealing and the grip is well-proportioned to offer users a strong hold over the camera. 

One slight difference between the R6 and the R6 Mark II is the control layout. The on/off button has been relocated and there’s now a dedicated switch for toggling between photo and video modes. The joystick that shifts AF points has also been redesigned and there are new Scenes and Creative Features options in the mode dial. 

This camera is incredibly versatile, making it a good fit for a variety of scenes ranging from landscapes to sports and even wildlife photography. 

The shutter speed is double that found on the older R6 and the Dual Pixel AF II autofocus system supports subject detection for a wider range of subjects. There’s also a Pre Shooting feature that captures the action a half second before the shutter button is fully pressed, along with upgraded Focus Bracketing and up to 8-stops of in-body image stabilisation to fight camera shake. 

The camera is capable of capturing 4K video at up to 60p, along with 6K/60p Pro Res RAW footage when paired with an external device like the Atomos Ninja. Slo-mo has also been given an update, now supporting 6x slow motion capture at 180p instead of 120p, and the newer camera supports unrestricted recording times, unlike its predecessor which tapped out at 30 minutes. 

Images captured by the 24-megapixel sensor are vibrant without appearing saturated and the camera handles digital noise extremely well. There’s also support for 14-bit RAW files that capture a huge amount of tonal details and make it easier to fix brighter and darker areas later down the line. 

If you’re wanting to move up from the original R6, the changes might not be worth the upgrade. However, for those interested in picking up their first full-frame shooter, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II offers a versatile and good value experience all-round. 

Reviewer: Matty Graham

Full Review: Canon EOS R6 Mark II

If you’re searching for a camera to snap high-resolution images, the Fujifilm GFX100 II is certainly worth considering. 

The GFX100 II sits at the top of Fujifilm’s current GFX line-up with its huge 102-megapixel medium format sensor capable of snapping large, detailed images with vibrant colours and great contrast straight out of the camera. 

Despite the chunky sensor, the camera remains more compact and lightweight than some similarly-priced full-frame cameras, including the Nikon Z9 and the Canon EOS R3. That said, the GFX100 II definitely isn’t dainty at 1080g without factoring in the lens. The camera has a solid build with a new Bishamon-Tex pattern adorning the grip and has space for two card slots and a variety of ports, including USB-C, HDMI Type-A and Ethernet. 

Alongside the main 3.2-inch three-direction tilting touchscreen, there’s a removable EVF with a 120fps refresh rate and a third sub-LCD monitor for glancing at settings atop the camera. 

When it comes to features, many of the upgrades on the GFX100 II are powered by the X-Processor 5 – the same image processor found in the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-T5. This includes the new prediction AF algorithm developed for high-speed photography and subject detection for animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains, insects and drones. 

The camera also includes a faster burst rate of 8fps, along with an increased eight stops of five-axis image stabilisation. The 40fps Canon EOS R6 Mark II and the 120fps Nikon Z9 and Z8 both offer significantly faster burst rates but with smaller, full-frame sensors. 

The battery life is solid, delivering 540 stills or around an hour of 8K/30p recording, while the video quality is incredibly sharp with true-to-life colours and good stabilisation. If you’re looking to capture very high-resolution stills and video, the Fujifilm GFX100 II is a great choice. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full Review: Fujifilm GFX100 II

The Nikon Z f is a fantastic full-frame camera, combining the retro handling of a film camera with all the bells and whistles of a modern mirrorless one. 

The Z f features a design that is heavily inspired by the Nikon FM2, an iconic 35mm film camera from the 1980s. This isn’t the only retro-looking camera on this list with the Fujifilm X-T5 and X100VI also making the cut. However, it is the only camera of the three to boast a large full-frame sensor. 

Of course, not everything about the design is traditional. There’s a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen and a bright 3.69m-dot EVF. The small grip plate on the camera makes it best suited for smaller lenses as opposed to larger zoom lenses, though you can use these too. 

The camera also inherits plenty of features and functions from the Z9, Z8 and Z6 II. It has a 299-point autofocus system, impressive subject detection manual focus and 8 stops of AI-assisted Vibration Reduction allowing you to shoot handheld at slow shutter speeds. There’s also up to 30fps continuous shooting, though this camera isn’t specifically designed for sports or wildlife photography. 

The image quality is excellent thanks to the same 24.5-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor featured in the Nikon Z6 II and the Expeed 7 processor found in the flagship Z9. 4K video is supported up to 30fps or 60fps with a 1.5x crop, or 1080p at up to 120fps for slow-motion capture. Footage can be captured in the H.265/HEVC (8 bit/10 bit) and H.264/AVC (8 bit) codecs with standard profiles, while there’s also the flat N-Log profile for extended dynamic range and colour grading and HDR (HLG) video support. 

If you enjoy the vintage style and tactile controls of a film camera but want to retain the benefits of a modern camera, the Nikon Z f is a wonderful choice. 

Reviewer: James Abbott

Full Review: Nikon Z f