Education

Best camera 2020: the 10 best cameras you can buy right now

What’s the best camera you can buy right now? It really depends on what and how you like to shoot, as well as your budget, size and performance needs. But finding your ideal camera doesn’t need to be a daunting task – which is exactly why we’ve put together this buying guide.

From entry-level cameras for novice photographers to high-end equipment for enthusiast shooters, to find the right camera you have to know what you want – and accept a few compromises. No camera will ever be completely perfect and you’ll usually need to measure certain expectations, whether on weight, size, features or price.

We’ve accounted for all of that in creating our list of the best cameras you can buy. Each of the models featured below is brilliant in some way – whether because of a groundbreaking feature, an affordable price-tag or impressive all-round performance. With that in mind, we’ve selected the best options in each of the three key categories: DSLR, mirrorless and compact.

Want to know which camera we think is the top all-rounder you can buy right now? That’s the Nikon Z6. It’s a small, lightweight and relatively affordable full-frame camera, with the option to use hundreds of different lenses with a simple adapter. For most people, it’s all the camera you’ll need.

That said, it’s still worth having a look at the list, because we haven’t simply picked the latest photographic kit. Sometimes previous models offer better value, especially when upgrades are marginal, which is why we’ve included a handful of older cameras with prices that have now dropped to enticing levels. We’ve hand-picked the latest and greatest cameras on the market today, so you’ve got the all the options for your next purchase.

Best camera 2020 at a glance:

Nikon Z6 (our top all-round camera)
Fujifilm X-T30
Sony A7 III
Nikon D850
Nikon Z50
Sony A6100
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D
Fujifilm X100V
Panasonic Lumix G95 / G90

Along the way we’ll explain some of the jargon and the differences between cameras, though if you need a bit more help deciding what kind of camera you need, you can get a lot more information from our special step-by-step guide: What camera should I buy?

On the other hand, you may already have a clear idea of the kind of camera you want, in which case you could go straight to one of our more specific camera buying guides at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, read on to find out our picks of the best cameras available right now.

The best cameras 2020:

1. Nikon Z6

A brilliant full-frame all-rounder mirrorless

+ High-resolution EVF
+ Familiar and refined handling
– XQD card format has limited support
– Limited buffer depth

Now just over a year old, the Z6 still retains its position as our best camera. Being a fantastic all rounder with superb handling, there’s nothing yet which beats it in terms of versatility, usability and affordability. The Z6 combines both excellent stills and 4K video quality with everything else that’s key for a full-frame mirrorless camera. That means we get a lightweight and compact body that still manages to handle beautifully on account of a substantial and ergonomically designed grip. There’s also a sharp and crisp 3.69-million dot viewfinder along with a responsive, and tilting touchscreen. The native lens range for the Z mount is expanding rapidly, but if there’s something you need that’s not covered then you can use F-mount optics via the optional FTZ adapter ($245 / £270 / AU$180). We’ve also been treated to features such as Eye AF for the past few months, which helps it to compete even more strongly against Sony’s Alpha line. We love the Z6 – though the Sony A7 III (see below) isn’t too far behind it.

2. Fujifilm X-T30

This ravishing retro option squeezes in plenty of high-end tech

+ Superb value for money
+ Excellent images and lovely videos
– Small body can be fiddly
– One card slo

Fujifilm’s X-T3 may still one of the most capable APS-C mirrorless cameras around, but that fact that the company managed to incorporate so much of its tech inside the smaller and cheaper X-T30 makes this our recommendation for most people. A solid 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, popular Film Simulation modes, excellent 4K video capabilities and a hybrid AF system with 425 phase-detect AF points stand out as highlights from its strong spec sheet, while improvements to overall speed and face/eye detection (with more to come via scheduled firmware updates) make for a slightly more polished performance over the previous X-T20. Our only gripe is the small viewfinder magnification, but there’s enough handling prowess to still make it one of the best APS-C options out there. Hot on its heels is the newly-announced Nikon Z50, which may just push the X-T30 out of this list once we’ve had chance to test it properly.

3. Sony A7 III

Quality results partnered with speedy operation

+ Great 24MP sensor
+ Sensor-based stabilization
– Weather-sealing could be better
– Some EVF tearing

We love the A7 III. The original A7 and A7 II showed Sony was moving in the right direction and making all the right noises. But despite being over 18 months old, it’s this third iteration that still stands out in the full-frame mirrorless market. The core of the camera – namely a 24MP full-frame sensor, 4K video, sensor-based image stabilisation, 10fps burst shooting and a 693-point hybrid AF system – is strong enough, but with two card slots and a 710-shot battery life on top of that, you’re getting excellent value for money as well as top performance. We have some reservations with the viewfinder and weather-sealing, but this is still one of the most versatile cameras around right now, mirrorless or otherwise.

4. Nikon D850

Resolution, speed and traditional controls – this DSLR still delivers

+ Stunning image quality
+ Excellent performance
– Slow Live View AF speed
– SnapBridge connectivity

You’d be forgiven for thinking that mirrorless is the only option right now for class-leading tech, but the Nikon D850 still manages to hold its own as one of the best cameras on the market. It has a well-rounded feature set which means it appeals to a diverse range of users, particularly those who are already heavily invested in the DSLR space. If you need high resolution, it’s got it with a 45MP full-frame sensor. If you need speed, it has that too with a 7fps burst shooting option which can be boosted to 9fps with a battery grip. OK, that’s reasonably modest compared with the likes of the 20fps Sony A9 II, but it’s still good enough for capturing most kinds of action. On top of that you also get 4K video recording options, as well as a rugged body protected against inclement weather. One feature which is definitely king over its mirrorless rivals is battery life – with a massive 1800 frames per charge, you shouldn’t need to worry about the camera dying in the middle of the decisive moment.

5. Nikon Z50

The perfect mid-range mirrorless upgrade for DSLR owners

+ Great, DSLR-style handling
+ Excellent viewfinder and screen
– Limited range of native lenses
– Tilt-screen can’t be used with tripod

Looking for a smaller, more affordable version of the full-frame Nikon Z6 for travel and general shooting? The Z50 fits the bill and is an excellent entry into mid-range, APS-C cameras from Nikon. It’s particularly suitable for those looking to move to mirrorless from a Nikon DSLR as, unlike more petite rivals like the Fujifilm X-T30, it prioritizes handling thanks to its large, deep grip. The Z50 produces great photos and has the same excellent autofocus system as the Nikon Z6, which works very well for static subjects, but can’t quite match the performance of something like the Sony A6400 when it comes to sports and action. With an impressive viewfinder and tilting touchscreen, though, the Z50 is a great camera for travel and general shooting, and is compatible with older F-mount lenses via an optional adaptor, along with Nikon’s new Z-Mount glass.

6. Sony A6100

A fine mirrorless camera for beginners and hobbyists alike

+ Excellent tracking autofocus
+ Compact yet feature-packed
– Takes time to understand capabilities
– Relatively low-res LCD and EVF

Since its launch five years ago, the entry-level Sony A6000 has proven a hugely popular mirrorless camera. Its successor, the A6100, takes the existing recipe and adds several tweaks that help it compete with today’s mirrorless pack. Compact yet capable, the A6100 pairs a beginner-friendly build with a feature set that won’t disappoint the more adventurous. It can take time to understand the camera’s potential, but there’s plenty of it: the APS-C sensor is the same 24.2MP chip found in Sony’s more premium cameras, while the autofocus system is shared with the flagship Sony A6600. The result is excellent continuous tracking abilities and, paired with a good lens, images with plenty of detail and generally accurate colors. Battery life is also decent and the tilting screen is now touch-sensitive, though its functionality is fairly limited. Certain performance and handling quirks are shared with its more expensive siblings – Auto ISO doesn’t suit fast-moving subjects, for example – but these are more forgivable on an entry-level model, especially such a solid all-rounder as the A6100. It deserves to be just as popular as its predecessor.

7. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

One of the best travel cameras you can buy today

+ Incredible image stabilisation
+ Tiny body with excellent handling
– Smaller sensor struggles in low light
– Polycarbonate body feels like a downgrade

No camera can give you everything, but a rare few do come close – and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is in that class. Its polycarbonate shell might feel like a step down from the body of its predecessor, but in the hand this mirrorless snapper is Goldilocks stuff: just right. Lighter than ever and fantastic to handle, the Mark III backs up its good looks with a powerful processor, superlative image stabilization and shooting modes to suit every skill level and style of shooting. There’s no escaping the fact that its Four Thirds sensor is behind the times on outright image quality, struggling to match larger formats for dynamic range, depth of field and low-light performance. Yet its combination of speed, style and sheer versatility make it a winner. Add on-chip phase detection autofocus and 4K video chops to the mix and you’ve got yourself one of the best all-rounders on the market today.

8. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D

Looking for a first DSLR? The Rebel SL2 ticks plenty of boxes

+ Flip-out touchscreen works brilliantly
+ Dual Pixel CMOS AF is great
+ 4K video
– Video is cropped
– 9-point AF system a little basic

The best two beginner DSLRs we’ve seen recently are the Nikon D3500 and Canon Rebel SL3 / 250D. While the former wins out for value, for this list we’ve gone for the slightly pricier 250D. Having the rather dubious moniker as the world’s smallest DSLR with a fully-articulating screen, the 250D is still a great option to learn with. Thanks to that screen, it’s also a decent option for vloggers or video fans. Being an upgrade from the popular 200D, it brings with it some new features such as 4K video recording and a new processor. If your budget is limited and you don’t need 4K video, the older SL2 / 200D is a good option, putting the cash you save towards a new lens. If you’re new to a “proper” camera, the 24.2 megapixel sensor of the EOS 250D will give your photography a good step-up, while the fluid AF system comes into play when shooting live view and videos. There’s also an easy-to-understand interface, which is great for those who are just starting out. The number of lenses available for Canon’s EF mount is almost endless, while accessories are also numerous.

9. Fujifilm X100V

An iconic compact returns, now with improved performance

+ Tilting touchscreen
+ Improved sensor and autofocus
+ 4K video
– Needs filter for full weather-sealing
– Expensive

On paper, the Fujifilm X100V shouldn’t make sense: a compact camera styled like something from the 1950s, with a fixed 23mm f/2 lens and a premium price tag. Yet the model’s predecessors have become iconic among photographers – and the X100V looks set to follow suit. Understated and timeless, there’s something very special about that compact retro body.

The X100V keeps what works, only tweaking what it needs to: there’s now a very handy tilting touchscreen and a weather-resistant body (although you need to add a filter to the lens to get full weather-sealing). The series’ fixed aperture lens setup has always been fantastic for street and portrait photography, and results are only better now that Fujifilm’s added a new 26.1MP APS-C sensor paired with the latest X-Processor 4. Autofocus is faster, noise control better and image quality improved. The hybrid EVF – both optical and electronic – packs a higher-resolution, too.

Add a quicker continuous shooting rate and 4K video into the mix and you’ve got one very desirable compact. Sure, it’s niche and certainly not cheap, but there’s nothing else quite like it.

10. Panasonic Lumix G95 / G90

A great all-rounder well-suited to vloggers

+ Multi-aspect sensor design
+ Brilliant video spec
– Absence of IS not for everyone
– Battery life could be better

If you’re looking for a solid all-rounder and like to shoot video as well as stills, the G90 / G95 is a great option. Inheriting a lot of features from both the G85 and the video-orientated GH5S, this is a camera which manages to cram a lot into its relatively small body. The design is well-considered which means the G90 / G95 handles very well, while Micro Four Thirds lenses are so small that the overall system is very neat and compact. For video shooters, there’s 4K video with V-LogL profile, in frame rates including 24p, 25p and 30p, while Full HD recording is up to 120fps in the High Speed Video mode. Microphone and head-socket ports also round out the video-centric features, but stills shooters needn’t feel left out either as it’s also very capable in that area too.

Honorary mention: Fujifilm GFX 100

This megapixel monster is the most exciting medium format camera yet

+ EVF is the best yet on a mirrorless camera
+ Stunning detail in images
– Vertical grip could be better
– Very expensive

Fujifilm may not have full-frame cameras like many of its rivals, but it’s managed to build on its successful X-series cameras with some impressive medium format alternatives. And with its GFX 100, it shows just how successful the marriage between X-series technology and a larger sensor can be, bringing together many well loved features with a 102MP (yes, 102MP) sensor that performs to an exceptional standard. While there are other medium format cameras that exceed it for sensor resolution, none can match the kind if usability we have here, with masses of control over your shooting together with a stunning 5.76 million-dot electronic viewfinder and great 4K video quality to boot. It’s not perfect, and it’ll cost you dearly, but it’s unquestionably the most well-rounded medium format camera we’ve seen yet.

Honorary mention: Canon 1DX Mark III

A superlative performer with a price tag to match

+ Super-fast and reliable
+ Innovative Smart Controllers
+ Deep-learning autofocus
– No image stabilisation
– Fixed LCD display
– Expensive

If your budget matches the buffer of the Canon 1D X Mark III – practically unlimited – then it’s all the camera you’ll ever need. Canon’s latest full-frame DSLR is so feature-packed and powerful that, if it had four-wheels, it would probably beat a Ferrari.

As sturdy and sizable as the 1DX Mark II before it, the Mark III is 90g lighter and notably easier to control: the excellent new Smart Controller uses optical sensors to let you navigate focus points by swiping lightly with your thumb.

Driven by a new Digic X processing chip that’s three times quicker than that of its predecessor, the 1DX Mark III is also capable of capturing 4K footage at 50fps and achieving properly impressive continuous frame rates.

Autofocus is unparalleled, too, thanks to deep learning smarts that ensure incredible precision in subject detection, while speeds will shame any mirrorless or DSLR rival, whether you use the optical viewfinder or fixed Live View touchscreen. In short, it’s a flagship in every sense – but you’ll have to pay a hefty premium for the privilege of owning it.