In our best camera 2021 guide, we look at the best cameras for photography and video.
Searching for the best camera you can buy in 2021? There’s never been more choice when it comes to digital cameras, but this can also make things overwhelming when it comes to picking the right one. But fear not, that’s where our extensive guide to the best cameras for photography and video comes in. Whether you’re keen on a mirrorless camera, DSLR or action camera, we’ve tested them all to bring your definitive guide that will help you make the right decision. We regularly update this guide with our latest reviews, so you can be sure that it’s stuffed to the brim with up-to-date advice. We’ve even got a useful ‘coming soon’ section for anybody thinking about new releases that are on the horizon. Picking out the best camera from your shortlist will depend on many factors. One of the big ones is, of course, budget. For that reason, our list features options which range from beginner DSLRs, going all the way up to high-end professional-level mirrorless models. If you look at our list below, you’ll likely be struck at the variety of shapes and sizes on display. Cameras such as the Fujifilm X100V, for example, are light and portable models that are ideal for street photography, if not necessarily versatile. By contrast, the full-frame Nikon Z7 II is an ideal choice for hobbyist photographers offering both speedy performance and excellent handling. For those who want to take their photography up a notch from their smartphone, there’s never been a better time to upgrade to a ‘proper’ digital camera either. There’s some excellent enthusiast level all-rounder models currently on the market such as the Fujifilm X-S10 and the Nikon Z50. Both are versatile, travel-friendly and are available at great prices. Those with a little more experience might be drawn towards full-frame models such as the Canon EOS R6 or Nikon Z6 II. If you’re somebody who wants the best of the best, then the Sony A1 is probably the best mirrorless camera ever made – but it’s expensive overkill for most photographers. That leaves us with us a set of cameras which have earned their place in our list for a specific reason. It could be that they offer top-end performance, fantastic handling or they just represent great value for money. You’ll find stills-focused pro models alongside vlogging options, with each camera here being the best in its given class. Although it’s very hard to pick an overall best camera, our pick right now is the Fujifilm X-T4. It’s powerful, versatile and distinctive, three qualities that make it the best hybrid camera for photography and video on the market. That’s not to say it’s definitely for you though, especially if you’re already tied into another system with lenses. Another great pick is the Sony A7 III for example, which although slightly older offers fantastic value for money. Our guide below is worth studying to help you find the camera that matches your shooting needs. Each entry we know is a great performer, so now it’s up to you to choose a budget and find one which suits your needs. Concerned about camera launches that just around the corner? While the arrival of new models won’t instantly make our recommendations below any worse, it’s always good to know you’re investing in the best camera at the right time. So here’s a short guide to the latest confirmed camera launches for 2021. Two major ‘development announcements’ we’ve heard recently are for the Canon EOS R3 and Nikon Z9, which are both high-end, professional mirrorless cameras for sports photographers. For the vast majority of photographers, these will be overkill, but it’ll be fascinating to see what treats they do deliver when they both launch later in 2021. We were also recently treated to a development announcement of the Panasonic GH6, which will primarily be of interest to those concerned with video. Before that makes its way on to the market at the end of 2021, we’ll also have the GH5 Mark II, a slight upgrade from the GH5 which now includes livestreaming capabilities. Beyond those, there are only rumors of a Nikon Z30 (expected to be a hobbyist mirrorless camera), Fujifilm GFX50S (likely to be a medium format camera) and Sony A7 IV. But given those remain just speculation right now, they shouldn’t factor too much in your buying decision right now. As of today, these are the best cameras you can buy, and they’re all cracking options in their genres… Looking for a hybrid camera that’s just as capable at shooting video as it is stills? The Fujifilm X-T4 is the best option around. It’s the finest APS-C camera we’ve ever tested and builds on the Fujifilm X-T3 ‘s impressive foundation by adding in-body image stabilization (IBIS), faster burst shooting and some successful design tweaks. Adding to its all-rounder skills are a bigger battery (which keeps it going for 500 shots per charge) and some improved autofocus, which is fast and reliable in most scenarios. Its 26MP APS-C sensor remains class-leading for stills, but the X-T4’s real trump card is its performance as a video camera. The IBIS is a huge bonus here, and the X-T4 backs that up with a huge range of tools and a great shooting experience, including a fully articulating touchscreen. It might cost the same as many full-frame cameras, but the X-T4 and its fine range of X-series lenses make a great, smaller alternative for those looking for a mirrorless all-rounder. While the Canon EOS R5 is overkill for most people, the EOS R6 is a more affordable full-frame alternative that is simply one of the best cameras you can buy today. If you already own one of Canon’s early mirrorless full-framers like the EOS R, or any of its DSLRs, this is a more than worthy upgrade. The EOS R6 brings best-in-class autofocus, a superb in-body image stabilization system, and burst shooting powers that mark it out as a very fine camera for wildlife or sports photography. Despite its ability to shoot 4K/60p video, the EOS R6 lacks options like the ability to DCI 4K and has overheating limitations compared to rivals like the Sony A7S III, making it better suited to stills photographers. But for the latter, it’s an excellent (if pricey) option that delivers hugely impressive autofocus, handling and features that make it one of the best options around for anyone looking to move into full-frame photography. The aging Nikon Z6 reigned as our number one camera for a long time – and while its Z6 II is only a modest successor, both cameras should definitely be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a full-frame sidekick. The Z6 continues to offer great value and the best handling around, but we think the Z6 II is just about worth the extra cost if you can afford it. Its additional EXPEED 6 processor brings a host of improvements, including new 14fps burst mode (up from 12fps on the Z6) and some handy autofocus boosts (particularly for animal eye/face detection). You also get an extra UHS-II card slot, which joins the existing XQD/CFexpress slot, and a firmware update will bring a new 4K/60p video mode in February 2021. It’s a shame there’s a slight wait for the latter, but otherwise the Z6 II nicely updates the Z6’s very solid foundation. The 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor performs well at high ISOs, and the Z6 II has class-leading build quality that feels more substantial than its rivals. It’s hard to think of another camera that offers the same blend of size, performance affordability and charm as the Fujifilm X-S10. For both hobbyists and pros looking for a small second body, it’s an excellent option that covers all the bases for stills and video. You get a tried-and-tested 26.
