The 10 Best Digital Cameras
The 10 Best Digital Cameras
The problem with buying a digital camera is not only that there are hundreds of models for sale at any given point in time, but you also need to figure out which type of camera is right for you. The good news is that we review lots of cameras—and these 10 are among the best we’ve tested recently.
Do you want a small camera that requires minimal effort, but takes great pictures? A pocket point-and-shoot is probably your best bet. Need to get close to the action without carrying an SLR with a big telephoto zoom lens? A bridge-style superzoom model is likely for you. Or do you want a lightning-fast shooter that lets you swap out lenses and play with settings? Then you want a D-SLR or a compact interchangeable-lens camera. Plan on shooting on the beach or the slopes? You need a ruggedized waterproof model.
We picked winners from recent cameras we’ve tested in the aforementioned categories to make up our top 10. When there are multiple winners in a category, we pick models at various price points. For D-SLRs, we’ve chosen an entry-level, a midrange, and a full-frame camera. And this time around, we have three pocketable compact models at various budget levels. With manufacturers making more and more cameras that fill niches we had to leave out a couple of our favorites, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10$998.00 at Dell and Fujifilm X100T$1,299.00 at Amazon, but they are both fine choices as well.
Remember, though, the digital camera market is a robust one; manufacturers announce and release new products throughout the year, and we’re continually testing and reviewing cameras—and updating this list. Before you buy, be sure to hit our Digital Cameras Product Guide for the latest reviews. This is our definitive list of cross-category cameras, but for more top-rated models, check out the Best D-SLRs, Best Entry-Level D-SLRs, Best Full-Frame D-SLRs, Best Mirrorless Cameras, and Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras.
Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Olympus Tough TG-3
$349.99
£319.99 at PC WorldThe Olympus Tough TG-3 is a worthy successor to the TG-2. Despite some image noise, it’s still the best rugged camera we’ve tested. Read the full review ››
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
$799.99
$798.00 at Amazon
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III compact camera earns Editors’ Choice accolades because of its image quality and excellent EVF, even despite its high price. Read the full review ››
Canon PowerShot N100
$349.99
$349.00 at Dell
The Canon PowerShot N100 expands on the original N’s Creative Shot mode, and thankfully drops its predecessor’s quirky design. It doesn’t even rely on its most gimmicky feature—a rear-facing camera that superimposes the photographer into the shot—to succeed. Read the full review ››
Digital SLRs
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
$1,799, body only
$1,799.00 at AmazonThe Canon EOS 7D Mark II shoots at 10fps, offers pro-level video recording, and is built like a tank. It’s our Editors’ Choice for high-end APS-C D-SLRs. Read the full review ››
Nikon D750
$2,299.95, body only
£1,749.00 at PC WorldThe Nikon D750 delivers pro-level performance at a reasonable asking price, making it our Editor’s Choice for full-frame DSLRs under $2,500. Read the full review ››
Nikon D5300
$799.95, body only
$696.95 at AmazonThe Wi-Fi- and GPS-equipped Nikon D5300 D-SLR is a modest upgrade from the previous model, but it’s just as worthy, making it our Editors’ Choice for low-end D-SLRs. Read the full review ››
Compact Interchangeable-Lens Cameras
Olympus OM-D E-M1
$1,399.99, body only
£839.97 at Amazon
With gorgeous images—even in low light, incredible speed, and a wealth of high-end features, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is the best Micro Four Thirds camera that money can buy. It’s an easy Editors’ Choice award winner. And its stellar sibling the OM-D E-M5 is no slouch either. Read the full review ››
Sony Alpha 6000
$649.99, body only
$548.00 at ABT
The Sony Alpha 6000 focuses instantly and shoots at 11.1fps. Its image quality matches its speed, making it our top pick for entry-level mirrorless cameras. Read the full review ››
Superzoom Cameras
Canon PowerShot SX60 HS
$549.99
£358.97 at PixmaniaThe Canon PowerShot SX60 HS has a lens that covers an extreme zoom range, and even though it’s on the pricey side, it earns our Editors’ Choice award. Read the full review ››
Nikon Coolpix S9700
$349.95
$346.95 at Dell
The Nikon Coolpix S9700 camera packs a 30x zoom lens into a compact body with Wi-Fi. And its images, even at high ISOs, are impressive. Read the full review ››
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