Every time we think of digital cameras, a certain style of camera pops quickly into our minds. These are usually the big ones, those that are capable of interchanging lenses, just like those beautiful beasts the pros keep hanging around like friendly rifles.
But not everything in the world of photography is chunky bulkiness, and we are facing one of the most important game changes in the era of digital photography, the transition from DSLR systems to Mirrorless cameras.
Photokina is approaching, and we can expect a handful of surprises during these three days, but in the meantime, we can talk about the best digital cameras available to us right now (which could get a little bit cheaper after Photokina).
Today we’ll talk generously about all the different types of digital cameras available in Amazon right now, and we will make a series of reviews of the best digital cameras you can buy within a modest budget for each of the existing camera categories.
But first, we’ll define what a “modest budget” is when it comes to cameras.
We will try to focus only on cameras that are within the price range of $400 to $4000 bucks. This way, we’ll be covering a broad spectrum of digital cameras without getting too carried away with such blurry categories like “entry level photographer”, “amateur photographer” and “professional photographer”.
It is pretty obvious that the most accessible digital cameras will grab the newbies attention more than the experienced photographers.
So, without further ado, let’s start reviewing some best digital cameras you can easily find at Amazon.com.
For each category, we will explain the main characteristics they have so you can understand why they fit in such categories. Also important, these camera selections have no preferred order, so it is not a fixed ranking.
The Best 5 Point And Shoot Cameras
What are Point and Shoot Cameras?
Point and Shoot is not a new name given to certain cameras, it has been around since the era of film.
They are designed to do exactly that, to simply point and shoot, and voila, you get an awesome photograph, but without too much level of control (in some cases).
These cameras became highly popular in the late 1980s and are an important thing in the market of cameras worldwide.
These cameras are much simpler to operate and more compact than the cameras we just previously discussed, the ones where you can change their lenses, like DSLR or more recently, Mirrorless cameras.
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II – $519.99
This camera combines some really powerful speed and performance in a portable design.
It has a quite large sensor (1.0 inch) and quite impressively luminous f/1.8–2.8 lens. Which is really impressive if you take into account it’s built-in 24-100mm lens.
It comes with a DIGIC 7 Image Processor, which allows anyone to capture everything in a perfect way thanks to its improved autofocus tracking system and its smartly enhanced image stabilization, even at high ISO values.
This camera has even won the hearts of the pros, which aren’t always on the will of carrying their huge camera with them everywhere they go.
It performs really well, and it has manual controls, so it makes it a delight for everybody in the photography world.
- Panasonic Lumix ZS100 – $547.99
Since Panasonic created their Lumix cameras, with Leica lenses, they got really some interest from the photographic community.
This camera brings together the visual performance of a large sensor and the impeccable image quality from Leica optics.
Vloggers are loving these cameras thanks to their portability, and video performance as well.
Because this tiny yet powerful camera has a large sensor, it allows its users to capture pretty much everything (within its distance capabilities) with a superb image quality.
- Ricoh GR II – $596.94
What about a really inconspicuous and powerful camera nobody would suspect from?
That is what this camera is all about, and this is the main reason why it gained the respect of many street photographers out there.
This camera comes with a very decent wide-angle f/2.8 fixed lens (28mm equivalent) and a 16-megapixel APS-C size image sensor, all built into one of the smallest bodies out there. So compact, it is pocketable.
- Sony RX100 III – $748.00
Alright, Sony says that this is the best pocket camera they have ever made so far. And honestly, we think it is true, as a pocket camera.
This little fellow has quite a large sensor, and since bigger the sensor, better the image rendition a camera can perform.
This camera is compact enough to take anywhere, and thanks to its Zeiss lens, you can achieve some really nice blurred backgrounds in your photographs.
- Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II – $799.00
This is the second generation of the iconic PowerShot G1, a true flagship in the world of Point and Shoot cameras.
This camera comes with even more manual controls than its predecessor the G1 X Mark I.
It comes with a 24mm-120mm equivalent f/2.0-f/3.9 lens and a huge sensor. Its tiltable screen makes it perfect for street photography and video recording as well.
Oh, and last but not least, it has an extremely fast autofocus, and an integrated lens cover, something that wasn’t available in the Mark I.
The Best 5 Bridge Cameras
Bridge Cameras? What?
Even when these cameras aren’t that popular because they sit between Point and Shoot and DSLR cameras, they are a really cool way to enter photography with a heavy foot on the ground.
They are very capable, especially in terms of zoom and they all offer Manual exposure settings as well. Perhaps the only limitation these powerful cameras have is that they cannot detach their lenses.
But that might be the reason why they have such powerful zooming scopes.
- Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV – 1,698.00
It is supposed to have the world’s fastest Auto Focus acquisition time of 0.03 seconds and up to 24 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking as well.
Some people see this camera simply as an “all in one” solution thanks to its huge optical scope (24mm-600mm at f/2.4 – f/4.0) which is insane indeed.
Sony says that this is not a beginner’s camera, and maybe they are right, because it is a really complex and powerful camera, with a lot of stuff that could overwhelm any regular newbie.
- Leica V-Lux (Typ 114) – $1,111.00
What about getting access to Leica hardware for only a grand? Interesting right?
Leica doesn’t put their brand on things that suck, and we got access to one of these cameras a couple of years, and honestly, despite our skepticism, they perform extremely well.
They state it as a “Point and Shoot” camera, but honestly, with its 25mm-400mm equivalent f/2.8-f/4.0 lens and that big size, we rather call it a bridge camera.
And yes, they are made in Germany so you can expect some really good quality standard on their behalf.
- Canon PowerShot G3 – $849.00
This little boy can ideal for capturing and sharing all your outdoorsy (and indoorsy) adventures.
The zoom is really silent and fast and its manual dial allows you to quickly move back and forth from 24mm to 600mm in no time.
As a holistic camera, you could be willing to shoot some really nice long exposure images. Mind that if you want to use an ND filter, it will need a filter adapter and a bigger lens cap as well.
- Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 – $997.99
The ideal bridge camera for the advanced 4K video and photography enthusiast. This camera as a large sensor and as it is used in Panasonic, a superb Leica lens.
This camera has a really interesting trick in it, it comes with a super high-speed focusing system, which instantly calculates the distance between you (well, it’s inner sensor) to the subject in order to achieve ultra-fast focus.
One of our favorite things and the reason why we picked it as a great bridge option is its easiness to use despite the ton of complex features it has built in.
Maybe you won’t get this or maybe you will, but as soon as you turn the camera on the outer lens is fixed, and only the inner lenses zoom in and out. That is some really awesome feature for any lens or camera.
- Nikon P900 – $596.00
This is insane, this camera has a focal length of 2000mm equivalent (it is digitally enhanced really, but still, it is extremely crazy).
You will find certain limitations with it as expected for any bridge camera, but for the price, it is an extremely interesting investment.
This Coolpix from Nikon comes with an 83x Optical Zoom (the real zoom), and 166x Dynamic Fine Zoom (digital zoom) super-telephoto lens with Dual Detect Optical VR 16 MP CMOS image sensor and of course, completely full manual exposure control.
The Best 5 DSLR Cropped Sensor Cameras
Hmm? Cropped Huh…
We are not going to make a deep analysis between ASP-C and APS-H, what we are going to say is that these cameras have a smaller sensor than those titled as full frame.
These cameras are extremely powerful, and some brands have even decided to skip full-frames from their roadmaps.
Cropped sensor cameras allow their users to interchange lenses on demand, according to their needs. This makes them virtually capable of doing anything in terms of photography.
Do to how things have evolved in the world of photography, it will be very likely to find nothing more than just Canon and Nikon here, but we will find another great option for you if you want to have something different with you.
- Canon EOS 80D – $999.00
The great thing about this camera is that it works both as a powerful entry-level camera, as well as a decent upgrade for someone that started in photography at a slower pace by starting first with some modest point and shoot camera.
This camera will blow your brains out with its Autofocus 45-point area, which will allow you to keep control of what should be in focus and what not.
Nevertheless, the number of points will vary depending on the lens used. It also has a really impressive performance under low light situations.
- Nikon D500 – $1,896.00
This camera is a total beast, prepared to go wherever your passion leads your feet and eyes.
The camera is rugged yet versatile thanks to its DX sensor, which allows anyone to use the light DX NIKKOR lenses.
Nikon has been putting some brains in their ergonomics, and in this camera, everything’s fits perfectly when it is needed the most.
Even when this could seem to be as a short decision factor, it is a big deal when working with a camera for long periods of time.
- Canon EOS 77D – $799.00
This camera got its origins in the almost legendary Canon 7D, which was a complete breakthrough back in its days thanks to its video capabilities.
It is no surprise that this version is also highly oriented for those willing to have a trusty video camera in their hands.
The 77D comes with flexible and customizable controls, as well as brilliant image quality help you get the photo looking exactly how you want it.
Capture vibrant colors and fine details with its 24.2 MP Sensor.
- Nikon D7500 – $1,146.95
This new the sweet spot between the great image quality from the Nikon D500 and convenience of the previous D7200.
The photographs this camera can capture are always superb in terms of quality (within the regular ISO ranges of course).
Also, you will be enjoying of having all the NIKKOR line up at your buying disposal as well as the iconic colors from Nikon gear.
This bad boy has an impressive battery life that allows its user to get a little bit more than a 1,000 shots with a single charge (now imagine it with a battery grip).
- Pentax KP – $869.94
Alright, let’s get away a little from the highly popular Canon and Nikon, let’s talk a little bit about this small yet powerful DSLR camera from Pentax (a company with a huge legacy in the photography world).
It is very small, which makes it a perfect companion as a daily camera, with the capability of interchanging its lenses.
This camera is built with some really high thoughts on ergonomics, making it extremely comfortable to use despite its small size.
Also important for you to know, you can still use (just like some Nikon Cameras) the old lenses designed for the K mount. This leaves you with tons of high quality yet accessible options of manual lenses.
The Best 5 DSLR Full Frame Cameras
Alright, we won’t lie to you with these cameras, they are quite pricey and are designed more for the professional sector because they can perform well even under certain and pretty specific circumstances, like shooting in a studio, capturing wild-life or action sports for press usage.
Therefore, such capabilities aren’t that necessary for the regular photographer. Here we’ll cover the best 5 full frame DSLR cameras you can find within a budget (therefore, we’ll stay away from the flagships today).
And just like cropped sensor DSLR cameras, Canon and Nikon are the only popular participants right now.
Hold your horses, please explain what Full-Frame is…
In very simple words, full frame is the exact equivalent for the largely popular 35mm format in film photography.
So, if you have ever seen a slide or a negative, a full frame camera has a sensor that complies exactly with the size of that negative. And you guessed it, cropped sensors are just a fraction of 35mm sensors.
- Nikon D850 – $3,296.95
The true bad boy from Nikon, the D850. This camera has its origins with the D800 and the D800E which were said to be options to approach medium format quality from the digital camera from those days.
Now, five years later, they introduced this magnificent beast of power with 45.7MP of illuminating power.
Also worth mentioning, this camera is a multimedia powerhouse, and you content creators out there will be capable of recording true 4K (3840×2160) in a full frame camera, allowing you to get the complete Ultra HD experience you’ve been wishing for.
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – $3,099.00
The one and only, the 5D from Canon. This particular series has a long time history of being extremely powerful, and it has been the favorite choice for many sports, nature and wedding photographers. T
herefore, professionals, people making their living out of photography. The 5D Mark IV has superb image quality, with a 30.4MP full-frame sensor and powerful 4K video capturing capabilities.
This is also an excellent camera for photojournalists, capturing hundreds or even thousands of images while moving around throughout the day.
Landscape photographers will also have a great time using this camera thanks to its full-frame sensor.
- Nikon D750 – $1,696.95
This is a very wise option if you want to get into the world of full-frame cameras.
The Nikon D750 has an extremely impressive tracking ability for fast-moving subjects in both ideal and low light situations.
The flip screen is also a great feature pretty much every camera should have when shooting discreetly or in odd angles.
And despite being a full-frame camera, it fits quite easily in any sort of hands thanks to its compact and slim body.
- Canon EOS 6D Mark II – $1,599.00
When the 6D first appeared it was conceptualized as The Accessible full-frame camera, and it is still a very accessible camera if you compare it with its big brother the 5D or its single-and-badass uncle the 1DX.
This is a quite lightweight full-frame camera that won’t get you that exhausted like the 5D, and its CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 Image Processor help deliver amazing results even at expanded ISO settings.
- Canon EOS 5DS R – $2,278.00
Canon also wanted to deliver something for the people craving for medium format quality at a more accessible price (jeez, those regular medium format cameras are always +$30K, which is insane), so they developed the 5DS R to cope with that craving.
This camera has 50.6 megapixels, all the goodies any premium full-frame camera has. It is basically the 5D Mark IV with a very interesting expansion pack.
The Best 5 Mirrorless Cropped Sensor Cameras
Now we are going to see some brand diversity away from Canon and Nikon. Mirrorless cameras have evolved quite rapidly, and they are no longer the future, they are the present, and several brands made the right choice by developing their roadmaps around mirrorless systems.
These cameras are in accordance with a digital era, with less mechanical moving parts, and less useless weight.
There are few full-frame mirrorless camera systems, and even though Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic are just releasing their systems, it is too soon to have a solid and reliable review from them.
Why Mirrorless though?
DSLR cameras inherited their way of taking pictures from SLR cameras. These cameras work by allowing light to pass through the lens, and then bouncing it via a mirror and a pentaprism into the viewfinder where we see literally through the lens of our camera.
This sounds cool, and in a certain way it is, but having all that mechanical stress going on inside our cameras is not that elegant as mirrorless systems.
These cameras have evolved fast, and are currently being used in some really serious niches like sports, wildlife and weddings as well. Batteries are getting better, and they perform incredible good.
The question is on you, invest in a system that is on its last years, or invest in the system that will stick around from here on?
- Sony A7 II – $1,299.00
When this camera appeared it was a total blast that revolutionized the world of photography with its superb quality and amazing features.
The first time we got this camera in our hands we got some trouble figuring it out, but honestly, coming from Sony it was no surprise at all, and hey, after all, we love gadgets so it was fun.
Talking about the Sony A7 wouldn’t be complete if we skipped mentioning the MetaBone Adapters.
These adapters made the transition progress very interesting for people with Canon, Nikon, Sigma and other brand lenses in their hands. In the meantime, Sony kept developing lenses after releasing its beloved A7.
- Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II – $1,699.00
So, this camera has a micro 4/3rds sensor, which in simple words, is a smaller sensor than those on regular cropped sensor cameras like those with APS-C or APS-H inside them.
This doesn’t make them bad at all, this is a standard released by Olympus and Panasonic in 2008, for the design and development of mirrorless interchangeable lens digital cameras, camcorders and lenses.
This camera is an advanced system of innovative technology and features designed to forever change your photography seriously.
Just like Sony, Olympus benefitted from Metabones, and there are some really interesting Leica lenses you can attach to this bad boy.
Another thing, we really like is that even though it is small, it is weather sealed, a really nice feature for any photographers that takes their stuff seriously.
- Fujifilm X-T2 – $1,499.00
Now we are talking. Fujifilm has been making some really interesting stuff, and is the only company that has a total involvement in photography, from film and chemicals to cameras and lenses, so even though they don’t brag too much about their stuff, you’ll be in good hands if you decide to invest in some of their stuff.
This camera is their flagship mirrorless system, extremely lightweight and sturdy. If you are into photojournalism and some serious outdoorsy photography, you’ll find this interesting.
It has been designed to be dust and moisture-resistant with approximately 63 points of weather sealing, and a freezing resistance of low as 14 Degree Fahrenheit. Just make sure to invest in weather sealed lenses as well.
- Fujifilm X-H1 – $1,649.00
Fuji went nuts with this camera and is basically an XT-2 made for video (you can fit their cine lenses in there). They have also clearly been listening to their users, and it comes with significantly larger grip and buttons. Its autofocus system works impressively smooth and fast as well.
So, imagine having a camera capable of fitting cinema lenses without paying the whole retail of the expensive cine cameras? That is quite a game changer for content creators in our honest opinion.
Have you ever wondered why movies have a special feel in their color rendition? Well, there is a huge editing effort and color correction process directed by the cinematography director. But still, the camera itself has a lot to do with it.
This camera is quite an innovation, it features ETERNA mode, which is a film simulation mode suitable for video recording, simulating the output of cinematographic films.
- Panasonic GH5 – $2,397.99
This camera was announced last year but is still very impressive. Its successor could be the full-frame mirrorless camera expected to be announced around Photokina’s turmoil.
This camera could be a really great alternative to some of the overheating problems Sony cameras have when recording video.
This camera is the successor of the GH4, which is worth mentioning because back in 2014 when it was released, it was the first mirrorless camera to offer 4K video recording.
This camera is great for shooting stills in low light situations, and it is great for vloggers (which have been increasing significantly over the years).
The Best Mirrorless Full Frame Cameras
Alright, since the recently announced cameras by Canon, Nikon and Panasonic aren’t quite easy to get access to, we’ll speak only of Sony here, lol.
Sony has made some really impressive breakthroughs with their cameras, and if you need to have a full-frame mirrorless camera, then you can choose between the following:
- Sony A9 – $4,098.00
What about killing DSLRs for good? Well, that is where Sony is heading towards with their A9 (released last year). After learning from the feedback A7R left them, they created the A9, and honestly, if you are able to access this sort of gear ($$$), sticking with DSLRs is pure nostalgia for us.
Alright, we surpassed our own scope a little bit, but come on, if you are willing to pay some serious money, those extra $98 won’t be leaving you bankrupted.
If you are a sports photographer or a photojournalist, this will get your attention. This camera has a buffer that allows shooting 241 RAW files and 362 JPEG images before it has to clear itself.
One of the biggest advantages of mirrorless camera systems is that they don’t depend on moving parts like DSLRs, they can shoot really fast, and this camera can shoot up to 1/32,000 seconds, which is really impressive.
Autofocus is ridiculous, with 693 detection points, covering 93% of the whole frame with extremely accurate precision. Also, it features 20 frames per second.
- Sony A7R II – $1,998.00
And speaking of killing DSLRs, Sony also released another less expensive full-frame mirrorless camera. This camera covers the whole thing out for people relying on full-frame DSLR cameras or willing to upgrade as well.
The main difference between this camera and the A9 is only the target it is intended to.
Ergo, professional photographers that need to shoot a lot with a single shot. Something that honestly is not a common thing (or a real necessity) in regular amateur and professional photographers.
If you are thinking about lenses, there isn’t that huge necessity of owning everything, you just need a couple of good lenses that will cover things for you and that’s about it.
If you need (like professionally need it) a specific lens, you can always rent it and include it in your cost structure while quoting to a client. It is not a big deal to change the system.
Wait, There Is More
Ok, this list would not be complete if we simply avoid mentioning these cameras, that are honestly something else and unique, they exist within their own species, they are sui generis if you wish.
- Fujifilm X100F – $1,299.00
This is the fourth generation of the X100 series cameras from Fujifilm. We think they deserve a different category because, they aren’t capable of interchanging their lenses, but they aren’t the regular point and shoot camera as well. They don’t have a mirror but are more seen as electronic rangefinders.
This is one of the big favorites for street photographers due to its inconspicuous and stealthy nature.
It features some really cool film simulations, making it ideal for color street photography and documentary work as well.
If you need to have a wider optical scope, you can always attach their conversion lenses line up.
These conversion lenses are designed specifically for it, and unless you are a connoisseur, you wouldn’t be able to notice that the camera has something attached in front of it.
There is a wide-angle conversion lens that allows you cover 28mm visual range, and then there is another one for telephoto conversion purposes, expanding its current 35mm lens to 50mm.
These conversion lenses are pure glass, therefore they don’t have an impact in the original f/2.0 35mm lens on the camera.
- Fujifilm X-Pro-2 – $1,699.00
If the conversion lenses don’t convince you, or you need a different array of capabilities, there is always this option.
This camera made rangefinders accessible (something that was entirely on Leica’s domain). This camera is basically the X100F (or vice versa) but with interchanging lenses capabilities.
This system combines traditional styling with cutting edge innovative technology. Fujifilm states that with their cameras you’ll fall in love with photography all over again, and we think is true.
There are several lenses for you to fit in this system, and if you need something different, there is always the possibility of using one of these little marvels.
And just like the X100 series cameras, we simply can’t fit this camera within any of the aforementioned categories.
- Sony DSC-RX1/B – $2,798.00
Last but not least in this unique genre cameras, the Sony DSC-RX1/B Cyber-shot Full-frame Digital Camera. An honestly pocketable full-frame camera with a fixed lens.
It could be something even less intrusive as the X100F since its smaller, but with a full-frame sensor inside. Watching this badass camera is like watching this plane or this gun, pure power enclosed in a ridiculously small body.
Just like the cameras from Fuji, this camera has a lot of manual dials (hence their stunning retro look) making it extremely enjoyable to use.
It comes with a fixed Zeiss 35mm lens, and we can’t even imagine how this rare piece of gear was even developed inside Sony’s headquarters. It is just nuts, it is like something only a mad scientist could possibly think of, and it works.
So, What Is Next?
Mirrorless Medium Format Cameras at Cheap Prices
Watching so many camera options from the point and shoot systems, through the bridge cameras, or the chunky DSLR cameras to the newer Mirrorless interchangeable camera systems, we can ask ourselves, what is going to be the future of digital photography?
The question is very good indeed, and we think that smartphones should not be included here to keep things simple because they have been changing the game quite a bit.
We think that the future of digital photography will be, medium format mirrorless cameras at affordable prices. And to explain this, we must go back a little bit in the history of digital cameras.
Outside this sphere of cameras, there are other cameras, which are called medium format. These cameras have huge sensors that are not really necessary for average photographers.
Its price has been so high, that it has been basically the only reason why a lot of photographers recognize that they are not necessary” in their world of photography.
A larger sensor could benefit many newcomers to landscapes, portraits and advertising or commercial photography, and why not, even to street photographers.
A couple of decades ago the medium format cameras were widely used for street photography (like the Rolleiflex or the Yashica cameras). Then why not?
The big contenders of this exclusive league have been in these past years, Hasselblad, Phase One and Mamiya with exorbitant and ridiculous prices. And just as it did with Leica, Fujifilm has empowered photographers with a format that simply unreachable for the average photographers.
Right after Fujifilm announced their first medium format mirrorless camera system, everything changed. The GFX-50S is just a fraction of regular medium format digital cameras, and they are about to release their second one, so accessible, that it should have been inside this list if it had already be released.
Want To Fly Solo?
What to Look in a Camera
There are many things that we can center our attention to when buying a camera, but the main ones, or the common ones, should be the following:
- The sensor: first thing is first, the sensor is the most important thing inside a camera. Period. The larger this is, the better the image quality is supposed to be. Remember, there are micro 4/3rds, APS-C, APS-H and Full Frame sensors in the cameras you’ll be looking for.
- The Image processor: Which depending on the brand, it can receive different names, the important thing is to be quick and process the color information well. And also very up to date.
- Lenses: Well, lenses can be interchanged, but quickly, you should look for a lens that is suited for your style. If you like street photography, anything between 28mm to 50mm will work marvelously for you. If you are into architecture and landscapes, wide angle lenses will be it. And if you are into wildlife and sports, the big telephoto will be your best buds. Lenses define Aperture, so fast apertures like f/1.4 to even f/2.8 will be a great choice for you.
- Dynamic Range: This one could be harder to find on regular specs, but it will allow you to know how many stops of light you can recover in a shot.
- Ergonomics: It needs to feel like an extension from your body, otherwise, you will not love it. It will work, it will do the job, but you won’t love it.
We really hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as we liked to write it for you. But always remember, it is not the camera that makes the photographer, it is the true passion behind the camera what makes great photographs.
Get out of home, and practice every day until you master things out. Only then, you’ll be enjoying photography at its fullest.
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