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Even though the best APS-C cameras for this year may have been released anywhere from a few years ago to just recently, the three recommending are either still being made or were released so recently that you can find great examples on MPB, my favorite online marketplace for used photography gear.
The problem is that the best APS-C cameras makers had the same idea, and even the once-powerful APS-C compact camera has its work cut out for it to keep up with the image quality of the latest crop of flagship phones.
Most full-frame cameras are bigger and heavier than the best APS-C cameras, but the best APS-C cameras are smaller and lighter, and you can fill the frame with your subject from farther away. APS-C is a popular sensor size, and both DSLRs and compact system cameras have it.
Best APS-C Cameras
Nikon Z50
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF with 209 points |
| Video | 4K UHD at 30fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | Up to 300 shots per charge |
Nikon may have been slow to take best APS-C cameras seriously, but the Z50 doesn’t have to play catch-up with anyone. It’s a very nice camera that feels solid and has great touch controls and picture quality.
There are only two Nikon DX format Z lenses right now, but more are on the way, and you can use F-mount lenses with an adapter. Also, because Nikon used the same Z mount on the Z50 as it does on the Z6 and Z7 full-frame mirrorless cameras, the lenses can be switched out.
The Good
- The design is small and light.
- Excellent image quality
- System for focusing quickly
- Battery life is good
- 4K UHD video recording
The Bad
- Only one slot for an SD card
- Compared to DSLRs, they don’t have as many lenses.
FUJIFILM XH2
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III |
| Image Processor | X-Processor Pro |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF with 325 points |
| Video | 4K UHD at 60fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | Up to 310 shots per charge |
X-H2S has a powerful and flexible set of features for both photography and filmmaking that can help any storyteller bring their vision to life. The best APS-C cameras is back-illuminated 26.1-megapixel X-Trans 5 stacked sensor and X-Processor 5 are key to its success.
Together, they give it a 14-stop dynamic range and great performance in all lighting conditions. For motion professionals, there are a lot of 6.2K 30P full sensor 3:2 recording options, such as internal 10-bit 4:2:2 Apple ProRes and external Apple ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW.
The Good
- Excellent image quality
- Fast autofocus system; can record 4K UHD video at 60fps
- Strong construction
The Bad
- Expensive compared to some competitors
- No image stabilization inside the body
Sony A7RV
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 61.0MP full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF with 567 points |
| Video | 4K UHD at 30fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | Up to 670 shots per charge |
The best APS-C cameras is new A7RV has the same 61-megapixel full-frame sensor as its predecessor, which is still mostly unmatched. If that isn’t enough, there is a high-resolution mode with 16 shots that can make 240-MP images.
The main improvements over the last model are faster and smarter autofocus, a bigger viewfinder, and, this might sound strange, the option to make RAW files smaller. This sensor makes RAW files that are about 125 megabytes each when they are not compressed.
The Good
- Sensor with a very high resolution
- Autofocus that works quickly and precisely
- Battery life is good
- 4K UHD video recording
The Bad
- Expensive compared to some competitors
- It can be hard to handle files that are too big.
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 7 |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 49 points |
| Video | Full HD at 60fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | Up to 200 shots per charge |
The G1 X Mark III has a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, but unlike the Fuji and Ricoh best APS-C cameras on this list, which have fixed focal lengths, Canon’s top-of-the-line compact has a 3x 24-72mm-equivalent zoom lens that makes it stand out.
Other than that, the camera is easy to use and made well. There is a large sculpted grip on both the front and back, and both the 2,360k-dot OLED EVF and 3-inch, 1,040k-dot vari-angle touch screen are a pleasure to use.
The Good
- The design is small and light.
- Excellent image quality for a compact camera
- Autofocus that works quickly and precisely
- Touchscreen LCD with angles
The Bad
- Limited video capabilities (only Full HD)
- Expensive compared to some competitors
Canon Rebel T8i
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.1MP APS-C CMOS |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 8 |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 45 points |
| Video | 4K UHD at 24fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | Up to 800 shots per charge |
The best APS-C cameras is Canon Rebel can be bought for a lot less than the Canon EOS 90D or the EOS 7D Mark II. Some of the other options we’ve listed are better and have more features than the T8i, but it’s still a good choice.
It’s a great camera that can take great photos if you know how to use it. You will also save a lot of money, which you can then use to buy better glass.
The Good
- Excellent image quality
- Autofocus that works quickly and precisely
- 4K UHD video recording
- Battery life is good
The Bad
- Limited video capabilities (only 24fps in 4K UHD)
- No image stabilization inside the body
Canon 7D Mark II
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 20.2MP APS-C CMOS |
| Image Processor | Dual DIGIC 6 |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 65 points |
| Video | Full HD at 60fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and GPS |
| Battery Life | Up to 670 shots per charge |
Even though it’s one of the best APS-C cameras on our list, the 7D Mark II is still a great choice for anyone looking for a high-performing APS-C camera. Canon hasn’t updated its 7D line yet, so it is still its best camera for sensors smaller than full frame.
It was made for photographers who like to shoot a lot of different things. The rugged and weather-sealed body of the 7D Mark II makes it a good choice for shooting outside. Features like a top-plate LCD make it easy to use.
The Good
- Autofocus that works quickly and precisely
- Body that can last and is sealed against the weather
- Battery life is good
- Both slots for memory cards
- Up to 10 fps of high-speed continuous shooting
The Bad
- No 4K video recording
- Compared to newer camera models, it’s a little bit old.
FAQs
What works best with APS-C cameras?
Most full-frame cameras are bigger and heavier than the best APS-C cameras, but the best APS-C cameras are smaller and lighter, and you can fill the frame with your subject from farther away. APS-C is a popular sensor size, and both DSLRs and compact system cameras have it.
Do APS-C cameras make sense?
In terms of low-light performance, dynamic range, and image quality, yes. But in terms of cost, weight, and size, APS-C wins hands down. Its camera body is smaller, its lenses don’t need as many heavy glasses, and since it has less parts, it’s much cheaper than full frame.
The highest-resolution APS-C camera is?
The X-H2S is the most technologically advanced APS-C camera that can record up to 6.2K 30p 3:2 video, supersampled 4K at up to 60 fps, ultra-slow-mo 120 fps 4K, and 240 fps HD.