Best Cameras For Professionals

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Even in the world of professional photography, which was once dominated by full-frame DSLRs and medium-sized cameras, the future seems increasingly mirrorless. It is about a large sensor and as many functions as possible in a body that is just as portable as its manufacturer can. For the best cameras for professionals, the DSLR still has its place, and Nikon and Canon continue to dominate the show here, but there is no doubt that Sony’s and Fujifilm are furious with some well-executed own products.

So, do you have to stick to tradition or take a courageous step toward another, probably smaller setup? Whichever way you jump, we have some solutions and suggestions to make your landing easier. Today, we have compiled a list of best cameras for professionals in the world. Sometimes the newest is not necessarily the best. The new camera manufacturers that offer their professional model lines mean nothing to photographers in the field.

Given this range of possibilities, selecting the best cameras for professionals can easily become a stubborn and sometimes snarky debate. But here, we have done our best to compile the list of best professional cameras, and we hope that this list will help you find your ideal camera.

List of the best cameras for professionals :updated

Nikon Z7 II

The flagship full-frame mirrorless from Nikon, one of the best professional cameras

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor size: Full frame
• Resolution: 45.7MP
• Lens mount: Nikon Z
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2,100,000 dots
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Movies: 4K UHD
• User: Expert

Nikon’s flagship Z7 II is a full-frame mirrorless camera designed to entice photographers who may have been tempted by Canon and Sony’s mirrorless models. Its specifications are similar to those of the EOS R5 or A7R IV, with 45-megapixel resolution, fast burst shooting and high-quality 4K video. The camera may not have the most eye-catching specs, such as 8K video, but it is more affordable than its rivals in the same class.

Overall, the Nikon Z7 II is a very impressive overall package. It handles like a dream and produces images that look truly impressive. Any professional or serious enthusiast photographer will find that this camera offers everything they need and more, and that with welcome extras like an improved battery that lasts longer compared to the original Z7. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for professionals :updated.

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Canon EOS R6

The best balance of features and price, the EOS R6 is a near-perfect all-rounder

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor size: Full frame
• Resolution: 20.1MP
• Lens: Canon RF
• Monitor: 3-inch fully articulating touch display, 1,620,000 dots
• Viewfinder: 0.5-inch OLED EVF, 3,690,000 dots, 100% coverage, 0.76x magnification, 120fps refresh rate
• Max burst speed: 12fps mechanical shutter, 20fps electronic shutter
• Movies: 4K UHD
• User level: Enthusiast/expert

While not the superstar of the EOS R-series (that honor belongs to the EOS R5), we think the Canon EOS R6 is the best all-around camera you can buy right now. This super-fast camera takes full advantage of the advanced RF lens mount for lightning-fast autofocus and exceptional communication between camera and lens. With two card slots and one of the best stabilization features on the market, the Canon EOS R6 meets virtually every requirement of any professional or enthusiast photographer.

It lacks the 8K video and 45 Megapixel resolution of the EOS R5, which is a significant cost savings for those who don’t need such things. You could argue that 20.1 Megapixels might be a bit too little, but as long as you don’t want to make huge prints out of all your photos, this should be more than enough for most purposes. Light, fast and sophisticated, the Canon EOS R6 is at the forefront of photo technology. Overall, this is one of the best professional cameras.

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Nikon D850

The resolution, speed and traditional controls – this DSLR still delivers

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor size: A Full-frame CMOS
• Resolution: 45.4-megapixels
• Lens: Nikon’s F mount
• Viewfinder: Optical
• Screen type: 3.2-inches tilting touchscreen, 2,359,000 dots
• Max burst speed: 7fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Intermediate/expert

You would be forgiven for thinking that mirror-less is currently the only option for leading technology, but the Nikon D850 still holds its place as one of the best cameras in the world. It has a well-rounded set of features, which means it appeals to a wide range of users, especially those already heavily invested in DSLR space. If you need high resolution, he has a 45MP full-frame sensor. If you need speed, it also has a 7 fps burst recording capability that can be increased to 9 fps with a battery grip.

OK, that’s relatively modest compared to the 20fps Sony A9 II, but it’s still good enough for capturing most types of action. What’s more, you also get 4K video recording capabilities, as well as a robust housing that is protected from inclement weather. A feature that is undoubtedly king over its mirrorless rivals is battery life – with a huge 1800 frames per charge, you don’t have to worry about the camera dying in the middle of the decisive moment. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for professionals.

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Fujifilm X-T4

One of the best and most stylish mirrorless cameras ever made

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Resolution: 26.1MP
• Lens mount: Fujifilm X
• Monitor: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,620,000K dots
• Viewfinder: Yes, electronic, 3,690,000 dots
• Continuous shooting: 30fps (electronic shutter, 1.25x crop mode) 15fps (mechanical shutter)
• Movies: C4K and UHD at 60p
• User level: Intermediate / enthusiast

The world of APS-C mirrorless cameras is highly competitive, but the Fujifilm X-T4 may still be at the top of the list. With its retro-cool look and the dial control characteristic of the X-series, this stylish camera backs up its fashionable credentials with very capable imaging technology. It’s hard to think of a box this camera can’t fit into. The combination of a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans sensor with the X Processor Pro 4 results in a camera that produces stunning images at enviable speeds.

Although you can shoot in JPEG or RAW, Fuji cameras are known for making their JPEGs look great right out of the camera, making this camera a perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time in Photoshop. Built-in stabilization also extends the camera’s usability in low light by removing blur caused by camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for professionals.

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Nikon Z fc

Nikon’s new mirrorless on the block is styled with retro cool

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Resolution: 20.9MP
• Lens: Nikon Z
• Monitor: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000ots
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Max burst speed: 11fps
• Movies: 4K
• User level: Enthusiast

The Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras has so far been mostly full-frame, with the sole exception of the relatively simple Z50. The exciting newcomer is the Nikon Z fc, an APS-C mirrorless camera styled after the film SLRs of yesteryear. The camera is retro on the outside and state-of-the-art on the inside, with 11 fps burst shooting, 4K 30p video, a 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder, and much more.

Thanks to Nikon’s latest hybrid autofocus system, this is a fast and capable camera for most situations. A few cuts have been made to keep the price down: there is no image stabilization in the body and the chassis is not weatherproof, so you’ll want to keep it out of the rain. This is all reasonable, although some users will lament the lack of support for UHS-II cards. Overall, this is one of the best professional cameras.

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Sony A7 III

Quality results in combination with fast operation

• Sensor size: A Full-frame
• Resolution: 24.2-megapixels
• Viewfinder: 2,359K dots
• Monitor: 3.0-inches tilt-angle touchscreen, 921K dots
• Autofocus: 693-point AF
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 4K at 30p
• User level: Intermediate/expert

We love the A7 III. The original A7 and A7 II showed that Sony moved in the right direction and made all the right sounds. But despite being around18 months old, it is this third version that still stands out in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. The heart of the camera – namely a 24-megapixels full-frame sensor, 4K video, sensor-based image stabilization, and 10fps burst shooting.

A 693-point hybrid autofocus system – is strong enough, but with two card slots and 710-shot battery life on top of that, you get excellent value for money and top performance. We have some reservations about the viewfinder and weather sealing, but this is still one of the most versatile and one of the best cameras for professionals at the moment, mirrorless or not.

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Nikon Z6

An incredible full-frame mirrorless camera

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor size:  A Full-frame CMOS
• Resolution: 24.5-megapixels
• Lens: Nikon Z mount
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Screen type: 3.2-inches tilting touchscreen, 2,100,000 dots
• Max burst speed: 12fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Intermediate/expert

Now just over a year old, the Nikon Z6 still retains its position as our best camera. Being a fantastic all-rounder with excellent handling, nothing beats its versatility, usability, and affordability. The Nikon Z6 combines both excellent photos and 4K video quality with everything needed for a full-frame mirrorless camera. It means we get a lightweight and compact body that can still be handled beautifully, thanks to a substantial and ergonomically designed grip.

There’s also a sharp and sharp 3.69 million point finder and a responsive and tiltable touch screen. The original lens range for the Z mount expands quickly, but if there is something you need that is not covered, you can use the F-mount optics via the optional FTZ adapter. We’ve also been treated with features such as Eye AF in recent months, which helps it compete strongly against Sony’s Alpha line. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for professionals.

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Nikon D780

A newer DSLR for serious photographers

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: Full frame
• Megapixels: 24.4MP
• Monitor: 3.2-inch, 2359k-dot tilting touchscreen
• Viewfinder: Optical
• Max burst speed: 7fps (viewfinder), 12fps (live view)
• Movies: 4K
• User level: Enthusiast

Nikon proves with the Nikon D780, its new camera for 2021, that the DSLR is still alive and well. This mid-range full-frame DSLR camera has the rugged, clunky handling that DSLR photographers love, but also includes plenty of great features carried over from mirrorless cameras, making it an excellent combination of the two. And access to the incredible range of F-mount lenses is the icing on the cake that makes the D780 an enticing choice for creatives looking for a camera that is truly versatile.

Designed to handle both stills and movies with aplomb, the camera produces 4K video without cropping, downsampled from 6K recording. If your work involves video content in any way, this is an excellent camera choice; if not, consider the lower-priced Nikon D750, a great value full-frame DSLR that is still in production. Overall, this is one of the best professional cameras.

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Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark VI

One of the best compact cameras around, perfect for travel

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1in type
• Megapixels: 20.1MP
• Lens: 24-200mm f/1.8-2.8
• Monitor: 3in tilting screen, 921.6k dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36 million dots
• Max burst speed: 24fps
• Movies: 4K
• User level: Enthusiast

Small, light, fast and high quality, the Sony RX100 series of compact cameras is hailed by many as the cream of the crop when it comes to what compact cameras have to offer. Whether you agree with that or not, you can’t deny that there’s a compelling reason for it. Two key pieces of evidence are, first, the fact that Sony keeps all older models in production even as newer ones come out, and, second, that they have produced seven of them and show no signs of slowing down.

So why did we choose the RX100 VI – why not the more expensive VII or the cheaper V or IV? We think this model offers the best balance between price and quality, and frankly offers amazing functionality and features in a body that costs less than a grand. A key advantage of this model over the older models is the larger zoom lens – which gives you a range equivalent to a 24-200mm superzoom, allowing you to take almost any shot that comes up.

The camera can take burst shots at a mega-impressive 24 fps in both JPEG and Raw formats with full autofocus. Featuring the winning combination of a 1-inch sensor and a 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens, the camera shoots incredibly detailed 4K video, as well as images in super slow motion. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for professionals :updated.

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Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The E-M10 Mark IV is portable but powerful, and beautiful to use

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
• Megapixels: 20.3
• Lens mount: MFT
• Screen: 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen, 1,037k dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dots
• Max shooting speed: 8.7fps
• Max video resolution: 4K UHD
• User level: Beginner/intermediate

Featuring a new 20-megapixel sensor, incrementally improved image stabilization and a new fold-out and tiltable monitor, the new Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the best version yet of a camera we’ve been raving about for ages. Retaining the 4K video and attractive design that made the Mark III so appealing to consumers, the Mark IV will be a new favorite for anyone looking for an entry-level camera that can do just about anything.

This is one of our favorite tiny-sized cameras ever, so we’re very happy that it finally has Olympus’s latest 20-MP sensor. It’s still a little on the pricey side for beginners, but this is a great little camera that’s much more powerful than it looks and that you could take with you for a very long time. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for professionals :updated.

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Fujifilm X-T30

This ravishing retro option squeezes a lot of high-end technology

• Sensor size: APS-C
• Resolution: 26.1-megapixels
• Viewfinder: 2,360K dots
• Monitor: 3.0-inches tilt-angle touchscreen, 1,040K dots
• Autofocus: 425-point AF
• Max burst speed: 8fps
• Max video resolution: 4K at 30p
• User level: Expert

Fujifilm’s X-T3 may still be one of the most capable APS-C mirrorless cameras around. Still, the fact that the company has managed to incorporate so much of its technology into the smaller and cheaper Fujifilm X-T30 makes this our suggestion to most people. A solid 26.1-megapixels X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, popular movie simulation modes, excellent 4K video capabilities, and a 425-phase hybrid AF system stand out as highlights of its strong specs sheet.

While enhancements to overall speed and face/eye detection (with more to come via scheduled firmware updates) provides a slightly more polished performance compared to the previous X-T20. Our only issue is the small viewfinder magnification, but there’s enough handling to make it still one of the best APS-C options available. Overall, this is one of the best professional cameras that you can buy.

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Nikon Z50

The perfect mid-range mirrorless camera for DSLR owners

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Resolution: 20.9-megapixels
• Lens: Z-mount
• Screen type: 3.2-inches tilting touchscreen, 1,036,080 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Max burst speed: 11fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Enthusiast

Looking for a smaller, much affordable version of the full-frame Nikon’s Z6 for travel and overall shooting purpose? The Z50 fits the price tag and is an excellent entry-level mid-range APS-C camera from Nikon. It is particularly ideal for people who want to switch from a Nikon DSLR to a mirrorless camera because, unlike more small competitors such as the Fujifilm X-T30, it gives priority to control thanks to its large, deep grip. Many things make it one of the best cameras for professionals out there.

The Z50 produces beautiful photos and has the same excellent autofocus system as the Nikon Z6, which works very well with static subjects, but cannot quite match the performance of a camera like the Sony A6400 when it comes to the modes like sports and action. However, with an impressive viewfinder and a tilting touch screen, the Z50 is an excellent camera for travel and general shooting. It is compatible with older F-mount lenses via an optional adapter, along with Nikon’s new Z-Mount glass.

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Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

High performance in a super small package

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
• Resolution: 16.1-megapixels
• Lens: Micro Four Thirds
• Screen type: 3.0-inches tilting touchscreen, 1,370,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Max burst speed: 8.6fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner/enthusiast

While the OM-D E-M10 Mark III doesn’t offer a huge upgrade to the Mark II, Olympus has refined and adapted one of our favorite mirrorless cameras to make it an even more tempting proposition for new users and enthusiasts. Sure, the Micro Four Thirds sensor is tiny than the competition, and the 16MP resolution may be a bit behind the times, but don’t let this scare you away. Sensor-based image stabilization, which many cameras at this level do not offer in favor of lens-based stabilization, is a huge positive and very effective too.

While the 4K video recording and 8.6fps max burst shooting are also competitive, the fact that you can fit it with so many excellent and compact Micro Four Thirds lenses only adds to the charm. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, which we’ll be testing soon, may become our favorite Micro Four Thirds option, but so far, this more affordable model remains one of the best professional cameras for beginners and travelers alike.

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Canon EOS Rebel SL3

Looking for a first DSLR? The Rebel SL3 is amply equipped with compartments

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS
• Resolution: 24.2-megapixels
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Viewfinder: Optical
• Screen type: 3.0-inches vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
• Max burst speed: 5fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner

The best two beginner DSLRs we have seen recently are the Nikon D3500 and the Canon Rebel SL3 (250D in the UK). While the first one is gaining in value, we went for this list for the slightly more expensive Rebel SL3. With its rather dubious name as the world’s smallest DSLR with a full screen, the Rebel SL3 is still a great option to learn with. Thanks to that screen, it is also a good option for vloggers or video fans. Because it is an upgrade of the popular Rebel SL2, it brings some new features such as 4K (ultra-HD) video recording and an all-new processor.

If you have a limited budget and don’t need 4K video, the older SL2 (200D in the UK) is a good option that brings the money you save to a new lens. If you’re new to a “real” camera, the Rebel SL3’s 24.2-megapixel sensor will give your photography a good stepping stone, while the smooth AF system comes into play when recording live-footage and video. There’s also an easy-to-understand interface, which is excellent for those just starting. There are many lenses available for Canon’s EF mount, while the accessories are also plentiful. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for professionals.

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Panasonic Lumix ZS200

The perfect camera for travelers – compact, versatile and with a decent zoom

• Type: Travel compact
• Sensor: 1-inches type CMOS
• Resolution: 20.1-megapixels
• Lens: 24-360mm, f/3.3-6.4
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Screen type: 3.0-inches touchscreen, 1,240,000 dots
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Panasonic retains its best travel-friendly compact camera title with the Lumix ZS200 (known outside the US as the Lumix TZ200). It pairs a large 1.0-inch sensor with a flexible 15x optical zoom lens in a package that is just on the right side of affordable (an area where Sony’s RX100 series falls). There is a built-in electronic viewfinder that you can use in bright conditions when the touch-sensitive screen is difficult to see.

Other useful features include 4K video recording and Panasonic’s 4K photo modes, which allow you to extract 8MP images of fleeting moments. There are undoubtedly more powerful pocket-friendly compacts on the market today – if you have very deep pockets, the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII is still the best available. However, for most ordinary people who don’t have such huge budgets, the ZS200/TZ200 is the much more sensible option if they want one of the best professional cameras.

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Panasonic Lumix G95

A decent all-rounder that is well suited for vloggers

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
• Resolution: 20.3-megapixels
• Lens: Micro Four Thirds
• Screen type: 3.0-inches vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Max burst speed: 9fps/30fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Intermediate

If you are searching for a solid all-rounder and you want to take both videos and photos, the G95 is a great option. With many features of both the G85 and the video-oriented GH5S, this is a camera that knows how to stuff a lot into its relatively small body. The design is well thought out, which means that the G95 works very well, while the Micro Four Thirds lenses are so tiny that the overall system is elegant and compact.

For video shooters, there is 4K video with V-LogL profile; frame rates include 24, 25, and 30p, while Full-HD (1080p) recording is up to 120fps in High-Speed Video mode. Microphone and head-socket ports also round off the video-centric functions, but still, shooters don’t have to feel left out because it’s also very suitable. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for professionals that you can buy.

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Olympus Tough TG-6

A robust, waterproof body mixed with high-end features

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inches
• Resolution: 12-megapixels
• Lens: 25-100mm f/2-4.9
• Viewfinder: N/A
• Monitor: 3.0-inches screen, 1,040,000 dots
• Max burst speed: 20fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner

If you’re looking for a waterproof camera that can venture into places your smartphone doesn’t dare, the TG-6 is the best option. Olympus has done a lot over the years to impress with its TG series. Although the TG-6 is a fairly modest upgrade compared to its predecessor (the TG-5), it is still the name for a tough or underwater compact camera. The TG-6 is designed to make anything you can throw at it – sometimes very literally – waterproof up to 15 meters, crushing up to a weight of 100 kg and drop resistant from a height of 2.4 m. It can also be used in temperatures down to -10°C.

Combine that with a camera that can record in rough format, record 4K video 30p or high-speed images at 120p in Full HD, and you have something beautiful indeed. For underwater photographers, there are some new underwater modes, but if you mainly work on the land, you would do well to consider the older TG-5 model to save some money. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for professionals that you can buy right now.

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