My Picks: 10 Best Digital Cameras for 2019
A new year is upon us, and if one of your resolutions is to upgrade your digital camera, then now's a great time to review the best of what's available now. This list is an overview that includes mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and all-in-one compact models. I've included recently-announced wonder-cameras, as well as older models that are still available whose features and reliability have stood the test of time and are a great value. Whether you're in the market for a camera as a birthday gift, a business investment, or something for your personal use, this guide should help you make a decision.
Why not just stick to your smart phone? Because the while cameras on smart phones are better than they've ever been, they're still limited. They're great for selfies and static subjects, but if you want to shoot active subjects, or in low light, or simply want to expand your visual horizons, there's nothing like a stand-alone camera. A stand-alone digital camera delivers better image quality, is more responsive and flexible, and can be customized to your needs. And nearly all modern digital cameras can wirelessly transfer images to your smart phone for sharing online.
This list is meant to be an overview, with cameras that represent different styles, quality, and purposes. It is far from comprehensive, and the best camera for your specific needs might not be on this list. Look at it as a starting point in your hunt for the best camera for you.
If you find the best camera for your needs here, please click on the link provided, and buy it through Amazon so I can get a modest Amazon Affiliate commission. And if you don't see what you need or need further guidance, I can help you with a personalized list of ideal cameras for you. Message me directly and I'll be happy to help!
Compact Digital Cameras
$599
The Canon G7X packs a powerful combination of specs that make it a perfect choice for unobtrusive low-light photography without flash. It sports a large 20MP 1-inch sensor (the bigger the sensor, the better the overall image quality) and a modest 4.2x zoom lens that maintains a large aperture (f/1.8-2.8), both of which work to allow more light in for great low light photography. This makes it a great option if you're doing a lot of travel photography and want a small, lightweight camera that can deliver outstanding image quality that's good enough for spectacular big prints. It has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC so you can wirelessly transfer photos to your phone for sharing on social media, manual exposure controls for more advanced users, HD video recording in regular and time-lapse movie mode. This popular camera has been around for a couple of years, so its price has dropped recently.
$996.95
This camera can be used to photograph the moon...and fill the frame with it! The ultimate superzoom camera boasts a 125x zoom range lens (the equivalent of a 24-3000mm), enough range to capture dramatic wide landscapes, and enough telephoto zoom capabilities to capture sports up close even from the far seats, wildlife, and yes, the moon. Advanced 5-stop optical vibration reduction will help prevent camera shake at long lengths (remember, those long focal lengths will magnify even the slightest camera shake). A bluetooth-operated ML-L7 remote lets you place the camera in hard-to reach places and operate it from safer spots. Photos we've seen from birders show the camera to be able to capture remarkable images. That said, you might want to get a monopod or tripod for a little extra vibration-reduction insurance.
$399
If you are an underwater and adventure type you need a camera that's rugged enough to handle rough handling and difficult weather as well as the ability to thrive and get great shots while submerged. Olympus has been making such cameras for decades, and the TG-5 is the latest version, offering a 12-MP sensor and advanced image processing under the hood for improved image quality. It can be used for both snorkeling and diving, and is rated for use down to 50 feet underwater. It can also withstand drops from as high as 7 feet and operates in temperatures down to 14 degrees f. A new anti-fog lens cover glass assures clear pix even in extreme shooting conditions. The modest 25-100mm zoom lens is built into the camera so the camera can be carried in a shirt pocket and is a bit smaller than a smart phone (although it's a bit thicker). In addition to its still photography capabilities, the camera can capture 4K standard and time-lapse video. Available in Red or Black.
$997.99
Small and street-savvy, the Panasonic Lumix LX 100 II is great for travel and street photography. While you can run it on auto-exposure mode if you wish, with a manual control layout that anyone weaned on film cameras and manual exposure will find instantly familiar and intuitive. It has a low light-friendly (f/1.7-2.8) 4x zoom lens made by Leica, a sensor with a maximum ISO of 25,600 which you can use to capture images in impossible low light, and a brand new 21.7MP Four Thirds sensor, which means it can capture images that can be printed nearly poster-sized. At its widest setting, you can focus as close as 3cm from the front of the lens. Panasonic claims a nearly instant 0.10 second autofocus acquisition time so you don't have to wait and lose the moment while the camera is trying to focus. There are numerous built-in filter and photo style modes as well as film-like grain modes that you can apply to images. The camera has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for easy image sharing.
If you don't need so much resolution, the previous generation 12.8MP Panasonic Lumix LX100 is still available and offers the same features for $597.99.
Mirrorless Cameras
$2,596.95
Nikon's first full-frame sensor mirrorless enterchangeable-lens camera was an instant hit among photo enthusiasts and professional photographers alike when introduced last fall. (The more advanced Nikon Z7, $3,995.95, with its 45MP sensor, is geared more towards professionals.) One of the most advanced imaging sensors on the planet and an all-new "Z" lens mount, it is compatible with a new line of Nikon Z lenses, which boast exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness at all apertures, as well as over 360 of Nikon's legacy F-mount lenses via an adaptor. So, if you already own a Nikon film SLR and are looking for a smooth upgrade to digital, or want to start fresh with uncompromising quality, the Z6 is a solid, reliable camera that can handle a wide range of projects from travel and sports photography to photojournalism, landscape photography, and much more. The sensor's light sensitivity reaches ISO 51,200 but is expandable to a mind-blowing 204,800. For budding videographers, it offers 4K that is refined for professional use along with quiet AF on Z-system lenses. We've chosen the package with the Nikon 24-70mm f/4 Z lens to get you started. Note that the camera uses XQD memory cards, a relatively new but more durable way to store your photos.
$599.00
The Fujifilm X-T100 is a mirrorless camera with a traditional DSLR look and feel and a high-resolution 24.2MP APS-C sensor. The pentaprism-style housing holds a high-quality electronic viewfinder. Fujifilm designed their sensor differently from others so the images have a more film-like feel thanks to a semi-randomized array of the image-capturing pixels. A great value for snapshooters looking to seriously improve their game, the X-T100 has a rear LCD screen that tilts out 180 degrees for selfies, but also accepts a full impressive range of Fuji X-mount lenses. The autofocus system is said to be fast and precise, and an artificial-intelligence-driven SR+ Auto Mode recognizes scenes and adjusts the camera to the best exposure for that scene, automaticaly. The camera offers creative filter modes and film simulations that make the final image look like it was shot on traditional Fuji films. Bluetooth technology is on-board so you can quickly transfer images to your mobile device. It comes packed with a standard 18-55mm lens.
$599
The mavens of miniaturization at Olympus are at it again with the OM-D E-M10 Mark III, the latest in the film reincarnation of the fabled line of diminutive digital mirrorless cameras. This camera is the lowest cost of the OM line, and has a great feature set for easy operation in the hands of beginners. Boasting blur-free handheld images even in lower light thanks to 5-axis image stabilization, the Mark III features a compact body, in part thanks to its smaller Four Thirds sensor, making it an ideal travel companion. Basic auto modes are easy to access, but manual options are available for more experienced users. Advanced Photo and Art Filter modes let you apply special effects to enhance your images. The camera boasts high-speed autofocus and easy connectivity with mobile devices via Wi-Fi. The camera comes in a kit with a 14-42mm pancake lens, so the camera can be slipped into a jacket pocket when not in use. Many additional lenses, as well as flashes and accessories, are also available.
Sony A6000 with 16-50mm Power Zoom
$498.00
Although there are newer models, the Sony A6000 has stood the test of time and is one of the best values currently available for a digital camera of any kind. It features Sony's 24MP APS sensor, considered by many to be the best quality sensor in its size range, a top ISO of 25,600, which is expandable to 51,200, making it a great camera for flash-free low-light shooting. With up to 11fps continuous shooting, it's also a good bet for action photography. Thanks to its small, unobtrusive size, this model is great for candid and street photography, as well as travel photography. When it was introduced it had the fastest AF system in the world, and is still one of the most responsive cameras around. The only thing that might tell you it's an older camera? No 4K video. But if you're looking for still photography, that wouldn't matter. The camera can be used as an advanced point-and-shoot or you can take full control; each control button and knob can be customized to fit your shooting habits. The camera can be personalized through PlayMemories downloadable apps. The camera comes with a standard 16-50mm zoom lens, but Sony offers many more to add to your creative options. With so much going for it at this price, it's no wonder this is Sony's best-selling camera.
DSLRs
$1,699.00
Designed for photo enthusiasts who want to take their image quality and shooting skills to the next level, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is the second version of their entry to full-frame sensor photography. The bigger the sensor the better the overall image quality, and with Canon's legacy of high-quality interchangeable lenses to choose from, the 6D Mark II offers a great value. Dust- and rain-resistant, the 6D Mark II offers uncompromising quality that is fitting for everything from detailed landscapes to studio portraits. Autofocus has been upgraded for greater accuracy, and the 26.4 MP sensor will capture every detail, with outstanding low-light performance and sensitivity up to ISO 40,000. The camera has built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth and GPS so it is pretty much compatible with any kind of wireless product. Our listing includes the workhorse Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.
$396.95
Nikon, which for years was synonymous with professional photographic equipment, has applied its knowledge and camera-making experience to cameras designed for first-time users and snapshooters who are ready to step up in a big way. The Nikon D3500 is a great, easy-to-use all-around camera that's fairly light, and produces image quality that's among the best you'll find in a start DSLR. A great value at this price, the camera is sold with the standard Nikkor 18-55mm kit lens. The camera features a 24MP sensor, and both automatic and manual controls although its controls are laid out so that automated features are the easiest to get to. Since it has a Nikon F mount, it is backwards-compatible with Nikon's legacy of lenses so if you have a collection of film-era Nikon lenses, they will work—albeit with limited capabilities compared to modern lenses—on your D3500. Nikon's fabled lens selection is extensive, and the D3500 gives you a high-value entree into their optical world as well as Nikon's ecosystem of wireless flashes and other gear.