The Best Cameras, Whether You’re A Beginner Or A Pro Shooter

Sensor size: Full-frame | Image resolution: 33MP | Video resolution: 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps | Display: 3-inch free-angle tilting touchscreen | Max autofocus points: 759 | Memory card slots: CFexpress Type A/SD; SDXC UHS-II | Built-in flash: No | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 10fps for 828 frames RAW/unlimited JPEGs

Best for: Excellent still and video performance.

Pros:

• High-resolution video capabilities
• Long sustained burst mode
• Strong on-board connectivity

Cons:

• Fewer frames per second than competitors
• Lower resolution rear display for the price

Whether you’re shooting still images or 4K video, the Sony Alpha 7 IV is a well-designed mirrorless camera that offers plenty of creative control and versatility. Among its top features are fast, advanced autofocus performance with eye-tracking—even when capturing video at 4K 60fps. And it delivers great results whether shooting outside on a bright and sunny day or in low-light conditions. The Alpha 7 IV relies on its Bionz XR engine to handle high-speed image processing.

The camera’s internal electronics shine in its continuous shooting modes. For example, it easily captures at up to 10 frames per second, with a larger sustained capture rate for 828 frames in RAW and unlimited JPEGs. The camera can also be used for vlogging, since the display flips out and rotates, allowing it to be pointed forward. However, when paired with a lens, this camera body is heavy to handhold, so it’s best used with a tripod. Ports include an HDMI-A and USB Type-C, a headphone jack and an external microphone port. You also get wired, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to your computer or mobile device. Buy the Alpha 7 IV with a 28 – 70mm lens for $200 more.

What the reviews say: Reviews for this camera are overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer on Amazon noted how impressive the autofocus in particular was. “I thought the A7III autofocus was great, but this camera truly blows the A7III autofocus out of the water. I also really appreciate the improved menu system.”

Camera type: Instant | Print size: 3.5 x 4.2 inches total; 3.1 x 3.1 inch image area | Lens: 2 fixed focus zones: 0.55m–1.3m, 0.6m–infinity

Best for: Taking instant pictures using Polaroid i-Type or Polaroid 600 film.

Pros:

• Classic Polaroid instant camera design
• Dual lens system
• Built-in flash
• Optical viewfinder

Cons:

• Film is expensive
• Only eight shots in each film pack

This is a classic-looking instant camera from Polaroid that’s reminiscent of the instant cameras from yesteryear. This one, however, comes with some modern technology, like a built-in flash and an autofocus dual-lens system.

There’s a close-up lens (when your subject is between 1.8 and 4.3 feet away) and a distance lens for anything farther away than two feet. The optical viewfinder allows you to frame your shots, while the built-in flash sheds light in darker areas. This camera uses a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 120 shots. The biggest drawback to this camera is that each pack of instant film only includes eight shots.

What the reviews say: A reviewer on Amazon loved using this camera for parties. “Great for parties. Friends love the Polaroids, it’s super easy to use, the charger (instead of batteries) is really nice, and the photo quality is fantastic.”

Camera type: Point-and-shoot | Still image resolution: 20.1MP | Video resolution: 4K | Display size: 3-inch touchscreen

Best for: Influencers and YouTubers. 

Pros:

• Flip-up touchscreen display 
• Excellent image stabilization
• Top-tier autofocus

Cons:

• A little expensive
• Battery life is only fine

With its compact build and flip-up rear-display, the RX100 VII is a prime option for social media influencers and YouTubers. It captures 4K video and also serves as a versatile still image camera. The zoom lens covers 24 to 200mm, an excellent range for casual shooting. These impressive optics help account for why the Sony RX100 VII is more expensive than the typical point-and-shoot camera—but it’s worth it.

The camera offers an excellent autofocus system, too, with real-time autofocus that can track whatever you point the camera at, with impressive face detection. The camera supports recording 4K video at 30fps, and if you lower the resolution to 1080p, you can record at an impressive 120fps.