6 of the best cameras you can buy right now
As the year comes to a close, we’re looking back at the cameras that have clawed their way to the top of their respective categories (and our buying guides). These aren’t the only cameras worth buying, but when you start here, it’s hard to go wrong.
Best Under $1,000: Nikon Z fc
 |
If you’re set on spending less than a grand on a camera, it’s hard to go wrong with the Nikon Z fc. While its capabilities aren’t best-in-class, its performance is crucially respectable across the board. The image quality is terrific, with plenty of detail and dynamic range. While its oversampled 4K video is not the best on offer, it can comfortably hold its own whether you’re shooting in 4K or 1080p. It helps that the camera itself is attractive with its classic, throwback style. That won’t improve your photos, of course, but it may make you more likely to go out and take some.
Read More: Best Cameras Under $1,000
Best Pocketable Travel Camera: Ricoh GR III
 |
When you’re out and about to do something other than take photos, you don’t necessarily want to lug around an enormous kit or just rely on your smartphone. The Ricoh GR III‘s ability to easily put a 24MP APS-C sensor literally in your pocket makes it a shoo-in for the best travel camera that won’t weigh you down. Its 28mm equivalent lens lets you snap a quick shot without having to walk backwards and options such as Snap Focus and highly customizable controls make it ideal for quick-draw photography. But as its battery is only rated for 200 shots per charge, make sure you keep it juiced up and pick your battles.
Read More: The Best Travel Cameras
Best All-Around Mirrorless Camera: Canon EOS R6 II
 |
At the mid-range price point of about $2,000, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an option that does as many things as well as the Canon EOS R6 II does. Its excellent autofocus for stills combined with uncropped 4K/60p video put it ahead of its competitors from Panasonic, Sony and Nikon at this price. Perhaps its standout feature is its burst fire prowess, capable of 40fps shooting with continuous autofocus (albeit with some rolling shutter). That, plus extra battery life to boot.
Read More: The Best Mirrorless Cameras
Best Bargain Full Frame: Canon EOS R8
 |
The EOS R8 takes the image quality and feature set of the pricier R6 II and puts it in a surprisingly compact body for a great price, at the cost of worse battery life, a lower quality viewfinder, and a lack of sensor stabilization. Its excellent autofocus and 4K/60p video capabilities balance out the equation. But before you pull the trigger, don’t sleep on the Nikon Z5, the EOS R8’s mirror universe twin. While the Z5’s autofocus and video aren’t fantastic, it does have great ergonomics, battery life and stabilization. Depending on your needs or wants, it’s a great choice as well.
Read More: The Best Mirrorless Cameras
Best High-End Camera: Nikon Z8
 |
If price is not a particular concern, the Nikon Z8 is an easy choice. With superb autofocus, excellent video abilities that can deliver 8K/60p footage, a comfortable grip and excellent image quality, the Z8 is an all-rounder with no significant downsides other than its nearly $4,000 pricetag. But even that is a strength, if you’re ready and willing to spend, since no other camera offers this much functionality for a similar investment.
Read More: The Best High-End Cameras
Best Value Mirrorless Camera: Sony a6100
 |
An entry-level APS-C camera with a 24MP sensor, the Sony a6100 is in its element when you spend your time in auto mode, leaning on its excellent autofocus tracking. Its interface isn’t particularly welcoming if you’re itching to dive into the settings and its kit zoom isn’t our favorite, but its point-and-shoot prowess combined with a great variety of available upgrade lenses make it a terrific gateway drug.
