Perhaps someday smartphones will send cameras to the dustbin of history. But so far, in terms of the quality of photographs and shooting options, the “old men” are still far ahead of the new generation of camera phones.
Given all of the above, we have selected for you top ten cameras in its form - from compact to DSLRs, from stationary to action cameras. The rating of cameras according to the quality of images in 2018 is based on the data of the website digitalcameraworld.com.
10. Sony RX100 IV
The average price is 47,000 rubles.
- compact camera
- Matrix: 1 ″ (13.2 × 8.8 mm), 20 MPix
- Focal Length: 24 - 70 mm
- Lens speed: f / 1.8 - f / 2.8
- Image Size: 5472 × 3648 Pixels
- ISO Range: 125-12800
- Burst: 16 fps
- Screen: 3 ", rotary
Sony is known for updating its lineup without removing previous camera models from the market. As a result, in one model line there are several interesting options for the buyer. The RX100 IV in a sturdy aluminum case, with a fast lens and impressive dynamic range, is one example.
A newer model V has already been born, but the IV has similar functionality. And there are several advantages - for example, battery life and lower price. That's why this model (even being a compact “soap box”) opens the ranking of the best cameras of 2018.
Cons: 4K recording time is only five minutes.
9. Sony Alpha 6000 Kit
The average price is 40 580 rubles.
- interchangeable lens camera
- Sony E mount
- 24.7 MP matrix (APS-C)
- Full HD movie shooting
- 3 ″ rotary screen
- Wifi
- weight without batteries and lens 285 g
A very good version of a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses in the ranking of 2018 is in ninth place. This is another example of how an older Sony model is more profitable in terms of price / quality ratio than more modern models.
Both the A6300 and A6500 have already been released in the Alpha lineup, but the A6000 is still available to customers (and rightly so). It has the same autofocus at 179 points, the ability to shoot up to 11 frames per second, an OLED viewfinder with 1.44 million pixels and a rotatable LCD screen. There is even Wi-Fi. Users also praise very fast focus, a convenient menu and the ability to point the flash up.
However, this camera is a little "slow-witted." It turns on for a long time and deletes photos for a long time (the process takes about 2 seconds).
8. Panasonic Lumix G80
The average price is 78 980 rubles.
- interchangeable lens camera
- Micro 4/3 mount
- 16.84 MP matrix (17.3 x 13.0 mm)
- 4K video shooting
- 3 ″ rotary touch screen
- Wifi
- waterproof housing
- weight without batteries and lens 453 g
Externally, the camera resembles many other mirrorless cameras from Panasonic in the same price range, but it still highlights a few points. The company finally removed the scattering filter from the matrix (no longer need to do it yourself), and the granularity became much better. Plus, it fit a lot of possibilities into a small waterproof housing of the camera, from shooting video in 4K and built-in image stabilization to the “smart” Post Focus option.
The included Lumix G Vario 12-60 mm lens and F3.5 - 5.6 lens are also very good for this price range. Although the camera has a matrix of only 16.84 MP, however, it still remains one of the best universal options both for those who are just starting to shoot, and for experienced photographers shooting weddings, lifestyle or travel videos.
Cons: you can’t charge via USB, noises start on the ISO 1600, and on the ISO 3200 it makes a lot of noise and you can remove it only by sacrificing small details.
7. Fuji X-T20
The average price is 67 900 rubles.
- interchangeable lens camera
- Fujifilm X Mount
- 24 MP matrix (APS-C)
- 4K video shooting
- 3 ″ rotary touch screen
- Wifi
- weight without batteries and lens 333 g
The small and lightest camera took the best from Fujifilm's flagship X-T2. In terms of its technical capabilities, this mirrorless camera is far outfitted with many much more expensive SLR cameras. For example, it has an excellent matrix, the ability to record video in 4K resolution, shooting 8 frames per second and autofocus with 325 points. And we haven’t mentioned this yet a 2.36 million-dot video detector and a rotary touch screen.
The case design, although simple, but elegant and resembles old SLR cameras. And manual control is all metal, which is now a rarity. In addition to everything else, we want to note a very sensible set of lenses, which can be ordered in the kit.
Cons: not very oversized case, small battery capacity (it lasts for 350 frames).
6. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
The average price is 159 990 rubles.
- interchangeable lens camera
- Micro 4/3 mount
- 21.8 MP matrix (17.3 x 13.0 mm)
- 4K video shooting
- 3 ″ rotary touch screen
- Wifi
- waterproof housing
- weight without batteries and lens 498 g
The mirrorless camera OM-D E-M1 Mark II is one of the latest developments of the company. It was designed for sports reporters and all those for whom shooting speed is one of the most important options. OM-D E-M1 Mark II is capable of shooting up to 60 frames per second, and a matrix of 21.8 MP makes these frames perfectly detailed. Instant response to any action - from focusing to working with the menu - and an excellent image stabilization system allow you to make excellent shots even in low light conditions. The camera also boasts the ability to shoot video in high resolution. Another advantage of this model is a rotary remote screen. It makes it possible to quickly and conveniently take a selfie.
Although the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is not very different from its predecessors in terms of dynamic range and noise, the rate of fire and the quality of shooting suggest that the company has taken a step forward.
Cons: Not as rich in color reproduction as in full-frame cameras from Sony and Nikon. Professionals advise shooting in RAW for optimal results.
5. Sony A7 III
The average price is 144,990 rubles.
- interchangeable lens camera
- ISO 100-51200
- 24.2 MP matrix
- 4K video shooting
- 693 phase detection autofocus points
- 3 ″ rotary touch screen
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- weight with batteries without a lens 650 g
Sony's A7 line has traditionally been touted as a one-stop shopper solution, unlike the A7R-series, which is more super-resolved and focused on the A7S ISO series. By launching the A7 III model, Sony managed to create an excellent mirrorless camera, which developed all the advantages of its predecessors.
She has the best video resolution at the moment (4K), a larger battery, a new matrix, a completely redesigned autofocus system, and twice as much rate of fire. In general, the image quality is very good, and autofocus is just great. It is also worth noting excellent ergonomics, this is important if you have to hold the camera in your hands for several hours a day.
Cons: you have to manually set the camera clock, even if you connect the device to a mobile device or PC.
4. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The average price is 208,890 rubles.
- professional slr camera
- Canon EF mount
- 31.7 MP matrix (Full frame)
- 4K video shooting
- 3.2 ″ screen
- Wi-Fi, GPS
- waterproof housing
- weight without batteries and lens 800 g
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, one of the best SLR cameras of 2018, is in fourth place in the ranking. The EOS 5D line has always been popular with lovers of DSLRs, successfully combining both a professional level of personnel and lightness, compactness and ease of use. The last fourth model in the series has a matrix of 31.7 MP, allows you to record video in 4K and is clad in a durable and lightweight metal case.
A feature of the EOS 5D Mark IV touch screen is the ability to quickly select the focus area when shooting video and in Live View.
The camera can do everything - both to shoot landscapes and fast-moving objects (rate of 7 frames per second, instant focusing even in low light). True, Nikon and Sony are already stepping on the heels of the EOS 5D, so perhaps in the future we will have another technical breakthrough from Canon.
Cons: high price, 4K shooting can only be done with a 1.74x crop.
3. Nikon D750
The average price is 129 900 rubles.
- professional slr camera
- Nikon F mount
- 24.93 MP matrix (Full frame)
- Full HD movie shooting
- 3.2 ″ rotary screen
- Wifi
- weight without batteries and lens 750 g
Although the latest Nikon DSLR model surely overshadows the D750, this model can still offer a lot - and at a more or less reasonable price (considering the cost of DSLRs in general). It can hardly be called the cheapest, but in general, given the redesigned matrix, a wider ISO range, an excellent focusing system, a rotatable LCD screen and nice options like Wi-Fi, this camera is still very good. Image quality pleasantly pleases with low noise and excellent dynamic range.
The only fly in the ointment is the lack of 4K video. But if your priorities are in the field of photography, not video, then the Nikon D750 remains one of the best cameras in 2018.
2. Canon EOS 80D
The average price is 71,000 rubles.
- advanced slr camera
- Canon EF / EF-S mount
- 25.8 MP matrix (APS-C)
- Full HD movie shooting
- 3 ″ rotary touch screen
- Wifi
- weight with batteries without a lens 730 g
In second place in the ranking of cameras, stepping on the heels of the leader, is the next model from Canon - EOS 80D. In recent years, Canon has completely redesigned its SLR cameras, but the EOS 80D stands out even against their background. Although the backbone of the camera remains the same, the new APS-C matrix of 25.8 MP, excellent phase detection autofocus, a rate of 7 frames per second, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC distinguish it from its predecessors.
Another strong feature of the camera is its high image quality with low noise, an impressive dynamic range (especially in low light) and vibrant and true colors. And all this at a relatively reasonable price.
There are also disadvantages: in poor light, noise appears even at operating values up to 1600, there is no 4K video.
1. Nikon D850
The average price is 219,900 rubles.
- professional slr camera
- Nikon F mount
- 46.9 MP matrix (Full frame)
- 4K video shooting
- 3.1 ″ swivel touch screen
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- weight without batteries and lens 915 g
Although over the past few years successful Nikon cameras have been replaced by, let's say, not so good ones, in 2018, the D850 model rightfully occupies the first place in the ranking of SLR cameras. This is a high-speed, multifunctional digital camera with a full-sized matrix, and the backlight of all buttons, in addition, it is capable of shooting video in 4K resolution. It is clear that this level of equipment will cost a lot of money - this is one of the most expensive cameras on the market; its price starts from 200 thousand rubles.
One of the reasons for the high quality of the model is its versatility. The 46.9 megapixel matrix allows you to shoot landscapes as well as portraits and still lifes, and the autofocus system perfectly shows itself when shooting instantly. And all this splendor is enclosed in a durable case that is weatherproof (shooting dust storms has never been more comfortable and safe for expensive optics).
Cons: not very fast focusing of the contrast type when shooting in live view mode.
How to choose a good camera
However, choosing a good camera is a difficult question. The market is full of all sorts of interesting options: compact cameras, SLR cameras, and so on. In order not to get confused in all this splendor, you need to directly and honestly answer yourself a few questions.
- How much money do you have? We understand that this is an extremely sensitive issue, so the result can not tell anyone. But know that if you want the best camera that takes mega-quality pictures, you have to pay a lot.
- Where and when do you plan to take photos? The type of camera you select depends on this. For example, if your goal is to shoot objects in close-up, or in difficult weather conditions, then an ordinary soap dish will not work because of the small focal length and weak flash. And if you plan to delight your friends on Instagram with photos of your tanned legs against the backdrop of tropical seas, then an expensive DSLR with a hundred interchangeable lenses is completely unnecessary.
- How often do you plan to take pictures? Is it a hobby for you, a way to tell news to relatives and friends, a desire to capture elusive moments or an opportunity to earn money for bread and butter? If the last two options, then a fast, lightweight and cheap compact camera is not your choice.
What is the difference between mirrorless cameras and SLRs
Mirrorless cameras are a kind of intermediate stage between SLR and compact ones. There are a lot of them, from a tiny selfie camera to semi-professional and professional devices that can shoot a huge number of frames in a short period of time.
And finally, aerobatics - SLR cameras. Previously, they were intended exclusively for professionals, but competition in the market and the onslaught of smartphones led to a drop in prices (noticeable, although relatively relative). It is these cameras that allow you to take pictures similar in quality to film ones, and even better.
In addition to the size of the matrix, SLRs also differ from ordinary mortals in the world of cameras by their wide possibilities for changing optics - now you can buy an appropriate lens and use the same camera to make both micro- and macro-shots. And the abundance of settings allows photo artists and semi-professional amateurs to express themselves to the fullest.
