The best cameras

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What's the best camera? It all depends on your needs and experience. Want speed, portability and lightning-fast focus? A mirrorless camera is the way to go. Want awesome detail, better low-light photos and a super-wide range of lenses? Get a DSLR. Looking for something that you can stuff in your pocket and take on vacation? Consider a compact point-and-shoot. Or maybe you just want a fun instant camera.

We've tested dozens of digital cameras across all these categories, and narrowed them down to this list of the best cameras.

Nikon D5600

(Image credit: Future)

Nikon D5600

Specifications

Megapixels: 24.2 MP CMOS DX-format sensor
Lens Type: Interchangable
ISO Range: ISO 100-25600
Image Stabilization: In-lens
Video (Max Resolution): 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
Shooting Speed: 5 fps
Display: 3.2-inch swiveling touchscreen
Wi-Fi: 802.11 b,g and Bluetooth 4.1
Battery Life: 970 shots
Size/Weight: 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 inches/16.4 ounces

Reasons to buy

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Best DSLR overall

Sporting a 24-megapixel sensor, 3.2-inch swiveling touchscreen and compatibility with a huge range of lenses—as well as a reasonable price—the Nikon D5600 is the best camera for most people looking for a DSLR. 

With Nikon's traditional d-pad and a number of dials and knobs, it's great for experienced photographers looking for full-featured manual controls, while still including a number of assisted shooting modes to help teach and educate beginners. 

One of our quibbles with the D5600 is that it can only capture video at a max resolution of 1080p/60 FPS. However, that's not unreasonable for a camera at this price, and it has a dedicated microphone jack. All in all, it's a great kit.

(Image credit: Sony)

Sony A6500

Specifications

Megapixels: 24.2
ISO: 100- 25,600
Shooting Speed: 11 fps
Body size/weight: 4.75 x 2.75 x 2.13 inches; 1 pound
Viewfinder: OLED
Screen: 2.95-inch LCD
Battery Life (CIPA): 310 shots

Reasons to buy

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The best mirrorless camera 

With 4K video and 5-axis image stabilization, the Sony a6500 is the best mirrorless camera for those looking to capture stable video. Detail and color are excellent in both video and still images, with excellent dynamic range (combined shadow and highlight detail). And images stay fairly clean of pixel noise up to ISO 6400. 

Autofocus is superb, with the camera able to shoot 11fps, adjusting focus as needed for each shot. Combined with a memory buffer holding over 300 images, you're nearly guaranteed to get a shot that captures the action perfectly.

Canon EOS Rebel SL3

(Image credit: Future)

Canon EOS Rebel SL3

Specifications

Megapixels/sensor: 24.1 APS-C
ISO Range: 100-25,600
Max Video Resolution: 4K/24 fps
Shooting Speed: 5 fps
Autofocus: 9-point phase detection
Display: 3-inch LCD
Battery Life: 1,000 shots
Ports: USB, Mini HDMI, mic
Card Slots: one SD/SDHC/SDXC
Size: 4.8 x 3.7 x 2.8 inches
Weight: 15.8 pounds

Reasons to buy

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4K video in a DSLR on a budget

At such a great price and including a lens, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is the least expensive DSLR that can shoot 4K video. More than that, though, this camera, which is aimed at beginners, is also very small and light, and has a bevy of in-camera guides to help novice shooters. 

We also like its articulating touch screen, which makes it easier to take photos from odd angles. In general, this camera takes good photos and video, but its internal image stabilization is only moderately effective, and its hot shoe doesn't work with third-party flash units.

Nikon D3500

(Image credit: Nikon)

Nikon D3500

Specifications

Megapixels/Sensor: 24.3/APS-C
ISO: ISO 100-25,600
Video (Max Resolution): 1080p/60 fps
Shooting Speed: 5 fps
Autofocus: 11 points/Phase, Contrast, Face Detection
Connections: USB, mini HDMI
Display: 3-inch LCD 921,000 dots
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/NFC: Yes/Yes/No
Battery Life (CIPA): 1,550 shots
Size and Weight: 4.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches/12.9 ounces

Reasons to buy

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A great DSLR for beginners

Looking for one of the best DSLR cameras for newbies? The Nikon D3500 has a bargain price — which includes a lens — and lots of in-camera guides that help explain advanced features to beginners. 

We also liked the D3500's 24.3MP sensor, long battery life, and the ability to control the camera (somewhat) from your smartphone via Bluetooth. If you're looking for features such as an articulating touchscreen and the ability to shoot 4K video, this may not be for you, but still, the Nikon D3500 will shoot great photos in almost any situation, too.

(Image credit: Future)

Sony Alpha a6000

Specifications

Megapixels: 24.3 APS-C CMOS
Lens Type: Interchangeable
ISO Range: 100-25,600
Image Stabilization: In-lens
Video (Max Resolution): 1080p/60 fps
Shooting Speed: 11 fps
Display: Articulating 3-inch LCD
Wi-Fi: Yes
Battery Life: 400 shots
Size/Weight: 4.8 x 2.9 x 1.9 inches; 12 ounces

Reasons to buy

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The best mirrorless camera for beginners

The Sony A6000 is the best camera for those who want an entry-level mirrorless camera. In addition to superfast autofocus, a 11fps shooting speed that matches or beats pricier DSLRs and excellent low-light quality (up to about ISO 1600), you also get fantastic 1080p video at 60 and 24 fps. It also has an electronic viewfinder in addition to an articulating LCD. All this in a package that weighs just 12 ounces; this is one compact and powerful camera.

Sony a7 II

(Image credit: Sony)

Sony A7 II

Specifications

Megapixels: 24.7 full-frame CMOS
Lens Type: Interchangeable
ISO Range: 100-25,600
Image Stabilization: 5-axis in-body
Video (Max Resolution): 1080p/30 fps
Shooting Speed: 11 fps
Display: Articulating 3-inch LCD
Wi-Fi: Yes
Battery Life: 350 shots
Size/Weight: 5 × 3.87 × 2.37 inches, 1 pound, 3.6 ounces (body only)

Reasons to buy

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The best full-frame mirrorless camera

Now that it's a few years old, the Sony A7 II's price has come down to a reasonable sum, making this the best camera for those who want a full-frame mirrorless system. Its 24.7-MP sensor and 5-axis in-body stabilization combine to produce some amazing photos, even in darker conditions. 

However, this camera does show its age: Its max video resolution is 1080p/30 fps, and its battery life is a pretty weak 350 shots. At this price, though, you'll be able to afford an extra battery or two.

Panasonic Lumix ZS200

(Image credit: Future)

Panasonic Lumix ZS200

Specifications

Megapixels: 20/1-inch sensor
Lens Type: 15x optical zoom (24mm-360mm equivalent)
ISO Range: 100-25,600
Video (Max Resolution): 4K/30 fps
Shooting Speed: 10 fps
Display: 3-inches
Wi-Fi: Yes
Battery Life: 370 shots
Size/Weight: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 inches/12 ounces

Reasons to buy

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A great pocketable travel camera

Packing a fantastic, sharp 20-megapixel sensor and 15x optical zoom lens in a pocket-friendly body makes the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 as the best camera for those who want to take great vacation photos, but don't want to schlep a larger mirrorless or DSLR. The ZS200 performs well in a variety of situations, including low-light, has a pretty robust built-in flash, and takes 4K video as well. We wish that its 3-inch touchscreen could swivel out, but it's a tradeoff we can live with.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800

(Image credit: Sony)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800

Specifications

Resolution: 20.1 MP
Optical Zoom: 5x
Focal Length: 26 - 130mm (35mm equiv.)
Video (Max): 720p (1280p x 720p)
Size: 2.1 x 2 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 3.5 ounces

Reasons to buy

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Snapshots at a super low budget

Looking for a great starter camera for your child? The Sony W800 is the best camera you can find for such a teeny tiny price. At the price, it's nearly an impulse buy, and not such a financial hardship if you lose it or your kid drops it. Its sturdy metal chassis packs a great suite of features, including an easy panoramic shooting mode and a 5X (26-130mm equivalent) zoom lens with optical image stabilization. 

The W800's 20.1MP image sensor uses the older CCD technology that tends to not perform as well in dark conditions as today's dominant CMOS sensors. But it's fine for bright afternoons or night shots with flash.

Olympus Tough TG-5

(Image credit: Olympus)

Olympus Tough TG-5

Specifications

Megapixels: 12MP
Lens Type: 24mm-100mm
ISO Range: 100-12800
Image Stabilization: Sensor-shift
Video (Max Resolution): 4K/30 fps
Shooting Speed: 5 fps
Display: 3-inch/460,000 dots
Wi-Fi: Yes
Battery Life: 380 shots
Size/Weight: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches/8.8 ounces

Reasons to buy

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Best waterproof camera

The Olympus Tough TG-5 is the best waterproof camera, able to withstand depths of up to 50 feet, which isn't the deepest among compact point-and-shoots but will suffice for snorkelers. With its 4x optical zoom lens (24mm-100mm), which has a wide, f/2.0 maximum aperture, the TG-5's lens offers very good quality photos and beautiful video at 4K-resolution. It can also shoot RAW photos, which means it will do a better job than most in darker underwater scenes, and the Olympus features several special underwater modes, as well.   

It comes with a versatile flash that lets you adjust the amount of illumination, which is a rare feature on a point-and-shoot. In our tests, the TG-5 took better photos and video than other compact underwater cameras, whether above or below the seas. This camera can also survive almost any kind of abuse on land, including up to 220 pounds of pressure, 7-foot drops and temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to Wi-Fi and GPS, the TG-5 includes an electronic compass.  

Polaroid Snap

(Image credit: Polaroid)

Polaroid Snap

Specifications

Megapixels: 10-MP
Lens Type: 25mm
ISO Range: n/a
Image Stabilization: no
Video (Max Resolution): n/a
Shooting Speed: n/a
Display: n/a
Wi-Fi: none
Battery Life: n/a
Size/Weight: 6.5 x 6 x 1.9 inches/14 ounces

Reasons to buy

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Best instant camera

It's one part camera, one part printer and 100 percent fun; the Polaroid Snap is one of the best instant cameras and brings the joy of instant film into the 21st century. Featuring a 10-megapixel sensor and a 32GB microSD card slot, the Snap makes it easy to capture moments, share them immediately via its onboard Zink printer, or take them home so you can save them or upload your photos to social media. And priced with a budget in mind, the Snap is a perfect gift any time of year.

The best camera is the one you have

The best DSLR for most people is the Nikon D5600; this mid-range camera comes with a lens and is priced on a budget, yet is more than capable in a wide variety of situations. 

There are a host of new cameras this year, such as the new Fujifilm X100V, an advanced compact camera with a 26.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, 23mm f/2.0 lens, and a tilting touchscreen.

Looking for a new mid-range DSLR? The EOS Rebel T8i has the same sensor as the current EOS Rebel T7i, but thanks to a new Digic 8 processor, it has face-detect autofocus and can shoot 4K video at 24 fps.

Mike Prospero
U.S. Editor-in-Chief, Tom's Guide

Michael A. Prospero is the U.S. Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide. He oversees all evergreen content and oversees the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories for the site. In his spare time, he also tests out the latest drones, electric scooters, and smart home gadgets, such as video doorbells. Before his tenure at Tom's Guide, he was the Reviews Editor for Laptop Magazine, a reporter at Fast Company, the Times of Trenton, and, many eons back, an intern at George magazine. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, where he worked on the campus newspaper The Heights, and then attended the Columbia University school of Journalism. When he’s not testing out the latest running watch, electric scooter, or skiing or training for a marathon, he’s probably using the latest sous vide machine, smoker, or pizza oven, to the delight — or chagrin — of his family.