You don’t need to upgrade your camera just because a new one has come out — here are 5 older cameras that still take stunning photos

A black Sony ZV-1F compact vlogging camera
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

I've loved cameras for as long as I can remember, so I'm very lucky that I now get to test them day in and day out. As someone who reviews the best cameras, I'm well aware of how (most) brands love releasing at least two or three new snappers per year. I'm also well aware that not every "upgrade" is really worth "upgrading" to. Because if you have, say, the Sony A7 IV and it works perfectly fine, why would you need to get the Sony A7 V?

Of course, if you can afford to upgrade your camera every year, good for you. But for those who can't due to budget constraints, you don't need to do that. Or if you're new to the world of photography and are overwhelmed by the many expensive choices around you, don't fret: I'm here to tell you that older cameras do the job just fine.

Sony ZV-1F
Sony ZV-1F: was $598 now $448 at Adorama

Stepping up from a smartphone? The Sony ZV-1F is a great vlogging camera that’s portable and doesn’t break the bank. It shoots lovely 4K/30P footage, can shoot in S-Log 3 to capture a wider dynamic range, and comes with handy vlogging features. Stills taken are good too, as is the built-in mic.

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A: $379 at Adorama

The PowerShot Elph 360 HS A / IXUS 285 HS A is a refresh of Canon’s 10-year-old compact camera, featuring its predecessor’s 20.2MP CMOS sensor, digital image stabilization, and FHD/30fps video recording. It offers dedicated creative modes for some, well, creative freedom while shooting, and you get a handy 12x optical zoom to capture zoomed-in shots without losing much detail.

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Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS R5: was $3,299 now $2,799 at Adorama

Although it has been succeeded by the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, the OG EOS R5 still makes for an excellent investment. Packing a 45MP sensor and the DIGIC X processor capable of 20fps continuous burst, the EOS R5 is suited to high-speed photography, and it can record 8K/30fps video too, making it a great hybrid choice. Boasting one of the best autofocus systems in the biz, the EOS R5 is one of the best workhorses for wedding, sports, wildlife, and portrait photography.

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Sony A7 IV
Sony A7 IV: was $2,498 now $1,998 at Adorama

In our Sony A7 IV review, we loved the 33MP full-frame sensor and the CFExpress slot for fast write speeds when shooting at high speeds, or for high data video capture. Obviously, there's the fantastic Sony AF and IBIS, too. This really is an advanced pro tool. I wouldn't worry too much about the A7 V taking up the spotlight, as it also features a 33MP sensor — and I think it will be a while before the A7 IV fades into obscurity.

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Fujifilm X-H2S
Fujifilm X-H2S: was $2,899 now $2,699 at Adorama

Released in 2022, the Fujifilm X-H2S is still worth it in 2026. This is the ultimate APS-C camera. Thanks to falling prices, it makes more sense now than ever to get one for yourself. This camera still packs the latest and greatest Fuji has to offer, and will be more than enough for all but the most demanding pros for a long time to come. 40fps burst, 26MP images, 5-axis IBIS, and CFExpress support make it an absolute powerhouse.

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Nikita Achanta
Senior Writer, Reviews

Nikita is a Senior Writer on the Reviews team at Tom's Guide. She's a lifelong gaming and photography enthusiast, always on the lookout for the latest tech. Having worked as a Sub Editor and Writer for Canon EMEA, she has interviewed photographers from all over the world and working in different genres. When she’s not working, Nikita can usually be found sinking hours into RPGs on her PS5, flying a drone (she's a licensed drone pilot), at a concert, or watching F1. Her work has appeared in several publications including Motor Sport Magazine, NME, Marriott Bonvoy, The Independent, and Metro. You can follow her photography account on Instagram here.

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