Perhaps someday smartphones will send cameras to the dustbin of history. But so far, in terms of photo quality and shooting capabilities, the "oldies" are still far ahead of the new generation of camera phones.
Considering all of the above, we have selected for you ten best cameras in its form - from compact to DSLRs, from stationary to action cameras. The rating of cameras in terms of image quality in 2018 is based on the data of the site 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 Aperture: f / 1.8 - f / 2.8
- Image size: 5472 × 3648 pixels
- ISO range: 125-12800
- Burst shooting: 16fps
- Screen: 3 ", swivel
Sony is known for updating its line-ups without removing previous camera models from the market. As a result, there are several interesting options for the buyer in one model line. The RX100 IV in a sturdy aluminum housing, fast lens and impressive dynamic range is one example.
A newer model V has already appeared, but the IV has similar functionality. And there are several benefits - like battery life and a lower price tag. That is why this model (even being a compact "soap box") opens the rating of the best cameras in 2018.
Cons: 4K recording time is only five minutes.
9. Sony Alpha 6000 Kit
The average price is 40,580 rubles.
- camera with interchangeable lens support
- mount Sony E
- 24.7 MP sensor (APS-C)
- Full HD video shooting
- swivel screen 3 ″
- Wi-Fi
- weight without batteries and lens 285 g
A very good version of a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses is ranked ninth in the 2018 ranking. This is another example of how Sony's older model is better value for money than more modern models.
Both the A6300 and A6500 have already been released in the Alpha line, but the A6000 is still available to buyers (and rightly so). She has the same autofocus at 179 points, the ability to shoot up to 11 frames per second, OLED viewfinder with 1.44 million pixels and a tilting LCD screen. There is even Wi-Fi. Users also praise the very fast focus, user-friendly menus, and the ability to direct the flash upward.
However, this camera is a bit slow-witted. It takes a long time to turn on and takes a long time to delete photos (the process takes about 2 seconds).
8.Panasonic Lumix G80
The average price is 78,980 rubles.
- camera with interchangeable lens support
- Micro 4/3 bayonet mount
- 16.84 MP sensor (17.3 x 13.0 mm)
- 4K video shooting
- rotary touch screen 3 ″
- Wi-Fi
- waterproof case
- weight without batteries and lens 453 g
Externally, the camera resembles many other Panasonic mirrorless cameras in the same price range, but it still stands out a few points. The company has finally removed the diffuse filter from the sensor (no longer need to do it yourself), and the detail is much better. Plus, it fits into a small waterproof body of the camera a lot of possibilities, from shooting video in 4K and built-in image stabilization to the "smart" Post Focus option.
The bundled Lumix G Vario 12-60mm and F3.5 - 5.6 lenses are also pretty good for this price range.Although the camera has a sensor of only 16.84 MP, it is still one of the best all-round options for both newcomers and experienced photographers shooting weddings, lifestyle or travel videos.
Cons: you cannot charge via USB, noise starts at ISO 1600, and noise is very strong at ISO 3200, and this can be removed only by sacrificing small details.
7. Fuji X-T20
The average price is 67,900 rubles.
- camera with interchangeable lens support
- Fujifilm X Mount
- 24 MP sensor (APS-C)
- 4K video shooting
- rotary touch screen 3 ″
- Wi-Fi
- weight without batteries and lens 333 g
The small and lightweight camera takes all the best from Fujifilm's flagship X-T2. In terms of its technical capabilities, this mirrorless camera far outstrips 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 have not yet mentioned the video finder with 2.36 million dots and the rotary touch screen.
The body design, while simple, is elegant and reminiscent of old SLR cameras. And the manual control is all completely metal, which is now a rarity. Apart from everything else, we would like to note a very sensible set of lenses, which can be ordered as a set.
Cons: not very grippy body, low battery capacity (it is enough for 350 frames).
6. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
The average price is 159,990 rubles.
- camera with interchangeable lens support
- Micro 4/3 bayonet mount
- 21.8 MP sensor (17.3 x 13.0 mm)
- 4K video shooting
- rotary touch screen 3 ″
- Wi-Fi
- waterproof case
- weight without batteries and lens 498 g
The OM-D E-M1 Mark II mirrorless camera is one of the company's latest developments. It was designed for sports reporters and all those for whom fast shooting is one of the most important options. The OM-D E-M1 Mark II is capable of shooting up to 60 frames per second, and the 21.8 MP sensor makes these shots perfectly detailed. From focus to menu operation, responsive action and superb image stabilization help you capture great shots even in low light. The camera also boasts the ability to shoot high-definition video. Another advantage of this model is a rotatable remote screen. It allows you to quickly and conveniently take selfies.
Although the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II does not differ too much from its predecessors in terms of dynamic range and noise, the rate of fire and quality of shooting suggests that the company has taken a step forward.
Cons: Not as rich in color as 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.
- camera with interchangeable lens support
- ISO 100-51200
- matrix 24.2 MP
- 4K video shooting
- 693 phase-detection AF points
- rotary touch screen 3 ″
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- weight with batteries without lens 650 g
Sony's A7 line is traditionally touted as a one-stop solution for buyers, as opposed to the super-mega-resolution A7R series and the ISO-focused A7S series. With the release of the A7 III, Sony has created an excellent mirrorless camera that takes advantage of its predecessors.
It has the best video resolution so far (4K), a larger battery, a new matrix, a completely redesigned autofocus system, and double the rate of fire. Overall the image quality is very good and the autofocus is excellent. Also worth noting is the excellent ergonomics, which is important if you have to hold the camera in your hands for several hours a day.
Cons: the camera clock has to be set manually, even if the device is connected 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
- matrix 31.7 MP (Full frame)
- 4K video shooting
- screen 3.2 ″
- Wi-Fi, GPS
- waterproof case
- weight without batteries and lens 800 g
In fourth place in the ranking is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV - one of the best SLR cameras of 2018.The EOS 5D line has always been popular among DSLR enthusiasts, 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 clothed in a durable yet lightweight metal case.
A special feature of the EOS 5D Mark IV's touchscreen is the ability to quickly select the focus area for movie shooting and Live View.
The camera can do everything - both landscapes and fast moving objects (rate of fire 7 frames per second, instant focus 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 can only be shot with 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 video shooting
- swivel screen 3.2 ″
- Wi-Fi
- weight without batteries and lens 750 g
Although Nikon's latest DSLR model steadily outshines the D750, this model still has a lot to offer - and at a more or less reasonable price (considering the cost of DSLRs in general). It's hardly the cheapest, but overall, when you consider the redesigned sensor, wider ISO range, great focusing system, tilting LCD screen and nice options like Wi-Fi, this camera is still very good. The image quality is pleasing with low noise level and excellent dynamic range.
The only fly in the ointment is the lack of 4K video. But if your priorities are 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 sensor (APS-C)
- Full HD video shooting
- rotary touch screen 3 ″
- Wi-Fi
- weight with batteries without lens 730 g
In second place in the ranking of cameras, stepping on the heels of the leader, is another model from Canon - EOS 80D. Canon has completely redesigned its DSLRs in recent years, but the EOS 80D stands out even against their background. Although the backbone of the camera remains the same, the new 25.8 MP APS-C sensor, excellent phase detection autofocus, 7 frames per second rate of fire, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC set it apart from its predecessors.
Another strong feature of the camera is its high image quality with low noise, impressive dynamic range (especially in low light) and bright and faithful 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
- matrix 46.9 MP (Full frame)
- 4K video shooting
- swivel touchscreen 3.1 ″
- 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 rightfully takes the first place in the ranking of SLR cameras. It is a high-speed, multifunctional digital camera with a full-size matrix, and backlit all buttons, in addition, it is capable of shooting video in 4K resolution. It is clear that this level of equipment will not be cheap - 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 both landscapes and portraits and still lifes, and the autofocus system shows itself perfectly when shooting instantly. And all this splendor is enclosed in a rugged weather-resistant case (never before filming a dust storm has been so comfortable and safe for expensive optics).
Cons: Not very fast contrast-type focusing when shooting in Live View.
How to choose a good camera
However, choosing a good camera is a tricky one.The market is filled with 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 delicate question, so you don't have to tell anyone the result. But be aware that if you want the very 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 the selected camera depends on this. For example, if your goal is to shoot close-up objects, 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 photograph? Is it a hobby for you, a way to tell the news to family and friends, a desire to capture elusive moments or an opportunity to earn your bread and butter? If the latter two are options, then a fast, lightweight and cheap compact camera is not your choice.
How mirrorless cameras differ from DSLRs
Mirrorless cameras are a kind of intermediate stage between DSLR and compact. There are many of them, ranging from a tiny selfie camera to semi-professional and professional devices capable of taking 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, albeit quite relative). It is these cameras that allow you to take pictures that are similar in quality to film, and even better.
In addition to the size of the matrix, DSLRs differ from mere mortals in the world of cameras also by the wide possibilities of changing optics - now you can, by purchasing an appropriate lens, use the same camera to make both micro and macro photography. And the abundance of settings allows photographers and semi-professional amateurs to express themselves to the fullest.