How do you choose the best camera for different types of users? Do you really need the most expensive models to take great photos? And which cameras offer the best value for money?

I have been working on this guide and these comparison tables for more than ten years, which is why I can confidently say that they will help you quickly understand which camera is the right choice for you. Why ten years? That was when I started reviewing cameras for my websites aimed at readers in my native Czech Republic. Over time, I expanded to camera reviews on my YouTube channel as well as on the English-language website PhotoBohemian, where you are right now.

And why am I explaining all of this in such detail? Because I want you to know that I am deeply familiar with the field I write about. Over the years, I have thoroughly tested dozens of cameras, and the models that are still relevant today are included in this overview. In the past, this guide was primarily a buying guide. In recent years, however, it has also become an interesting snapshot of what the camera market looks like and where it is heading.

And of course, I would be delighted if you shared your thoughts in the comments!

Best Beginner Cameras

Best Beginner Cameras — “I want a great camera for the best price.”
Camera	Description
1-2. Canon R50 – my review / my YouTube video	The Canon R50 continues to serve well as a beginner’s camera, yet is solidly equipped and won’t disappoint even slightly more advanced users. True, it doesn’t have as good handling as the Canon R10 (see below), but at the moment, it seems to me to be the best price/performance ratio far and wide.
1-2. Canon R10	The Canon R10 was introduced in 2022 as the start of a new and potentially crucial series of beginner mirrorless cameras. It has excellent handling, focuses great, and is also a very good choice (although the 18-45mm kit lens isn’t exactly stellar).
3. Nikon Z50 II	Nikon’s amateur mirrorless Z50 II camera offers solid performance in a small body. However, competition from Canon cameras is significant.
4. Canon R50 V – my review / my YouTube video	The Canon R50 V from 2025 follows the popular R50 model (see above), but it’s not a direct successor: it lacks a viewfinder and is aimed primarily at video creators. However, it still makes sense for photography.
5. Fujifilm X-M5	The Fujifilm X-M5 offers a very reasonable quality-to-performance ratio. As always with Fujifilm, however, lenses are relatively expensive, which slightly complicates the decision for beginners.
6. Sony RX100 VII	The Sony RX100 VII is currently the latest generation of the legendary Sony RX100 series, featuring a very versatile 24-200mm lens. The price is indeed very high, but on the other hand: the results are truly very good.
7. Canon G7 X Mark III – my review / my YouTube video	The Canon G7 X Mark III is the successor to the legendary second generation of this pocket compact with a large sensor. It is currently experiencing a wave of interest among younger photographers as an alternative to mobile phones. A special anniversary edition appeared in spring 2026 – see my review.
8. Canon R100 – my YouTube video	The Canon R100 is Canon’s cheapest mirrorless camera – it offers decent performance and specs, but it still has a hard time competing with others. Personally, I don’t recommend this camera much, because the slightly more expensive “relative” Canon R50 offers much more.
9. Canon 250D	This legendary DSLR has offered a great price/performance ratio for many years. It is still undoubtedly a possible choice, although it remains true: DSLRs are becoming history. I admit – I’m leaving this model here partly out of nostalgia… But it won’t be around for much longer.
10. Canon 2000D	The Canon 2000D is a truly entry-level camera, but it still makes sense to some extent – it doesn’t take bad photos and is cheap, although it doesn’t stand up well against the cameras above, so I don’t recommend it much anymore, even though the price is indeed interesting.

Best Cameras for Advanced Users

Best Cameras for Advanced Users — “I want a serious camera, it doesn’t have to be the cheapest.”
Camera	Description
1-3. Nikon Z5	The Nikon Z5 is Nikon’s most affordable full-frame camera. It’s a very likeable camera that offers solid performance at a reasonable price, making it a sensible choice even for more ambitious beginners. This hasn’t changed with the arrival of the Nikon Z5 II in 2025. Competition is significant — those aiming higher might consider the excellent Nikon Z6 II or Canon R8.
1-3. Canon RP	The Canon RP, an affordable full-frame, has held its place on this list for quite a while. Its price is comparable to beginner DSLRs, which is impressive. It’s a decent camera and a solid entry point into the full-frame world — though it’s fair to say it’s getting on in years.
1-3. Canon R8 – my review / my YouTube video	The Canon R8 offers truly top-tier performance (including speed) in a relatively compact body, and will undoubtedly be a favourite choice for more ambitious photographers across a wide range of use cases. It does have certain limitations, of course.
4. Nikon Z6 II	The Nikon Z6 II doesn’t really belong in this category — it’s one of Nikon’s flagship cameras aimed at advanced photographers — but the price for the body is simply very attractive. Personally, it’s a camera I have a real soft spot for.
5. Canon R7	The Canon R7 isn’t full-frame, but it still delivers truly outstanding performance: speed, autofocus, and handling. The price is relatively high, and competition from full-frame cameras as well as its cheaper sibling the Canon R10 is significant.
6. Fujifilm X-T30 III	The Fujifilm X-T30 III continues a legendary line and offers very solid performance at a reasonable price. Just be aware that lens prices are quite high, so I’d recommend researching the full system cost carefully. The next generation, the X-T50, is also worth considering — see below.
7. Fujifilm X-T50	The Fujifilm X-T50 is another entry in the lineup of (relatively) affordable APS-C mirrorless cameras from Fujifilm. The price is already relatively high, and competition from other models — including within Fujifilm’s own range — is considerable.
8. Nikon Z fc	This is genuinely one of my favourite cameras and one of the most distinctive models on the market, even if it’s been around a few years. The retro design genuinely makes sense here — it handles beautifully and the photos are excellent. The price is relatively high and the lens selection limited.
9. Fujifilm X-S20	Another Fujifilm that combines a reasonable price, very good performance, and access to a wide selection of excellent (and yes, expensive) lenses.
10. Sony A6400	The Sony A6400 belongs to a deservedly popular line that has long occupied the top positions in my rankings. The kit lenses have always been a slight weak point compared to DSLRs, but its compact size makes it a reasonable choice — though the price is pushing limits. The Sony A6700 is now also available.
11. Sony A7 III	The Sony A7 III is one of the most significant cameras of recent years — yes, it’s full-frame, so the initial investment is considerably higher. However, it increasingly makes sense even for more ambitious beginners who want to enter the “higher world” straight away. It’s a popular choice for those drawn to full-frame but unsure about Canon or Nikon.
Worth hunting for in sales and second-hand
The cameras below have disappeared from main retail listings in recent months, but they’re genuinely worth seeking out — they still appear occasionally, and buying second-hand is a real option.
Nikon D5600	The Nikon D5600 is an excellent camera that long dominated this table in the “serious camera” category. I’m genuinely sad it’s no longer made or sold — it would still make perfect sense. It continues to deliver outstanding image quality comparable to higher-category cameras.
Canon 77D	A truly top-tier camera with a top LCD and rear control dial — noticeably better equipped than the Nikon D5600 above (though many won’t care about that). A real shame it’s no longer available new.
Sony A7 II	The older sibling of the Sony A7 III mentioned above — it’s getting on a bit, but it’s still an excellent choice that can be found at very reasonable prices.
Nikon D7500 – my review	The Nikon D7500 is an excellent higher-category camera that has dropped dramatically in price and is genuinely worth considering as one of the best APS-C cameras around — yes, it belongs to the “old” DSLR world, but the value is hard to argue with.
Fujifilm X-E3	One of the most distinctive cameras of recent years, not just among mirrorless. It combines compact size with excellent image quality. Sale and second-hand prices make it outstanding value. I’ll admit — I own one myself, as seen in my Burma reportage. The Fujifilm X-E5 is now also available.
Fujifilm X-E4	The latest in this much-loved line of small, excellent cameras. Definitely worth considering.
Canon M50 Mark II	This 2021 mirrorless camera remains a reasonable choice for beginner photographers wanting responsive handling, good image quality, and an attractive price. There is one significant catch: no further M-series mirrorless cameras or lenses will be released (the R series has replaced it).
Canon G7 X Mark II – my review	One of the most distinctive cameras of recent years — pocketable and affordable. Yes, it’s a compact with a smaller sensor, but for everyday use it holds its own against many technically superior rivals.
Canon R6	The Canon R6 offers very good image performance in a reasonably priced body, making it a solid choice for those wanting a full-frame mirrorless — though the 20MP sensor resolution isn’t exactly thrilling, and competition is significant.
Canon 80D	An excellent camera that occasionally appears at a good price. However, top models in the lower category offer similar performance (especially the Canon 77D), which is why I’ve historically been hesitant to recommend it strongly.
Sony RX100 III	Still a great legendary camera that held the title of best compact in the world for many years. Despite its age, it remains a valid option — and I first reviewed it back in 2014.
Sony RX100 V	The fifth version of this iconic camera — if available at a reasonable price, it’s undoubtedly still a valid option.
Sony RX100 VI	The Sony RX100 VI is among the increasingly popular professional compacts, featuring an enormous zoom range (24-200mm) and a viewfinder — making it a remarkable tool for travellers. The price is, admittedly, quite high.

Best Compact Cameras

Best Compact Cameras — “I want a pocket camera with serious image quality.”
Camera	Description
1-2. Sony RX100 VII	The Sony RX100 VII is currently the latest generation of the legendary Sony RX100 series — a step up from the VI, particularly in lens rendering (24-200mm). The price is indeed very high, but on the other hand: the results are truly very good.
1-2. Canon G7 X Mark III – my review / my YouTube video	The Canon G7 X Mark III is the latest model in the legendary line of pocket compacts for more demanding use. It’s very popular among younger photographers as an alternative to mobile phones. A special anniversary edition appeared in spring 2026 — see my review.
3. Canon PowerShot V1 – my YouTube video	The Canon PowerShot V1 is a 2025 newcomer. It has no viewfinder and is aimed primarily at video creators. Thanks to its relatively large sensor it offers very good image quality and advanced audio recording options. It won’t fit in a jeans pocket, but it’s still relatively compact.

Best Professional Cameras

This category of top cameras for demanding users isn’t very systematic — those who are thinking about it have probably already made up their minds anyway (right?). Besides, I haven’t managed to test everything by a long shot — for example, the Nikon Z7, Nikon Z6 III, Fujifilm X-T5, Sony A7 IV, Sony A6700, Fujifilm X-E5… Hopefully I’ll catch up soon! That said, here are a few of my picks — broadly without strict ranking, and leaving out the key machines I haven’t had a chance to test yet.

Best Professional Cameras — “I want professional level and have plenty of money.”
Camera	Description
Canon R5 Mark II – my YouTube video	The Canon R5 Mark II is undoubtedly one of the most popular cameras for demanding users — see my review. It’s an exceptional model combining high sensor resolution, shooting speed, and extremely precise autofocus. Like the previous “5-series” models, it will be the choice of users who don’t need the very top tier for sports shooting.
Sony A7 V – my hands-on test	The Sony A7 V is the latest in a line of successful — and frankly cult — cameras used with enthusiasm by photographers ranging from amateur to professional. I recently tested it for a few days in London and yes, it genuinely impressed me — it’s once again an absolute top-tier camera.
Canon R6 Mark III – my review / my YouTube video	The Canon R6 Mark III is the third generation of one of the (deservedly) best-selling full-frames of recent years. Once again it brilliantly mixes features that appeal to different types of users — aimed at those who don’t need or can’t afford the Canon R5 Mark II.
Nikon Z6 III	The Nikon Z6 III is another newcomer and will undoubtedly be a very successful model aimed at demanding users — the previous second generation genuinely thrilled me, so there’s no doubt this will be a very interesting camera too.
Nikon Z9	The Nikon Z9 is currently regarded as one of the best — or arguably the best — cameras on the market. It’s a truly exceptional camera combining speed, autofocus precision, and outstanding image quality. It has, however, increased noticeably in price recently.
Nikon Z8	The Nikon Z8 is one of the most significant cameras of recent years, building on the Z9 but packaged for slightly less demanding photographers — while delivering the same top-tier performance.
Canon R6 Mark II – my YouTube video	The Canon R6 Mark II is undoubtedly one of the most significant cameras of recent years — combining high shooting speed with precise autofocus. It has now received a third generation, see above.
Nikon Z6 II	The Nikon Z6 II remains Nikon’s flagship aimed at advanced photographers and will gradually be replaced by the third generation — but it still makes sense, especially at its current price.
Fujifilm X-T5	The Fujifilm X-T5 is another top-tier camera from this brand, building on previous exceptionally successful models in every important respect — from image performance to speed.
Sony A7 III	The Sony A7 III is one of the most significant cameras of recent years and remains one of the most popular choices for those wanting to step up to a higher level of photography at a reasonable price.
Sony A7C	This model offers excellent performance in a truly compact body — a great choice for those who don’t like carrying large bodies. The difference compared to the Sony A7 III isn’t dramatic, however, and the price remains considerable.
Nikon D850	The Nikon D850 was considered the best camera of recent years for a long time — its 45MP sensor and truly extraordinary image quality produce results with a depth sometimes comparable to medium-format cameras. That’s why it stays on this list, even though…
Canon 5D Mark IV	The fourth version of the legendary 5D brought evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes in 2016 — but in the best sense. It’s the technological pinnacle of its category and according to many still one of the best all-round cameras in the world. Though here too: time flies very fast.
Nikon D7500 – my review	The Nikon D7500 is an excellent higher-category camera that has dropped dramatically in price recently and is genuinely worth considering as one of the best APS-C cameras around. Previously aimed at demanding photographers, its price now puts it in competition with lower-tier models.