Considering all levels and budgets, I created this guide to help photographers up their game in 2023. I’m a Nikon shooter, but did my research to include cameras from other popular brands so I wasn’t too biased. Here are the best cameras in 2023 for all levels and budgets:

Best Entry-Level DSLR Cameras

Nikon D3500 — This is the camera I would purchase if I wanted to take up photography as a new hobby. It comes with a kit lens, which aren’t typically very good. So my next purchase would be this 35mm lens. This camera has more focus points, longer battery life, and is lighter than the Canon Rebel shown below. Just FYI, this is a crop-sensor camera. If you think down the road you’ll want to upgrade to a full-frame and you currently have the budget for it, I would just skip the crop sensor and go right for a full-frame camera.

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 — Canon users report that this camera is easy to use. It has a touch screen, wireless function, and higher video resolution than the Nikon D3500.

Best Entry-Level Full-Frame DSLR Cameras

Nikon D750 — Full frame cameras do better in low light, and this particular camera is a beast without physically feeling like it. Some of these full-frame DSLRs are bulky AF. If I never found my love for mirrorless, D750 would still have my heart.

Canon 5D Mark III — Higher max ISO and max shutter than the D750. Does not have a tilting LCD screen.

Best Entry-Level Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

Nikon Z5 — Mirrorless are all the rage and for good reason. They’re smaller, quieter, and super fast compared to their DSLR counterparts. If you’re looking to bypass DSLRs, I recommend the Nikon Z5. The Z5 has the best battery life of the 3 in this category. Speed isn’t anything to write home about if you’re planning to use it for sports and wildlife.

Canon EOS RP — Excellent at subject-tracking. Speed isn’t anything to write home about if you’re planning to use it for sports and wildlife.

Sony A7II — The screen isn’t touch-sensitive, so keep that in mind if you wanted a camera where you could tap the screen to focus. Speed isn’t anything to write home about if you’re planning to use it for sports and wildlife.

Best Professional Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

Nikon Z6II — This camera blew me away when I upgraded from the Nikon D750 and D850. I’m now on the mirrorless bandwagon and never getting off of it. It has absolutely changed the way I shoot in the best way. I no longer rely on back button focus as a crutch, I can touch the screen to focus or take a photo, and the focus-tracking capabilities are incredibly impressive. The Z6II has more resolution, is smaller, and is a bit better in low light than the R6 listed below.

Canon R6 — Compared to the Z6II, the R6 has a bit better image stabilization, more focus points, and more options if you like to personalize your camera buttons.

Sony A7 III — Compared to the Z6II, the A7 has more focus detection points, is smaller and lighter, and has the option to customize more buttons.

Best Point and Shoot Cameras

Fuji X100V - this has film simulation modes (think filters) so it shoots like film but it’s digital! This camera is definitely on my wish list. I’ve been searching for a camera I can put in my purse that’s better than my iPhone and this is definitely it.

Sony ZV1 — Great option if you’re looking to shoot a lot of video or start up vlogging.

Best Film/Rangefinder Cameras

Olympus 35 RC — These were originally manufactured in the 70s but you can snag them used on Ebay. This is a very compact camera which can be used in shutter priority or manual mode. Fun fact, it still works without a battery. Known for its small size and high quality images. I recently purchased one and bought this film to pair with it.

Canonet Ql17 GIII — Another great film camera manufactured in the 70s. Shoots a bit better in low light compared to Olympus, but it is bigger in size.

Best Polaroid/Instant Cameras

Fuji Instax Mini 11 — I got this for Christmas a couple years ago and it’s the gift that keeps on giving. I take it out once or twice a month to document whatever we’ve got going on and it provides the coolest nostalgic photos. You can even buy cool film for it, like this black and white set. I buy a new album each year and put the photos into it.

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