ФОТО: dpreview.com

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Updated Oct 17, 2024 By the time you're spending over $2,500, you're looking at getting one of the best cameras around.

You should expect it to deliver exceedingly detailed images and capture high-end video, all without having to compromise much on speed for when the action picks up.

For most applications, a camera around $2000 will be more than enough, but if you and your photography need the very highest image quality or some specialist capability, the cameras in this guide are among the best we've yet seen. There are a handful of dedicated sports/photojournalism cameras or luxury models above the $4000 upper limit we've set ourselves, but these are usually such singular offerings that we're assuming you don't need our help in choosing if you're seriously considering them.

At this level, there aren't really any bad picks, so if you have any investment at all in the lens system of one company, this should probably be the deciding factor for you. But we'll highlight the particular strengths we found in each camera, just in case you are planning to switch systems.

Our recommendations:

Best high-end camera: Canon EOS R5 II

Another great option: Nikon Z8

The compact option: Sony a7CR

High-spec high res: Sony a7R V

IQ above all else: Fujifilm GFX 50S II

Best for video: Sony FX3

Best high-end camera: Canon EOS R5 II

45MP Stacked CMOS sensor | Eye-controlled AF subject selection | Up to 30fps continuous shooting

The EOS R5 II is one of the most all-around capable cameras we've tested.

Photo: Richard Butler

Buy now:

What we like:Excellent image quality in a range of circumstancesVery fast autofocus with great subject trackingGood video support tools, including waveform display

What we don't:Slight reduction in dynamic range in extreme scenariosEye control can be tempermentalTemperature limits require considered shooting in heaviest video modes

Canon's EOS R5 II is the company's latest high-end, full-frame mirrorless camera, built around a 45MP Stacked CMOS sensor.

The grip is very well-shaped and proportioned, and the controls are all well-placed and comfortable to use for extended periods. Eye Control for autofocus is excellent when it works, which isn't always

The EOS R5 II does a vast range of things and does most of them extremely well: it's a really impressive all-rounder for action, landscapes, video, you name it.

The EOS R5 II has excellent tracking and subject-tracking autofocus performance. The subject detection is effective without getting in your way. It can shoot Raws at up to an extremely rapid 30fps.

The 45MP Raws are highly detailed, and the JPEG sharpening and noise reduction are sensible. It can't quite match higher-resolution cameras like the A7R V, but performs well in its own right.

It has plenty of video options up to Raw 8K/60p, offering high levels of detail, though it can overheat when shooting in its most impressive modes. Its rolling shutter rates are generally quite good.

The EOS R5 II excels at almost everything it tries to do, and that's a long list. It's hard to imagine what photo or video need it won't support you in.

Read our EOS R5 II Review

See the EOS R5 II Studio Scene

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.

Should I still buy the EOS R5?

Short answer: yes. It lacks some of the newer camera's features like eye-controlled subject selection, action priority modes and AI noise reduction, but if those don't matter to you – or aren't worth the $400 MSRP premium of the EOS R5 II – the EOS R5 is still plenty capable in 2024.

Buy now:

Another great option: Nikon Z8

46MP Stacked CMOS sensor | 20fps Raw, 30fps full-size JPEG shooting | 8K/60 and 4K/120 video

The Nikon Z8 delivers just about everything: speed, AF, video and, most importantly of all, image quality.

Photo: Richard Butler

Buy now:

What we like:Superb autofocusFast shooting Excellent video

What we don't:Large, heavy bodyRelatively low-res (though fast) viewfinderNot all subject detection modes equally good

The Nikon Z8 is a fast-shooting stills and video-capable mirrorless camera with a 46MP Stacked CMOS sensor. It's an extremely strong competitor compared to the EOS R5 II, but Canon's action sports settings and eye control push it over the edge.

If those things don’t matter much to you, you can pretty much base your decision on whether you prefer Nikon or Canon’s lens lineup. They’re broadly similar, and both brands tightly control which options third-party manufacturers can offer. Still, there are some key differences, like how Nikon’s Z mount 70-200mm F2. 8 can be used with a teleconverter while Canon's RF-mount version can’t.

The Z8 has a large, comfortable grip with well-placed controls. There's a good level of customizable controls and ergonomics that match the pro-focused Z9. The viewfinder resolution is low but the brightness and lack of lag make it one of best-suited to action.

Video quality is excellent with a choice of Raw and 10-bit gamma/compressed formats with up to 8K/60 or 4K/60 derived from it. There's also a less-detailed 4K/120p option. Tools such as waveforms and dependable AF make it easy to shoot with.

The Nikon Z8 is a hugely capable all-rounder, combining resolution, autofocus performance and video capabilities not seen before at this price. It's not a small or light camera but it makes you feel ready for anything, photographically while you're carrying it.

Read our Nikon Z8 review

See the Nikon Z8 studio scene

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.

The compact option: Sony a7CR

61MP BSI CMOS sensor | 4K/60p video with 10-bit color | Dedicated ‘AI’ processor for AF system

You can't do much to shrink the lenses, but the a7CR is both the smallest and least expensive camera here.

Photo: Richard Butler

Buy now:

$2998 at B&H Photo

$2998 at Adorama

$2998 at Amazon

What we like:Big camera features in a small bodyOutstanding AF performanceAuto Framing video mode

What we don't:Small, low-res viewfinderNo joystick controlNo fully mechanical shutter

The Sony a7CR is a compact, full-frame camera with a 61MP BSI CMOS sensor. Despite its small size, it packs in most of the features found in Sony’s larger bodies while still delivering stunning detail, without sacrificing much performance.

The a7CR is impressively small for a full-frame camera. The addition of a front control dial improves handling significantly. Notably, there’s no joystick for positioning the AF point, and the viewfinder is small and very low resolution for a camera costing this much.

"If you're looking for maximum resolution in a travel-sized body, the a7RC is tough to beat. "

The a7CR's 61MP sensor can capture a lot of detail, putting it ahead of most full-frame rivals; though it is a little noisier in low light. JPEG colors are pleasing, and excellent sharpening makes the most out of the 61MP sensor. Raw files provide plenty of latitude to pull up shadows at base ISO.

The a7CR delivers impressive results for its size. It essentially provides the same level of image quality, and most of the same features, as Sony's a7R V, but in a smaller package. In exchange for the small size, you make a few compromises, like no AF joystick, but if you're looking for maximum resolution in a travel-sized body, the a7CR is tough to beat.

Read our Sony a7CR initial review

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.

High-spec high res: Sony a7R V

61MP BSI CMOS sensor | 8K/30p video | Subject recognition AF

Photo: Richard Butler

Buy now:

$3898 at B&H Photo

$3898 at Adorama

$3898 at Amazon

What we like:Very detailed Raw files with excellent dynamic rangeTilt/articulating display suits both photo and videoVery reliable autofocus, especially for human subjects

What we don't:Pixel shift high res and focus stacking require desktop s/wSevere rolling shutter for e-shutter and many video modes

The Sony a7R V is the company's fifth-generation high-res full-frame mirrorless camera, built around a stabilized 61MP sensor.

The Sony a7R V is focused more on high resolution than the combination of resolution and speed that the Nikon Z8 and EOS R5 II offer. It can shoot 8K video but only with a major crop and significant rolling shutter.

The a7R V is an excellent tool for capturing high-resolution images.

The a7R V is an excellent tool for capturing high-resolution images with a mechanical shutter. The impressive autofocus performance means it is suitable for capturing a wide variety of subjects, including sports and wildlife. However, the sensor's slow readout limits its capabilities if your work requires video capture or the use of a silent electronic shutter.

As a high-resolution studio or landscape camera, the a7R V is very, very good, but the existence of the a7CR, which offers much of the same capability in a smaller, less expensive body, is its biggest threat. It offers a much nicer viewfinder, faster USB connector for tethering, and better Wi-Fi than the a7CR, but except in the case of shooting wide apertures and fast shutter speeds together, there's no difference in image quality.

Read our Sony a7RV review

See the Sony a7RV studio scene

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.

Should I still buy a Sony a7R IV?

The Sony a7R IV offers essentially the same image quality as the newer Mark V, and costs less, so it's still worth taking seriously. It's a less capable video camera, not so much because of the lack of 8K capture – which isn't the Mark V's best feature, by any means - but due to the lack of 10-bit recording, which gives the V's footage more editing flexibility.

For stills shooters, the older camera doesn't have the more sophisticated subject recognition AF of the Mark V, nor options such as focus bracketing, motion correction to make the high-res mode more useful, or the latest 2x2 MIMO Wi-Fi and 10Gbps USB port of the V.

IQ above all else: Fujifilm GFX 50S II

51MP CMOS sensor | In-body stabilization system (up to 6. 5EV) | Full HD video at up to 30p

Photo: Richard Butler

Buy now:

$3199 at B&H Photo

$3199 at Adorama

$3199 at Amazon

What we like:The most affordable medium-format ILC yetPhotographer-friendly ergonomics, with lots of customizationEffective in-body stabilization

What we don't:Contrast-detect AF is slower than its peersImage quality not signficantly better than the best full-frameEye-detection AF isn't as dependable as rival systemsUnimpressive video specifications (HD only)

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II is a (relatively) compact 50MP medium format mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with built-in image stabilization.

Fujifilm's most affordable medium format camera is a highly attractive option for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The 50S II is the least expensive digital medium format camera ever launched. Image stabilization and precise focus extend its usability far beyond the studio. Speed, autofocus and video aren't its greatest strengths, but it should have major appeal for enthusiast photographers wanting some of the best image quality available.

The GFX 50S II is perhaps the most specialized here: it's not especially fast or versatile but in terms of image quality, it has a slight edge over the best of its full-frame rivals (some of which comes from its lenses - the GF primes often being particularly good). The more expensive 100MP versions offer a more significant IQ advantage, but for landscape and studio work, the 50S II is still very good.

Read our Fujifilm GFX 50S II review

See the Fujifilm GFX 50S II studio scene

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.

Best for video: Sony FX3

12MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor | Full-width 4K/60p, 120p w/ slight crop | 10-bit 4:2:2 capture

Buy now:

$3898 at B&H Photo

$3898 at Adorama

$3899 at Amazon

What we like:Excellent video qualityXLR top-handle includedFan for extended recording

What we don't:No DCI video options No viewfinder for stills shootersNo shutter angle option

The Sony FX3 is part of Sony's Cinema line of cameras, but we've included it here because it shares so much in common with the a7S III, but is a better choice, we feel.

The Sony FX3 is an image-stabilized, fan-cooled full-frame video camera designed to shoot UHD 4K footage at up to 120p.

It loses out on a viewfinder, compared to the a7S III, but gains dependability and extended recording times thanks to the addition of a cooling fan. It appears to cost a little more on paper but the FX3 comes with a top handle with built-in XLR adapters, which is an expensive add-on to the a7S III. Sony has also added some video-centric features, such as EI exposure to the FX3 that haven't then appeared on its more stills-focused cameras.

You may also consider the EOS R5C, which is essentially a video-focused version of the original EOS R5. Compared to the FX3, it gains a fan but omits an image stabilization mechanism, though we prefer the more compact form-factor of the Sony, anyway, especially if you plan to shoot on a gimbal.

Why you should trust us

This buying guide is based on cameras used and tested by DPReview's editorial team. We don't select a camera until we've used it enough to be confident in recommending it, usually after our extensive review process. The selections are purely a reflection of which cameras we believe to be best: there are no financial incentives for us to select one model or brand over another.

2024-10-19 14:45