The Best Cameras of 2017

Matt Higgs 18 December 2017

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Which were the best releases of 2017? We pick our favourite cameras from 2017

 

 

Well, that’s another year gone folks, and what a year it’s been for us photographers! Over the last 365 days, all of the major brands have released products that have pushed the industry further than ever before. So, here’s a roundup of our favourite 2017 releases.

 

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Unveiled at the end of June, the 6D Mark II is an enthusiast-aimed DSLR that touts a 26.2MP full-frame sensor and 45-point all cross-type AF system. We were impressed by its well-rounded features and how it coped at a music festival, during some tricky shooting situations. Taking advantage of five years’ worth of technological advancements since its predecessor’s release, the 6D Mark II is a worthy successor.

 

 

Nikon D850

Boasting a 45.7MP full-frame sensor with 153-point AF system, 9fps burst stills shooting and 4k video capture, Nikon’s D850 deservedly took the brand’s fan base by storm — it’s pretty much remained on back order ever since its launch in August! The Norwegian landscape and the Northern Lights were our test subjects, and the camera exceeded our every expectation.

 

 

Sony A7R III

If we had to choose 2017’s biggest game-changer, it would be Sony’s A7R III. Blending exceptional 42MP image quality, with 10fps burst shooting, a 399-point phase-detection autofocus system, 5-axis image stabilisation and 4K video recording, it’s a beast built for the most discerning of professionals. It blew us away at a fashion shoot in central London.

 

 

Panasonic Lumix G9

Taking the core of the hugely popular GH5 and fine-tuning it for stills, Panasonic well and truly hit the ground running with its November launch of the Lumix G9. Revealed alongside the Leica Elmarit 200mm F/2.8, the company proved that its Micro Four Thirds line-up could tackle the trickiest of subjects with ease. It shone during our New York field test.

 

 

Fujifilm GFX-50S

Go large or go home, that was the premise asserted by Fujifilm’s GFX-50S with its massive 51.4MP digital medium format sensor. With breathtaking tones and dynamic range captured in every file, it’s a studio photographer’s dream device, as we found out during our portrait shoot.

 

 

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

Not everybody needs a flagship camera, and with its affordable price tag and refined build, the E-M10 Mark III would make a great choice for anyone looking to move beyond smartphone and compact camera photography. We took this stylish and lightweight CSC to Hitchin Lavender to discover what it’s capable of.

 

 

Pentax KP

Aimed at enthusiasts, the Pentax KP launched in February and proved a great choice for DSLR users. The 24.3MP APS-C fitted camera is weather-sealed for confidence when shooting in all weather conditions. And, with interchangeable grips, it’ll comfortably suit a variety of hand sizes too. Lying on a windy beach, sand whipping around us, we thoroughly tested the KP’s build while photographing seals on the Norfolk coast.

 

 

About the Author

Matt Higgs has worked for Practical Photography and Digital Photo magazines, and his live music images have been featured in numerous respected music publications including Rock Sound, Guitarist, Guitar Techniques and Akustik Gitarre. www.matthiggsphotography.co.uk.

 

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