Best Digital Cameras | 2024

Welcome to our guide to the best digital cameras. It might sound like a tall order – because it is – but here we’ve attempted to collate a list of the best cameras you can buy right now from all the way across the market. That means we haven’t just listed all the top-end pro cameras, but have aimed to include a broad spectrum of camera types and prices to try and ensure there’s something for everyone.

We’ve separated the guide up into sections to make it easier to navigate. We’ve included the best cameras for photography, for video and for a bit of both. We’ve also added sections for ultra-cheap cameras, and great options for beginners. At Wex, our content team spends a huge amount of time testing and reviewing the latest cameras, so we’re only recommending cameras we know are worth their price tags.

Read on as we count off our top picks – check out our guides to the best mirrorless cameras and best compact cameras for more options.

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Best Digital Camera under £200

Photography and videography can be expensive pursuits – but they don’t have to be. There are ultra-cheap cameras out there to suit the user with an extremely limited budget, so don’t be discouraged from pursuing image-making if you’re having to count the pennies in these times of skyrocketing living costs.

Buying cheap cameras can still mean getting a great set of features for casual photography. Many cheap compacts have generous optical zoom lenses, full-size LCD screens, decent burst rates and plenty more besides. And in the world of video, there are also ultra-cheap camcorders that can provide top-notch quality at the tiniest fraction of the price of a high-end kit.

We’ve picked out our favourite cameras for under £200 that you can buy right now. For casual use at home and on holiday, these are great choices. After all, as photographers are fond of saying, the best camera is always the one you have on you…

Pros:

• Ultra-affordable
• Useful face-detection feature
• Incredibly slim and light

Cons:

• No built-in battery (powered by AAs)
• Small sensor impacts image quality
  
  

Pocketable compact cameras like the Kodak Pixpro FZ45 are a much less common sight than they used to be, which is why it’s great to see cameras like this still hitting the market. For a two-digit price tag, you get a capable little shooter with a 4x optical zoom lens, 16MP of resolution and 1080p Full HD video. It even packs in newer features like Face Detection to help with getting sharp shots of people, and the generously wide minimum focal length of 27mm equivalent helps get everyone in the frame when it comes time to take group shots. 

Weighing just 117g, the Kodak Pixpro FZ45 is a camera you can easily carry everywhere with you. Something you might want to bring with you though is a clutch of spare AA batteries – or even better, a set of rechargeables – as the FZ45 is rated to about 120 shots per charge.

Pros:

• Water-tight down to 15m
• Long-lasting rechargeable battery
• Lots of useful scene modes

Cons:

• Small, low-res LCD screen
• Digital stabilisation only (incurs crop)
  
  

For adventurous photographers, a tough compact like the Kodak Pixpro WPZ2 is a perfect companion. Waterproof down to 15m, shockproof to 2m and sealed against dust and grit, this hardy number can take a punishment and keep on shooting. Also, with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it’s rated to up to 2,000 shots or 70 minutes of video, which it captures at a maximum resolution of 1080p Full HD at 30p.

There are also quite a few useful scene modes on the Kodak Pixpro WPZ2, in which it will automatically optimise its settings for specific situations. As well as face-detection, there’s also smile- and blink-detection to improve your group shots, and we like that there’s stabilisation to help with blur-free shots. Just bear in mind that it’s digital stabilisation, not optical, and so will result in a crop being applied to your shots. Keep compositions nice and central and you’ll be fine. 

Pros:

• Capable Full HD camcorder at a great price
• 30x optical zoom lens
• Optical SteadyShot stabilisation

Cons:

• No integrated Wi-Fi
• No automatic lens cover
  
  

For home and family use, the Sony HDR-CX40 is an ultra-affordable camcorder that reliably captures good-quality footage. Shooting at a maximum resolution of Full HD, the Sony HDR-CX40 sports an optical lens that zooms up to a maximum of 30x – other camcorders on the market go further, but they also nudge over the £200 mark. There’s Optical SteadyShot stabilisation included too, helping to keep your shots free from shake even while moving, and 215g, the camcorder is nice and light.

There are a few other common camcorder features missing here. There’s no built-in Wi-Fi – though in practice this tends to be a fairly laborious way to transfer footage anyway, and many prefer to read it off the card (the HDR-CX40 takes Micro SD/SDHC cards). The lens cap is also manual, not automatic like in some camcorders. Otherwise, this unfussy and inexpensive camcorder is a great no-frills option for capturing Full HD footage. 

Best Digital Camera for Photos

Pretty much all digital cameras these days will shoot both photos and videos. This is great – having plenty of options is no bad thing, and more and more users these days are becoming hybrid content creators, with a foot in both camps.

All the same, some people are photographers first and photographers only. This section is for you guys – the image appreciators, those who are in search of the Cartier-Bresson-Esque decisive moment. We’ve picked out the modern best digital cameras for photos, the models that go above and beyond to offer photographers a superior picture-taking experience. 

Any of the cameras across this entire guide can take a great picture – they’re all the best digital cameras, after all. However, the models in this particular section offer something a little better for photographers, and if still imagery is your passion, this is where you want to be.

Pros:

• Sublime, retro design
• Exceptional low-light performance
• Sophisticated autofocus

Cons:

• Some may want more resolution
  
  

The super-cool Nikon Zf mirrorless camera represents something of a do-over – the Df DSLR, released back in 2013, was a similar concept that didn’t quite take off. The Nikon Zf is a super thing – retro on the outside, all-new on the inside. So, you get tremendous styling that hearkens back to classic film cameras like the Nikon FM2. But you also get cutting-edge shooting features, including some of the best low-light performance we’ve seen in a full-frame camera. 

The Nikon Zf does terrifically at high ISO settings, and also boasts Nikon’s Vibration Reduction stabilisation system which provides up to eight stops of effective compensation. There are also loads of attractive colour profiles to rival Fuji’s Film Simulations, particularly in monochrome – this is one of our favourite cameras for shooting in black and white currently. A triumph of design and imaging, the Nikon Zf is a gorgeous entry into the mirrorless Z series. 

Pros:

• Thoroughly weatherproofed body
• Exceptionally capable stabilisation
• Loads of advanced photography features

Cons:

• 30fps shooting has a limited buffer
• The USB port is still MicroUSB, not USB-C
  
  

OM System, the regeneration of the brand formerly known as Olympus, comes out swinging with its difficult second album (well, camera), the glorious OM System OM-5. There are so many exciting features for photographers in this enthusiast-focused camera that it’s hard to know where to start. 

Should we talk about the powerful stabilisation that can work in tandem with lens IS to deliver up to 7.5EV of effective compensation? Or how about the modes enabled by that system, such as the High-Res Shot mode, which can stitch together multiple images taken with the 20.37 million effective pixel Live MOS sensor, and make them into one 50MP super-image. And the fact that you can do that hand-held? Maybe we should talk about the IP53 splashproof rating that makes the OM-5 brilliantly weather-resistant or the dedicated Starry Sky AF feature that opens up new possibilities for astrophotography. 

There are a couple of limitations worth being aware of, like the fact that the buffer at 30fps only gives you a maximum of 18 RAWs or 30 JPEGs (it gets better at 10fps when using the mechanical shutter). But the OM-5 really should be commended for how it encourages the photographer to experiment and try things out – and having access to the huge catalogue of Micro Four Thirds lenses makes it even better.

Pros:

• Versatile “Triple Resolution” sensor
• Immediate, intuitive photographic experience
• Beautiful design

Cons:

• Rangefinder focusing is tricky to learn
• Ultra-premium product
• Very expensive
  
  

Okay, this is a luxury. But we couldn’t close out our section on the best digital cameras for photography without a shout-out to one of the best photographic experiences you can get right now. The Leica M11 is a gorgeous feat of imaging engineering – blending the classic styling of a rangefinder camera with a cutting-edge 60.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor. Though of course, it’s really three sensors in one, with its “Triple Resolution” design allowing you to switch between 60, 30 and 18 megapixels, according to what the situation demands.

Rangefinder focusing is a tricky discipline. It’s an entirely manual experience, contained within the viewfinder, and while it’s certainly not for everyone, if you take the time to learn, it can be a fantastically fast and responsive form of photography. 

Images, of course, look fantastic in a range of conditions. The M11 will handle anything you throw at it with aplomb, and even throws in some quality-of-life extras like the 64GB of internal storage in addition to the memory card slot. Granted, shooting 60MP files will eat through that quite quickly, but dial down to 18MP and that’s more than 1,000 shots.

Best Digital Camera for Video

Whether you’re an amateur vlogger or a seasoned professional filmmaker, you have more choices than ever when it comes to the best camera for video. It has gone from being an optional afterthought to an integral aspect of almost every new digital camera that is released. 

Bear in mind that in this guide, we’re talking exclusively about consumer digital cameras such as compacts and mirrorless. If you’re looking for something more high-end, you’ll want to browse our extensive range of professional filmmaking camcorders.

While there are loads of great professional options for video, we’ve kept this guide accessible to those working with a range of budgets. Filmmaking shouldn’t be gated off to only those with a lot of cash to spend, so you’ll find affordable cameras here mixed in with the premium stuff. We’re more than happy to recommend an older camera if we think it still delivers for a modern user. So let’s take a look at the best digital cameras for video!

Pros:

• Sophisticated phase-detection autofocus
• Abundance of video options
• Excellent design with sensibly laid-out controls

Cons:

• No CFExpress slot
  
  

The powerful Lumix S5 II brought a feature that Panasonic shooters had long been crying out for – phase-detection autofocus. This is a big improvement over previous Panasonic models, in both the full-frame Lumix S and Micro Four Thirds Lumix G lines, and makes for a much improved shooting experience in both stills and video. Speaking of video, the S5 II offers a huge suite of options, including 4:2:0 10-bit 6K video at 30fps, 4K at up to 60fps, high-frame rate shooting at 120fps, and plenty more.

The rugged body design of the Lumix S5 II is great, with plenty of control dials and buttons that allow you to extensively customise and get the camera working the way you want it to. Having access to the L-mount range of lenses is also no bad thing, with plenty of standout optics made by Sigma and Leica as well as Panasonic’s own lenses.

Pros: 

• Affordable and pocketable
• High-quality 1-inch sensor
• Bright maximum aperture

Cons: 

• No viewfinder
• Only Mark III has 4K, mic input and HDMI out
  
  

Popular with YouTubers, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a slightly older camera. We’re recommending it here because it’s still a fantastic camera for shooting video on a budget. A compact camera with a 24-100mm f1.8-2.8 equivalent lens, it’s a self-contained package that fits in a pocket. Its 1-inch sensor is powerful and great for producing high-quality video – the dynamic range and image quality are a step up over a smartphone, that’s for sure.

If your budget stretches further, we can also recommend the newer Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, which keeps the same powerful combo of a 1-inch sensor and a 24-100mm equivalent zoom lens and 1-inch sensor but adds 4K video into the mix. Also, if you’re interested in streaming, note that the Mark III version adds in a clean HDMI out, not to mention a 3.5mm input for attaching an external microphone. This can really improve audio quality, though does add to the cost.

Pros:

• 3-capsule mic delivers excellent audio
• Zeiss-made lens provides extra-wide perspective
• Lightweight and portable

Cons:

• Max aperture drops to f4
• No viewfinder
  
  

This updated compact is part of Sony's ZV series, which includes both compacts and mirrorless cameras that are designed specifically for vlogging. The ZV-1 II, as the name implies, is an upgraded sequel to the original ZV-1, responding to feedback from users that they wished the lens on that camera could go a little wider than 24mm. Their wishes have been granted, with the ZV-1 II sporting a 18-50mm f1.8-4.0 zoom lens to ensure that plenty can be fit in the frame.

Video-wise, the ZV-1 II records 4K 30p or Full HD at up to 120p. Like its predecessor, it also has an impressive built-in three-capsule mic setup that records much better audio than you’d usually get from an in-camera mic. Handily, the camera also comes bundled with a windshield, useful for muffling unwanted noises when you’re shooting out on location.

Best Entry-Level Digital Camera

A good entry-level digital camera really should do two things. It should be easy to use, enough that a beginner can pick it up and start shooting without a steep learning curve. However – and this is the really crucial point – a great entry-level camera also needs to offer substantial room to grow and develop. An easy-to-master camera is all very well, but if the user is going to start chafing against its limitations after a few months, then it isn’t doing its job properly. 

So, the best entry-level digital cameras we’ve picked for this section strike a balance between both. These are user-friendly cameras that even a novice photographer will be able to get to grips with, but they also offer plenty of imaging scope and room to develop. With decent-sized sensors, solid ergonomics and great lens options, each one represents a significant step up over a smartphone and makes for a perfect first step into serious photography.

Pro: 

• User-friendly guide modes
• Sophisticated Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus

Cons:

• Basic video features
• Bulkier than mirrorless rivals
  
  

Canon excels at making all-rounder DSLRs for photographers at different skill levels, and the Canon EOS 250D, an entry-level model, is a terrific example. It’s a camera towards the beginner end, but with its 24.1MP APS-C sensor, has the depth for the user to grow into it. Having the EF-S mount also gives you a huge number of lens options, helping you define the style of photograph you want to take.

If you want to learn photography, a well-laid-out camera like the EOS 250D is an ideal choice. It’s got useful tutorials and guide modes to help you get a grip on the basics, but also has a highly capable sensor/processor combination that dependably produces high-quality images. It comes with a kit zoom lens, so you’ll have everything you need to start shooting out of the box.

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight and portable
• Big Micro Four Thirds lens range
• In-camera USB charging

Cons:

• No mic port
• Construction plastic, not metal
  
  

Though we’re yet to see the refreshed OM System brand deliver its own entry-level camera, for now, the Olympus iteration is still a really solid choice. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a little camera with a lot of depth to it and makes for a stand-out entry-level choice for the novice user. It pairs a capable 20MP sensor with an effective image stabilisation system that makes it much easier to get sharp shots hand-held, even when the light grows dim. Having the huge catalogue of Micro Four Thirds lenses is also a boon – there are plenty of pancake primes that pair brilliantly with the lightweight E-M10 IV. One thing to note – given that it lacks a 3.5mm mic port, and its 4K video tops out at 30p, it’s probably not one for budding videographers.

Pros:

• Great burst mode and autofocus speed
• Accessible entry-point to EOS R system

Cons:

• Relatively few native RF-S lenses (for now)
• Just one card slot
  
  

Canon has cleverly put together a very enticing package here. The Canon EOS R10 is an APS-C camera that represents a great jumping-on point for the firm’s flagship mirrorless EOS R system. Appealing and accessible, the EOS R10 looks a lot like another camera from this section, the good old EOS 250D. Only the difference is, the EOS R10 comes packing a lot of the latest features, like the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system inherited from the big pro cameras like the EOS R3. Having 4,053 AF points on a camera at this level is a pretty big deal!

The RF-S lens range of optics designed specifically for APS-C sensor has grown, and while there still aren’t a huge number, there are some quality lenses available that’ll balance well with the EOS R10. Plus, you can always use full-frame RF lenses, or any EF-S lenses you own if you have the correct EF-EOS R adapter. 

Best Digital Camera for Ease of Use

Well, who doesn’t love gadgets that are just plug in and play? If you don’t want to fuss with swapping lenses, don’t particularly care to learn the exposure triangle, and at heart just want a solid point-and-shoot camera that delivers high-quality images with minimal fuss, this is the section for you.

Compact cameras – a term meaning cameras with fixed lenses that can’t be changed – are a great way to give yourself a quality upgrade from a smartphone without the bulk and expense of a whole system of lenses. Many manufacturers lean into the natural convenience of compact cameras, and make them super user-friendly, with high-quality zoom lenses that give you real shooting flexibility. That also makes these cameras excellent for travel, no matter whether you’re exploring the city or tramping through the countryside.

So, without further ado, here are our favourite digital cameras for ease of use.

Pros:

• Flexible range of aspect ratios
• Class-leading stabilisation
• Improved battery life

Cons:

• Still struggles in low light
  
  

The best GoPro yet, the HERO12 Black is once again a superb action camera that’s easy to pick up and use. Like the HERO11, this camera’s sensor has a large 8:7 aspect ratio, meaning it’s easier to shoot footage in a range of formats – and that means it’s easy to capture vertically oriented content for TikTok and Instagram Reels. 

GoPro beefed up the battery life this time around, promising double the recording time compared to previous GoPros. Of course, there’s also all the waterproofing, shockproofing and everything-else-proofing we’ve come to expect from GoPro cameras. Both photo and video quality are excellent, with the class-leading HyperSmooth stabilisation once again making it possible to capture smooth footage even when the camera is undergoing significant movement. There are also lots of mounts and accessories available for hands-free shooting, meaning however you want to use your GoPro, you should be able to craft a setup that facilitates it.

Pros:

• Ultra-tough waterproof build
• High-quality 4x zoom lens
• Useful underwater shooting modes

Cons:

• Smaller sensor impacts image quality
  
  

OM System has been slowly but steadily updating the various camera lines that were previously marketed under Olympus. We were very pleased to see a new entry in the Tough TG compact line, the TG-7, as this has long been considered one of the best series of waterproof compacts on the market. With a 25-100mm equivalent lens, the TG-7 gives you real compositional flexibility, and its body is tough as they come: waterproof down to 15m, shockproof up to 2.1m and crushproof up to 100kgf.

One of the things that makes the TG-7 so easy to use is the fact that it offers loads of shooting modes, including ones that are specifically designed to work underwater. It has pretty decent close-up capabilities for a camera of this type, and is a great choice to take snorkelling or diving and capture all the strange and wonderful things you see.

Pros:

• Pocketable form factor
• Hugely impressive zoom capabilities
• Optical stabilisation

Cons:

• Reduced resolution compared to more conventional cameras
• Autofocus can miss sometimes
  
  

It’s what it sounds like – a camera that’s built to zoom. Canon has been making some interesting moves in the compact camera space, jettisoning the traditional camera form factor and coming up with some innovative concepts. One that we particularly like is the Canon PowerShot Zoom, which is a tremendous pick for birders and wildlife enthusiasts who want something simpler than a traditional camera. 

Able to zoom to 100mm, 400mm and 800mm equivalents, the PowerShot Zoom specialises in bringing distant subjects close. Its 12.1MP stills resolution is lower than most current cameras, but still produces images with enough quality for sharing online. Video-wise, it can capture Full HD footage, and the inclusion of 4-axis stabilisation makes it easier to get sharp results in both stills and video modes. Weighing just 145g, it’ll slip easily into your pocket, and makes for a tremendous hiking companion. 

Best All-Rounder Digital Camera

For our final section, we’re rounding up the cameras that we believe are best for a bit of everything! More and more content creators are diversifying their skill sets and dipping their toes into all sorts of disciplines, which is amazing to see – and these are the cameras that will keep up! For photos, for video, for fast shooting, for printing, for daytime, for night – these are the cameras that will tackle it all.

We’re aware too that many content creators are working on limited budgets. We could easily fill this list with professional flagship cameras like the Nikon Z9 or Sony A1, which really can do everything – but we’re aware that it would only be useful to a limited number of people. So, we’ve made an effort to balance in price when making our picks, and have come up with the cameras we feel strike the best overall balance. So, here we go – the best all-rounder digital cameras!

Pros:

• Sublime AI-powered autofocus
• Lots of lens options
• Good control layout

Cons:

• Only one SD card slot
  
  

A welcome update to Sony’s APS-C mirrorless range, the Sony A6700 is stuffed with impressive cutting-edge features. Its AI-powered subject-detection autofocus is some of the best in the business, able to lock onto specific subjects with uncanny accuracy – and keep hold of them even as they move. With a 26MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, the A6700 captures images of sublime quality, and it’s all wrapped in a package that’s much more affordable than most full-frame alternatives.

Sony’s APS-C E-mount series has been going for a while, and this combined with the firm’s historic openness to third-party lens development means that any prospective A6700 user is going to have lots of lenses to choose from. We also like the incorporation of touch controls in this model – borrowed from the vlogger-focused ZV series – which synergise well with the sensibly laid-out controls.

Pros:

• Lovely high-magnification electronic viewfinder
• Good low-light autofocusing
• Shoots at a punchy 14fps

Cons:

• Rear LCD not fully articulating
• Other cameras have better tracking AF
  
  

In crafting the Nikon Z6 II, Nikon took what was already a very good all-rounder camera, and fixed a few of the community’s complaints to make it even better. Let’s get the big one out of the way – the Z6 II now has two card slots, not one, and is compatible with the CFExpress fast card format, as well as XQD. A lesson well heeded by Nikon there.

This is just a lovely camera to use. The 24.5MP full-frame sensor delivers excellent image quality across the board, even at higher ISO settings, giving you real shooting flexibility. The button layout feels well-engineered and satisfying, and the Z-mount lens system continues to go from strength to strength. You get a meaty 14fps burst mode to play with, as well as a decent shot buffer to be sure you nail your subject. Quietly, efficiently and beautifully, the Nikon Z6 II is one of the best cameras you can buy for just about anything.

Pros:

• Excellent 40MP images
• 10-bit 4:2:2 video at 6.2K / 30p
• AI-powered subject-detect autofocus

Cons:

• Buffer fills up fast in RAW
• The 3-way tilting screen may not be to your taste
  
  

The exceptional Fujifilm X-T5 is a sublime achievement in camera design, and possibly the best APS-C camera ever made (yeah, we said it). A long-awaited successor to the fabulous X-T4, the X-T5 boasts such cutting-edge features as subject-detection autofocus that’s powered by deep-learning AI, meaning it gets better the more you shoot. Then there’s also the 40MP resolution, which is ideal for making the most of those tack-sharp Fujifilm X-mount lenses.

While Fujifilm billed this camera as being all about photographers first and foremost, its video spec is really nothing to sniff at. There aren’t many cameras capable of shooting 6.2K video at 30 frames per second in 4:2:2 10-bit colour, with the option to externally record Apple ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW codecs. Then there’s also that gorgeous Fujifilm design, with loads of physical dials and controls, that simply makes the X-T5 a joyful object to own and use. A well-deserved triumph by Fujifilm, and an all-rounder camera for the ages.

FAQs

How do I choose a digital camera?

There’s no one way to do it! This page has hopefully given you a rough guide, but it’s also worth browsing the best digital camera reviews, talking to other photographers, and perhaps even considering a short rental to try out a camera you’re considering buying. 

What is the difference between DSLR and mirrorless cameras?

DSLR cameras use a mirror mechanism, providing an optical viewfinder, while mirrorless cameras rely on digital displays. Mirrorless cameras are generally more compact and offer faster autofocus.

How many megapixels do I need in a digital camera?

It all depends on what you're using the camera for. For most, a camera with 16-24 megapixels is sufficient for high-quality prints and online sharing.

Are smartphone cameras as good as digital cameras?

While smartphone cameras have improved significantly, digital cameras still offer superior image quality and advanced features. For demanding photographers, options like the Sony RX100 VII or the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III provide a compact but powerful alternative.

How do I transfer photos from my digital camera to a computer?

Most cameras use USB cables or memory card readers for data transfer. Some, like the Canon EOS M50, also support wireless transfer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, providing convenient options for different user preferences.

What is 4K video recording, and do I need it in a digital camera?

4K video recording provides higher resolution and better quality footage. But whether it's necessary depends on what you're going to use the camera for. Cameras from Panasonic and Sony are renowned for their exceptional 4K video capabilities, catering to videographers and content creators.

Where do digital cameras store their photographs?

Memory cards! Different digital cameras will have different card compatibilities, with some able to use faster cards with better transfer speeds, such as XQD or CFExpress.

What batteries do digital cameras use?

It varies, but the vast majority of digital cameras use rechargeable Li-Ion batteries, normally ones that the manufacturers supply themselves, though third-party options are often available. It’s a good idea to pick up spare batteries and chargers, and some high-end cameras also have optional battery grips, which pack in an extra battery to double the shooting time.