Best Digital Cameras | 2025

It’s been a tough job, but we’ve whittled this list down to the best of the best digital cameras you can buy right now. With a mix of compacts, mirrorless models and DSLRs, this list represents the top choices for every budget and skill level, from all the major manufacturers. 

We haven’t just picked the most expensive and sophisticated cameras, but have aimed to cover a broad selection of models to suit all different users. As such, this list includes affordable and expensive cameras, simple cameras for holidays, and complex cameras for professional assignments. All of them have been tested and rated by our technical team, and all of them are more than worth their asking price.

For more options, check out our guides to the best mirrorless cameras and the best compacts. Otherwise, read on as we count off the best digital cameras — of all kinds — that you can buy right now…

What's coming up:

Best digital camera for photography: Fujifilm X-T50
Best digital camera for video: Canon PowerShot V1
Best entry-level digital camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Digital Camera with 14-42mm lens
Best digital camera under £200: Kodak PixPro FZ45
Best point-and-shoot digital camera: Panasonic Lumix TZ99
Best all-rounder digital camera: Nikon Z6 III
Best DSLR: Nikon D780
Best professional digital camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Best premium digital camera: Leica M11

Best digital camera for photography:

The X-T50 is a superb photographer’s camera. In one sense, it’s all about creativity and fun, with a dedicated dial for Fuji’s famous Film Simulation modes. This allows you to quickly toggle between different stylish looks for your images, accentuating what Fujifilm is best at — images with a sense of fun. However, this isn’t to say that the X-T50 is some kind of novelty or gimmick. Inheriting a lot of the internals of the top-end X-T5, this is a serious camera with some real power to it. 

The 40MP APS-C X-Trans sensor produces images with fantastic details, tolerant to cropping in. The autofocus system benefits from AI-powered subject-detection, meaning it can identify and lock onto challenging moving subjects. The body has built-in stabilisation — no mean feat for a camera so small — that makes it easier to get sharp shots at slow shutter speeds. All in all, the X-T50 manages to walk a fine line between fun and capability, which makes it our pick as the best camera for photographers right now.

Best digital camera for video:

Canon has come absolutely roaring out of the gate with this fabulous premium compact specifically designed for video and vloggers. Don’t get us wrong — it shoots stills, and does it well — but the video features are the reason people will be buying this camera. At its heart is a 1.4-inch sensor, which is an immediate step up from the 1-inch sensors found in comparable compacts, giving the PowerShot V1 a real edge. 

It offers a wide range of video-shooting options, with cropped 4K 60p or 4K 30p using the full width of the sensor. The cooling fan ensures extended recording times, the built-in ND filter allows you to control exposure, and the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system inherited from Canon’s more expensive mirrorless cameras ensures fast and accurate focus tracking. 

The integrated 16-50mm lens covers a sweet spot for vlogging — though photo shooters may find it restrictive. It’s also worth noting that there’s no viewfinder on the camera, which again, video shooters likely won’t mind, but photographers probably will.

Best entry-level digital camera:

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.

Best digital camera under £200:

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.

Best point-and-shoot digital camera:

While there are plenty of cheap point-and-shoots out there, for our money it’s best to spend a little more to get something that will produce images of superior quality. The Panasonic Lumix TZ99 is just the thing — it’s a clever pocket-sized camera that packs in a 30x optical zoom lens, running the range of 24–720mm equivalent. This makes it a brilliant choice for travel, able to handle all kinds of different shooting situations with ease.

A built-in hybrid optical image stabilisation system helps you make use of that ultra-long zoom mode by counteracting camera shake, and the optimised autofocus system includes face- and eye-tracking. The sensor is a 1/2.3-inch type, which is one of the smallest camera sensors, and this means the camera won’t produce images with as much dynamic range as comparable models with 1-inch or larger sensors. However, in good light it still delivers consistently strong results, and there is also the option to shoot in RAW for maximum flexibility in post-processing.

Best all-rounder digital camera:

Nikon’s Z6 cameras have always been all-rounders — not quite as high-resolution as the Z7 series, not quite as fast as the speedy Z8, but pretty solidly good at everything. The Z6 III is the best refinement of this formula yet, and it’s a camera that can do basically anything without any serious compromises. Its full-frame sensor produces the kind of crisp image quality we’ve come to expect from Nikon’s mirrorless Z-series, and thanks to the partially stacked design of the sensor, the camera is capable of achieving dizzying shooting speeds. Are you likely to need 120fps burst mode very often? Probably not, but here it is!

With dual high-speed card slots, including one CFexpress and one SD UHS-II, the Nikon Z6 III is built to meet the demands of pro and serious enthusiast photographers and videographers. Its megapixel count of 24.5MP may sound a little low in this age of ever-higher resolutions, but unless you’re planning to make large prints, this is probably going to be fine.

Best DSLR:

For some photographers, you simply can’t beat a DSLR — and the Nikon D780 is one of the finest that’s still in production. It’s a DSLR on the high enthusiast/professional end, with a full-frame sensor and impressive burst-shooting specs. However, the influx of new mirrorless models has meant that the D780 has significantly come down in price since its launch in 2020, and these days it’s starting to look like something of a bargain. This is especially true when you consider that the venerable F-mount offers a huge range of fabulous lenses, many of which are also available for knock-down prices.

Of course, you don’t get the latest flashy features of Nikon’s mirrorless range — no subject-detection autofocus, no high-res electronic viewfinder, no 8K video. However many enthusiast photographers simply don’t need these things, and if you’re on the hunt to get bang for your buck, a capable DSLR like the D780 could be exactly what you’re looking for. 

Best professional digital camera:

The R5 II could easily be in the top cameras for photography and video separately. But for that reason, we’ve placed it here in the all-rounders. At the heart of this full-frame mirrorless camera is the “accelerated capture” architecture, featuring dual DIGIC Accelerator and DIGIC X processors. With deep-learning AI algorithms, the camera can upscale its 45MP resolution to 180MP, allowing detailed cropping without loss of quality. The sensor is now stacked and back-illuminated for faster readouts. Enhancements include improved IBIS with up to 8.5 stops, a high-resolution viewfinder, a maximum shutter speed of 1/64,000sec, and a burst rate of 30fps, plus advanced FTP for multiple image transfers.

There have been massive upgrades in autofocus including the Dual Pixel Accelerated AF system with 5,850 points for extensive coverage and low-light performance. AI-powered Subject-Detection and “Action Priority” features enhance focus for dynamic subjects. Eye Control AF tracks eye movements in the viewfinder for precision. Video capabilities are advanced, with 8K 60p RAW and 4K at 120p and 60p, multiple recording formats, and professional audio options. A notable feature is simultaneous recording, capturing photos and videos on separate cards, and enhancing workflows across the board.

Best premium digital camera:

This is 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 Leica 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.

FAQs

How do I choose a digital camera?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer! This page gives you a helpful starting point, but it’s also worth checking out the latest reviews, talking to other photographers, and even trying a rental or in-store demo. Your final choice should reflect how, what, and how often you shoot.

What is the difference between DSLR and mirrorless cameras?

DSLR cameras use a mirror mechanism and offer an optical viewfinder, while mirrorless cameras rely on digital displays or electronic viewfinders. In 2025, mirrorless systems dominate the market — they’re generally lighter, faster, and feature more up-to-date tech.

How many megapixels do I need in a digital camera?

It depends on what you're shooting. For most people, a camera with 16–24 megapixels is more than enough for high-quality prints and online sharing. Higher megapixel counts are useful for cropping, large-format printing, or detailed commercial work.

Are smartphone cameras as good as digital cameras?

Smartphone cameras have come a long way and are excellent for everyday use. But digital cameras still offer better image quality, larger sensors, and advanced features. Compact models are great options when you want more creative control without the bulk.

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

Most cameras use USB cables or memory card readers for transfers. Many newer models, like the Canon EOS R50, also support wireless transfer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - handy for instant sharing or backing up on the go.

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

4K video delivers higher resolution and sharper footage than Full HD. Whether you need it depends on your goals - it’s ideal for content creators, vloggers, and anyone looking to future-proof their video work. Brands like Sony and Panasonic continue to lead the way in 4K performance.

Where do digital cameras store their photographs?

Memory cards! Most digital cameras use SD cards, though some higher-end models support faster formats like CFexpress or XQD. Faster cards help with high-speed shooting and 4K/8K video capture.

What batteries do digital cameras use?

Most digital cameras use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, often specific to the brand or model. Third-party options are usually available too. It’s a good idea to pick up a spare or two, especially for travel or long shoots - and some advanced models offer optional battery grips to extend shooting time.