The majority of today’s top cameras are great for both photography and filmmaking, but if photography is your primary emphasis, some of these models can be too much. Because of this, this guide includes both photography-focused cameras and pure hybrids, meaning that some of the models are a bit older and save you money that you could use for other things, like a high-end new lens.
Since there isn’t a single camera that works for everyone, the best one for you will depend on your preferences for what and how you shoot as well as your budget. As a result, we have divided our suggestions into various use cases. Naturally, our seasoned specialists have put all of the cameras on our list through hours of rigorous testing in real-world settings in order to provide you with the kind of feedback that truly helps you make a purchasing decision. At the conclusion of this book, we’ve also given our best advice to help you make an informed decision. See our guide to the top mirrorless cameras to find out which models are ideal for taking pictures and recording videos.
You may quickly review the top cameras for photography available today by reading the summary below. Once you’ve identified one that meets your needs, click on the links below each item to view a detailed synopsis of our comments.
Table of Contents
- No 1 Hasselblad X2D 100C
- No 2 Sony A9 III
- No 3 Fujifilm X-S20
Top 3 Best Mirrorless Cameras In 2025
No 1 Hasselblad X2D 100C

The 100MP sensor on the X2D will make headlines because it uses Hasselblad’s heavenly Natural Colour Science technology instead of standard, neutral, vivid, or monochrome color modes. It offers a wide dynamic range, which is understandable considering that it has twice the resolution of those other Hasselblads, but there’s a more fascinating reality at work. In every aspect, the X2D is a more useful camera. (Read our in-depth real-world piece to learn more about Hasselblad’s color science.)
Although the X2D’s performance and versatility are superior to the X1D II’s, its design is still extremely similar, which is a very good thing. For instance, compared to the X1D II’s contrast-detection AF system, the 100MP sensor’s phase-detection AF with a broader 294-point array is noticeably faster.
Sharp focus on slow motion is now possible, allowing us to leave the studio and enter the streets, although autofocus still hunts and isn’t appropriate for any genuine activity. (At this stage, it should be noted that the X2D we tested was a pre-production sample; hence, full production versions may perform better.)
The performance and handling of the new XCD V series lenses that were released with the camera have also been enjoyable to us. Focusing has been much simpler with two of the three new lenses we have for this test: the XCD 2,5/55V (55mm f/2.5) and that 38mm f/2.5. This is especially true for manual focusing, which is a problem with the current XCD lenses. The focus distance and hyperfocal distance markers, a smooth rotation, and a manual focus clutch are all wonderful features of these new lenses.
Importantly, the X2D breaks free from the limitations of landscape and static portraiture of the X1D II and catches up to the rival Fujifilm GFX100S in terms of overall speed. It also has a better design and feel, while costing a lot more.
Pros
- Stunning design and new ‘V-series’ lenses
- Exceptional image quality potential
- In-body stabilisation up to 7-stops
- Built-in 1TB SSD
Cons
- Autofocus still struggles
- No video
- Middling battery life
- No native lens options for telephoto shooters
No 2 Sony A9 III

For some applications, particularly high-speed action and flash photography, the Sony A9 III is the greatest mirrorless camera available. The third-generation A9 III is essentially a first-generation model since it is a completely new mirrorless camera with a global shutter, which is a bold move by Sony, who has always been an inventor. With Sony’s greatest camera design, fastest burst shooting, most dependable autofocus, most versatile flash photography tool, and no rolling shutter distortion at all, it’s incredibly effective for a first-generation model. It’s not flawless; some people find that 24MP is insufficient detail, and the global shutter degrades image quality, particularly in low light. Additionally, Sony has chosen to stick with CFexpress type A cards rather than type B. a bottleneck that hinders optimal performance. Despite those criticisms, Sony’s risky move with cutting-edge technology has paid off, as the A9 III is now the best high-speed camera available.
The Sony A9 III’s release was one of those rare occasions when a new camera dazzles the photographic community. Is the hype surrounding the fastest camera ever warranted, then? The answer to that question is nuanced, but after spending a lot of time with the camera for this in-depth study, the answer is unquestionably yes.
Sony has significantly raised the standard for high-performance sports and wildlife photography with the A9 III. Many class-leading characteristics are unlocked by a new type of sensor with a “global shutter,” which also vitally removes the “rolling shutter” distortion in images and videos that is possible with electronic sensors used generally to enable top performance in the majority of other cameras.
We also have Sony’s best camera design to date. The A9 III has a similar form factor to high-end Sony models, which means it’s smaller than rival pro sports cameras, but it features Sony’s chunkiest grip to date, and can be bulked out further with a new vertical grip, which you’ll want to do when using large lenses.
Pros
- Unbeatable burst shooting
- More versatile than ever for flash photography
- Sony’s best design
Cons
- Limited ISO range
- Pricy
- Only 4K video
No 3 Fujifilm X-S20

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a fantastic mid-range camera that has all the features its enthusiast hybrid shooter target market could possibly require. Only if you’re capturing video is the upgrade from the X-S10 worthwhile.
The original Fujifilm X-S10, a fascinating mid-range package for enthusiasts who wished to experiment with both photography and video, was replaced by the Fujifilm X-S20. The X-S10 was one of the cheapest options for a new camera with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and it produced beautiful photos and 4K/30p video.
It’s not a bad thing that the Fujifilm X-S20 and X-S10 look exactly alike. Both retain the nostalgic appeal of Fuji’s iconic retro design while adding a modern twist with thick grips and slick black command dials.
The build quality is excellent. All of the dials clatter a lot, and the buttons give terrific tactile stimulation. Pulling the lever causes the top flash release to spring upward with great force, which is really satisfying. Additionally, the spring-loaded USB-C/micro-HDMI port cover snaps with a really satisfying sound.
Pros
- 6.2K/30p video
- Beautiful images
- Great IBIS
- Lovely build and design
- Lots of creative options
- Cheaper than rivals
Cons
- More expensive than predecessor
- Only one SD slot
- Slightly awkward controls & menu
How To Choose The Best Camera For You
The main thing to look at when buying a digital camera is sensor size. Larger isn’t always better, but it is a good guide to what kind of camera it is, how expensive the lenses will be, and who it’s aimed at. In general, Micro Four Thirds and APS-C cameras are for both hobbyists and pros, while full-frame models tend to be strictly for advanced photographers with bigger budgets. Compact cameras with 1-inch sensors are for travel zooms and everyday photography.
Other features to look out for are viewfinders (electronic or optical), which are considered essential by most photographers, and handling. If you’re likely to want to use longer lenses, then a good grip is essential. You should also consider which lenses you’re likely to need for your favorite types of photography – for example, bright prime lenses are better for portraits and street shooting, while wide-angle zooms are more useful for landscapes. Deciding which camera system, including lenses, is the best for you is often better than choosing a camera in isolation.
What type of camera is best for photography?
As you’ll find in our comprehensive buying guide above, there’s no single factor that defines what type of camera is best for photography. From sensor size to resolution, there are many aspects to bear in mind when choosing a stills camera, which is why it’s a good idea to consider the feedback from our real-world tests when deciding.
The importance of each of these factors will come down to your preferred style of shooting. Objectively speaking, the larger a camera’s sensor, the more light it can gather and the higher its resolution, the sharper its images will be. That’s why we rate mirrorless cameras such as the Sony A9 III so highly for their stills performance: its 50.1MP full-frame sensor is the class of the field.
But the question isn’t necessarily that simple. The highest resolutions tend to be overkill unless you’re a professional photographer. Equally, full-frame cameras are less travel-friendly due to the size of their sensors. For that reason, you might prefer a mirrorless camera with a high-resolution APS-C sensor, such as the Fujifilm X-S20. Or if you’re just starting out, the best photography camera for you could be an APS-C model with a lower resolution, such as the Hasselblad X2D 100C.
The elephant in the room is whether a DLSR is better than a mirrorless camera for photography. For a full analysis of this question, it’s worth reading our The short summary is that most manufacturers regard mirrorless cameras as the future of photography, with the latest models offering unrivalled performance and results. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you should discount DSLR models, as you can read below.
The elephant in the room is whether a DLSR is better than a mirrorless camera for photography. For a full analysis of this question, it’s worth reading our The short summary is that most manufacturers regard mirrorless cameras as the future of photography, with the latest models offering unrivalled performance and results. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you should discount DSLR models,
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