Which high-end digital cameras are best?
If you have the latest smartphone, it may seem like getting a high-end digital camera is redundant and not necessary. However, digital cameras have advantages that smartphones won’t be able to match for quite some time. Additionally, a high-end digital camera offers improved flash technology and a larger image sensor that allows you to truly capture the beauty you see. If you’re looking for the best high-end digital camera professionals use, check out the Sony A7 III.
What to know before you buy a high-end digital camera
Resolution
Resolution may seem straightforward, but it requires a delicate balance. Megapixels refer to the pixels on a digital camera’s sensor. Generally speaking, the amount of megapixel resolution determines the maximum size you can print your pictures.
That’s because the higher the number, the higher resolution you get in your final print. However, more megapixels aren’t necessarily a good thing.
For example, a higher megapixel count often means that the pixels are smaller to fit the camera’s sensor. That can lead to not-so-optimal photos in low-light settings.
Sensor size
Digital cameras use built-in sensors to capture photos and videos. A larger sensor is best for people who seek to capture larger views like a wedding dance or a landscape shot.
Professionals typically use some of the best DSLR cameras as their go-to high-end digital camera for work due to their large sensors. However, as a general rule-of-thumb, keep in mind that a larger sensor also increases the overall cost. In addition to the view, the sensor size plays a vital role in the depth of field. That means if you have a smaller sensor, the image will appear zoomed in.
A majority of high-end digital cameras use image sensors that are at least one inch in size. Generally, using a Micro Four Thirds or APS-C camera is best for amateur and professional photographers, with the full-frame sensor models better suited for professionals with larger budgets.
Handling
A high-end digital camera must feel comfortable in your hands. You must consider the different types of lenses you’ll use when you’re out capturing the world through your eyes.
Larger lenses may seem light and easy to carry around. However, after a few minutes of attempting to hold up your camera, you start to feel the effects of the additional weight.
Any high-end digital camera you get must feel like an extension of your arm with every control within comfortable reach of your fingers.
What to look for in a quality high-end digital camera
Wi-Fi Connection
While analog photography has its charm, technology has benefited modern-day photographers by reducing their workflow. Most high-end digital cameras now feature near-field communication or Wi-Fi connections so photographers can rapidly transfer photos.
The connection typically takes place through an app connected to your smartphone. While this doesn’t necessarily affect your photos, it’s a convenience that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Increased Stabilization
Have you ever experienced taking the perfect shot but having it turn out blurry because your hands were shaking in excitement? Not only do significant movements make the final picture blurry, but even small incremental movements can ruin the perfect shot.
Luckily, many high-end digital cameras feature optical stabilization that helps with the unavoidable small movements, like pressing down the shutter button.
You can take it a step further by finding compatible lenses that also have their own image stabilization technology.
Lens compatibility
The type of work and shots you take with your high-end digital camera determines the variety of lenses you need in your tool kit. However, every photographer can tell you that the cost of buying several high-quality lenses can rapidly add up.
That’s why many amateur and professional photographers seek out more budget-friendly lenses that may be a different brand to their camera. However, not all cameras are compatible with every lens.
Be sure to double-check the system to see if it can meet the requirements and is compatible with the lenses you’ll be using.
How much you can expect to spend on high-end digital cameras
Depending on the brand and various features, you can expect to spend between $500-$5,000 on high-end digital cameras.
High-end digital camera FAQ
Do I need all the extra accessories?
A. It might be tempting to go out and buy every available accessory to help capture the perfect shot, but it’s not necessarily budget-friendly or required. However, a few accessories can substantially improve the photo quality that you have in your tool kit. Some of those include a tripod, filters, external drives and cleaning kits.
What determines the image quality in a high-end digital camera?
A. The image quality in a high-end digital camera is determined by the resolution measured by the pixel count. Typically, an increased number of pixels means you can capture larger photos without risking them becoming grainy.
What are the best high-end digital cameras to buy?
Top high-end digital camera
What you need to know: The Sony A7III is a serious camera for photographers looking to take their skills to the next level.
What you’ll love: This camera takes stunning 4K videos and HD images that display jaw-dropping lifelike colors. It also comes ready with a 28-70 millimeter zoom lens that allows you to rapidly capture shots from a fair distance away.
What you should consider: The functions and menu take some time to get used to, especially for those new to photography.
Where to buy: Sold by Best Buy
Top high-end digital camera for the money
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera
What you need to know: This high-end digital camera is a budget-friendly option with plentiful features that are easy to use for beginners.
What you’ll love: The Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 is a durable camera that has features 12.1 megapixels and can shoot in 4K. Users can utilize the three-inch touch screen display to focus an image up to 24X using the camera’s long zoom. It’s one of the more ideal cameras for macro photographers, allowing them to take clear photos as close as one centimeter away from their subject.
What you should consider: It may not produce the clearest photos in low-light settings.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: Canon designed this camera to have all the features any advanced photographer requires.
What you’ll love: The EOS 5D Mark IV is a full-frame 30.4-megapixel camera that shoots up to 7.0 frames per second. In addition to its high-quality sensor and processor, it can double as a webcam for any content creators or business meetings.
What you should consider: It was designed with advanced users in mind, so it has a steep learning curve.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Christopher Lee writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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