These are the best cameras for experienced videographers and snappers.
This guide includes:
1NikonZ9Check Price2
Editor’s Note
Do you want to find the best camera? It’s not easy to choose the right tool for the job. We have a buying guide to make it easier.
To make sure we are able to identify the best professional cameras for you, we have rigorously tested them all. No matter if you are a sports photographer, a wedding photographer, or something in between, there is something for you.
What is the best professional camera that you can buy in 2022, then? Pros generally don’t need a single camera. If we have to choose, the Nikon Z9 is our favorite right now. It boasts a high-class feature set, including a 45.7MP sensor and super fast burst shooting. It’s not cheap so it won’t be for everyone.
The Canon EOS 1DX Mark III is a great choice for anyone who prefers to use a DSLR with a classic interface, especially for photographers who work quickly. The Canon EOS R3 is a DSLR-like camera that puts modern technology in a DSLR-like body, making it the ideal choice for wildlife and sports photographers.
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You might be able to spend a lot if you have very demanding clients. The Sony A1 is the best camera with the unbeatable combination of speed, resolution, and an impressive autofocus system. It also features a 50.1MP full frame sensor that captures the most detail and 8K video.
This list includes many cameras that were designed to capture stills. As video becomes more popular, professionals will have a lot of movie-making passion. The Sony A7S III is a great choice if you are one of these people. The video may be at 4K but Sony chose to focus on the quality of the A7S III and not worry about the 8K. This camera offers unlimited, reliable recording and a wide range of 10-bit 4K video frames rates (up to 120fps).
Pros love medium format cameras because of the incredible detail they provide. Our guide also includes a few Fujifilm models that bring medium format cameras into the reach of ordinary professionals, such as the extremely well-priced GFX100S with a massive 100MP sensor.
As new models are released, this buying guide is regularly updated. We also provide information on older models and how they compare to the newer models. This guide will help you make the right choice when purchasing a professional camera.
The 2022 Best Cameras for Professionals:
1. Nikon Z9
This is the most powerful hybrid camera that you can purchase
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Nikon Z
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 45.7MP
Viewfinder: EVF 3 690K dots
Screen: 3.0 million dots, tilting touchscreen with bi-directional tilting.
Autofocus: 493 hybrid phase/contrast detect AF points
Max continuous shooting speed: 12/20fps
Maximum video resolution: 8K to 30fps
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There are many reasons to buy
+Powerful stacked sensor+Impressive tracking+Bomb-proof build quality+Excellent batteries life
Avoidable reasons
-Lighter and larger than competitors.
The Nikon Z9 is the best hybrid camera you can buy. It can capture 8K video and shoot almost any subject. The Z9’s futuristic design means it doesn’t have a mechanical shutter. Its 45.7MP sensor with Expeed7 processor is so fast that it doesn’t require one. This new tech allows the Z9 to showcase its impressive shooting abilities, including its ability to capture full-resolution raws at 20fps and an improved autofocus system that puts it on par with Sony and Canon.
The Nikon Z9 is considerably heavier than the Sony A1 and will feel familiar to anyone who has owned a Nikon DSLR such as the D5 or D850. The Z9 isn’t a throwback. It can shoot 8K/30p video and an 8K/60p mode, making it one of few mirrorless cameras capable of recording at such high resolution. While the Canon EOS R3 may be faster for burst speeds, we will have to wait for firmware upgrades to view internal ProRes 422HQ recording. However, the Nikon Z9 is the best choice for professionals who can afford it.
- Check out our Nikon Z9 review
2. Canon EOS R3
Canon’s cutting-edge mirrorless camera
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: RF
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 24.1MP
Viewfinder: EVF 5,760K dots
Screen: 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 4,300K dots
Autofocus: 1,053-point autofocus
Max continuous shooting speed: 12/30fps
Maximum video resolution: 6K – 6fps
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There are many reasons to buy
+Seriously fast sensor+Powerful features for AF+Impressive video specifications
Avoidable reasons
-Big for a model that is not mirrorless-No upgrade to the EVF from R5-Relatively high resolution
Do not be deceived by the vintage shell. This is not a DSLR from a decade back, but a new-generation camera that will set the standard for mirrorless performance in 2022. It combines the hybrid smarts and size of the EOS R5 and the 1DX Mark III’s chunky design, offering many innovations. Although the sensor resolution is lower, it will still be appealing to some. However, the stacked design allows for super-fast burst shooting at 30fps.
The EOS R3 is a great choice for sports and wildlife photographers, thanks to its enhanced AF tracking (including Eye Control AF which tracks your gaze through the viewfinder) The R3’s hybrid design means that it also has a solid video skill set. It can capture 6K raw video at 60 frames per second. The R3’s sharp, articulate touchscreen allows for simple framing. Anyone who has shot with professional Canon DSLRs will also be familiar with the control layout. Sony’s A1 may be superior in certain specifications, but it is able to combine the traditional charms and mirrorless technology of a DSLR with the EOS R3.
- Check out our Canon EOS R3 review
3. Canon EOS R5
Canon’s best stills camera
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Canon RF
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 45MP
Viewfinder: EVF 5,760K dots
Screen: 3.2-inch articulating touchscreen with 2,100K dots
Autofocus: 1053-area Area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 12/20fps
Maximum video resolution: 8K to 30fps
There are many reasons to buy
+Canon’s best stills shooter+Accurate, versatile AF+Effective BIS
Avoidable reasons
Video recording limits-Overheating recovery time-Pricey
When the Canon EOS R5 was released, it raised the bar. The Canon EOS R5 boasts 8K video, a 45MP resolution and an EVF with 5.76 million dots. It also has a 3.2-inch fully articulated touchscreen. All this was packed into a body that only weighs 650g. This all seemed like a wishlist. Too good to be true! The best thing about the EOS R5 is its ability to deliver.
Canon’s best mirrorless camera is the XT1. This mirrorless camera is supported by an excellent autofocus system and the DIGICX processor, which can handle 12fps continuous shooting.
There is also 8K video recording which is unmatched on any camera of this price. The video image quality is amazing, with easily graded colors and Canon’s first-ever in-body image stabilization system (IBIS). One problem is overheating after long cooling periods. The 8K video recording duration is therefore limited and unsuitable for heavy-use professionals. However, 4K video recording is more efficient, even though there is still a limit.
Although it’s not perfect, the EOS R5 is still the best-rounded pro-photography camera.
- Check out our Canon EOS R5 review
4. Sony A7S III
The 4K video king
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Sony FE
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 12MP
Viewfinder EVF 9,440K dots
Screen: 3.0-inch articulating touchscreen with 1,440K dots
Autofocus: 759-area area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Maximum video resolution: 4K upto 120fps
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There are many reasons to buy
+ Unlimited 4K video recording + Image quality in all lighting conditions+Stunning S-Cinetone profile
Avoidable reasons
-Low resolution stills-CFexpress Type A cards can be expensive
The Sony A7S III hybrid camera is our best choice if 4K video recording is your main concern. This camera is an excellent pro tool. It’s reliable, robust, and has no limitations. Some people expected the video-centric A7 model to blow them away with 6K and 8K video recording. But Sony instead focused on 4K video, without any nasty surprises. We have a technically flawless camera.
The 600g lightweight body is strong and durable. It also features beautiful ergonomics. The autofocus works flawlessly, and the rolling shutter can be controlled with great ease.
The dual native ISO 640/ISO 16000 offers exceptional low-light performance and dynamic range. The firmware update to the A7S III introduced the stunning S-Cinetone color profile, which was originally used in the Sony FX9 cine camera. Stills are beautiful, even if you’re not bothered by the 12MP resolution. We could go on and on about the Sony A7S III. It is so good.
- View our in-depth Sony A7S III Review
5. Sony A1
This is a truly amazing, multi-purpose pro-level camera
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Sony FE
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 50.1MP
Viewfinder: EVF 94337K dots
Screen: 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,440K dots
Autofocus: 759-area phase detection, 425-area contrast detection AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 30fps
Maximum video resolution: 8K to 30fps
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There are many reasons to buy
+Superb detail+Excellent combination speed and resolution
Avoidable reasons
-Very expensive-Not necessary for most photographers-Complicated menu system
The Sony A1 mirrorless camera is a rare combination of speed, high resolution stills, and 8K video. It is also Sony’s flagship. This camera is capable of handling any subject you can throw at it. It combines fine detail with super fast shooting speeds.
All of this is not cheap. It comes with a huge price tag that could make your eyes water if you don’t have the funds.
It is a great value, if you look at it in another light. You don’t need two cameras for studio work or one for racing. One camera can do it all and you could end up spending less
Apart from the impressive 50.1MP sensor, it also offers 30fps (even more impressive at that resolution), and 8K video. You can also get 4K at 120p. The A1 is a great choice if you are a Sony shooter and want to upgrade. It’s also very attractive for people who come from other brands.
- Check out our Sony A1 Review
6. Panasonic Lumix GH6
Professional film makers will love this hybrid camera
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Micro Four-Thirds
Sensor: Fourth Thirds
Resolution: 25.2MP
Viewfinder: OLED, 3.68m dot EVF
Screen: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84m-dot
Autofocus: 315-area Area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 75fps
Max video resolution: 8K/30p
There are many reasons to buy
+A wide range of video options+Multi-angle tilt and swivel screens+Limited recording times
Avoidable reasons
GH5 is larger and heavier than GH5. -Autofocus is not perfect
Full-frame models are still the most popular, but there is still plenty of room for smaller sensors depending on what you need. Micro Four Thirds cameras such as the GH6 are lighter and smaller than full-frame models. This makes them great for traveling and shooting on the go. It’s also easier to stabilize because of the smaller sensor. These smaller models are also more affordable than full framers.
The Panasonic GH6 is a video maker’s choice. We believe it to be Panasonic’s most powerful Micro Four Thirds Camera to date and the best MFT for video. Its excellent design and ease of use, as well as the vast array of video options available, were a big draw for us. It can be used for stills photography as well, but it is better for people who are more concerned about stills.
- View our Panasonic Lumix G6 review
7. Canon EOS 1D X Mark III
Canon’s fastest DSLR is made for speed
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Lens Mount: Canon EF
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 20.1MP
Viewfinder: OVF, 0.76x mag
Screen: 3.2-inch fixed touchscreen screen, 2,100K dots
Autofocus: 191 area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 16/20fps
Maximum video resolution: 5.5K to 60fps
There are many reasons to buy
+Exceptional autofocus+No continuous limit for stills+Intuitive, new “smart controller”+Hugely skilled video shooter too
Avoidable reasons
-Expensive IBIS-Fixed LCD Screen
Canon EOS 1D X III, the company’s flagship DSLR is a camera that professional action photographers often use at large events. It is a robust piece of kit that can withstand extreme conditions and speed. These are tougher than any other.
Up to 20.1MP still images can be captured at 16 frames per second until your memory card runs out. The camera is truly capable of taking action shots at a rate of almost 20.1MP, and the battery lasts nearly 3,000 shots. However, continuous shooting can take up much more time. The subject-tracking autofocus performance of the camera is simply jaw-dropping.
This is not an action camera. The EOS 1D X III can also be used as a video tool with 5.5K raw 10-bit video at 60 frames per second. You’ll need to save money for a few CFexpress cards, as the video files can be quite large. Canon’s Dual PixelAF performs exceptionally well in Live View. This allows you to achieve almost the same AF performance as when using the bright optical seefinder. This 3rd 1DX installment has a significant price increase.
- Check out our Canon EOS 1D Mark III Review
8. Fujifilm GFX100S
The mainstream medium format is a marvel
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Fujifilm G
Sensor: (Digital) Medium format
Resolution: 102MP
Viewfinder: EVF 3 690K dots
Screen: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with 2,360K dots
Autofocus: 425-area Area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 5fps
Maximum video resolution: 4K up 30fps
There are many reasons to buy
+It’s an ultra-thin medium format camera with 100MP!+Effective IBIS+Aggressive pricing point
Avoidable reasons
GF lenses are heavier than the GF lenses. No vertical grip
Fujfilm or Hasselblad are the current contenders for your attention if you need a digital medium format. Each system has its pros and cons, but Fujifilm seems to be pushing the boundaries more with the new GFX100S. The GFX100S, like the Fujifilm GFX100S, features a massive 102MP medium format sensor. The most notable news was a price drop of nearly 50%
The GFX100S eliminates vertical grip. Also, the battery life drops to a respectable 460 shots. This is because there is only one battery unit in the camera. The camera weighs in at about two-thirds of the GFX100. The medium format goodness is contained in a DSLR-sized body. In-body stabilization is also available that can be activated up to 6EV
Medium format is a great option for the GFX100S, which includes some of the most responsive autofocus systems and X-Series tech. The new 400MP high resolution mode, which combines 16 images using pixel shifting, is available to complement the 100MP resolution. The GFX100S, a Fujifilm camera, is a beautiful looking one. The GFX100S is the best option for switching to full-frame mirrorless cameras, DSLRs or the GFX100S.
- View our Fujifilm Fujifilm GFX100S Review
9. Panasonic Lumix S1R
Panasonic’s top camera for photographers
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Panasonic (Leica) L
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 47MP
Viewfinder: EVF 5,760K dots
Screen: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with 2,100K dots
Autofocus: 225-area AAF
Max continuous shooting speed: 9fps
Maximum video resolution: 5K to 30fps/4K to 60fps
There are many reasons to buy
+Excellent build quality+Gorgeous electronicVF+Decent photo/video performer
Avoidable reasons
-AF system behind the competition-A little bulky battery life
The company’s first venture into full-frame mirrorless cameras was with the Panasonic Lumix R1R. It’s an extremely capable camera. The company has not wasted any time building the system, with regular launches and upgrades of L-Mount lenses. These have covered nearly all the traditional pro options, such as the 24-70mm and the 70-200mm F/2.8.
What about the S1R? It’s the highest-resolution option with 47MP. This is ideal for landscape photography. The S1R is also capable of producing high-quality video – that’s what we would expect from Panasonic. The S1R is being continuously improved by Panasonic. It has received five firmware updates including video recording at 5K/30fps and 10-bit video recording at 4K/60fp
The S1R is heavier and larger than other cameras, so it’s not as easy to hold in your hand. The ergonomics and build quality are excellent, and the 5.76 million dot EVF provides a wonderful viewing experience. We would like to see better battery life and autofocus be more effective in high-resolution full frame options. There is, however, the option to charge your camera via USB-C on-the-go
