Rix Mascarenhas
What is the Best Camera 2019? Perhaps this is one of the most difficult questions to answer this year because in addition to cameras that were released just last year we had great releases throughout the year and from all brands.
As in other years I wrote articles quoting the best we had on the market, this year could not help writing one too.
This year I will not separate things into better mirrorless cameras and better DSLR cameras, because to be fair I believe that it is no longer necessary to separate them into two threads, now it is easier to call everything still photographic camera, so here’s the list to try to help you find the best camera of 2019.
Overview. Best camera of 2019:
- Nikon Z6
- Fujifilm X-T30
- Sony A7 III
- Nikon D850
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
- Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D
- Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200
- Panasonic Lumix G95/G90
- Olympus Tough TG-6
- Sony RX10 III
1. Nikon Z6
A thread of hope for Nikon’s future
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor size: CMOS Full Frame
Photo resolution: 24.5MP
Lens mount: Nikon Z
View Finder: EVF
Screen type: 3.2-inch tilting touch screen, 2,100,000 points
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12fps
Video resolution: 4K
User level: intermediate/expert
Even though it was launched in November 2018 the Nikon Z6 is still among the best cameras of 2018.
And the answer is simple, it’s very versatile and comfortable. Ergonomics is still better than the competition, and when I say this I’m comparing it to canon and Sony mirrorless cameras.
The fact that it can record 4K using fully the full-frame sensor, combined with the camera’s large photography capability, makes it a great option for everyone who wants a camera that does both well.
The amount of lenses for the new Z coupling is still small, and this scenario doesn’t look like it’s going to change that fast. However, it’s a good thing there’s the FTZ adapter, which allows you to use Nikon F series lenses smoothly.
It is definitely one of the best cameras of 2019, even though Nikon seems to be going through difficulties, I believe it is still possible to invest in z series cameras.
2. Fujifilm X-T30
Yesterday’s guy, today’s technology.
Sensor size: APS-C
Resolution: 26.1MP
Viewfinder: 2,360,000 points
Lens mount: Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt angle touch screen, 1,040,000 points .
Autofocus: 425-point AF
Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8fps
Movies: 4K to 30p
User level: expert
You can say what you want, but one of the brands most consistent with the releases of new cameras in recent times has been Fujifilm. Almost every year, they release some camera that appears on the list of the best cameras of the year. And no wonder the Fujifilm X-T30 is here.
She inherited pretty much everything good that the brand brought with the X-T3, only in a slightly smaller and cheaper body. So it does come in as one of the recommendations of the year.
A solid 26.1 MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, popular film simulation modes, excellent 4K video capabilities, and a 425-point AF hybrid PHASE-sensing AF system stand out as highlights of its strong spec sheet.
It is very likely that the brand bid another firmware update where it will incorporate eye detection by autofocus, causing competition for Sony to increase a little.
3. Sony A7 III
Quality results in partnership with fast operation
Sensor size: Full Frame
Resolution: 24.2MP
Lens mount: Sony E
Visor: 2,359,000 points
Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt angle touch screen, 921,000 points
Autofocus: 693-point
AF Maximum continuous shooting rate: 10 fps
Movies: 4K to 30p
User level: intermediate/ expert
No wonder that Sony in just over 5 years has become the market leader when it comes to full-frame cameras, excuse me Nikon, and Canon, but this is the crudest truth.
With the Sony A7 and then with Sony A7II, the brand showed that it was not kidding, and always looked for a way to solve the problems pointed out by users of the brand.
Now with the launch of Sony A 7 III, it features a 24 MP full-frame sensor, 4K video, sensor-based image stabilization, 10fps shooting, and a 693-point hybrid AF system.
And the addition of two card slots and a 710-shot battery Plus, you get excellent value for money and performance, it’s very difficult to hit this camera and take from it the best camera position of 2019.
If the Nikon Z6 had a wide selection of native lens for the Z flange and slightly faster autofocus the post would be hers.
But like the selection of lenses for Sony E and the brand’s phenomenal autofocus make the Sony A7 III the camera to beat.
4. Nikon D850
The resolution, speed and traditional controls – this DSLR still offers
Type: DSLR
Sensor size: full-frame CMOS
Resolution: 45.4MP
Lens mount:: Nikon F
Visor Optical Screen type: 3.2-inch tilting touch screen, 2,359,000 points
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7fps
Movies: 4K User level: intermediate/ expert
You’re forgiven if you think the only camera options in 2019 are not mirrorless cameras after all DSLRs are getting rarer and rarer.
But the Nikon D850 still manages to remain one of the best cameras on the market, even after 2 years of its release.
If you need high resolution, it has a 45 MP full-frame sensor. If you need speed, it also features a 7 fps burst shooting option, which can be increased to 9 fps with the battery grip.
OK, that’s reasonably modest compared to the Sony A9 II’s 20 fps, but it’s still good enough to capture most types of action. Plus, you also have 4K video recording options, plus a robust weather-protected body.
5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
High-level performance in a super-small package
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor size: Micro Four-Thirds
Resolution: 16.1MP
Lens: Micro Four thirds
Screen type: 3.0-inch tilting touch screen, 1,370,000 points
View mirror: EVF
Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8.6fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Beginner/enthusiast
Although the OM-D E-M10 Mark III does not offer a major upgrade from its older sister, the OM-D E-M10 Mark II, Olympus has refined and adjusted one of the coolest cameras on the Micro Four Thirds market
Of course, the Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller than the competition and its 16MP resolution may also be a little behind schedule, but don’t let that discourage you.
Image stabilization based on sensor movement, something that many cameras at this level do not offer, apart from the fact that it can shoot up to 8 frames per second and record videos in 4k.
If you take your photography seriously and don’t want to carry a giant piece of equipment with you, think of Olympus and some Fujifilm cameras.
6. Canon EOS Rebel SL 3 / EOS 250D
Looking for a first DSLR? Rebel SL2 is your best option
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C CMOS
Resolution: 24.2MP
Lens mount: Canon EF
Visor: Optical Screen type: 3.0-inch variable angle touch screen, 1,040,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 5fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Beginner
If you’re getting into photography or even that spare camera, but not that spending a lot of money here goes two tips, Canon Rebel SL3 or Nikon 3500. They are two great cameras for the price they cost, and if you are already established within the brand platform, you will not feel much pain in your pocket.
Having the rather dubious nickname as the smallest DSLR in the world, with a fully articulated screen, the 250D is still a great option to learn. Thanks to this screen, it is also a decent option for vloggers or video fans.
Being an update of the popular 200D, it brings some new features such as 4K video recording and a new processor.
If your budget is limited, and you don’t need 4K video, the older SL2/200D is a good option, putting the money it saves on a new lens.
But if you want to start shooting and not get so stuck to old technologies Advise rebel SL 3 it has the 24.2-megapixel sensor, fluid AF system comes into play when recording videos.
There is also an easy-to-understand interface, which is great for those starting out. The number of lenses available for Canon’s EF mount is almost infinite, while the accessories are also numerous.
7. Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200
The perfect travel camera – small, versatile and with a decent zoom
Type: Compact
Sensor: CMOS type 1 inch
Resolution: 20.1MP
Lens: 24-360mm, f / 3.3 -6.4
View mirror: EVF Screen type: 3.0 inch touch screen, 1,240,000 points
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Beginner/enthusiast
Panasonic retains its best compact camera title for travel with the Lumix ZS200 (known as Lumix TZ 200 outside the U.S.). It combines a large 1.0-inch sensor with a flexible 15x optical zoom lens in one affordable package.
There is a built-in electronic display that you can use in very light conditions if the touch screen is hard to see. Other useful features include 4K video recording as well as for Panasonic’s 4K photo modes.
Currently, there are more powerful and easy-to-use cameras on the market, and perhaps the Cyber-shot RX100 VII is one of the best available.
But for most ordinary people who don’t have such large budgets, the ZS200/TZ200 is the much more sensible option without compromising quality.
8. Panasonic Lumix G95/G90
Great and multipurpose, suitable for vloggers
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor size: Micro Four-Thirds
Resolution: 20.3MP
Lens: Micro Four Thirds
Screen type: 3.0-inch variable angle touch screen, 1,040,000 points
Viewfinder: EVF
Maximum continuous shooting rate: 9 fps / 30fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Intermediate
If you’re looking for a camera that’s multipurpose and solid, capable of making good photos and videos, the G90/G95 is a great option.
Inheriting many features of the G85 and the video-oriented GH5S, this is a camera that can stick a lot into your relatively small body.
The design is well-thought-out, which means that the G90/G95 handles ergonomics very well even though Micro Four Thirds lenses are so small that the overall system is very sleek and compact.
For video recorders, there is 4K video with V-Log profile, at frame rates including 24p, 25p, and 30p, while full HD recording is up to 120 fps in high-speed Video mode.
The microphone and hot shoe doors also complement the video-centric features, but photographers also don’t need to feel left out, as they are also very capable in this area.
9. Olympus Tough TG-6
A sturdy, waterproof body combined with state-of-the-art features
Type: Compact
Sensor: 1 / 2.3 inches
Resolution: 12MP
Lens: 25-100mm f / 2-4.9
View mirror: N / A
Monitor: 3.0 inch screen, 1,040,000 points
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 20fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Beginner
If you’re looking for a waterproof camera that can venture into places your smartphone doesn’t step on, the TG-6 is the best option.
Olympus has done a lot to impress with its TG range over the years. Although the TG-6 represents a fairly modest upgrade from its predecessor (the TG-5), it is still the ideal name for a rugged or underwater compact camera option.
Designed to do everything you can do – sometimes literally – the TG-6 is waterproof up to 15 meters, crush-proof up to 100 kg weights, and drop-proof heights of 2.4 m. It can also be used at temperatures as low as -10 °C.
Combine all this with a camera that can record in raw format, record 4K 30p video or high-speed footage at 120p in Full HD, and you’ll get something very interesting.
For underwater photographers, there are some new underwater modes, but if you’re working mostly on land, it would be nice to consider the older TG-5 model to save money.
10. Sony RX10 III
The camera for those who want quality and convenience
Type: Camera Bridge (Compact Hybrid / Mirrorless)
Sensor: CMOS type 1.0 inches
Resolution: 20.1MP
Lens: 24-600mm, f / 2.8-4
Screen type: 3-inch tilting screen, 1,040,000 points
View mirror: EVF
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 14 fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Intermediate
A camera bridge combines the flexibility of a bag full of lenses with the convenience of a single body. For in addition to a beautiful lens that ranges well varied, it also has the image quality and almost all functions of a conventional mirrorless.
The RX10 III is the third bridge-style superzoom of the popular RX10 line, and although it was succeeded by the latest RX10 IV, the RX10 III is still the best option when we take into account the money involved.
Thanks to its large-high-quality 1-inch sensor and the zoom lens equivalent to 24-600 mm with image stabilization, it is one of the best DSLR alternatives for those who need a massive focal range.
The excellent 4K video capabilities and the 14 fps sequence capture show that it is more than capable when faced with moving objects.
Too expensive? The previous RX10 II is still available (although its lens has a more modest range of 24-200 mm), and Panasonic’s competitively priced FZ1000 is another stellar option.
11. Fujifilm GFX 100
This megapixel monster is one of the most exciting medium format cameras of all time
Sensor size: Medium format
Resolution: 102 MP
Visor: 5,760,000 points
Monitor: three-way and 3.2-inch tilt screen, 2,360,000 points
Autofocus: Hybrid AF
Maximum continuous shooting rate: 5fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Professional
Fujifilm may not have full-frame cameras like many of its rivals, but it has managed to take advantage of its successful X-series cameras with some impressive medium-format alternatives.
And with its GFX 100, it shows just how successful the marriage can be between X-series technology and a larger sensor, bringing together many well-loved features with a 102 MP (yes, 102 MP) sensor that performs to an exceptional standard.
While there are other medium format cameras that have more resolution than the GFX 100, none can match the kind of usability we have here, with great control over your photos, along with an impressive 5.76 million-point electronic display and excellent 4K video quality.
It’s not perfect and will cost a lot of money, but it’s unquestionably one of the most complete medium format cameras I’ve ever seen.
Well as said at the beginning of the article it is no simple task to find the best camera of 2019, because, in addition to the great releases we had during the year 2019, we still have great models from 2 years ago that have not yet been fully surpassed.
Final consideration
Of course, the chat here is not always choosing the best just for the best. I definitely believe that the best camera in 2019 is the one you have or the one you can buy.
The technology often comes to help of course, but in most cases, it won’t make you shoot much better, and not always the big price difference is justified.
So if you look at your camera, and it still meets all your needs, you are looking for the best camera of 2019.
