Best professional camera 2023: the 14 best workhorses for pro creators

The Nikon Z9 camera on a wooden table
(Image credit: Future)

Whether you shoot weddings, sport or wildlife, the best professional camera models will help you nail your next commission. Equipped with powerful features targeted specifically at seasoned photographers and videographers, these pro tools are designed to help you get the job done.

Editor's note

Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon and Hasselblad upped the ante in 2022, all releasing flagship models. Truly, professional photographers and filmmakers are spoilt for choice. The Hasselblad X2D 100C became out favorite medium-format camera, being twice as powerful and inherently more useable than what had come before. Sharp 100MP images when shooting handheld with medium format blew my mind. 

Likewise, the Nikon Z9 – our overall pick for best professional camera – only uses an electronic shutter, thanks to its stacked sensor design that effectively eliminates the adverse impact of rolling shutter. Expect this sensor design in most flagship cameras from the leading brands going forward. 

I'm expecting new professional cameras at some point in 2023 from most of the big names, from modest refreshes like the rumored successor to the Canon EOS R5, to  something big for Fujifilm's medium format. Let's not forget lenses too – super-expensive optics have already been launched this year like the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 and Sony FE 50mm F1.4. The tools professionals have at their disposal have never been better.
Timothy Coleman, Cameras editor

There’s no one-size solution for every pro, especially as briefs increasingly demand both stills and video content. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, to help you find the right professional camera for your individual working requirements. We’ve rigorously tested all of the top professional cameras and highlighted our favorite options in our comprehensive list. You’ll find outstanding stills cameras, video tools and hybrid shooters, plus a handful of models which make medium format more accessible.

Overall, our top pick in 2023 is the mighty Nikon Z9. It’s not cheap, but shelling out secures you a high-spec hybrid powerhouse with a 45.7MP sensor, rapid burst shooting and 8K/30p video skills. If you prefer the handling of a classic DSLR but still expect superlative mirrorless performance, the cutting-edge Canon EOS R3 comes a close second. And if money is no object when it comes to satisfying clients, the Sony A1 sets the gold standard with its unmatched combination of speed and resolution.

Whatever your budget and professional focus, you’ll find an ideal option below. We updated our guide regularly as prices change and new cameras hit the market. Once you’ve settled on a model, you’ll find links beneath each entry which take you straight to the top offers available right now. And if you’re not sure what to consider when buying a professional camera, you can scroll to the bottom for expert buying advice.

The best cameras for professionals 2023:

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The Nikon Z9 camera on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

1. Nikon Z9

The most powerful hybrid camera you can buy

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Nikon Z
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 45.7MP
Viewfinder: EVF 3,690K dots
Screen: 3-inch bi-directional tilting touchscreen, 1.04-million dots
Autofocus: 493 hybrid phase/contrast detect AF points
Max continuous shooting speed: 12/20fps
Max video resolution: 8K up to 30fps

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful stacked sensor
+
Impressive AF tracking
+
Bomb-proof build quality
+
Excellent battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Bigger and heavier than rivals
-
Some features need firmware update

If you need a future-proofed hybrid camera that can shoot pretty much any subject, and capture 8K video, then the Nikon Z9 is the best you can buy. The Z9 is so futuristic, it doesn't even have a mechanical shutter – that's because it's stacked 45.7MP sensor and Expeed 7 processor are so fast, it simply doesn't need one. That new tech provides a platform for the Z9's impressive shooting skills, from its ability to shoot full-resolution raws at 20fps to a much-improved autofocus system that draws it level with Canon and Sony.

While it's considerably bulkier than the Sony A1, the Nikon Z9 will feel comfortably familiar to anyone who's owned a Nikon DSLR like the D5 or D850. It's no throwback, though – with the ability to shoot 8K/30p video (and an 8K/60p mode en route), it's one of the select few mirrorless cameras that can record at that lofty resolution. The Canon EOS R3 might beat it for top burst shooting speeds and we'll have to wait for a firmware upgrade to see internal ProRes 422 HQ recording, but otherwise the Nikon Z9 is top dog for the professionals who can afford it.


The front of the Canon EOS R3 mirrorless camera

(Image credit: Future)
A cutting-edge mirrorless camera for Canon fans

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
Max video resolution: 6K up to 6fps

Reasons to buy

+
Seriously speedy sensor
+
Powerful AF features
+
Impressive video specs

Reasons to avoid

-
Big for a mirrorless model
-
No EVF upgrade from R5
-
Relatively low resolution

Don’t be fooled by the old-school shell: this isn’t a DSLR from a decade ago, but a cutting-edge camera that represents the pinnacle of mirrorless performance in 2022. Combining the hybrid smarts of the EOS R5 with the chunky form factor of the 1D X Mark III, it features plenty of innovations inside. The lower-resolution sensor will limit its appeal for some, but the stacked design delivers super-fast 30fps raw burst shooting. 

Combined with enhanced AF tracking (including Eye Control AF, which follows your gaze through the viewfinder), that makes the EOS R3 a winner for wildlife and sports photographers. True to its hybrid design, the R3 also offers a solid video skill set: it can capture 6K raw video internally at 60fps. A sharp articulating touchscreen is on hand for straightforward framing, while the control layout will be familiar to anyone who’s shot with a pro Canon DSLRs. Sony’s A1 might trump it on certain specs, but nothing else combines the traditional charms of a DSLR with next-gen mirrorless tech like the EOS R3.


3. Canon EOS R5

The best stills camera Canon has ever made

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Canon RF
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 45MP
Viewfinder: EVF 5,760K dots
Screen: 3.2-inch articulating touchscreen, 2,100K dots
Autofocus: 1053-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 12/20fps
Max video resolution: 8K up to 30fps

Reasons to buy

+
Canon's most competent stills shooter
+
Accurate and versatile AF
+
Effective IBIS

Reasons to avoid

-
Video recording time limits
-
Overheating recovery times
-
Pricey

The bar was well-and-truly raised when the Canon EOS R5 was launched. Boasting 8K video, a 45MP resolution, up to 20fps burst shooting, an EVF with 5.76-million dots, and a 3.2-in fully articulating touchscreen, the R5 crammed all of this crammed into a body that weighs a mere 650g. It all read like an unrealistic wishlist. Too good to be true? For the best part, the EOS R5 well and truly delivers.

This is Canon's most competent mirrorless camera for photography. The high-resolution sensor is well supported by an incredibly effective autofocus system, while its competitive 12fps continuous shooting is gobbled up by the powerful DIGIC X processor. 

Then there is 8K video recording, not found on any other camera at this price point. Video image quality is incredibly sharp, complemented by easily graded color profiles and Canon's first in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system. There is one well-reported caveat; overheating with lengthy cooling down periods. Consequently, 8K video recording time is limited and therefore unusable for heavy-use pros. However, 4K video recording fares better, even if there is still a video recording cap. 

It's not out-and-out hybrid perfection, but the EOS R5 still takes the crown as the most well-rounded camera for pro photographers.

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, 1,440K dots
Autofocus: 759-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Max video resolution: 4K up to 120fps

Reasons to buy

+
Unlimited 4K video recording
+
Image quality in any lighting condition
+
Stunning S-Cinetone color profile

Reasons to avoid

-
Low-resolution stills
-
CFexpress Type A cards are expensive

When 4K video recording is your primary concern, then the Sony A7S III is hands-down our top hybrid camera. This is a pro's tool, totally reliable and with no real limitations. Being the video-centric A7 model, some hoped to be blown away by 6K or 8K video recording, but instead Sony clearly focused on getting 4K video right, with no nasty surprises. What we have is a technically perfect camera.

Its lightweight 600g body is durable and boasts lovely ergonomics, the articulated screen has full touch control, there's truly effective IBIS, decent battery life and comprehensive 10-bit 4K video frame rates at up to 120fps with no record limit and no overheating. Autofocus is an absolute dream, while rolling shutter is very well controlled.

Image quality-wise, the dual native ISO 640/ISO 16,000 offers unparalleled low light performance and dynamic range. What's more, the A7S III recently enjoyed a firmware update that introduced the gorgeous S-Cinetone color profile originally found in the Sony FX9 cine camera. If you don't mind the low 12MP resolution, stills look lovely, too. Really, we could keep banging the drum for the Sony A7S III, it really is that good.

5. Sony A1

A truly remarkable pro-level, versatile camera

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Sony FE
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 50.1MP
Viewfinder: EVF 9437K 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
Max video resolution: 8K up to 30fps

Reasons to buy

+
Superb detail
+
Excellent combination of speed and resolution 
+
Super-fast AF

Reasons to avoid

-
Very expensive
-
Not necessary for most photographers
-
Complicated menu system

Boasting an extremely rare blend of speed, high-resolution stills and 8K video, the Sony A1 is pretty much the ultimate mirrorless camera and without a shadow of a doubt, Sony’s flagship. It really is a camera that can tackle any subject that you care to throw at it, blending together fine detail and super-fast shooting speed.

Of course, all of that doesn’t come cheap, with a car-sized price tag attached to it that may well set your eyes watering if you don’t have a big budget to hand. 

Look at it another way though, and it arguably represents good value. No longer do you need one camera for studio work and another one entirely for taking to the racetrack - when you’ve got one camera that does it all, you may actually end up spending less than you might. 

Aside from an impressive 50.1MP sensor, you get 30fps shooting (even more impressive at that resolution), 8K video and 4K at 120p. If you’re already a Sony shooter then when it comes to upgrade time, the A1 may be a bit of a no-brainer if you’ve got the funds to spare, and it’s also a pretty tempting proposition for those coming from other brands too.

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A fantastic hybrid camera for professional film makers

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
Sensor: Four Thirds
Resolution: 25.2MP
Viewfinder: OLED, 3.68m-dot EVF
Screen: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84m-dot
Autofocus: 315-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 75fps
Max video resolution: 8K/30p

Reasons to buy

+
Huge range of video options
+
Multi angle tilt and swivel screen
+
Unlimited recording times

Reasons to avoid

-
Larger and heavier than GH5 
-
Autofocus not perfect

Although full-frame models are the hot ticket right now, there’s still plenty of scope for cameras with smaller sensors depending on exactly what you need. One of the big advantages of Micro Four Thirds cameras like the GH6 is that they’re smaller and lighter than their full-frame equivalents, making them ideal for travelling and shooting on the move. That smaller sensor also makes it easier to stabilize, too. These smaller models also tend to be more affordable than full-framers, which is another tick in the box. 

The Panasonic GH6 is aimed squarely at video makers, and we believe it to be Panasonic’s most powerful Micro Four Thirds camera to date, and the best MFT you can buy for video to boot. We loved its excellent design and handling and the sheer wealth of video options. You can also use it for stills photography, too - although it’s better for those for whom stills is a secondary, rather than primary, concern. 

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7. Canon EOS 1D X Mark III

Canon's most expensive DSLR is built 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, 2,100K dots
Autofocus: 191-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 16/20fps
Max video resolution: 5.5K up to 60fps

Reasons to buy

+
Exceptional autofocus
+
No continuous shooting limit for stills
+
Intuitive new 'smart controller'
+
Hugely competent video shooter, too

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks IBIS
-
Fixed LCD screen
-
Expensive

The Canon EOS 1D X III is the company's flagship DSLR, a camera typically seen in the hands of professional action photographers at big events. It's a substantial and rugged bit of kit, designed for speed and to withstand harsh conditions. They don't come tougher than this.

You'll be able to rattle off 20.1MP still images at a rate of 16fps until the memory card fills up. Truly, there is no limit in the camera's performance for action and it is backed up by a staggering battery life of nearly 3,000 shots (which in real use for continuous shooting is much higher, too). Subject-tracking autofocus performance is also simply jaw-dropping. 

But this isn't just an action camera – the EOS 1D X III is a brilliant video tool too, with 5.5K RAW 10-bit video up to 60fps. Beware, you'll need to save up for a handful of expensive CFexpress cards because those video files are huge. Unlike other competing DSLRs, Canon's Dual Pixel AF works exceptionally well in Live View, where you virtually get equal AF performance to when you're using the bright optical viewfinder. The only real downside is that there has been a price hike in this third 1D X installment.

8. Hasselblad X2D 100C

The best medium format camera for flash portraiture

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Hasselblad XCD
Sensor: (Digital) Medium format
Resolution: 100MP
Viewfinder: EVF 5.760K dots
Screen: 3.6-inch tilting touchscreen, 2,360K dots
Autofocus: 294-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 3.3fps
Max video resolution: No video

Reasons to buy

+
Stunningly designed and built
+
Exceptional image quality
+
Built-in 1TB SSD storage

Reasons to avoid

-
No video modes
-
Middling battery life
-
No native telephoto lenses

The Hasselblad X2D 100C is unapologetically a purist’s camera. It can’t record video, burst rates max out at just 3.3fps and, while notably faster than previous models, autofocus still struggles. Yet the X2D is also the most versatile Hasselblad to date. We found it comfortable in the hand and surprisingly wieldy for a medium format model. Its tilt-screen design benefits from excellent touch response, while 1TB of built-in SSD storage kept our minds off memory cards. Plus it benefits from a first for Hasselblad: in-body image stabilization, executed so well that we didn’t need a tripod.

As you’d expect from a 100MP sensor, it can produce razor-sharp stills in a range of scenarios. But where the X2D really excels is flash portraiture. By incorporating the mechanical shutter into its XCD lenses, Hasselblad both reduces vibrations and allows flash sync at any shutter speed. This unlocks easier and more creative use of wide apertures. Add the X2D’s outstanding color rendition and dynamic range into the mix and you’ve got one of our favorite medium format cameras.

Panasonic Lumix S1R

(Image credit: Future)

9. Panasonic Lumix S1R

Panasonic's best 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, 2,100K dots
Autofocus: 225-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 9fps
Max video resolution: 5K up to 30fps/ 4K up to 60fps

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent build quality
+
Gorgeous EVF
+
Decent photo and video performer

Reasons to avoid

-
AF system behind competition
-
A little bulky
-
Battery life

The Panasonic Lumix S1R was part of the company's first foray into the full-frame mirrorless camera market – and it's and an exceptionally capable camera. The company has wasted no time in building the system up either, with regular launches of new L-Mount lenses that have already covered almost all conventional pro choices, like the 24-70mm and 70-200mm f/2.8's. 

And what of the S1R itself? Well, it's the high-resolution option with 47MP, ideal for landscape photography especially. It is also a highly capable video performer – we'd expect that from Panasonic. The company is steadily improving the S1R which has already had five firmware updates, recently including 5K/30fps video recording in addition to the already existing 4K/60fps 10-bit video.

In the hand, the S1R is bigger and heavier than the competition – there's really no advantage compared to a DSLR. However, the ergonomics are great, the build quality is exceptional and the 5.76-million dot EVF gives a great viewing experience. The only real downsides are that autofocus is the least effective among high-resolution full-frame options, and we'd also like a better battery life. But like most cameras today there is the option of USB-C charging on-the-go.

10. Nikon Z7 II

Nikon's best mirrorless camera, particularly for landscape shooters

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Nikon Z
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 45.7MP
Viewfinder: 3,680K dots
Screen: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2,100K dots
Autofocus: 493-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Max video resolution: 4K up to 60fps

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent handling
+
Nikon Z lens mount has huge potential
+
Superb stills image quality
+
Competitive price

Reasons to avoid

-
Better AF elsewhere
-
Not the best image stabilization
-
Limited EVF performance

The Nikon Z7 II is the company's best mirrorless camera today. Being a high-resolution flagship with excellent image quality and dynamic range, it competes against others in this roundup, such as the Sony A7R IV and Panasonic S1R. For the most part, the Z7 II holds its own, and at a lower price point.

Perhaps what's most intriguing about the Nikon Z7 II is the system that it is part of. The Nikon Z lens mount is the most versatile full-frame lens mount available today, boasting the largest diameter and shortest flange distance, and therefore the largest angle of incidence in a full-frame lens mount. 

If you're scratching your head right now, the larger the angle of incidence, the easier it is to make high performing lenses. Two years since the system was launched, we are starting to see some really exciting lenses, while the edge-to-edge quality of standard lenses like the 50mm f/1.8 Z is excellent. If you're starting from scratch and basing your buying decision on the whole system, the Nikon Z series could be for you – and the Z7 II is the jewel in its crown.

11. Fujifilm GFX 50S II

Bringing well-priced medium format to the masses

Specifications

Type : Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Fujifilm G
Sensor: Medium Format
Resolution: 50MP
Viewfinder: 3.69m-dot EVF
Screen: 3.2-inch 3-way tilting touchscreen, 2,360K dots
Autofocus: 425-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 3fps
Max video resolution: 1080p up to 30fps

Reasons to buy

+
Relatively affordable
+
Superb image quality 
+
Well-performing image stabilization

Reasons to avoid

-
No 4K video
-
Comparatively sluggish AF
-
Not good for sport/action

Unlike some of the models in our list that are adept at a wide-range of shooting scenarios, the GFX 50S II is designed with one thing in mind - high image quality and fantastic detail resolution. Its medium-format sensor is 1.7x bigger than the full-frame sensors you’ll find in other mirrorless and DSLR cameras. 

With a bigger sensor you get better low-light capability, superlative detail capabilities and fantastic dynamic range. The trade off is that it’s much more difficult to shoot quickly and rapidly with a camera like this - but that might be OK depending on the type of photographer you are.

If you’re a landscape or portrait photographer, it could be just the ticket for you, while sports and action photographers are likely to find the relatively slouchy AF system and the slow frame rates (3fps) to be off-putting.

For the first time in a GFX body, we’ve now got IBIS (in-body image stabilization) that brings an impressive 6.5 stops of compensation for camera shake. That’s great news for anyone shooting handheld, making this a realistic walk around camera - something that traditionally wasn’t really possible with medium format cameras of the past.

There are other things which are arguably disappointing here, primarily the lack of 4K video recording, but it’s not really a camera aimed at videographers, so that’s understandable.

Essentially what Fujifilm has introduced here is an affordable medium-format camera. It may not be your only camera, but by bringing it to the market at a reasonable price, it gives professionals the option to add something ideal for those situations that require it to their kit bag.

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12. Olympus OM-D E-M1X

A small format offering that packs a powerful punch

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
Sensor: Four Thirds
Resolution: 20.3MP
Viewfinder: EVF 2,360K dots
Screen: 3.0-inch articulating touchscreen, 1,037K dots
Autofocus: 121-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 18/60fps
Max video resolution: 4K up to 30fps

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent handling
+
Great for action
+
Fantastic image stabilization

Reasons to avoid

-
Image quality suffers in low light
-
Viewfinder clarity in low light
-
Overwhelming menus

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is a technological tour de force, armed to tackle action photography in particular. For continuous shooting at 20.3MP, the mechanical and electronic shutters offer up to 18fps and 60fps respectively, with no real limit to the sequence length. There's even a Pro capture mode that acquires 35 shots before you press the shutter, just in case your reflexes aren't quite up to scratch.

As with most Olympus OM-D cameras, the E-M1X is a joy to use day-to-day, slotting in the hand perfectly. Solid as a rock, it is the largest and heaviest Micro Four Thirds camera available. It's admittedly hampered by low light image quality when compared to large format rivals, but there's plenty of reason to pick up the E-M1X instead – especially for action photography.

Its like-for-like lenses are significantly smaller and lighter than its rivals. Take the new 150-400mm f/4.5 TC 1.25x lens that has a maximum equivalent reach of 1200mm – it's an incredible bit of kit, supported by arguably the most effective camera image stabilization available today, plus a new bird autofocus mode. The smaller sensor format also gives you greater depth of field at like-for-like apertures, ideal at those long focal lengths. Really, it's a win-win for action photography, even if Olympus itself is in a moment of flux.

Nikon D850

(Image credit: Future)

13. Nikon D850

Still the most well-rounded DSLR available

Specifications

Type: DSLR
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 45.4MP
Viewfinder: OVF, 0.75x mag
Screen: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2,359K dots
Autofocus: 153-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 7fps
Max video resolution: 4K up to 30fps

Reasons to buy

+
Great all-rounder
+
Significant battery life
+
Excellent image quality at ISO 64

Reasons to avoid

-
Video performance can't match mirrorless
-
Sluggish Live View focusing speed

If you're a DSLR fan who can't quite bring yourself to buy a mirrorless camera just yet, then the Nikon D850 would be our pick. Armed with a 45.4MP sensor and class-leading image quality at its base ISO 64, the D850 is particularly suitable for landscape photography. You'll also enjoy the proven autofocus system borrowed from the action-focused Nikon D5, which will happily handle more demanding scenarios such as weddings and even action photography, too. 

Build wise, the camera is practically bomb-proof, and enjoys comprehensive weather-sealing, a significant battery life and a wonderfully large and bright optical viewfinder. This is a camera that you can simply rely on. When you consider the system as a whole, DSLR tech is a lot cheaper than mirrorless rivals too, with like-for-like lenses typically two thirds of the price. 

The clear drawback to a Nikon DSLR compared to mirrorless rivals is video performance. While you can still shoot lovely looking 4K videos, Live View autofocus is sluggish at best and there is no in-body stabilization. Also, this isn't a true action camera, with a 7fps continuous shooting limited to sequences around 50 shots.

14. Leica M10-R

A street shooter's delight

Specifications

Type: Rangefinder mirrorless
Lens Mount: Leica M
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 40.9MP
Viewfinder: Optical rangefinder, 0.73x mag
Screen: 3.0-inch articulating touchscreen, 1,037K dots
Autofocus: Manual focus only
Max continuous shooting speed: 4.5fps
Max video resolution: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Improved and competitive 40MP resolution
+
Rangefinder handling and style
+
Superb lenses

Reasons to avoid

-
No video
-
Mainly for wide and standard primes
-
Very expensive

Offering a wholly different experience to most of the other cameras in this roundup, the Leica M10-R is a prestige, rangefinder-style mirrorless camera that's widely adored by reportage and street photographers. Compared to its predecessor, the M-10R enjoyed a significant bump in resolution, now at a competitive 40MP. That divine Leica M lens quality can now be enjoyed on a larger scale.

The M10-R is also the most expensive camera here, though it will likely retain its value. It offers double-image rangefinder manual focusing that gives all of the feels to photographers familiar with this method, in a way that no autofocus system can match. It may sound corny, but the experience is wonderful. This is also a stylish yet discreet camera, with a virtually silent shutter that's well-suited to street scenes. 

This is a stripped back experience, too. There's no video recording, no autofocus and a simple control layout. There are digital touches, with a fixed touchscreen offering Live View operation and image playback. But really the M10-R is the most niche camera in this roundup and you'll probably already know if it is the one for you. The Fujifilm X-Pro 3 is a decent alternative at about a quarter of the price.

15. Sony A7R V

A high-res powerhouse for studio and landscape work

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Sony FE
Sensor: Full-frame
Resolution: 61MP
Viewfinder: EVF 9,440K dots
Screen: 3.2-inch 4-axis articulating touchscreen, 2,360K dots
Autofocus: 693-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Max video resolution: 8K up to 24fps

Reasons to buy

+
Class-leading resolution
+
Excellent autofocus
+
Versatile 4-axis touchscreen

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Requires high-quality lenses

If pixels are paramount, the Sony A7R V should rank highly on your shortlist. The 61MP resolution of its full-frame sensor remains peerless among full-frame mirrorless cameras. Combined with an upgraded Bionz XR processing engine and high-end optics, it can capture vast amounts of detail for cropping flexibility, whether you’re shooting landscapes or studio portraits. It’s happy going handheld as well, with up to eight stops of image stabilization at its disposal. Its video chops are no less impressive: while the A7S III is a better choice for dedicated videographers, the A7R V can comfortably record pro-grade footage.

AF improvements make it more than just a numbers game, with AI-assisted subject recognition reliably outsmarting standard face- and eye-detection in our tests. It also borrows a 9.44-million dot EVF from the A7S III, while the 3.2-inch touchscreen is a fully articulating affair for framing versatility. Burst speeds are better elsewhere, but the main consideration is whether you’re willing to upgrade your glass: the A7R V’s capabilities are only fully realised when it’s paired with top-spec lenses.

16. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

A serious amount of video bang for your buck

Specifications

Type: DSLR/mirrorless
Lens Mount: Canon EF
Sensor: Super 35
Resolution: 6K (21.2MP)
Viewfinder: optional EVF, 3,680K dots
Screen: 5.0-inch tilt touchscreen, 2,073K dots
Autofocus: single-shot AF
ISO: 100-25,600 dual native ISO 400/3200
Max video resolution: 6K up to 60fps

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible 6K video image quality
+
Built-in ND filters
+
Great value

Reasons to avoid

-
Handling quirks
-
No real photo capability
-
EVF is an optional extra
-
Large plastic body
-
No image stabilization

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is just about the most affordable way to shoot delicious 6K videos. By focusing on video – there's no real photo capability with this camera – the 6K Pro offers video smarts not available with any other camera here, such as built-in ND filters. 

Users can enjoy the Blackmagic RAW and ProRes codecs, stunning preset LUTs, all edited in Blackmagic's own DaVinci Resolve Studio software included with the camera. The Super 35 sensor is a little smaller than full-frame, but the 6K Pro is still a capable low-light shooter, too, with dual native ISO 400/3,200. There's the Canon EF lens mount, meaning a great choice of lenses. 

If you are moving from photography to video, there will be some acclimatization with a number of handling quirks in the 6K Pro, while its EVF is an expensive optional extra. Build quality is passable – we're looking at a plastic build rather than metal, plus there's no image stabilization. While we're on build, this is actually quite a chunky camera. But if 6K video image quality is your prime concern, there's no better bang for your buck.

17. Fujifilm X-T5

The best lightweight mirrorless model for photography traditionalists

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Lens Mount: Fujifilm X
Sensor: APS-C
Resolution: 40.2MP
Viewfinder: EVF 3,690K dots
Screen: 3.69-inch articulating touchscreen, 1,840K dots
Autofocus: 425-area AF
Max continuous shooting speed: 15fps
Max video resolution: 6K up to 30fps

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive APS-C sensor
+
Latest subject-tracking autofocus

Reasons to avoid

-
 Limited burst shooting buffer
-
Autofocus lags behind the best

If you want a lightweight sidekick for photography gigs, the Fujifilm X-T5 is a great choice. While it can shoot lovely 6.2K video, it’s very much a stills camera, and better for it. Sharing a 40.2MP APS-C sensor and X-Processor 5 with the Fujifilm X-H2, it produces attractive images despite its compact proportions. In-body image stabilization is a boon for shooting handheld, while Fujiiflm’s latest subject-detection autofocus is a big step up from the X-T4, even if it lags behind the best efforts of Canon and Sony.

That photo-first approach is mirrored in the design, which feels like a hit list for fans of Fuji’s retro X-T series. Its three-way tilting touchscreen is perfect for photography, and it benefits from separate dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure. And with margins shaved off its width and weight, it’s a throwback to the X-T1. The APS-C sensor size does have limitations in low light, while its limited burst buffer means it isn’t a win for action and sports shooters. But if you want a smaller, more affordable alternative to full-frame, the X-T5 is a fantastic option.

Five things to look for when choosing a professional camera

1. Build quality
Needless to say, life alongside a pro is rarely dull. Exposed to inclement weather, being thrown around the place and rattling through thousands of pictures, your camera will be taken through its paces and will need to stand up to the challenge. Ideally, the camera body will be both weather-sealed and made from hard-wearing metal.

2. Real-world performance
Sometimes you'll need to look beyond the spec sheet and into real world experience. One example, 20fps continuous shooting might sound impressive for action, but if the camera slows up after a second, that mode is of no real use. Or is that the electronic shutter affected by banding? A true pro camera for action should just keep going without slowing up.

3. Lens choice
Sometimes we can get so drawn into what the camera can do, while forgetting that it is part of an interchangeable lens system. Lens quality and choice is just about as important as the camera itself. Even within this roundup, the camera systems vary in age and therefore breadth. Does the system offer the lens you want?

4. Listen to other pros
The feel in the hand, the control layout, potential customization, reliability, the little features that don't make the headlines. It's worthwhile reading up what other pros have enjoyed about the camera you are interested in, because they have that real-world experience. Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference with the camera that you intend to rely on. 

5. Accessories
Memory cards, additional batteries, grips, supports, audio, wireless transmitters, lighting. The list goes on. Not all pros are made of money and the camera is only your initial outlay. The best option might not be what camera you can afford, but building a system within your budget. For example, new memory card types can be particularly expensive.

Timothy Coleman
Cameras editor

Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.