I’ve got to admit my bias up front, I am a Canon shooter, so these recommendations will be wholeheartedly Canon-favored, but I will pick competitively priced Nikon models to recommend as well. I’m not going to list all the specs of each pick because those are all listed if you click through the links, so instead, I will write a few brief impressions about the cameras and my rationale for listing these particular models.
I’ve broken each category into 3 picks: my “budget pick” is the least expensive entry to better gear. In general, these cameras can get the job done, but lack other features that are put into higher end models. My “value pick” is the mid-ranged option that is the biggest-bang-for-your-buck option. These have fuller features but aren’t the top of the line model. My “pro pick” is for those who really want the best of each category, and get the very most out of their gear.
POINT & SHOOT/MIRRORLESS:
In general, I don’t recommend a lot of point and shoot cameras. One of the reasons is that phones are becoming increasingly competitive with them and we always have them with us anyway. That, and the light that is produced by their built in flashes that most people use, like the pop up flash on a DSLR, is very unflattering light. So provided we’re thinking about P&S/Mirrorless cameras in a way that doesn’t include the use of flash, there certainly is an opportunity to focus on what differentiates them from cell phone cameras. The advantages of a P&S/Mirrorless will remain: their optics and sensors, which are two HIGHLY ESSENTIAL parts of modern cameras.
Budget Pick
Canon PowerShot SX720 HS (Nikon comparable: A900)
The PowerShot SX720 HS is my budget pick because it not only is one of the least expensive models, but it has an astonishing 40x optical zoom on it. Other features that are regularly reserved for higher end models are WiFi and Image Stabilization.
Value Pick
Canon EOS M6 WITH EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens (Nikon comparable: 1 AW1)
The M6 is my value pick because it has a huge-for-the-size-of-the-camera APS-C sensor, the same size sensor that every one of the prosumer recommendations has, and it has the advantage of interchangeable lenses that the SX720 doesn’t have. This means lots of options at a great price point.
Pro Pick
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III (Nikon comparable: 1V3)
The PowerShot G1X Mark III is my pro pick because, well, it’s amazing. Also coming with an APS-C sensor, where this model *CRUSHES* the competition is in noise control. I have many priorities in mind when looking for a new camera, but noise control is the highest for me. This camera is precisely what you would want to have if a DSLR is too bulky for you, it is toeing the line and closing that gap… real hard.
PROSUMER:
Prosumer cameras are positioned right in the middle between professional and consumer models. These are targeted at hobbyists and enthusiasts, as well as those who are working their way to being professional photographers. These have many features and have great image quality. As with my professional camera recommendations, the performance of these depends a lot on the lenses they are being used with. That said, they are very functional bodies that all have APS-C sensors in them, which is one of the biggest differentiators in the balance between quality and price point.
Budget Pick
Canon Rebel SL1 (Nikon comparable: D3300)
I’ve bought a handful of these for the school I teach photography at, and they are great for learners. They are pretty full featured, and surprisingly portable DSLRs that get the job done, and you can’t hardly get into the DSLR game for less dough than this one.
Value Pick
Canon Rebel T7i (Nikon comparable: D5600)
The T7i exists in a long line of Rebels that have bridged the gap between great specs and affordability. The advantages of this model over the SL1 are higher ISO ranges, but also hugely important, a far superior autofocus setup. I can’t describe how moving from a 9 to a 45 AF Point system changed how I shoot for the better, and that’s what you’d be doing here.
Pro Pick
Canon 7D Mark II (Nikon comparable: D7500)
The 7D Mark II is probably geared at the sports or wildlife photographer because although it has a few more AF points (65) than the T7i, it shoots 10 frames per second to the Rebel’s 6. Another game changer for my photography was moving to a camera that had dual card slots in it, and this one has that great feature. Want peace of mind? Shoot instant backups. There’s nothing like it at an important shoot.
PROFESSIONAL:
These professional models are the ones that get all the bells and whistles. They are top notch in image quality, resolution, and sensor size, among many other things. These are all full frame cameras and come with all of the benefits as well as the cost. When I started, I didn’t think I would shoot with a full frame camera because they were out of my league. I’ve owned 4 since, and I can’t bring myself to work with anything less. Once you get one of these in your hands, it is hard, if not impossible, to look back, so tread lightly. If performance and quality are your number 1 priority, this is where you need to be looking.
Budget Pick
Canon 6D Mark II (Nikon comparable: D610)
The 6D Mark II was a game changer in terms of making full frame more affordable to the masses. It, like other full frame cameras, excels in its ISO range and image quality. With all full frame cameras, you’ll get more out of your wide angle lenses, too, with benefits in depth of field across the board. This is the easiest way to get in the full frame game.
Value Pick
Canon 5D Mark IV (Nikon comparable: D850)
The 5D Mark IV is the camera I personally use the most on this list, giant ISO performance and 4k video capabilities with a respectable 7 frames per second make this a super well rounded model, and the price reflects that. This model is for professionals (read: most) who don’t need the extreme features of the next recommendation, the 1DX Mark II.
Pro Pick
Canon 1DX Mark II (Nikon comparable: D5)
They call it the flagship, and for good reason. The price tag feels hefty, but honestly, in comparison to its predecessors in the 1D line, it is very reasonable. Up to 16 frames per second, 4K/60, and the epic AF System and noise control of the 5D Mark IV means this is the cream of the crop that Canon has to offer. I’ve shot one of these, and they are simply drool-worthy.
Now that you’ve got your camera choice, head over and see what lens I think you should be pairing with it.
