The Best DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras for 2023

If your smartphone camera(Opens in a new window) isn’t cutting it any longer, you should consider switching to an interchangeable lens camera (ILC), such as an old-school SLR or an up-to-date mirrorless body. Compared with your phone or point-and-shoot, these advanced cameras have larger image sensors, superior optics, robust manual controls, and faster performance, plus they offer greater versatility through swappable lenses.

All this functionality doesn’t come cheap, though, especially when you start factoring in lenses. You also need to remember that you’re buying into a camera system. If you start with Canon, chances are that your next camera will be from Canon as well, simply so you can continue to use your lenses and accessories.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled the most important aspects to consider as you shop for a swappable lens camera. But first, check out our top picks to see where to start; you can’t go wrong with any of the cameras we list here.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

Best Full-Frame Camera for Most People

Why We Picked It

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a strong all-around performer and among the best full-frame models you can get for the price. Core to the experience is an autofocus system that outclasses what you get from similarly priced Sony and Nikon models; it supports 12fps tracking with its mechanical shutter and a staggering 40fps with its e-shutter. And for video, you get full-width 4K60 recordings with 10-bit color. Otherwise, it has a weather-protected magnesium chassis and five-axis sensor stabilization.

Who It’s For

The R6 Mark II is the best full-frame camera we’ve tested. Its autofocus and video specs outclass direct competitors, and we like the solid library of compatible RF lenses and accessories. Furthermore, the picture quality is strong in all kinds of light. Pros and enthusiasts alike should get good results from this one. However, there are alternatives—we like the Sony a7 IV nearly as much, for instance, and recommend it instead if you want a higher pixel count and broader access to third-party lenses.

PROS

• Stabilized full-frame sensor
• Class-leading autofocus
• Superb picture quality
• Magnesium body with dust and splash protection
• Sharp EVF and swing-out touch LCD
• 40fps tracking with e-shutter
• Full-width 4K60 with 10-bit color
• 6K support over HDMI

CONS

• Limited third-party lens support
• Fragile micro HDMI port

Learn More

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Review

Canon EOS R7

Best Autofocus for Sports and Wildlife

Why We Picked It

The Canon EOS R7 is nearly purpose-built for snapping images of subjects in motion. If you enjoy capturing animals in the wild, sports, or any other fast-moving subjects, the R7 can keep pace. It smartly identifies and tracks people, pets, wildlife, and race cars. The 32.5MP sensor matches well with telephoto lenses and leaves you some room to crop. For video, the R7 supports 4K60 and includes in-body stabilization for cinema and vlogs. Sturdy, weather-protected construction rounds out the feature set and makes the R7 a good choice for use outside of the studio.

Who It’s For

The R7 is ideal for both photo enthusiasts and pros, and an especially good fit for creators who photograph moving subjects. The camera focuses and fires at 15fps with its motion-freezing mechanical shutter, while its Raw images show plenty of detail and hold up well to edits. Family photogs may miss a built-in flash, however, which might lead you to mid-entry options like the EOS R10 or Fujifilm X-T30 II instead. We also see the EOS R7 as a good backup camera for pros with an EOS R5 or R3, as well as SLR holdouts who want to upgrade from an EOS 7D or 90D series body.

PROS

• Excellent value
• Stabilized 32.5MP sensor
• Magnesium body material resists dust and splashes
• Class-leading autofocus with subject recognition
• Fires at 15fps with mechanical shutter
• 4K60 video with 10-bit C-Log3 or HDR

CONS

• Love-it or hate-it hybrid rear control wheel
• So-so EVF for an enthusiast camera
• Electronic shutter not ideal for freezing action

Learn More

Canon EOS R7 Review

Fujifilm GFX100S

Best Medium Format for the Money

Why We Picked It

There are plenty of APS-C and full-frame cameras on the market, but the Fujifilm GFX system offers something different: an oversized medium format image sensor in a body that’s not too large (or expensive). The GFX100S offers 100MP of resolution; boasts a stabilized sensor that enables sharper shots and a 400MP multi-shot mode with a tripod; and even manages up to 10-bit 4K video. It’s easily the most capable camera of its type, for a slight premium over the 50MP GFX50S II ($4,000).

Who It’s For

Creators who want to explore the world beyond full-frame should think about a medium format system. It’s a good fit for portraiture, landscapes, architecture, and other disciplines that don’t require extreme telephoto lenses or blistering burst rates. The GFX100S isn’t slow, though; its focus is as good as high-resolution, full-frame competitors, and its picture quality is impeccable. Creators who like to take their time to create images, as well as enjoy big pixel counts, editing flexibility, and Fujifilm’s superb color, should appreciate medium format systems such as this.

PROS

• Stabilized 100MP sensor
• Many film looks available
• Dust, splash, and freeze resistant
• Dual-hinge rear display
• 400MP multi-shot mode
• In-camera Raw processing
• 10-bit 4K recording and F-Log profile

CONS

• Burst capture fills buffer quickly
• Undersized handgrip
• Lenses trend larger than full-frame
• Large file sizes

Learn More

Fujifilm GFX100S Review

Fujifilm X-S20

Best Hybrid Video-Stills Camera

Why We Picked It

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a compelling camera for photo and video enthusiasts. Its stabilized 26MP BSI CMOS sensor supports Fuji’s X-Trans Film Simulations, along with 10-bit 4K. We like the straightforward approach to controls and modes that support both beginners and experts alike. We lament the lack of weather sealing, but the magnesium body, all-day battery, and strong lens selection are enough to make it our favorite APS-C mirrorless for creators and enthusiasts.

Who It’s For

There’s enough camera here to please enthusiasts and influencers, especially those who demand top-flight performance for both stills and video. The autofocus is good enough for demanding subjects like wildlife and team sports, while image quality is right up there with the best in APS-C. For video, the F-Log2 profile and 10-bit format give editors room to tune color. Meanwhile, 5-axis IBIS keeps the frame steady. If you need dual card slots and weather protection, look to the Fuji X-T5 or Canon EOS R7 instead, but be aware that neither is as suitable for video.

PROS

• Magnesium body with swing-out LCD
• Subject recognition autofocus system
• Long battery life
• 7-stop stabilization
• Built-in flash
• Diverse set of film simulation looks
• 10-bit 4K60 and 6K30 video

CONS

• Not weather-sealed
• Undersized EVF
• Prone to overheating

Learn More

Fujifilm X-S20 Review

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5

Best Entry-Level Full-Frame

Why We Picked It

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 isn’t the lowest-cost full-frame camera available, but it delivers more than bare-bones starter models. Its 24MP sensor offers plenty of resolution for most creators and Panasonic even includes a 96MP multi-shot mode. Video features are strong too, with 10-bit recording and sensor stabilization. We’re also a fan of its extra-wide 20-60mm zoom for beginners and appreciate all the affordable options in the L-mount system (especially those from Sigma).

Who It’s For

The S5 is a strong fit for both stills and video-focused creators who want to get the full-frame look. It works well for portraits and candid snaps, landscapes and architecture, and other still scenes. Its DFD Contrast focus system isn’t our favorite for sports, wildlife, or action, however, so you should think about the crop-sensor Canon EOS R7 or the full-frame Sony a7 IV if you are interested in those subjects.

PROS

• Excellent 24MP full-frame sensor
• 5-axis IBIS
• Improved DFD focus system
• 10-bit 4K60 video
• 5.9K ProRes Raw with Ninja V
• Dust and splash protection
• Superb ergonomics
• Dual SDXC card slots

CONS

• L-mount lens library still growing
• Tracking focus limited to 6fps

Learn More

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Review

Sony a7R V

Best Combination of Resolution and Speed

Why We Picked It

The Sony a7R V takes the fantastic 60MP sensor from the a7R IV and matches it up with a new, AI-trained autofocus system. It can recognize all types of subjects—people, animals, birds, insects, and vehicles—with incredible accuracy at a decent 7fps pace. The pro-grade build is something we expect at this price, though the huge, sharp EVF and dual-hinge rear display help justify its cost.

Who It’s For

If you’re a pro photographer or a well-funded hobbyist, the a7R V could be an ideal match. High-resolution cameras tend to be suitable for landscapes, studio work, fashion photography, and portraits. But its focus speed and subject recognition make it a good option for sports and wildlife too, especially because the big pixel count gives you excellent cropping flexibility. High-ISO picture quality is on par with good APS-C cameras, however, so think about an a7 IV or Canon EOS R6 Mark II for better results in low light.

PROS

• Stabilized 60MP full-frame sensor
• 7fps Raw capture at top quality
• Smart tracking focus powered by AI
• Huge, ultra-sharp EVF
• Clever dual-tilting touch screen
• Configurable controls and touch menu system
• Dual card slots work with CFe (Type A) and UHS-II SDXC

CONS

• Sensor readout speed limits e-shutter and video
• Multi-shot requires desktop stitching software
• Raw quality drops off at 10fps drive

Learn More

Sony a7R V Review

Sony ZV-E1

Best Vlogging Camera

Why We Picked It

The ZV-E1 is the best swappable-lens camera for video creators, vloggers, YouTubers, and the like. Sony tuned the controls for ease of use—you don’t need to know what an f-stop is to get a blurred-background look or even manually adjust the exposure to keep your face properly bright in mixed lightning. The stabilized full-frame sensor is a plus for handheld work, while AI-powered pan and zoom effects help one-person crews get more dynamic footage.

Who It’s For

Creators who live and die by YouTube views are the target audience for the ZV-E1. It offers 4K recording with crystal-clear audio pickup and even includes a Product Showcase focus mode that makes it easier for vloggers to show off something in their hands. Support for changeable lenses opens up creative possibilities that you can’t manage with a smartphone or the pocket-friendly ZV-1M2.

PROS

• Tiny full-frame camera with stabilized sensor
• Widescreen cinematic vlog mode
• S-Cinetone and S-Log3 picture profiles
• Great-looking 10-bit 4K60 video
• 4K120 and 1080p240 slow-motion
• Excellent stabilization system
• Quality in-camera audio

CONS

• Fragile micro HDMI port
• Can overheat at 4K60
• No mechanical shutter

Learn More

Sony ZV-E1 Review

Canon EOS R10

Best Autofocus System in an Entry-Level Camera

Why We Picked It

The Canon EOS R10 is one of the crowd-pleasers on this list. Its stick-to-the-basics design includes a PASM control dial for quick swaps between automatic and manual exposure modes. The camera snaps 24MP photos, records 4K video, can fire off photos at 15fps, and offers the best autofocus system of any camera in this price range. It also works with the same RF lenses as full-frame cameras; the RF lineup includes excellent, affordable options for budding enthusiasts and family photographers alike.

Who It’s For

The R10 is the natural mirrorless pick for former Canon Rebel SLR photographers who want to enjoy the smarter focus and more capable video features that mirrorless cameras offer. It’s appropriate for starters who want to stick to auto mode up through enthusiasts who just can’t manage the cost of the EOS R7.

PROS

• Superb subject recognition and autofocus
• 15fps mechanical and 23fps electronic shutter
• Solid ergonomics and control layout
• Articulating display
• Built-in flash
• 4K60 video in SDR or HDR
• Already works with more lenses than any EOS M body
• Supports Canon SLR lenses via an adapter

CONS

• Image sensor isn’t stabilized
• 8-bit SDR video doesn’t have flat profile
• Basic CMOS sensor doesn’t match up with BSI chips
• So-so battery life

Learn More

Canon EOS R10 Review

OM System OM-1

Best Micro Four Thirds Camera

Why We Picked It

The OM System OM-1 is the best Micro Four Thirds sensor camera you can get today. It sports a Stacked CMOS chip for speedy focus and impressive 50fps burst rates. The in-body stabilization is good enough that you won’t need to bring along a tripod for long-exposure images or smooth handheld 4K footage. The OM-1 leans into computational features, too, including a Live ND mode for long exposures in daylight without extra filters. Its IP53 rating makes it ideal for use in the great outdoors as well.

Who It’s For

The Micro Four Thirds system should appeal to you if you prioritize smaller gear over the full-frame bokeh look. The OM-1 is best for long-time system owners, enthusiasts, and pros looking for something with swappable lens versatility, but without the girth of full-frame gear. Photographers who travel to exotic locations, hike with gear, or simply want an all-weather ILC should consider it. With the right lenses, the OM-1 is capable of epic landscapes, macro, sports and wildlife, portraits—you name it.

PROS

• Sturdy, IP53-protected body
• Up to 50fps Raw capture with continuous focus
• Large, sharp viewfinder
• 5-axis IBIS
• Strong computational toolkit
• Autofocus system supports subject detection
• 4K60 UHD and DCI video

CONS

• Subject tracking struggles at times
• Branches trip up bird detection
• Fragile micro HDMI connection

Learn More

OM System OM-1 Review

Nikon D780

Best SLR for Optical Viewfinder Fans

Why We Picked It

Every other camera on this list uses a mirrorless design, but those won’t do you any good if you strictly prefer an optical viewfinder. If you go that route, you might as well get a quality camera and the Nikon D780 fits the bill. It focuses as well as any SLR for stills and delivers mirrorless-quality results for video. The pentaprism viewfinder is a treat for OVF fans, and the full-frame sensor snaps great pictures.

Who It’s For

It’s 2023 and we think most creators are better off with a mirrorless body, but not everyone is on board with EVFs. If you prefer an optical finder, the D780 is as good an SLR as you can find. The magnesium build satisfies enthusiasts and a tilting touch LCD makes live view focus useful too. It’s an obvious pick if you have Nikon lenses, but don’t forget about the Canon EOS 90D or Pentax K-3 III if you’ve already bought into another system.

PROS

• Excellent 24MP full-frame sensor.
• 7fps bursts with tracking.
• 12fps electronic shutter.
• Tilting touch LCD.
• Phase detect focus for video.
• 4K with flat profile.
• In-camera charging.

CONS

• More expensive than mirrorless alternative.
• Viewfinder autofocus has limited scope of coverage.
• Image sensor isn’t stabilized.

Learn More

Nikon D780 Review

Buying Guide: The Best DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras for 2023

Is Mirrorless Better Than DSLR?

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV mirrorless includes a stabilized sensor and 4K recording, features you won’t get in an entry-level SLR (Credit: Jim Fisher)

A decade ago, if you wanted a camera with interchangeable lenses, an SLR was the obvious choice. But times have changed. Today’s mirrorless cameras, even those at the entry-level end of the price spectrum, are typically more capable than an SLR. You don’t have to live without a viewfinder, either—aside from vlogging cameras, most mirrorless bodies include eye-level electronic viewfinders.

Even entry-level mirrorless cameras, such as the Canon EOS R50, offer autofocus systems that run circles around SLRs, with features like face and eye detection for people, pets, and wildlife. Stepping up to a midrange model like the Canon EOS R10 or Fujifilm X-S20 nets better handling and build quality, and in the case of the latter, a stabilized sensor.

How PCMag Tests Digital Cameras

But there are still reasons to opt for an SLR. If your eyes are sensitive to electronic displays or you simply prefer an optical viewfinder, SLRs remain an option. It’s also an easy upgrade path if you’re moving up from an older model—the Canon EOS Rebel T8i uses the same lenses as an old EOS Rebel T3i, for instance, and you may appreciate that familiarity.

What Is a Good Camera Sensor Size?

The Fujifilm X-T4, and other Fujifilm X cameras, use the APS-C sensor size (Credit: Jim Fisher)

Most consumer ILCs use image sensors that are smaller than a 35mm film frame (though they are still much larger than those of pocket cameras and phones). It can be confusing to talk about a camera’s field of view because the industry expresses focal lengths for compacts in terms of 35mm equivalency. The standard APS-C sensor, for instance, features a “crop factor” of between 1.5x and 1.6x. This means that a starter lens, such as the 16-50mm Sony bundles with many of its crop-sensor cameras, covers the same angle of view as a 24-75mm lens for a full-frame model.

Micro Four Thirds, which has a 2x crop factor, is another popular mirrorless format. These are available from OM System (the new name for Olympus) and Panasonic. Kit lenses for these systems typically cover 14-42mm (28-84mm equivalent). Micro Four Thirds is the oldest mirrorless system, so there are plenty of lenses to choose. And, even though the format is smaller than APS-C, it is significantly larger than sensors on a smartphone or point-and-shoot.

The Panasonic GH5 II uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor and lenses (Credit: Jim Fisher)

Larger sensors have inherent advantages. They allow you to better control the depth of field in images, which makes it possible to isolate your subject and create a blurred background, or a Japanese term called bokeh. Tons of information exists about the bokeh quality of different lenses, but, in general, lenses that capture more light (measured numerically as its aperture, or f-number) create blurrier backgrounds. For example, a lens with a maximum aperture of F1.4 lets in eight times as much light as an F4 lens, and can create a shallower depth of field at an equivalent focal length and shooting distance.

Another reason to go for the big sensor is to minimize image noise. A 24MP APS-C sensor has much larger pixels than a point-and-shoot of comparable resolution. These larger pixels allow you to set the sensor at a higher sensitivity, measured numerically as ISO, without creating as much image noise. An advantage to the larger surface area is that changes in color or brightness are more gradual than that of a point-and-shoot. This allows more natural-looking images with a greater sense of depth, as well as more dynamic range, so you can capture details in shadows and highlights that other cameras miss.

The Nikon Z 5 offers photographers an affordable way to jump into a full-frame system (Credit: Jim Fisher)

Some cameras feature sensors that are equal in size to 35mm film. These full-frame cameras are generally more expensive than their APS-C counterparts, but you can get started with an entry-level kit for around $1,500. If you see yourself moving up to full frame in the future, be careful about buying lenses. Some are designed for APS-C sensors and either won’t work at all with a full-frame body or only at a lower resolution.

Which Camera Feels the Best?

It’s very important to choose a camera that feels comfortable in your hands. Although most DSLRs are similar in size and build, mirrorless cameras are more varied in design. Some resemble SLRs, with an electronic viewfinder in the center of the body behind the lens mount. Others put the EVF in the corner, similar to the position of an optical finder in a rangefinder camera, and typically offer a smaller handgrip. You can even get one with an optical viewfinder if you don’t mind spending big bucks on a Fuji X-Pro or Leica M rangefinder.

We love the ergonomics of Panasonic’s entry-level full-frame, the Lumix S5 (Credit: Jim Fisher)

Generally, an SLR-style mirrorless camera is a better fit for larger lenses. The central viewfinder and sizable handgrip make balancing a big lens a bit more pleasant. Rangefinder-style cameras are a better option if you expect to use smaller zooms or prime lenses.

Think about controls, too. If you are interested in capturing fast action and working with big lenses, look for a camera that has a joystick control on the rear panel—it comes in handy for interfacing with the autofocus system. Other models, including many from Fujifilm and Nikon’s retro Z fc, include discrete dials to set shutter speed, a plus for photographers who want to try their hand at manual exposure.

The camera you choose should be the one that you are most comfortable using. If a DSLR is too big or small for you to hold comfortably, or if the controls are not laid out in a way that makes sense to you, chances are you won’t enjoy using it as much as you should.

How to Get the Best Viewfinder

SLRs use optical viewfinders, whereas mirrorless cameras sport EVFs. The difference isn’t as huge as you might expect. With an optical finder, you see through the lens because of a series of mirrors and optics that direct light to your eye. With an EVF, an electronic feed from the image sensor displays on a small screen, typically an OLED.

The two technologies offer different views of the world. Optical finder brightness varies based on the f-stop of your lens; if you attach an F1.4 prime, the view appears brighter than with an F4 zoom. You get an uncluttered view of the world—typically you see the active focus point light up when you make an image and you may be able to add framing guidelines, but that’s it.

SLR fans should consider a midrange model like the Canon EOS 90D to get a pentaprism viewfinder (Credit: Jim Fisher)

An EVF typically shows you exactly what image you will get when you fire the shutter. You see a real-time preview of the depth of field, any color filters you’ve applied, a live histogram, and any other information your camera can display. You can also turn information overlays off if you prefer an uncluttered view. If you’re getting started with photography, this preview can help you make images in-camera that are truer to the real world.

Not all viewfinders are of the same quality, regardless of the tech that drives them. Entry-level SLRs typically include pentamirror optical designs, which use a series of mirrors to show you the view through the lens. They are smaller and lighter than the premium, solid glass pentaprism viewfinders in pricier SLRs. But there are downsides to a pentamirror: Images don’t appear as big, you don’t get truly accurate image framing, and the view tends to be a bit brighter.

The same is true for EVFs. You should pay attention to the magnification rating, in particular—a larger number denotes a bigger EVF—as well as the resolution. Today’s entry-level mirrorless cameras have slightly larger viewfinders than comparable SLRs, backed with OLED panels.

Spending more on a midrange or pro-level mirrorless camera often, but not always, gets you a larger viewfinder. Look for 0.78x magnification and a 3.7-million-dot resolution at the minimum if you’re shelling out for a flagship. And while we’ve only seen one camera with a high dynamic range (HDR) viewfinder to date, the Canon EOS R3, we expect the tech to show up in more models down the road, as it provides a pleasing, natural picture that better matches up with what an image sensor captures.

The Fujifilm X-T4’s 0.78x EVF is large and sharp to the eye (Credit: Jim Fisher)

What Are Continuous Shooting and Autofocus Speed?

Interchangeable lens cameras have another big advantage over point-and-shoots—speed. The time that it takes between hitting the shutter button and the camera capturing a picture (or shutter lag) and the wait time between taking photos are often concerns with compact cameras. DSLR and mirrorless cameras generally focus very quickly and deliver shutter lag that is nearly immeasurable.

The Sony a7 IV tracks subjects and fires off photos at 10fps (Credit: Jim Fisher)

The industry measures continuous shooting speeds in frames per second. Entry-level models typically offer around 5fps capture, but some affordable models boast capture rates up to 15fps with tracking or speeds as high as 30fps with focus locked after the first shot. That’s quick enough to satisfy the needs of photographers capturing sports, wildlife, and other types of intense action.

As frame rates increase, autofocus systems do as well. Entry-level SLRs usually only have a few focus points, bunched up toward the center of the frame. This is due to the way SLR focus systems work. Light not only travels to the viewfinder but also to a discrete autofocus sensor. The sensor checks for focus at several points—ranging from around 10 for basic systems up to more than 150 for advanced cameras, which also spread points farther across the frame for wider focus coverage.

Mirrorless cameras are different. There isn’t an autofocus sensor; instead, the image sensor performs the focus operations. The tech has opened up new possibilities for subject recognition, including better subject tracking (including for vehicles); automatic face and eye detection; and (for some systems) eye detection for pets and wildlife.

Not all systems are as effective, though. Some entry mirrorless cameras don’t have all the latest tech, though, and rely on contrast focus for tracking. If you’re interested in photographing action, it’s wise to spend a little more on one with on-sensor phase detection.

The Canon EOS R3 is a high-end model with a full-frame stacked sensor (Credit: Jim Fisher)

At the very high end of the spectrum, cameras like the Sony a9 II and Canon EOS R3 use Stacked CMOS sensors, good enough for ultra-high-speed focus and capture. They also offer an uninterrupted view of the scene during capture. You need to budget thousands for one of these cameras today, but we expect the technology to trickle down to more affordable models in the future. At press time, the $2,200 OM-1 is the most affordable ILC with a Stacked CMOS imager.

The Best Camera for Live View and 4K Video

The different focus systems also change the way cameras handle video recording. With an SLR, you need to press a button or tap a switch to change from the optical viewfinder to the rear LCD to facilitate video capture. But, with mirrorless cameras, the switch is seamless.

Fujifilm X-S20 (Credit: Jim Fisher)

SLRs typically use contrast focus for video capture, which means autofocus is a little slow and choppy for movies. Most Canon SLRs use the company’s proprietary Dual Pixel AF tech, a type of phase detection that splits each sensor pixel into two. This gives the camera the same smooth, fast focus when you record video as you get from a mirrorless camera.

Mirrorless cameras use the same focus system for video and stills. There’s usually no need to change modes to switch from stills to video, and focus is just as quick and smooth regardless of whether you are capturing stills or moving images.

We’ve seen a spate of recent entries with quality in-camera mics and designs specifically for vloggers, so think about the Sony ZV-E10 or Nikon Z 30 if you are looking for a kit that can deliver quality video and audio without requiring you to invest in external mics.

There are other features to look for if you are serious about filmmaking. At a minimum, you should pick a model with a microphone input for better-quality audio. But you should also ensure a camera offers stabilization (either in-body or in-lens), 4K recording, 10-bit color, and a flat log profile.

The Best DSLR and Mirrorless Lenses and Accessories

Most first-time ILC users aren’t going to purchase a whole bevy of lenses, but you should at least consider a few to supplement the kit lens that ships with the camera. The first is a telezoom to complement the standard starter lens. Most systems offer a starter 55-300mm, 70-300mm, or similar telephoto option.

Add a telephoto lens, such as the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 70-300mm, to bring far-off subjects into closer view (Credit: Jim Fisher)

Another popular lens choice is a fast, normal-angle prime lens. Before zooms were popular, film SLRs often came with a 50mm F2 lens. The rough equivalent is a 35mm prime on an APS-C sensor and a 25mm on Micro Four Thirds. The standard angle gives you a field of view that isn’t far off from that of your eye. Additionally, the fast aperture makes it possible to shoot in low light and isolate your subject by blurring the background of your photos. Prices for these lenses vary a bit depending on your camera system, but you can expect them to run between $175 and $350.

The Godox V1 flash has a thoughtful design with a round head, rechargeable battery, and wireless capability—it’s available for all popular camera systems (Credit: Jim Fisher)

Although consumer DSLRs typically have built-in flashes, mirrorless cameras don’t always include them. To make up for this, you typically find a small, clip-on flash in the box with an entry-level mirrorless camera. But, as long as your camera has a standard hot accessory shoe, you can add a more powerful external flash. These flashes emit more light and you can reposition them to best illuminate a subject. Bouncing flash off of a ceiling to brighten a room is possible with a dedicated flash unit, but not with the ubiquitous pop-up flash. Depending on your power needs, recycle time, and movement, a dedicated flash can cost anywhere between $150 and $500.

Beyond DSLR and Mirrorless

Want speed and top-notch images, but aren’t ready to haul a heavy camera and a bunch of lenses? You may spend just as much—or more—on a bridge camera or a compact camera. If you opt for a model with a Type 1 (also called 1-inch class) or larger sensor, you can get image quality that is closer to an ILC than a smartphone.

If you do opt for an ILC, our guidelines can help you choose the camera and lens system that best fit your needs and budget. Just be sure to take time and research your purchase; you should even consider going to the store to test how a camera feels in the hand. Once you make your decision and are ready to start shooting, check out our 10 beyond-basic photography tips.