Buyer's Guides

2020 has been an interesting year to say the least. The one thing that has stayed steady in an unsteady world though has been the variety of quality cameras that have come out in the past 12 months. This year Shutterbug once again worked with EISA, the world's largest independent collection of magazines and websites focusing on consumer electronics, to select the ten best cameras of 2020.

As a voting member of EISA, Shutterbug helped choose these outstanding camera models, which we feel are the best you can buy right now. Our choices for the ten best cameras you can buy in 2020 run the gamut from high-end professional DSLRs and full-frame mirrorless cameras, to premium compact models, pocket-sized cameras for vlogging, and one innovative mirrorless camera capable of shooting 8K video.

So, take a look at our choices for the ten best cameras of 2020 below (with links to where you can purchase them) and find something top-notch to start shooting with today.

 

1. Fujifilm X-T4
Building on the solid success and worldwide popularity of its predecessor the Fujifilm X-T3, the X-T4 added several new features to an already excellent camera body. Starting with the same 26-megapixel X-Trans CMOS sensor, the X-T4 added impressive speed (up to 20fps at full resolution) and professional video capabilities such as 4K 60fps recording. The single most exciting new feature is its 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which compensates for between 5 and 6.5 stops depending on the lens. Also, adding both versatility and durability, the monitor can now be swung out to the side, allowing easy self-recording as well as providing protection for the LCD surface when fully reversed.

Using a new, more powerful battery, the Fujifilm X-T4 added two new settings that allow users to tweak the legendary Fuji Colors that they love. Color Chrome Effect increases expression of color in the red area, and Color Chrome FX Blue does the same thing with blue shades. They also added a Clarity option that offers 10 levels of adjustment.

All said, the Fujifilm X-T4 is the best APS-C mirrorless camera of 2020.

Fujifilm X-T4 sells for $1699 (body only) in black or chrome.
Order from Amazon

 

 

2. Sony Alpha 7R IV
The Sony Alpha 7R IV is the first full-frame mirrorless camera to boast an incredible resolution of 61 megapixels. The 61-megapixel full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor combined with Sony’s BIONZ X imaging engine provide unprecedented image quality, while the 5.76-million-dot UXGA OLED Tru-Finder delivers an incredibly crisp image to your eye with a 120/100 refresh rate. It’s also equipped with one of the industry's best autofocus systems, including AI-driven Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF. Long known for their SteadyShot technology, Sony has deployed an in-body 5-axis image stabilizer algorithm that is optimized to maximize the high-resolution 61-megapixel image sensor performance. IBIS performance is approximately 5.5 stops.

Sony Alpha 7R IV sells for $3198 (body only).
Order from Amazon

 

 

3. Canon EOS 90D
Tracing its ancestry back nearly two decades (the Canon 10D first appeared in 2003) this series of APS-C cameras from market leader Canon has proven itself worthy of every acclaim. In its latest incarnation, this rugged, versatile DSLR offers a 32.5-megapixel CMOS sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast and precise focusing in live view and video. Other advanced features include the silent electronic shutter that enables short exposure times of up to 1/16,000 sec, 4K video without crop and Full HD with slow motion at up to 120fps. Additionally, it sports an articulated touchscreen LCD monitor. The best part for many enthusiastic hobbyists—it uses Canon EF and EF-S mount lenses which are among the most abundant in the world.

Canon EOS 90D street price is $1299 (body only) in black (only).
Order from Amazon

 

 

4. Fujifilm X100V
Now in its fifth generation, the incomparable Fujifilm X100 series has been the travel companion of many professionals and the everyday working tool thousands of serious amateur photographers all over the world. The latest incarnation is actually an all-new design that represents the state-of-the-art for compact cameras today. The 23mm f/2 lens has been improved too, along with a tilting screen that doesn't add to its size, and full weather sealing. The Fujifilm X100Vdelivers the famous and ultra-poplar Fuji Colors (of course) that so many photographers covet and is still a small camera that fits into a jacket pocket. It’s ideal for travel and street photography, and highly recommended for immediate use capturing fall colors, winter snow and spring thaw.

The svelte Fujifilm X-100V sells for $1399 (in chrome or black).
Order today from Amazon

 

 

5. Canon EOS R5
Another Canon breakthrough—the Canon EOS R5 is the first mirrorless camera capable of recording 8K video, and the innovation doesn’t stop there. Sure to become a favorite with still image photographers, video specialists and those who do both, the Canon EOS R5 can record 4K video footage at a remarkable 120fps and shoot 45-million-pixel still images at up to 20 frames-per-second. Whew! It also claims the world's most effective image stabilization and has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, articulated rear screen and professional-level controls, plus an optional grip that incorporates professional Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.

The innovative Canon EOS R5 sells for $3899 (body only).
Order today from Amazon

 

 

6. Nikon D780
A full-frame DSLR, the Nikon D780 features a 24.5-megapixel backside illuminated FX full frame sensor, Nikon’s EXPEED 6 image processor, articulated LCD monitor and ISO ranging up to 51200 (expandable to 204800). Successor to the popular Nikon D750, this updated model offers superior image processing, better video capabilities (up to 4K UHD 30fps with N-Log), slow motion and time-lapse. In addition, the improved 51-point hybrid AF system ensures fast autofocus.  In Live View, photos and videos benefit from an advanced and robust 273-point phase-detection AF system that detects and tracks subjects throughout the entire frame.

The Nikon D780 costs $2296 (body only).
Order from Amazon

 

 

7. Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Designed for professionals, especially photojournalists, sports photographers and wildlife specialists who must work fast with absolute accuracy and flawless quality, time after time, shot after shot. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III offers category-leading technology, including a newly developed 191-point autofocus system that meets professional sports photographers’ demand for razor-sharp action images. The video functions are also quite advanced, with 5.5K capture stored internally in 12-bit Raw format. With advanced connectivity options built in, the EOS-1D X Mark III is also tailor-made for instant delivery of images to media through news agencies.

The professional Canon EOS-1D X Mark III retails for $6499 (body only).
Order from Amazon

 

 

8. Nikon Z 50
Nikon quality in a mirrorless body at a very affordable price—that sums up the Nikon Z 50. It’s a compact mirrorless camera with an APS-C crop-frame sensor (DX in Nikon nomenclature) that performs 4K video recording at 30fps, or up to 120fps in Full HD thanks to the EXPEED 6 digital signal processor, the same ASIC that Nikon uses in their full-frame (FX) models. Ideal for travel, the body is weather-resistant and very portable. Image quality is first class and dynamic range is superb. In addition to the Eye-Detection AF function, the Nikon Z 50 can also detect animals. This is an awesome combination for under $1000 including lens.

The Nikon Z 50 kit costs $996 (body with Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR zoom).
Order from Amazon

 

 

9. Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
Featuring a newly-designed full-frame sensor, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H is a mirrorless digital camera that provides 24.2-megapixel resolution, Dual Native ISO, 6K/24p Video recording capability, V-Log/V-Gamut, and Multi-Aspect Recording. Strong in all video categories, the SH1 offers excellent image quality, especially in low light, and you can record in Log mode for easy color correction and extended dynamic range. The camera also offers an amazing 4K anamorphic mode for shooting big-screen style movies. In addition, the Lumix SH1 offers a touchscreen monitor and in-body image stabilization.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H $3998 (body only)
Order from Amazon

 

 

10. Sony Vlog Camera ZV-1
Designed specifically with content creators and vloggers in mind, the Sony Vlog Camera ZV-1 offers great video capabilities including 4K recording and S-Log gamma. Equipped with a Zeiss 24-70mm (equivalent) f/1.8-2.8 lens and a one-inch Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor, the ZV-1 is a high quality 20.1-megapixel still camera, too, with a fast AF system and versatile vari-angle screen. Its high-quality built-in microphone comes with a windscreen for outdoor shooting, or optionally an external microphone can be used via the audio input or the multi-interface shoe. Together with the optional grip that features a built-in wireless remote control and doubles as a tripod, the ZV-1 is an excellent production tool which lets vloggers easily create and share content.

Sony Vlog Camera ZV-1 has an ASP of $ 748 (with microphone)
Order from Amazon

—Jon Sienkiewicz

 

(As an Amazon Associate, Shutterbug earns from qualifying purchases linked in this story.)