Buyer's Guides

It's that time again when Shutterbug's editors and writers pick the best cameras and lenses of the year. In 2019, our favorite photo gear was all over the map, including everything from two premium compact cameras, to low-end and high-end mirrorless cameras, an entry-level DSLR, and something of an oddball street photography camera from Fujifilm that we loved shooting with, despite its intentional quirks.

There are also two lenses on our list of the best photo gear for 2019 from brands that are perennial favorites of Shutterbug's readers: Tamron and Sigma. Of course, there are many, many quality cameras and lenses in 2019 that didn't make the cut, mostly because we like to keep our annual "best of" list to a tight ten photo products.

So, if your favorite camera or lens of 2019 didn't make Shutterbug's list, we're sorry. Feel free to leave a shout-out to your go-to gear of the year in the comments below and tell us why we were dumb not to include it. (We know you will!) To see our list of our favorite photo gear of 2018, click here.

 

 

1. Fujifilm X-Pro3

From the Conclusion to the Review: 

"Overall, I enjoyed my time shooting with the Fujifilm X-Pro3 in New York City. As mentioned, the unique (to say the least) hidden LCD feature and mini-display combo take some getting used to. Although I only had about an hour with the camera, I got the swing of it fairly quickly. Shooting with the Fujifilm X-Pro3 did feel a bit like when I used to hit the streets with a film rangefinder camera, except with the instant gratification of digital being there if you wanted it. Plus, I didn't have to spend any extra money on film. (More...)"

Buy it on Amazon here.

 

 

2. Canon RP

From the Conclusion to the Review: 

"Despite its billing as a full-frame camera for the masses, the affordable Canon EOS RP can be a very able performer when used to its full potential. It’s a good example of a conundrum photographers often face when shopping for a new camera: “Do I devote my budget to the best camera available, or should a buy something more affordable and use the extra cash on an extra lens or two?” If you're looking for a well-built, weather resistant full-frame mirrorless camera under $1,300, the EOS RP won’t disappoint and it’s the only game in town at its price point. And remember: If you carry less weight, you’ll likely enjoy photography more. (More...)"

Buy it on Amazon here. 

 

 

3. Nikon D3500

From the Conclusion to the Review: 

"If you’re looking for your first DSLR, the Nikon D3500 is hard to beat. The image quality is excellent and the camera’s build quality is pretty good. While maybe I kvetched too much about the camera’s lack of a flippy screen, I believe that the Nikon D3500 represents an outstanding bargain for a photographer’s first DSLR. (More...)"

Buy it on Amazon here. 

 

 

4. Leica SL2

From the Conclusion to the Review:

"I don’t hesitate to say that this is truly the Leica to own—for today and for tomorrow. Performance is fulfilling as well as exemplary. Images sparkle. Touch and feel is solid and robust, exactly the way a great camera should be. (More...)"

Buy it at Adorama here.

 

 

5. Ricoh GR III

From the Conclusion to the Review: 

"It’s not just a street photography camera, although it’s certainly excellent for that. It’s also a terrific travel camera because of its compact size, easy operation and full feature set. The 28mm equivalent lens, built-in level and ability to capture great images without flash make it ideal for realtors, too. And let’s not overlook that often-forgotten group, the office workers who get roped into capturing images for their company’s newsletter and social media—they’ll make good use of the GR III as well. The Ricoh GR III includes just about everything Ricoh has learned about producing high quality cameras that are fully customizable and packed with the features that serious users relish. (More...)"

Buy it on Amazon here.

 

 

6. Canon EOS M6 Mark II

From the Conclusion to the Review: 

"The Canon M6 Mark II is a camera that would completely be at home for making memorable family shots and video clips for Facebook as well as being the perfect camera for your next vacation. All this is wrapped up in a well-made, compact and portable package that pound for pound delivers amazing image quality and high ISO performance that’s hard to match in a camera at this price. (More...)"

Buy it on Amazon here. 

 

 

7. Sony RX100 VII

From the Conclusion to the Review:

"The Sony RX100 VII has the appeal of a golden retriever puppy wagging its tail and making you smile. In the end, it's a fun compact camera that produces better-than-expected image and video quality. And who doesn’t like puppies? (More...)"

Buy it on Amazon here.

 

 

8. Olympus OM-D E-M1X 

From the Conclusion to the Review: 

"The Olympus E-M1X is an amazing picture taking machine with multiple auto focus, tracking and continuous shooting options. With an impressive feature set and powerful in-body processing I believe the E-1MX is a harbinger of future camera technologies to come. Long story short: if you’re looking for a fast, innovative, and comfortable pro-level mirrorless camera and don’t mind the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor format, the new Olympus E-M1X may be as good as it gets. (More...)"

Buy it on Amazon here. 

 

 

9. Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD

From the Conclusion to the Review: 

"Just exactly how good is Tamron’s best lens ever? I predict that the Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD is destined to become a benchmark lens that other glass is measured by. That is the highest accolade I can pronounce on any product. (More...)"

Buy it on Amazon here. 

 

 

10. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports

From the Conclusion to the Review: 

"Sigma’s 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports is a “zoom with all the trimmings.” It’s fast. It delivers excellent image quality. It offers optional fine tuning via switches, and ways to calibrate, customize and update using your PC and the Sigma USB Dock. It is very, very well made and offers a lot for the money. (More...)"

Buy it on Amazon here.