By the time you’re spending over $2,500, you’re looking at getting one of the best cameras around. You should expect it to deliver exceedingly detailed images and capture high-end video, all without having to compromise much on speed for when the action picks up.
For most applications, a camera around $2000 will be more than enough, but if you and your photography need the very highest image quality or some specialist capability, the cameras in this guide are among the best we’ve yet seen. There are a handful of dedicated sports/photojournalism cameras or luxury models above the $4000 upper limit we’ve set ourselves, but these are usually such singular offerings that we’re assuming you don’t need our help in choosing if you’re seriously considering them.
At this level, there aren’t really any bad picks, so if you have any investment at all in the lens system of one company, this should probably be the deciding factor for you. But we’ll highlight the particular strengths we found in each camera, just in case you are planning to switch systems.
Best high-end camera: Canon EOS R5 II
45MP Stacked CMOS sensor | Eye-controlled AF subject selection | Up to 30fps continuous shooting
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| The EOS R5 II is one of the most all-around capable cameras we’ve tested.
Photo: Richard Butler |
What we like:
- Excellent image quality
- Fast, dependable autofocus
- Good video support tools
What we don’t:
- Slight reduction in dynamic range in extreme scenarios
- Tempermental eye control
- Temperature limits in heaviest video modes
Should I still buy the EOS R5?
Short answer: yes. It lacks some of the newer camera’s features like eye-controlled subject selection, action priority modes and AI noise reduction, but if those don’t matter to you – or aren’t worth the $400 MSRP premium of the EOS R5 II – the EOS R5 is still plenty capable in 2024.
Another great option: Nikon Z8
46MP Stacked CMOS sensor | 20fps Raw, 30fps full-size JPEG shooting | 8K/60 and 4K/120 video
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The Nikon Z8 is a fast-shooting stills and video-capable mirrorless camera with a 46MP Stacked CMOS sensor. It’s an extremely strong competitor compared to the EOS R5 II, but Canon’s action sports settings and eye control push it over the edge.
If those things don’t matter much to you, you can pretty much base your decision on whether you prefer Nikon or Canon’s lens lineup. They’re broadly similar, and both brands tightly control which options third-party manufacturers can offer.
What we like:
- Superb autofocus
- Fast shooting
- Excellent video
What we don’t:
- Large, heavy body
- Relatively low-res (though fast) viewfinder
- Not all subject detection modes equally good
