As the year comes to a close, many people begin thinking about upgrading their camera gear. Here at The BPW, we’re passionate about all things photography—including the tech behind it.
While putting together a list might seem simple, we spend the entire year researching and testing cameras to ensure we're recommending the best options for our community.
#TLDR – If you’re eager to get to the recommendations, here’s the list!
But before you jump straight to it, we encourage you to read on. We’ll walk you through why these cameras made the cut and why those details could make all the difference for your photography journey.
Best Cameras for Beginners:
Nikon Z50
Sony a6100
Canon SL3
Best Cameras for Intermediate Photographers:
Canon R8
Nikon Z5
Sony A7iii
Best Cameras for Aspiring Professionals
Sony A7RV
Canon R5
Why listen to us?
The Boston Photography Workshops is a creative studio that’s been helping new and experienced photographers since 2014. Our staff is composed of photographers with years of real-world experience as both photographers and teachers.
When we recommend a camera our main goal is to suggest a camera that suits you, not the masses. Also, we don't subscribe to the “newest is best” philosophy and won't hesitate suggesting last year's model… if it’s the right fit.
And with that, let’s get started!
Cameras We Love in 2025
Best Cameras for Beginners: Nikon Z50
Our three time winner the Nikon Z50 is still our favorite camera! A travel friendly APS-C camera that packs a punch. This camera really impressed us with its compact size (but not too small), while still sporting ample control dials for changing exposure. This camera has great autofocus and superb image quality, even in dark situations.
This camera isn’t the cheapest camera on our list but we feel like it’s worth the extra money to invest in a camera that checks so many boxes.
Key Features
20.9MP APS-C Sensor
Auto Focus: 209-Point Hybrid ( Eye & Face Detection)
Large 3.2’ Tilting Touchscreen
ISO 100-51200
Fast shooting: Up to 11 fps
Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Battery life (320 shots)
Charges via USB-C
UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
Runner Up: Sony a6100
Always a bridemaid… Our runner up for a second year, the Sony a6100 is also an APS-C camera that’s compact and ideal for travel. Sony has spectacular autofocus and a huge lens line-up which we love. As much as we love the a6100, it’s menus and controls are just less intuitive as the Nikon Z50’s.
Key specs:
24.2MP APS-C Sensor
Fast autofocus with 425 Phase-Detect Points
Real-Time Eye AF and Subject Tracking
3.0" Tilting Touchscreen
Up to 11-fps Shooting, ISO 100-32000
Battery life (380 shots)
UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p Video
Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Honorable Mention: Canon SL3
Another repeat / our dark horse favorite: this is the only DSLR camera on our list and for good reason. DSLRs aren’t the newest technology on the market, but they are tried and true. The SL3 has all the bells and whistles you may need with a swivel touch screen, great autofocus, and Canon’s incredible EF lens line-up, making this camera a great choice.
Where it does fall short is limited face & eye detection for autofocus, and limited speed (only 5 photos per second) - which for some is paramount.
Key specs:
24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
3.0" Swivel Touchscreen
9-Point AF System; Dual Pixel CMOS AF
ISO 100-25600,
Up to 5 fps Shooting
Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Battery life: 500 shots per charge
UHD 4K24p Video and 4K Time-Lapse Movie
Best Camera for Intermediate Photographers
Canon R8
The Canon EOS R8 is a solid choice for anyone looking to step up their game in both photography and videography. It's lightweight, easy to handle, and delivers some seriously impressive performance without feeling bulky or complicated. Whether you're snapping photos or shooting 4K video, the R8 is ready for whatever you throw at it.
What makes the R8 stand out is how well it balances advanced features with simplicity. You get a fast autofocus system, a solid 24.2MP full-frame sensor, and great video options—all in a compact package.
Our one wish was having more less options. Canon’s new “R” system has limited lens options compared to Sony or Nikon.
Key specs:
24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
In-body Image Stabilization
1,053 AF points
3.0” Vari-Angle Touchscreen
Battery: 370 shots per charge
ISO 100-102400, up to 40 fps continuous shooting
Battery life: 500 shots per charge
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity
4K UHD video at up to 60 fps
Runner Up: Sony A7iii
The Sony A7 III is a fan favorite for a reason. It's the kind of camera that just works, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. With its mix of speed, reliability, and image quality, the A7 III does it all—shooting stunning stills, smooth video, and handling low light like a champ. It’s got that sweet spot where pro-level features meet everyday usability, making it an easy camera to love.
What really makes the A7 III shine is its fast autofocus, impressive 24.2MP full-frame sensor, and the ability to capture both photos and video with exceptional clarity. Plus, its battery life is a huge bonus for long shoots.
Drawbacks: This is an older camera but “value for dollar” it is an incredible camera that is MORE than enough for most photographers. Also, Sony menus are notorious for being tough to learn.
Key specs:
24.2MP Full-Frame Exmor R Sensor
ISO 100-51200, up to 10 fps continuous shooting
5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
693-Point Phase Detection AF System
Up to 15 fps
3.0” Tilting Touchscreen
Battery life: 710 shots per charge
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
4K UHD video at up to 30 fps
Honorable mention: Nikon Z5
The Nikon Z5 is an excellent value for those entering full-frame photography. Although it’s not the newest camera, it still boasts an impressive sensor with great low-light performance, and in-body stabilization. Simply put the Z5 delivers superb image quality for one of the most affordable full frame cameras on the market.
Where we have pause: This camera benefits from using full frame lenses, which currently are limited for Nikon’s Z lineup. Also the size and weight of a full frame camera aren't practical for everyone.
Key specs:
24.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
EXPEED 6 Image Processor
UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
3.2" 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
5-Axis Sensor-Shift Vibration Reduction
ISO 100-51200, Up to 4.5 fps Shooting
Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Dual SD UHS-II Card Slots
Best Camera for Aspiring Professionals
Sony A7RV
Once again Sony take the crown for this years “best camera for aspiring professionals”. As we’ve said in the past, Sony makes darn good cameras. The Sony a7RV is a very powerful camera for serious photographers (and even videographers). While Sony’s menus aren’t necessarily user-friendly, their image quality and lens selection is top level with dozens of lens available at various price points.
This full frame whopper of a sensor has 61 megapixels (great for heavy cropping), a impressive AF system with over 600 AF points, and ISO range of 100- 102,400 (no, that's not a typo).
This camera is no joke and requires a dedication to learning its features, it’s also not cheap, often starting at $3,800 (with no lens) But for the committed photographer, it’s hard to top the Sony A7RV.
Key specs:
61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System
8K 24p, 4K 60p, FHD 120p 10-Bit Video
9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
3.2" 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD
10 fps Shooting with AF/AE Tracking
8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization
Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
Runner Up: Canon R5
Another bridesmaid… Canon’s strong suit has always been its usability and impeccable colors. The Canon R5 builds on that legacy and adds insanely fast and accurate autofocus, a robust sensor with 45 megapixels, offering eye popping detail and significant cropping options.
However, Canon’s dynamic range makes it less impressive in low light if you need to use high ISOs. Additionally after 5 years the RF lens line-up still offers limited budget friendly options and nearly no third-party lens options.
For these select reasons we couldn’t crown the Canon this year and instead get’s the runner-up award.
Key specs:
45MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization
12 fps Mech. Shutter, 20 fps E. Shutter
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1053 Points
3.2" Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
Subject Tracking with Deep Learning
CFexpress & SD UHS-II Memory Card Slots
8K30 Raw and 4K120 10-Bit Internal Video
The “Best” Camera is Personal
The question we often hear: “What’s the best camera to buy?” or more specifically, “What’s the best camera for a beginner photographer?” The answer depends on you..
Because photography encompasses a diverse range of subjects: people, places, wildlife, products, sports, and more, the “best camera" can vary depending on your goals.
Some cameras are made for speed or action, while others are made more for portrait photography, landscape photography, or any other genre of photography. What it boils down to is, the “best” camera often varies depending on what sort of photos you want to make.
When we suggest cameras, we stick to those that are able to photograph the widest range of subject matter possible.
Next Steps: Get More Out Of Your Camera
Regardless of the camera you choose, taking great photos is easier than you think. At the BPW we strive to help everyday people start their photo-journey with easy and straightforward instruction. Youtube and Pinterest are helpful tools for some, but we think nothing can beat personalized instruction.
If you’re ready to learn the in’s and out’s of your camera, we hope you’ll join us for one of our many offerings such as: one-day workshops, online classes, or 1:1 private lessons.