September 2022
Digital Cameras: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Digital Camera rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2022.
Summary
As of 14 Sep 2022, Sony Alpha A7 III takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed digital camera with 4 expert endorsements. 1 experts out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 digital camera' this month. It is followed by Nikon D850 and Fujifilm X-T30 , with 3 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - September 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Digital Camera |
PCMag
|
Gadget Review
|
BestReviews
|
PixelsPhy
|
Futurism
|
HotRate
|
The Techlounge
|
Photography PX
|
Tom's Guide
|
Technpick
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $1998 |
Sony Alpha A7 III
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
|
2
|
+1 | $2797 |
Nikon D850
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
3
|
+1 | Check price |
Fujifilm X-T30
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
6
|
-
|
3
|
6
|
|
4
|
+1 | $897 |
Nikon D3500
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+1 | $998 |
Sony Alpha a6000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
+1 | $448 |
Panasonic Lumix FZ300
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
|
7
|
+1 | $1597 |
Nikon Z6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
+1 | $649 |
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
|
9
|
-7 | $1699 |
Fujifilm X-T4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
+10 | $395 |
GoPro Hero10 Black
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
|
11
|
-1 | $475 |
Olympus Tough TG-6
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
-1 | Check price |
Nikon D5600
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
5
|
|
13
|
-1 | $899 |
Canon EOS Rebel T8i
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
14
|
-1 | $1998 |
Panasonic Lumix S5
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
19
|
-2 | $3498 |
Sony Alpha 7R IV
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
-2 | $1298 |
Sony RX100 VII
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
-2 | $648 |
Panasonic Lumix ZS200
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
|
22
|
-1 | $748 |
Sony ZV-1
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
We ranked Sony Alpha A7 III #1 in September 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sony Alpha A7 III as #1.
BestReviews
Best for Experts
|
Pros
Produces 24.2MP, 4K, HD images and true-to-life colors. Sensor technology for clear shots. 28-70 millimeter zoom lens lets you capture details from a distance. Includes a nice accessory set.
|
Cons
Menu is confusing to navigate and may not be ideal for beginners.
|
The Techlounge
The Best Full-Frame Digital Camera for Beginners
|
Pros
4D focus AF system
ISO range 100 – 51200
3” tilting touchscreen
Excellent 4K video
|
Cons
EVF feels dated
Only one UHS-II slot
|
Technpick
Full-Frame Mirrorless Small Digital Camera
|
Pros
Durable and compact body
Improved speed
Good image quality
Continuous shooting up to 10fps
Well priced
|
Cons
The imbalance with greater lenses
Battery life not good
The absence of a built-in flash
AF working not good in dim light
|
We ranked Nikon D850 #2 in September 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Nikon D850 as #1.
PixelsPhy
|
Pros
Silent mode feature
Tilting LCD screen
Captures in low-light
Quality resolution images
|
Cons
Defective LCD screen
|
The Techlounge
Top-Tier Performance From a Flagship DSLR
|
Pros
45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor
Rugged, weather-resistant design
Large Pentaprism viewfinder
Amazing battery life
Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
|
Cons
Live view could use some work
Not beginner-friendly
The price tag
|
Technpick
High Resolution For Recording And Still Photography
|
Pros
By utilizes the whole width of the sensor
4K capture is possible
Touchscreen
|
Cons
Low hit rate
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Digital Cameras.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Digital Cameras, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for September 2022 ranking
PCMag
Gadget Review
BestReviews
PixelsPhy
Futurism
HotRate
The Techlounge
Photography PX
Tom's Guide
Technpick
We ranked Fujifilm X-T30 #3 in September 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
HotRate
|
Pros
Above average video shooting
Powerful performance in a little frame
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatible
Small frame with a great grip
|
The Techlounge
Excellence in a Retro Package
|
Pros
Great photo and video quality
Good autofocus
Attractive retro-look
|
Cons
No built-in image stabilization
|
Tom's Guide
Amazing Retro-Styled Mirrorless Camera
|
Pros
Solid image quality
Responsive touchscreen
Excellent feature set
|
Cons
10 minute 4K recording limit
No in-body image stabilization
|
Technpick
Super Zoom Digital Camera
|
Pros
Large battery
Sophisticated design
Good image quality
|
Cons
The imbalance with greater lenses
Battery life not good
The absence of a built-in flash
AF working not good in dim light
|
We ranked Nikon D3500 #4 in September 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
PixelsPhy
|
Pros
Simple to operate
Light in weight
Two lenses included
Auto mode feature
|
Cons
Defective wireless connectivity
|
The Techlounge
An Affordable DSLR for Beginners
|
Pros
ISO range 100 to 25600
SnapBridge compatibility
Plenty of features
Ease of use
Nice price point
|
Cons
Fixed display
No Wi-Fi
AF system could be better
|
We ranked Sony Alpha a6000 #5 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sony Alpha a6000 as #1.
PixelsPhy
|
Pros
Interchangeable lenses
Easy to use
Light in weight
Rechargeable batteries
|
Cons
Poor image quality
|
HotRate
|
Pros
Now available at a deep discount
Long lasting battery life
Continuous shooting speed of 11 fps
Bright and expressive optical viewfinder
|
We ranked Panasonic Lumix FZ300 #6 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Panasonic Lumix FZ300 as #1.
BestReviews
Best of the Best
|
Pros
Provides 12.1MP and the ability to film in 4K. 24x zoom ability 3 inch touchscreen display to set focus on an image. Takes macro shots as close as 1cm. Dust and splash proof.
|
Cons
Some buyers found this didn't take really clear pictures in low light.
|
Technpick
Long zoom best digital camera
|
Pros
Large battery
Sophisticated design
Good image quality
|
Cons
The imbalance with greater lenses
Battery life not good
The absence of a built-in flash
AF working not good in dim light
|
We ranked Nikon Z6 #7 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Nikon Z6 as #1.
PixelsPhy
|
Pros
24MP sensor
Weather-resistant body
Headphone and microphone ports
Blown out highlights warning
|
Cons
Battery gets drained with wireless connectivity
|
HotRate
|
Pros
Uses an Expeed 6 image processor
Backed by a manufacturer’s warranty
Includes an FTX mount adapter
Maximum sensitivity of 51,200 ISO
|
We ranked Canon EOS Rebel SL3 #8 in September 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
PixelsPhy
|
Pros
Small and portable
Touchscreen LCD
Wireless connectivity
DIGIC 8 image processor
|
Cons
Cropping in 4K videos
|
Futurism
Best Digital Camera for Beginners
|
Pros
Lightweight and compact for a DSLR
Vari-angle touch screen
Easy to adjust and use controls
Good live view autofocus
|
Cons
Thicker body than a mirrorless model
Limited to 9 AF points
Limited view in 4K
|
Tom's Guide
4K Video on a Budget
|
Pros
Fully articulated touchscreen
4K video
Excellent battery life
|
Cons
Modest AF points
Not compatible with 3rd-party flash units
|
We ranked Fujifilm X-T4 #9 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Fujifilm X-T4 as #1.
Futurism
Best Digital Camera Overall
|
Pros
In-body image stabilization (IBIS)
Flip-out screen for easier 4K video
Improved battery performance
Excellent RAW processing
Dust and splash-proof body
|
Cons
Can’t create low-quality clips
No headphone jack
|
The Techlounge
The Best Aps-C Digital Camera
|
Pros
Cutting-edge APS-C sensor
Vari-angle screen
IBIS is second to none
15 FPS burst shooting
Impressive Face & Eye detection AF
Superb low light performance
|
Cons
Lacks headphone jack
|
We ranked GoPro Hero10 Black #10 in September 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
PCMag
Best Action Camera / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
5.3K capture at up to 60fps
120fps 4K for slow motion
Class-leading video stabilization
Front-facing color screen
Waterproof without an add-on case
Media Mod support
Extended-run Enduro battery available as add-on
Wi-Fi and USB transfer for phones and tablets
|
Cons
Included battery drains quickly
Costs more when bought without a subscription
Heat limits long-form recording
|
The Techlounge
An Amazing Digital Action Camera
|
Pros
Durable
Strong GP2 processor
Great image quality
Livestreaming support
Lightweight
Excellent image stabilization
|
Cons
Questionable low-light performance
There is no EVF
|
Tom's Guide
The Best Action Cam Overall
|
Pros
Excellent image stabilization
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality
|
Cons
Heavy
|
We ranked Olympus Tough TG-6 #11 in September 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
PCMag
Best Rugged, Waterproof, and Pocketable Point-and-Shoot / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Tough, waterproof build.
Add-on lenses and macro lights available.
Sharp rear LCD.
Wide aperture lens.
4K video.
Wi-Fi.
|
Cons
Not a touch screen.
LCD can pick up scuffs and scratches.
Video feature lag behind action cameras.
Wi-Fi app pushes spammy notifications.
|
HotRate
|
Pros
Available in both red and black
Offers four macro shooting modes
One of the most durable models around
Tons of great underwater modes
|
We ranked Nikon D5600 #12 in September 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
PixelsPhy
|
Pros
Touchscreen LCD
Large sensor
Interchangeable lenses
Easy to use
|
Cons
Low quality wireless connectivity
|
Tom's Guide
Best DSLR by Nikon under $1,000
|
Pros
Top-notch image quality
Responsive performance
Solid set of practical and creative features
|
Cons
Minimal manual control for video
No 4K video
|
Technpick
Lightweight Digital SLR camera
|
Pros
Long-lasting battery
Sophisticated design
Premium image quality
Lightweight chassis
|
Cons
No observations
|
We ranked Canon EOS Rebel T8i #13 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
BestReviews
Feature-Packed
|
Pros
24.1MP sensor and 4K video. Autofocus, face recognition, and high frame rate for taking action shots easy. User friendly and great for beginners. Viewfinder and built-in WiFi.
|
Cons
This camera may be lacking for experienced photographers.
|
Tom's Guide
Best DSLR for Most People
|
Pros
Records 4K video
Easy to use
Good guides for newbies
|
Cons
No USB charging
|
We ranked Panasonic Lumix S5 #14 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
PCMag
Best Entry Full-Frame Model for 4K / Editors' Choice
|
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
|
Tom's Guide
A full-frame hybrid camera that excels at stills and video
|
Pros
Near-pro-level features
5-axis image stabilization
Full-frame sensor
|
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
|
We ranked Sony Alpha 7R IV #15 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
HotRate
|
Pros
The best full frame sensor around
Incredibly sturdy build quality
AF tracking system is incredibly powerful
Shoots in full 4K video
|
The Techlounge
An Amazing Mirrorless Camera
|
Pros
Sharp and detailed images
Excellent AF
61MP Exmor R sensor
Dual UHS-II card slots
Very good battery life
Very good wireless connectivity
|
Cons
No 60/50p video
A bit outdated looks
|
We ranked Sony RX100 VII #16 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
PCMag
Best Premium Compact / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Sharp 8x zoom lens.
Electronic viewfinder.
1-inch sensor design.
20fps capture with subject tracking.
Eye detection for people and pets.
Tilting touch screen.
4K video with external microphone port.
|
Cons
Expensive.
Can't start video while images are writing to card.
Limited touch functions.
|
The Techlounge
Sheer Quality in a Compact Package
|
Pros
Excellent, high-speed autofocus
Silent performance
Great image quality
4K HDR video capture
|
Cons
Pricey
Not the best user interface
|
We ranked Panasonic Lumix ZS200 #17 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
PixelsPhy
|
Pros
Longer battery life
Optical zoom
Wi-Fi connectivity
Large sensor
|
Cons
Fixed LCD
|
Tom's Guide
A Great Pocketable Travel Camera
|
Pros
Long optical zoom lens
Compact
Sharp electronic viewfinder and touch-screen LCD
|
Cons
No hot shoe for an external flash
Poorly organized controls and settings
|
We ranked Sony ZV-1 #18 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Cameras” rankings.
PCMag
Best for Vlogging
|
Pros
Compact form factor
Flip-out touch screen
Bright, sharp zoom lens
Excellent in-camera audio
External mic and flash support
4K video capture
|
Cons
A wider-angle lens would be welcome
Limited touch features
Face detection struggles when wearing protective mask
Underwhelming battery life
No in-camera flash
|
Tom's Guide
The Best Camera for Vloggers
|
Pros
Powerful yet easy-to-use features
Very good quality video and stills
Excellent AF
Very good quality audio
|
Cons
May not be versatile enough for advanced vloggers
Image stabilization could be better
|