Best cameras 2016

December 23, 2015Matt Golowczynski

Whether you’re buying a camera for the first time or upgrading your existing set-up, you’re very much in luck. We’ve rounded up some of the best cameras in 2016 that are available now!

It’s been an exciting year for cameras of all levels, from compacts right through to DSLRs, with a variety of popular models upgraded and the introduction of new product lines to keep things fresh and interesting.

As we may expect, a great deal of key developments have occurred in the full-frame arena, with Sony furnishing its compact and mirrorless lines with updates, and new DSLRs from Canon and Nikon redefining the standard for enthusiast and professional users.

There has, however, been plenty to get excited about elsewhere, with the standard of consumer-focused mirrorless cameras and high-end compacts constantly improving and a handful of models standing out for exceeding expectations.

So, as we head into 2016, which cameras deserve particular attention? We’ve looked through everything released this year and other models still available to find out ten top cameras of the moment.

The best cameras in 2016

Canon EOS 5DS
Sony RX100 IV
Panasonic FZ1000
Fujifilm X-T10
Sony A7 II
Nikon D750
Canon EOS 760D
Olympus OM-D E-M5 II
Sony A7R II
Nikon D7100

SEE MORE
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Best cameras 2016: Canon EOS 5DS

Price on Amazon US $3399.00 / Price on Amazon UK na

With a pixel count to rival medium-format cameras but a body as portable as Canon’s previous EOS 5D models, the EOS 5DS pushes the performance-to-size ratio further than before.

Decidedly a specialist camera rather than one intended for all-purpose use, the EOS 5DS is designed for use in situations where detail is paramount, from fashion and commercial photography to landscapes and more.

SEE MORE
Canon 5DS or 5DS R – which to buy?
Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R vs Nikon D810: 9 key differences you need to know

Yet, as we discovered in our five-star review, it’s not satisfied simply doing one thing well, but combines it’s high-resolution sensor with sound metering and auto white balance systems, together with excellent autofocus to largely negate manual intervention.

So long as you use high-quality glass and technique appropriate for the situation, the EOS 5DS will reward you with superb image quality.

Its slightly pricier sibling, the EOS 5DS R, goes one further by delivering the same blend of functionality as the EOS 5DS but with the addition of a low-pass filter cancelation effect for even better detail (although this factor does somewhat restrict the genres for which it would be a good match on account of aliasing effects).

Pros
– Superb detail
– Built to a very high standard

Cons
– One of the priciest DSLRs around
– High-quality glass needed to do the sensor justice

SEE MORE: Canon EOS 5DS vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II vs Pentax 645Z

Best cameras 2016: Sony RX100 IV

Price on Amazon US $948.00 / Price on Amazon UK £815.00

Sony’s RX100 series of cameras has become a smash among enthusiasts wanting the most control and highest image quality in a diminutive body, and the RX100 IV is the line’s most advanced camera yet.

It picks up where the Mark III left off, with the advantage of a stacked sensor that gifts the camera with a burst rate up to 16fps and advances in operational speed, as well as 4K video and slow-motion video recording.

It also boasts a 2.36-million dot electronic viewfinder, a tilting rear display and a 24-70mm optic that’s made all the more better by an accommodating aperture range of f/1.8-2.8.

While its top-end specs and high image quality are reflected by its asking price, a current cashback deal shaves off £50 to take some of the sting out. Like what you see but your money can’t quite stretch that far?

Consider the previous RX100 III model, which combines a similar set of core specs at a more attractive asking price.

Pros
– High-spec video functionality
– Superb image quality

Cons
– Expensive
– 280-shot battery life a little low

SEE MORE: Sony cameras: the full and complete range explained

Best cameras 2016: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

Price on Amazon US $747.99 / Price on Amazon UK £599.00

Superzoom bridge cameras may offer the convenience of a massive focal range in one lens, but they have long been characterised by mediocre image quality on account of their relatively small sensors.

Not so with the FZ1000, whose 1in sensor lifts image quality beyond the expected standard, whilst still managing to squeeze in a 25-400mm zoom lens with a respectably wide f/2.8-4 aperture.

We say ‘squeeze’ – it is a touch bigger than rival models, although what you lose in portability you make up for in capability. You get Raw shooting, and excellent EVF, an articulating rear display and Wi-Fi functionality, and even 4K video recording with a neat 120fps super-slow-motion recording option.

We liked the way it handles and image quality is slightly better than the camera’s nearest rival, the Sony RX10, although Sony has recently updated this with a (significantly pricier) mark II version.

There’s a little room for improvement with its own current asking price, although it’s currently part of Panasonic’s winter cashback campaign, which makes it slightly better value than usual. Definitely a step up from the usual superzoom fare.

Pros
– Great image quality
– 4K video recording

Cons
– A little bulky
– Greater focal range offered by rival cameras

SEE MORE: Panasonic cameras: the full and complete range explained

Best cameras 2016: Fujifilm X-T10

Price on Amazon US $699.00 ($799.00 with 16-50mm lens) / Price on Amazon UK £480.00 (£570.00 with 16-50mm lens)

Taking many of the best bits from the hugely popular Fujifilm X-T1 and delivering them in a smaller, lighter and cheaper body, the X-T10 is just as capable as a backup body to the X-T1 as it is an upgrade to Fujifilm’s previous X-series models.

The use of the same sensor and processing engine as the flagship camera means it matches it for image quality, while an updated autofocusing system – albeit one that’s now available to X-T1 users via a firmware update – improves the tracking of moving subjects.

It also boasts the same 8fps burst rate and high 2.36million-dot resolution in its EVF, and even squeezes in a pop-up flash, something the XT1 lacks.

Naturally there have been some concessions, such as the lack of weather-sealing and a slightly smaller EVF magnification, although the far lower asking price suggests far more has been cut than is actually the case; as we concluded in our review of the model, “although it is a compromise on the X-T1, it doesn’t feel like much of one”.

Pros
– Excellent value for money
– Same image quality as current flagship model

Cons
– No weather sealing
– Rear display lacks touch functionality

SEE MORE: Fuji cameras: the full and complete range explained

Best cameras 2016: Sony A7 II

Price on Amazon US $1698.00 ($1998.00 with 28-70mm lens) / Price on Amazon UK £1244.00 (£1485.98 with 28-70mm lens)

The A7 II may not boast the 42.4MP sensor of its A7R II sibling nor the super-high ISO range of the A7S II, but its much cheaper price point – and thus greater accessibility – makes it more impressive when you compare its feature set with not only thee models but other cameras in a similar price bracket too.

Sony’s primary few A7 models felt very much like the first-generation cameras that they were, but the mark II versions see a handful of changes in place to make them better rival full-frame DSLRs.

On the A7 II in particular, we found that handling and operation have been improved, with the more substantial body making it handle more like a DSLR than rival cameras.

Perhaps more crucially, the A7 II is also Sony’s first full-frame mirrorless camera to incorporate a built-in image stabilisation system, something that we found to be particularly effective. This, together with the ability to produce highly detailed images with great colour and low noise throughout most of the sensitivity range makes light work of post-processing.

As a relatively new model it’s still priced significantly more than the original A7, although this should slowly start to fall.

Pros
– Effective image-stabilisation system
– Excellent image quality

Cons
– Significantly more expensive than original A7
– Lens selection still somewhat limited

SEE MORE: Sony A7S II vs A7 II vs A7R II: which should you buy?

Best cameras 2016: Nikon D750

Price on Amazon US $1896.95 ($2396.95 with 24-120mm lens) / Price on Amazon UK £1342.96 (£1716.98 with 24-85mm lens)

Arriving over six years after the D700, the D750 follows that model’s recipe of pro-grade features in a portable body, and all delivered at a relatively affordable price for a full-frame camera.

It nestles between the enthusiast-focused D610 and the 36.3MP D810 and blends a newly developed 24.3MP full-frame sensor together with a tilting screen, Wi-Fi and a variation of the D810’s autofocusing system.

With the further additions of a solid set of video specs and weather sealing, the camera has already won many fans across a range of disciplines, from reportage and portraits to weddings and any low-light situations.

Our review found the camera’s stellar image quality was matched by a solid performance from its AF system, with only a handful of minor issues regarding its handling and performance.

The D610 is also available if you want to dip your toe into full-frame photography for a little less outlay, but the D750 manages to shine brighter for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Pros
– Excellent image quality and high-ISO performance
– Highly capable AF system

Cons
– Not the cheapest full-frame DSLR
– 6.5fps burst rate not the fastest

SEE MORE: Nikon D750 vs D810 vs D610: 10 key differences you need to know

Best cameras 2016: Canon EOS 760D / Rebel T6s

Canon 750D / 760D Review (Rebel T6i and T6s): which is the better buy?

canon entry level dslr 750 d 760d

Price on Amazon US $849.00 ($1,049.00 with 18-135mm lens) / Price on Amazon UK £669.98 (na with lens)

The success of Canon’s previous triple-digit EOS cameras shows the company has cracked the formula for entry-level DSLRs. Yet, the EOS 760D takes another significant step forward by updating several key areas of the previous EOS 700D’s feature set to make it even more compelling for he entry-level user.

Designed to offer a user experience more in line with Canon’s more advanced DSLRs, the model brings a top-plate LCD and rear control wheel for the first time to an entry-level EOS model, while a new sensor and metering system, together with the same AF system as the EOS 70D, show its insides to be just as impressively specified.

We particularly love the way the physical controls work with the camera’s touchscreen interface, with the further advantage of an articulated screen to help out when the scene demands a less orthodox shooting position. While not flawless, it’s still one of the most capable and portable entry-level DSLRs around.

Pros
– Brilliant combination of physical and touschreen controls
– All-cross-type AF system for enhanced sensitivity

Cons
– Viewfinder coverage bettered by cheaper models
– Not weather sealed

SEE MORE:Canon EOS 760D vs 750D vs 700D: 9 things you need to know

Best cameras 2016: Olympus OM-D E-M5 II

Price on Amazon US $899.00 ($1798.00 with 12-50mm lens) / Price on Amazon UK £789.00 (from £1001.85 with 12-50mm lens)

While we were very impressed with what Olympus had achieved with its debut digital OM-D model, the OM-D E-M5, as the first model in the line left it left us with the impression of it being somewhat unfinished.

Three years later, its mark II refresh benefits from the developments of intervening models to deliver something much more satisfying.

Perhaps the jewel in its feature set is its 40MP High-Res Composite mode, which we found to works brilliantly when used with static subjects, with images showing detail on the same level as the much more expensive 36.3Mp Nikon D810 DSLR at lower ISO settings.

Together with improvements to its autofocusing system, a faster burst rate, a clearer viewfinder and a superb image stabilisation system that’s effective in images and videos alike, it results as a much more sophisticated contender for enthusiast’s attention.

Furthermore, despite its mid-range billing, it also happens to pack in a great deal of more auto-oriented shooting options, so it’s great if you’re getting to grips with photography and want a learning tool that will remain suitable as you gain confidence.

Pros
– Excellent five-axis image stabilisation system
– Clever High Res Composite mode

Cons
– Menus sometimes confusing
– Somewhat fiddly

SEE MORE:Olympus cameras: the full and complete range explained

Best cameras 2016: Sony A7R II

Price on Amazon US $3198.00 / Price on Amazon UK na

Unashamedly a top-end camera for professionals and enthusiasts demanding a high level of control over both images and videos, the A7R II is one of the finest mirrorless contenders to the likes of Nikon and Canon’s pro-level DSLRs.

The 42.4Mp pixel count is undoubtedly its headline feature, but there’s much more going on under the A7R II’s hood that warrants attention.

It is, for example, the world’s first full-frame camera to offer a back-illuminated construction for enhanced sensitivity, while 4K video recording, a built-in, five-axis image stabilisation system and a revamped Hybrid AF system with both phase- and contrast-detect AF points elevate the model into a different league from its A7R predecessor.

It’s encouraging to see six full-frame A7 models arrive in only two years, and the A7R II is perhaps the most accomplished yet.

Only a relatively limited selection of compatible optics holds it back, but this will no doubt increase as the system gains in popularity.

Pros
– Super-high resolution sensor
– Effective image-stabilisation system

Cons
– 5fps burst rate a little low
– Limited lens range

SEE MORE: Sony lenses explained: which lenses to use on which cameras

Best cameras 2016: Nikon D7100

Price on Amazon US $796.95 ($1096.95) / Price on Amazon UK £619.00 (£799.00 with 18-105mm lens)

Although the D7100 has now been superseded by the D7200, we found that the newer model presented only a handful of benefits over what was there already.

This, together with the D7100’s lower asking price, and the likelihood of this falling faster throughout the next year, mean that if we had to pick one we’d save our pennies and go for the older model.

Despite the lack of Wi-Fi and a handful of video specs missing from the D7200’s spec sheet, the D7100 still offers a point AF system, water- and dust-resistant body, 6fps burst shooting mode (that can be expanded to 7fps at a 1.3x crop) and a 3.2in LCD show it to compete well with newer models, while its 24.1MP sensor not only matches many rival cameras for pixels but also omits the standard low-pass filter for even better detail retention than usual.

With the camera still available new and used bodies floating below the £500 mark, the D7100 is a fully-featured, enthusiasts grade DSLR that’s easy to recommend for any budget.

Pros
– Great value for money
– Weather-sealed body

Cons
– No Wi-Fi
– Rear display fixed in place and not touch sensitive

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