Which Camera Should You Buy?

We've reviewed almost all modern camera systems and worked closely with thousands of photographers. Based on that experience, we've learned which cameras people are happiest with in the long term. Whether you're a beginner photographer with a $150 budget, or an pro with a $10,000 budget, we'll recommend a camera and lens to help you accomplish your goals.

Here's a table of contents so you can jump directly to the part you're most interested in:

00:19 - General photography
04:31 - Landscape photography
10:05 - Sports photography
13:40 - Portrait photography
17:01 - Wildlife photography
21:54 - Video
26:21 - Video & Stills

STARTER CAMERAS:

LANDSCAPE CAMERAS:

PORTRAIT CAMERAS:

WILDLIFE CAMERAS:

VIDEO CAMERAS:

DRONES:

[emiangurabardhi]

Idk why im watching this i have 0 money

[LordsSky]

Hey, I like your videos, but you could please start putting things in the description? Having to pause the video and type out the url is kinda silly.

[petermoeller]

It’s refreshing to see a reviewer without noticeable loyalty to a certain brand or system – and an extensive knowledge of gear.

I can only say that whenever you comment on gear I own or have used, I fully agree with what you say.

Great video!

[joshualknl]

Dear Tony,

I used to think you were boring. Now I kind of like you. You're not as ostentatious as Kai, but your thorough and detail-oriented analyses somehow manage to be light-hearted and fun to watch.

Keep up the good work!
Josh

[juansymontano]

You just made buying a used entry-level sound good.
And it is! The biggest misconception that beginners have is that they need the latest and greatest. And if they watch other reviewers, they'll think that way even more.

This is why I love this channel.

[michaelbevington]

Great job summarizing a full spectrum of camera options in under 30 minutes. I have several people I'm going to send this video link to. Best part is that you have highly detailed free tutorials for every camera covered. It doesn't get much better than that.

[BrownieX]

Cannot wait for this years version of this. So many things happened this year. Not sure why I even watched it when I have no money, but still fun to look at the combinations that you think makes the most sense for a long list of prices.

[SamuelMonteArrieta]

Good job again! I'm not planning on getting new gear but it's interesting to watch such a thorough comparison of gear. Thanks again :-)

[nicodimus]

If you like Nikon and want to do wildlife, the D7200 + 200-500mm + TC14Eiii is a great value in its price range too. Slower burst speed than the 7Dmk2 setup, but way better reach (420-1050mm FF equivalent) and nice image quality to boot.

[ernestobalderramos]

Hey Tony, recent viewer been making my way through the majority of your videos for the last 9 months or so. Love the videos on OIQ and in general I love the technical component and how well you work it into your videos. I have learned a lot through your videos and have definitely become a better photographer as a result.That being said...

I was confused as to why you gave Fujifilm absolutely 0 love on this video. Seriously 0 love.... How is that even possible???? I personally have been shooting for just over a year so I am fairly inexperienced, but I have taken a lot of time to become well informed. I started on an eos m, moved to an a6000 and have settled comfortably in the Fuji family. The advantages presented from the Fuji system are amazing. The beautiful rendition of jpegs out of camera is something none of the cameras you mentioned can do half as well as the fuji systems can. And for those who may not want to slide every photo they take through lightroom it's really a huge benefit.

One specific example I want to bring up is the T6i with a nifty fifty for portraits. You claimed the body is $850 used, plus the lens for $110 brings the grand total to just about $1k. I also would like to mention that a huge majority of the money being spent on a camera body which will lose value much much faster than a lens would. Alternatively you could have recommended the Fujifilm X-E1system for about $400 used, and the 56mm f1.2 for about $650 used that takes portraits LIGHTYEARS better than the T6i with the nifty-fifty. Also the majority of money being is spent on a lens rather than the body means an overall smarter long term investment. If you wanted to go even cheaper still!! You could suggest the X-M1 for about $250 used and at this point you are paying even less for a camera that will blow the doors off the canon system you mentioned, for portraits, and STILL BE CHEAPER. So saying that the T6i is the lowest possible value for "serious" portraits is a bit absurd really when you could have recommended a system that takes better portraits for less money while making a more sound investment.

 To be honest I would love to hear your thoughts on why Fuji systems were omitted from this video, as someone who just found out what they really enjoy shooting with and who isn't far removed from being in a place where videos like this made a huge impact on where I chose to spend my money I can't help but wonder why there isn't a single spot on this video for Fuji system cameras?

Thanks Tony and Chelsea, love the video and I will continue to support!

[TheSascha]

Ahh it's back yay! so I'll ask again, why the Nikon D4S over the Canon 1DX for sports? I assumed the 1DX would be the better choice with the faster FPS and better AF tracking modes? as well as the better sport tele lenses like the 200-400 f4 and and 400 2.8?

[jb]

I went for the Lumix GX-1 body for $96 on eBay. It had only 1600 shutter cycles. A pretty decent bargain IMHO. Having a blast combining this mirrorless body with dirt cheap legacy glass, also purchased on eBay. A nice little set-up for portraits. Some of my deals for legacy glass on eBay:

- Nikon Nikkor S 50mm; Nikon F mount; f:1.4; 52mm filter size. Purchased with Nikomat FT N vintage showroom mint $41.00 + $10.00 (shipping). Came with a black leather case that had no signs of use whatsoever.
- Konica Hexanon 40mm Pancake; AR mount; f:1.8; 55mm filter size. $23.50 + $5.75 (shipping)
- Asahi Optical Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm; M42 mount; f:1.4; 49mm filter size. Purchased with vintage Spotmatic $69.99 + $14.22 shipping
- Jupiter-9 avtomat 85mm; f:2.0; 49mm filter size. $19.50+$15.00(shipping)
- Canon 50mm (Chrome lip); BL FD mount; f:1.4; 55mm filter size. $25.00 incl. shipping

...and about 14 other lenses (e.g.: Helios 44-2, Canon FD 135/2.5, Vivitar 75-205, OLY 28/2.8...). Most have arrived as expected, with excellent optics. Some required cleaning...but for the most part...with one exception...they are in VG to mint condition!!! Plus extension tubes, focal reducer, and a number of adapters!

Sure, I have a Panny lens for daily/nigh-time on the go use, where OIS is a big help. But for portrait and landscape stuff...with a tripod...these legacy lenses are a hoot.

I suppose I will try all and keep those I like the best...flipping the rest without any loss.

[mikesabran]

Tony, I think your videos are the most enlightening, and I enjoy watching them very much. Keep on doing what you have been doing with the beautiful again, Mike

[ChrisB-idof]

I like the fact that you protect and maintain your credibility by driving home the point that you don't take free gear.

[richardlombardi]

Thank you, Tony. Always stay true to your core beliefs by being honest. Honesty is appreciated more than you know

[kimkay]

Can you please make a video about used vs new vs refurbished cameras. I love how you explain things. Keep up the good work.

[andyandycapt]

also tony, the tokina 100mm 2.8 mounted on anything especially the D 7200 and wow on the D810, an d810, a tokina 100 2.8 and a sigma 24-105mm f4 is a kit that cant be beat.

[EpicOD]

Hey Tony, I love to support your channel an easier way to get myself and others to visit the links your showing is to list them on the description this makes it easier to click the link and you guys get paid :)

[ein]

Best review really helps me choose what to buy and i have a better understanding about all these cameras now.Thanks for the great reviews.

[tburger]

All your information is a great help. Even after watching the same video more than once. :-) All that you and Chelsea do is appreciated. Please keep up the good and informative work.