What is the Best Digital Camera to Buy? (15 Top Picks)

By Christopher Bryan-Smith 

What’s the best digital camera to buy?  That’s a tricky question. After all, cameras, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. No camera will be the best for everyone, and each photographer, whether beginner, intermediate or pro, will be looking for the best camera to suit their needs.

The vast array of digital cameras available is great, but the mass of information can be confusing and difficult to get your head around sometimes. That’s why we’ve taken the time to create this buying guide containing our top picks, featuring the best DLSRs, point-and-shoots, and mirrorless cameras. Whether you are a beginner, enthusiast or pro, there will be something on this list for you. 

 

Best Cameras to Buy for Beginners

1: Nikon D3500

• Type: Crop Sensor DSLR
• Sensor: APS-C
• Resolution: 24.2MP
• Screen: 3-inch fixed, 921,000 dots
• Viewfinder: Optical
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Max burst speed: NA
• Max video resolution: Full HD
• User level: Beginner

If you’ve only just fallen in love with photography, then this could be the perfect camera for you. Whether this is your first DSLR or if you’re making the jump from simple point-and-shoot cameras, you can’t go wrong with the Nikon D3500.

The D3500 has reliable auto-functions so anyone can pick up the camera and start shooting. And, with a solid APS-C 24 megapixel sensor it means you can produce high quality, pleasing images right from the word go.

It does lack some features, such as a good burst function for continuous shooting, and it could benefit from having a movable screen for multi-angle shots. But with the Nikon D3500, simplicity is part of its appeal. You can play around with the functions without getting lost in a maze of buttons and menus, leaving you to focus on honing your craft.

One beneficial feature is how you can connect the camera to your smartphone using the Nikon Smartbridge, which connects using Bluetooth. This allows you to move photos from one to the other, freeing up space on the memory card as you go.

The Nikon D3500 is functional, easy to use, reasonably priced, and the excellent results will only make your enthusiasm for photography grow. It certainly is one of today’s best deals and could well be the best camera for beginners in 2021.

2: Canon EOS 7D Mark II

• Type: Crop Sensor DLSR
• Sensor: APS-C
• Resolution: 20.2MP
• Screen: 3-inch fixed, 921,000 dots
• Viewfinder: Optical
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: Full HD
• User level: Beginner

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a brilliant DSLR camera for beginners. It’s a real step up from its predecessor, the 5D Mark II, with its improved specs and functions making it a more usable and versatile camera.

With the sensor resolution increased to 20MP and an expanded ISO range, the 7D Mark II can still produce excellent results in low light conditions.

One outstanding feature is the 65-point wide-area autofocus system. This lets you track your subject as they move across the screen, keeping it in focus even if moving at high speeds. Coupled with the 10 frames per second burst function, this makes the 7D Mark II ideal for sports photography.

This camera is highly responsive and has a generous buffer that allows for continuous shooting without sacrificing quality or performance.

While the usability makes the Canon 7D Mark II one of the best cameras for beginners, the performance and functionality make it a perfectly viable option for more experienced enthusiasts.

3: Fujifilm X-T200

• Type: Mirrorless Sensor
• Sensor: APS-C
• Resolution: 24.2MP
• Screen: 3.5-inch, vari-angle touchscreen, 2,760k dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dots
• Max burst speed: 8fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Beginner

If you are looking for a mirrorless camera rather than a DSLR, then the Fujifilm X-T200 is an excellent option for beginners. It’s light and compact with an old-school aesthetic and is packed with some exciting modern features.

The 24MP APS-C sensor is similar to many of its competitors. But, the X-T200 has an easy-to-use vari-angle LCD touchscreen with a 1:6 aspect ratio, which you can rotate -90 and +180 degrees.

It has an updated face/eye detection auto-focus. And, the camera’s copper wired processor means you can achieve a high-quality, sharp focus with little noise in low-light situations.

The 4K video capability sets the X-T200 apart from its DSLR rivals and broadens its appeal to those making more varied multi-media content. Creators making the jump from using smartphone technology may find the electronic viewfinder easier to use than the traditional optical one.

The quality of both stills and videos makes the Fujifilm X-T200 one of the best cameras for anyone taking the next step in their photography career.

4: Sony Alpha 6000

• Type: Compact/Point and Shoot
• Sensor: APS-C
• Resolution: 24.3MP
• Screen: 3-inch tilting, 921,600 dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic
• Max burst speed:11fps
• Max video resolution: 1080p
• User level: Beginner/enthusiast

If you are looking to go beyond the limitations of smartphone cameras, then Sony’s Alpha 6000 is one of the best compact digital cameras you can find in 2021.

It has a compact and lightweight build, making it easy to carry when you’re on the move. It is a perfect travel camera and allows for a wide variety of styles, be that street, nature, or portrait photography.

The image quality is also impressive. The Alpha 6000 has a photo resolution of 24.3 mega-pixels, phase detection auto-focus, and an 11fps burst function. And to top that, you can also shoot video at 1080p.

The Sony Alpha 6000 is among the best cameras for beginners in the compact range, perfect for those moving away from smartphone content creation as it is compact and easy to use. The quality and functionality also mean it is a perfectly viable option for a more seasoned enthusiast.

5: Canon Ixus 185

• Type: Compact/Point and Shoot
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Resolution: 20MP
• Screen:2.7-inch fixed, 230,000 dots
• Viewfinder: No
• Max burst speed: NA
• Max video resolution: NA
• User level: Beginner

The rise of smartphones with good quality cameras has hurt the demand for point-and-shoot cameras, but that’s not to say their day is gone. They still have a place in the world, even cheap and simple compacts like the Canon Ixus 185.

If you’re a millennial or Gen Z techno-wizz, then this camera won’t be of much interest. This camera is aimed at those who have let the complicated technological advancements of the past few years pass them by, but still want to capture some good quality snaps.

With a 20MP sensor, this little camera does produce good results. It also has an 8x optical zoom lens, which you won’t find on any smartphone camera right now.

The Ixus 185 is also cheaper than most smartphones, especially those with high-spec cameras. The low price makes this camera the perfect alternative if you want great pictures without the add-ons and price tag of buying a smartphone.

Best Cameras to Buy for Enthusiasts

1: Canon EOS 90D

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: ASP-C
• Resolution: 32.5MP
• Screen: 3.0-inch touch, pivot 1,040,000 dots
• Viewfinder: Pentaprism
• Lens Mount: EF-S
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Enthusiast

All the talk these days seems to be about mirrorless camera technology. But with the EOS 90D, Canon has really made a statement that DSLRs are not going anywhere just yet.

The first thing you notice when using the EOS 90D is how well designed the body is. The comfort of the grip allows you to shoot for hours without encountering any fatigue in your hands or arms.

Canon has really pushed the APS-C sensor to the next level. The image resolution for the EOS 90D is a whopping 32.5MP. The 45-point cross-type autofocus system has excellent subject recognition and low-light sensitivity, meaning you can create superb photos in all types of challenging conditions.

The EOS 90D has 4K video resolution, with a video speed of 120p in full HD mode. The microphone and headphone connections also allow you to record audio with your high-quality video.

You can also connect the camera to your smart device using their Camera Connect app to easily move and share images. This connectivity is useful when you’re out in the field.

The Canon EOS 90D is versatile, reliable, and a pleasure to use. If you’re really starting to take photography seriously, then this may be the best camera for you. It is one of today’s best deals.

2: Fujifilm X-S10

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: APS-C
• Resolution: 26.1MP
• Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k
• Lens Mount: Fujifilm X
• Max burst speed: 30/8fps
• Max video resolution: 4K Video
• User level: Enthusiast

The Fujifilm X-S10 is the ideal camera for the most enthusiastic photographers. It has a perfect blend of usability and performance, making it the ideal camera for those who get excited about taking pictures.

It has an image resolution of 26.1MP, a 2360k EVF viewfinder, and a high-quality vari-angle touch screen. Its ergonomic yet straightforward build makes the Fujifilm X-S10 a joy to use.

The in-body image stabilization system (IBIS) lets you capture the shot you want without losing image quality, giving the Fujifilm X-S10 a broad appeal.

The Fujifilm X-S10 is affordable, easy to use, and produces excellent quality stills and video.  It is the camera for an intermediate that wants to get out there and shoot.

3: Olympus OM-D E-M10 III

• Type: Mirrorless Sensor (Crop)
• Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
• Resolution: 16.1MP
• Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,037,000 dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Max burst speed: 8.6fps
• Max video resolution: 4K Video
• User level: Enthusiast

The Micro Four Thirds sensor may be smaller than the APS-C sensors used on most DSLRs, but the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III still packs a punch.

This sensor type also has its advantages. The smaller sensor gives you a 2x effective focal length, getting you closer to your subject without the need for changing to a bigger lens.

With a stronger processing engine and a more sensitive auto-focusing system, this is a real step up from its predecessor, the Mark II.

The five-axis image stabilization system allows for excellent low-light image capture. And, the 2,360,000-dot electronic viewfinder and tilting screen make for great usability.

If you need something smaller that still packs a punch, then the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III could be the best camera option for you this year.

4: Canon EOS 6D Mark II

• Type: Full-Frame DSLR
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
• Resolution: 26.2MP
• Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
• Viewfinder: Optical
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Max burst speed: 6.5fps
• Max video resolution: Full HD
• User level: Enthusiast

The EOS 6D Mark II is a solid camera for a serious photography enthusiast. While it does fall short in some areas, it offers some useful features.

The CMOS full-frame sensor has a highly respectable 26.2MP resolution. A sensor of this quality gives the user great scope to capture so impressive images in any environment.

The burst speed is sluggish, at only 6.5fps. But, the advanced 45-point autofocus system allows for sharp and precise image capture even when the subject is on the move or in low light.

The 102,400 expandable ISO range also gives the photographer greater flexibility in more challenging conditions.

Perhaps not the best camera in terms of versatility, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is still a rugged camera. It’s for those photographers determined to get superb images no matter what the conditions.

5: Nikon Z6

• Type: Full-Frame Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
• Resolution: 24.5MP
• Screen: 3,690k dots, 100% coverage
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Lens Mount: Nikon Z
• Max Birst Speed: 12fps
• Max video resolution: 4K Video UHD at 30p
• User level: Enthusiast/Professional

When it comes to the age-old question of whether Nikon is better than Canon, there is not much to separate the two teams. But in the case of full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Z6 suggests that Nikon has the advantage.

The full-frame sensor, with 24.5MP image resolution, produces stunning images. And, the in-body image stabilization system proves highly beneficial if you’re shooting in low-light conditions.

It also has a rapid 12fps burst mode for continuous shooting, more than most DSLRs, and is entirely weather-sealed. These attributes make the Nikon Z6 the perfect action camera for the outdoors.

Another benefit of the Z6 is that you can use other Nikon lenses you own if you have the correct adaptor.

Is the Nikon Z6 the best full-frame mirrorless camera in its field? It might well be.

6: Panasonic LUMIX TS200/ZS200

• Sensor Size: 1-inch
• Resolution: 20.1MP
• Lens: 26-390mm (equivalent), f/3.3-6.4
• Screen: 3-inch fixed touchscreen, 1,240,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Enthusiast

Sometimes you might want to capture fantastic images without having to carry a heavy camera with large lenses. In that case, the TS200 is an excellent option for a photography enthusiast.

It has a 1-inch sensor, much larger than your average compact. But the most impressive weapon in its arsenal is the 15x optical zoom lens. Perfect for capturing anything distant and usually out of reach.

And with all that firepower, it still fits into a small bag or even into your pocket, making it a perfect travel camera for those weekends away.

Easy to use, fits in your pocket, produces fantastic images. It’s everything a point and shoot camera should be. The price might turn off beginners, but this is a perfect compact camera for an enthusiast.

7: Olympus TG-6

• Type: Compact/Point and Shoot
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor
• Resolution: 12MP
• Screen: 3-inch, 1,040,000-dot display
• Viewfinder: NA
• Max burst speed: 20fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Enthusiast

The latest in Olympus’s rugged TG line, the TG-6 is their most durable action camera yet. In essence, this camera has been designed for a life in the wild.

It has a rugged and compact design. It’s easy to transport, whether in a backpack or in your pocket.

The TG-6 is waterproof to 15m (45ft), shockproof from 2.1 meters (7ft), crushproof to 100kgf (220lbf), freezeproof to -10°C (14°F), and dustproof.

The TG-6 is limited with only a 12MP image sensor. But it has additional features that will appeal to the intrepid explorer, such as GPS, altimeter, compass, thermometer, and accelerometer. It also boasts a 20fps burst capture and a 4k video mode.

A great action camera, the Olympus TG-6 is built for adventure. If you’re an enthusiast for the great outdoors, a lover of hiking, climbing, kayaking, or skiing, and you want to capture every moment, then this is the best camera you can buy in 2021.

Best Cameras to Buy for Professionals

1: Nikon D850

• Type: Full-Frame DLSR
• Sensor: Full-frame
• Resolution: 45.7MP
• Screen: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2,600,000 dots
• Viewfinder: Optical
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Max burst speed: 9fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Professional

If you’re going pro, then the Nikon D850 is worth your consideration. It’s perfect for hard-working professional photographers.

The full-frame sensor has no optical low-pass filter and produces an image resolution of  45.7MP. You’ll have a hard time finding anything better than that in the world of DSLRs.

It can capture 9fps while still keeping its full resolution and auto-focus capabilities. It’s perfect for sport, documentary, or wildlife photography.

A stand-out feature is the focus shooting mode. This mode allows you to change the focal area after taking the picture and also makes image stacking possible in post-production.

The intervalometer also provides a lot of creative scope for time-lapse photography. You can program specific intervals and shooting rates for different effects.

Other useful features include Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi connectivity, and a competitive 4k video capture.

The Nikon D850 is not cheap. But if you’re serious about going pro, then this camera won’t let you down. When it comes to versatility and usability, it’s the best camera for professional photographers in 2021.

2: Sony A7R III

• Type: Full-Frame Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
• Resolution: 42.4MP
• Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,440,000 million dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic
• Lens Mount: Sony E
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 4K
• User level: Professional

The Sony A7R III is at the top of the mirrorless sensor league. It’s durable, usable, excellent quality, and competitively priced.

Unlike most other mirrorless cameras, the A7R III has a full-frame sensor with an image resolution of 42.4MP.

The real point of difference with the Sony A7R III is the sound. Its mirrorless design means you can shoot in complete silence. Even when using the 10fps burst function, you won’t make a sound. It’s ideal for snapping those intimate wildlife shots out in the bush.

You’ll be impressed by the auto-focus on this machine. The auto-focus will function beautifully using the burst mode or when the light is low.

The Sony A7R III is not limited to wildlife photography, though. Far from it. Its functionality, reliability, and compact size mean the possibilities are near limitless.

You can’t go wrong with this one. In terms of bang for your buck, it’s the best full-frame mirrorless camera on the market right now.

3: Canon EOS R5

• Type: Full-frame Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
• Resolution: 45 MP
• Screen: 3.15-inch fully articulating touchscreen, 2,100,000 dots
• Viewfinder: 0.5-inch OLED EVF, 5,690k dots
• Lens Mount: Canon RF
• Max Burst Speed: 12fps mechanical shutter/20fps electronic shutter
• Max Video Resolution: 8K DCI or UHD at 30p
• User Lever: Professional

When a lot of people ask for the best digital camera, they aren’t just looking for something that produces great stills. They want a camera that can also produce something special when it comes to video too. This is when the Canon EOS R5 stands proudly above the crowd.

For picture quality, the EOS R5 is one of the best in the business. With an outstanding 45MP resolution, the full-frame sensor produces images that will knock your socks off. You can also choose between the mechanical and electronic shutters when using burst mode, giving you a great variety of options for continuous shooting.

The video capabilities set the Canon EOS R5 apart from the also-rans. You can shoot uncropped 8K video internally at up to 29.97fps in 4:2:2 or UHD at 30p. Either way, the results will make your jaw drop.

The needs and wants of the modern photographer are constantly being redefined as they stretch out into the vast horizons of multi-media production. In this professional landscape, the Canon EOS R5 is a mirrorless camera at the very head of the game. It’s the very best camera for professional multi-media creation.

4: Fujifilm GFX 50R

• Type: Medium Format
• Sensor: Medium format (44 x 33 mm)
• Resolution: 51.4MP
• Screen:3-inch tilting touchscreen, 2,360,000 dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic
• Lens Mount: Fujifilm G-Mount
• Max burst speed: 3fps
• Max video resolution: Full HD
• User level: Professional

As a medium format camera, the Fujifilm GFX 50R won’t be for everyone. This type of camera does not have the versatility or functionality of a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

The Fujifilm GFX 50R does capture stunning images with unparalleled clarity and crispness. It has an impressive sensor size with an image resolution of 51.4MP. With that kind of firepower, you’ll definitely be impressed when you see the results.

The image is shot through 425 Focus Points, 117 of which come through contrast-detection, with the rest being phase-detection. This hybrid system gives you a Dynamic Range that is yet to be surpassed.

The Fujifilm GFX 50R is by no means an all-rounder. This medium format camera knows its role and does it brilliantly. The images are truly exceptional, and this is the best medium format camera on the market. 

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A Simple Guide to the Different Types of Digital Cameras

Shutterbug Photography, Rookie Photographer 

By Darina Kopcok 

 

Shopping for the best digital camera can be overwhelming for a beginner photographer. Or for a professional looking to change the format. There are so many different types of cameras.

There’s only so much your smartphone can do. At some point, you’ll want to invest in a digital camera for higher image quality.

Here are the various camera types that you should consider.
 

7. Compact Cameras

Also known as a point-and-shoot camera. A compact camera is an inexpensive entry-level camera for the amateur digital photographer.

These cameras are small and lightweight. They usually come with standard, automatic settings. They tend to be smaller as they don’t have an optical viewfinder.

They are the most user friendly of the types of cameras options. You frame your subject and press the button. The camera does all the work. It assesses the scene and determines a correct exposure.

Compact cameras have a built-in flash and a zoom lens. They also come with an LCD screen. You can view your scene before pressing the button to take the picture.

Many of these cameras even have some manual functions. These allow you to have more control over your photography.

But these types of cameras are all about ease of use. They won’t give you control over every camera setting. Some models also offer the ability to change lenses.

The downside of compact cameras is that they have a very small sensor. It doesn’t allow for great picture quality or printing large images.

Compact cameras are great for the hobbyist starting out. But they are not suitable for professional use.

Recommendations:

Nikon Coolpix A300

Canon Powershot Elph 190is

6. Zoom Compact Camera

Compact zoom cameras have a more powerful zoom lens. This means a much greater magnification ability.

They offer automatic exposure settings as well. But most also offer manual options and HD recording.

These types of cameras do not offer interchangeable lenses. This is due to the nature of the enhanced zoom function. The zoom ranges from 28-300mm.

Most models offer at least 12 megapixels. This is excellent for your personal images. As with other compact cameras, these types of cameras are not suitable for professional use.

Recommendations:
Canon Powershot SX540
Panasonic Lumix ZS50
Olympus Stylus 1s

5. Advanced Compact Cameras

These types of cameras are for the more experienced hobbyists. They want more control over their photos than what a regular compact camera provides.

Advanced compact cameras come with manual exposure mode and manual focusing.

These features put these a cut above regular compact cameras. But these cameras are still lightweight and user-friendly.

They will allow you to take higher-resolution pictures than your smartphone can provide. But they’re still small and compact. This makes them an easy walk-around solution for many shooting situations.

Recommendations:

Canon PowerShot G3X
Sony RX100 IV

4. Adventure Cameras

Action cameras have become very popular lately, and more and more models are coming out.

These types of cameras are similar in many respects to compact cameras. But they have the bells and whistles that allow them to withstand extreme conditions.

They are weatherproof and shockproof, with their lens behind very durable glass. Action cameras are very small, yet offer a lot of versatility and high resolution for their size.

As with other compact cameras, they are not suitable for professional use. This is due to its small sensor. They also don’t come with interchangeable lenses. They may also lack an optical viewfinder or even an electronic viewfinder.

Recommendations:

Nikon Coolpix AW130
Olympus TG-870

3. DSLRs – Digital Single Lens Reflex

Digital SLRs are for serious amateurs and professionals alike. These are larger and heavier than compact cameras. Most professional cameras out there are DSLRs, even through bridge cameras and mirrorless are gaining in popularity too.

Their design and function comes from film cameras. The higher-end models have a full-frame sensor. This is also inspired by the traditional 35mm film camera.

Many come with a cropped-sensor. This is cheaper for camera manufacturers to make. And it allows DSLRs to be accessible to a wide variety of consumers.

The lenses are interchangeable on these cameras. How they behave will depend on whether the camera you choose has a cropped sensor or a full-frame sensor.

The lenses for these cameras range in quality. Most manufacturers offer a line for amateur photographers. And then a much more expensive line aimed at professional photographers. An example here is Canon’s L-series.

DSLRs also offer a variety of manual settings and creative controls. You can take images in Automatic mode. But these types of cameras offer Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual mode as well.

The benefit is that they have an optical viewfinder. They come in a range of sensor sizes, some being APS-C while others are full-frame. Shutter speeds can reach faster ranges and have a better low-light capability.

Recommendations:

Canon EOS Rebel T6i
Nikon D3400

2. Compact Mirrorless Cameras

They say that mirrorless cameras are the wave of the future. They offer most of the features of a DSLR camera. But they are smaller, lighter, and generally less expensive.

The name “mirrorless” is from the lack of an internal mirror that reflects light onto the sensor.

The light that comes in through the lens goes straight to the sensor. This then transmits the information it captures on to the LCD screen.

The new mirrorless cameras are a powerful alternative to the DSLR. They tend to use an electronic viewfinder rather than an optical viewfinder.

In fact, many professional photographers are switching over to mirrorless cameras. Or they’re using them as an alternative to their usual DSLRs, such as while traveling.

They are versatile, high-performance types of cameras. They will allow you a lot of control over your results.

You can change lenses on these cameras, and they have a ton of features for creative control. Some models offer facial recognition and have focus points in every part of the frame. This is excellent for event or wedding photography.
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Most offer high resolution and video, and also WiFi capability. This latter allows you to remotely control your camera. You can use your smart device from a distance.

The new mirrorless cameras are now capable of capturing incredible, high-resolution images. These types of cameras are comparable to some of the best DSLRs out there at a lower price point.

Recommendations:

Canon EOS M50
Sony a7R  III

1. Medium Format Camera Types

It’s out of the average person’s price range. And it’s unnecessary for most shooting situations. But the medium format camera bears mentioning.

Medium format refers to the 120 size film format used in the Hasselblad V system film cameras. Hasselblad are the leading manufacturer of this type of camera system.

Medium-format is a camera with a larger sensor than a full-frame DSLR. It is common in certain types of advertising work where very high resolutions are the norm.

These types of cameras offer amazing resolution. But they have less sophisticated autofocusing systems and burst modes. Thus, they are not suitable for every genre of photography.

The other downside is that the price tag for this type of cameras is exorbitant. Even most pros rent them rather than buy their own.

For example, the Hasselblad H6D-400c offers 100 megapixels and a 53.4×40.0mm sensor. And it costs almost $50,000 USD for the body alone.

Recommendations:

Hasselblad H6D-100c
Hasselblad H6D-50c

Maybe you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or looking to get into professional-level photography. No matter your level, there are many types of cameras to choose from that will suit your needs. You can even find a variety of cameras for kids.

Take the time to explore the features of several models before narrowing it down to a final choice.

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What is Focal Length? (And Why it Matters in Photography!)

By Josh Dunlop

By Gabor Holtzer

By Jenn Mishra 

If you are new to photography, one of the first terms tossed at you is “focal length.” Are you buying a camera and lens? You have to decide on the focal length you want. If you are looking for a lens that zooms, there are many different focal lengths. How do you decide which focal length is best?

By the end of this article, you will understand what focal length is. We start with the scientific definition. It is for photographers who want to understand the inner workings of their cameras and lenses. But the practical implications of focal length are what matters to most photographers. So we will explore how different focal lengths affect the photos we take.

 

Focal Length Defined and Explained

So what is focal length? Let’s start with an optical definition of focal length. A focal length definition can get very technical. But for this article, let’s keep it as simple as possible.

Focal length is the distance between your camera’s sensor and the lens’s point of sharpest focus when focusing the camera to infinity.

How Focal Length is Measured

Your lens has many different pieces of glass. The elements interact to direct light into your camera. There is a point where light converges, or crosses, on the way to your sensor. That is the point of sharpest focus.

Lens manufacturers have done the testing and the math. They have measured the distance between this point of convergence and the camera’s sensor. That is the focal length of the lens. They label each lens with the focal length in millimeters (mm).

Take a look at this diagram showing the side view of a lens. Light comes into the front of the lens. It passes through many layers of glass with different shapes and curves. And these elements focus light to make a clearer image. In this example, the point of sharpest focus, or point of convergence, happens 28mm from the camera sensor. So this lens has a focal distance of 28mm.

Side view of a lens with a focal length of 28mm.

How Focal Length is Standardized

The point of convergence changes as you focus closer or further away. But to standardize the measurement, the lens is tested by focusing it at infinity. When you focus on a point far in the distance, the light rays hit the lens almost parallel, as shown in the diagram. When focusing on a closer subject, light enters the lens at an angle. Your lens deals with this, but it affects how much of your scene is in focus. For more on this, see our article on depth of field in photography.

Close focus changes how light enters the camera and how much is in focus (75mm lens).

Focal Length in Practice

Now you know the official definition of focal length and how manufacturers measure it. But how do different focal lengths affect the way your photos look? Let’s see how focal lengths affect your photography in practice.

Angle of View

Focal length affects your angle of view. And your angle of view is how much of the world your camera lens can see. A lens with a shorter focal length, like 24mm, can see more of the scene than a lens with a long focal length, like 300mm. Lenses with smaller focal length numbers capture a more expansive view.

Focal length examples and how much your camera can capture.

If you look straight in front of you, the area you can see is about 55°. That is your angle of view. You have a greater field of view with your peripheral vision. But off-center areas are not in focus. To see more of the world, you must turn your head.

A lens with a 43mm focal length captures a similar amount of the scene, about 53°. 50mm lenses are popular because they capture the world very close to how we see it. Photographers sometimes call a 50mm lens a “nifty-fifty.”

This table shows the angle of view for lenses with popular focal lengths.

Focal Length	Angle of View
12mm	122°
16mm	107°
24mm	84°
35mm	63°
50mm	47°
70mm	34°
90mm	27°
100mm	24°
200mm	12°
400mm	6°

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Magnification

Focal length also affects how close objects seem to be. A lens with a long focal length magnifies objects making the subject appear closer. If you photograph far-away subjects, use a lens with a long focal length like 400mm or 800mm. Your angle of view is smaller, but magnification increases. The focal length of the lens determines how zoomed-in your photos look. The higher the number, the more zoomed your lens will be. Different focal lengths change how visually close the subject is.

Focal length comparison of shots taken from the same position.

Perspective Compression

Focal length also affects how objects look in relation to each other. Lenses with longer focal lengths compress the scene and make elements of the scene look closer together.

Compare these four photos of the same subject at different focal lengths. The three soup cans remained in the same position. They were spaced 10 inches (about 25cm) apart. The camera was moved back to keep the cans framed in the same way.

The cans seem to be spaced further apart at 24mm than 135mm. At 300mm, the cans seem to be almost next to each other. Also, notice the relative size of the cans. At 24mm, the front can is much more prominent than the others. At 300mm, the can in the back looks just as large, if not larger, than the cans in front. Remember, the cans were not moved.

This visual illusion is called “perspective compression.” Lenses with a longer focal length appear to compress objects. Lenses with shorter focal lengths add visual space between objects. You can choose which one is right for your scene.

Perspective and focal length comparison

Focal Length vs. Lens Length

Focal length has to do with the inner workings of a lens. It is not the physical length of a lens from the glass on the front element to the lens mount that attaches to your camera. Lenses can have the same focal length and be very different in physical size.

These two lenses cover the same focal lengths (16-35mm). But they have different internal constructions. For more information about how lenses are constructed, see beginners guide to camera lenses.”

How the Camera’s Sensor Affects Focal Length

The camera does not directly affect focal length. But the size of your camera’s sensor can impact how zoomed-in your photos appear. The scene of a lens attached to an APS-C (crop) sensor camera will look more zoomed-in than a lens with the same focal length attached to a full-frame camera. That is when a camera’s crop factor comes into play.

When determining their focal length, lenses are tested on cameras with a full-frame sensor. Full-frame cameras are equivalent to the once-popular 35mm film cameras and have become the standard for measuring focal length.

But some cameras have smaller sensors. For instance, many cameras have an APS-C sensor. It is about 1.5x smaller than a full-frame sensor. That is the crop factor of the camera. A lens with a focal length of 28mm looks the same as a 42mm lens when mounted on a camera with a smaller sensor. The perceived focal length is sometimes called the “equivalent’ or “effective” focal length.

All lenses are labeled with a focal length as though they were mounted on a full-frame camera. Even if the lens was designed for a crop sensor camera, that’s the case. It is not a problem if you have a crop sensor. You get used to how the lens looks on your camera. But if someone suggests that you use or buy a 50mm lens, know that it will be cropped on your camera. It will look like a 75mm lens.

If you want to know more about crop sensors, see our article on camera sensor size. This table shows the equivalent focal length and angle of view for lenses with popular focal lengths.

Focal Length	Equivalent Focal Length 1.5x crop factor	Angle of View
12mm	18mm	122°
16mm	24mm	107°
24mm	36mm	84°
35mm	53mm	63°
50mm	75mm	47°
70mm	105mm	34°
90mm	135mm	27°
100mm	150mm	24°
200mm	300mm	12°
400mm	600mm	6°

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Zoom vs. Prime Lenses

Lenses are divided into two categories based on if they can change focal length. If a lens has one fixed focal length, it is a prime lens. If a lens can change focal lengths, it is a zoom lens. In general, prime lenses are sharper and often have a wider aperture.

Zoom lenses let you change the angle of view and magnification within a range of focal lengths. For instance, a 16-35mm zoom covers all focal lengths between 16mm and 35mm. You can choose 20mm, 24mm, or 30mm by twisting the lens barrel. That gives you a lot of versatility. Most variable focal length lenses get longer physically as you zoom. And lens manufacturers label zoom lenses by listing the shortest and longest focal lengths.

Taken with a 35mm prime lens.

Grouping Focal Lengths

In photography, we group lenses by their focal length. For instance, lenses are wide-angle if they cover focal lengths of less than 35mm  A telephoto lens is over 70mm.

Wide Angle Lenses (Less Than 35mm)

Lenses are wide-angle if they have a focal length of 35mm or less  Wide-angle lenses capture a broad view of the world. The view is more comprehensive than you can see in one glance. Street photographers and photojournalists use lenses with shorter focal lengths. They can get close to their subjects, work indoors, and put themselves in tight spaces. These lenses capture the subject and the context.

Landscape photographers also love short focal lengths. They can capture large natural scenes like mountains and tall waterfalls. Landscape photographers take advantage of a wide-angle perspective. You can make a flower in the foreground look more prominent than the mountain in the background.

The widest lenses commonly used in movie production also fall into this range of focal lengths. Their field of view is ideal for showing plenty of the environment. And thanks to the wide aspect ratio, subjects can be far enough away not to appear distorted. But photographers rarely use lenses with short focal lengths for portraits. They enhance the perspective so much that facial features can look unnatural.

Take with a 20mm wide-angle lens.

Ultra-Wide-Angle and Fisheye (Less than 16mm)

Lenses less than 16mm are sometimes referred to as “ultra-wide-angle.” A fisheye lens is an example of an ultra-wide-angle lens. These are often considered specialty lenses. They create such a wide angle of view that they feel unnatural and seem to distort reality.

Ultra-wide lenses are often used in event and architectural photography. They get a lot into a photo when shooting in a confined space. When used for journalistic scenes, ultra-wide-angle lenses can provide a dramatic, exciting angle—especially if you are close to the subject. A 16-35mm or 14-24mm zoom, for example, is a crucial tool in the bag of a press photographer.

A fisheye is an ultra-wide-angle lens that emphasizes wide-angle distortions. Fisheye lenses are usually between 4mm and 16mm and capture up to a 180° field of view.

Taken with a 15mm fisheye lens. DepositPhotos.

Standard Lenses (35-70mm)

A standard lens has a focal length between 35mm and 70mm. These are the most common lenses, both in prime and zoom format. The focal lengths of the first lens that you got with your camera probably cover some, if not all, of this range.

Portrait photographers often use standard lenses  50mm, and 70mm are very popular. Lenses in this range best reproduce what our eyes see. They have minimal distortion. So they are suitable for documentary and street photography.

You can use lenses with standard focal lengths for virtually anything, from nature to action. If you want a good walking-around lens, buy one covering focal lengths between 35mm to 70mm. A popular standard zoom lens is 24-70mm.

Taken with a standard 50mm lens.

Telephoto (70mm+) and Super-telephoto (200mm+)

Lenses are described as telephoto if they have a focal length of more than 70mm. Lenses longer than 200mm are sometimes referred to as “super-telephoto.” The lens is sometimes called a short telephoto if the focal length is between 70mm and 135mm. Currently, the longest telephoto lens in production is 800mm.

Photographers use telephoto lenses any time they are photographing something from a distance. Wildlife and sports photographers often use telephotos to bring their subjects closer. Landscape photographers use long focal length lenses to capture intimate landscapes. Remember, telephoto lenses compress the scene and make objects look closer together. That is not always what landscape photographers want.

Portrait photographers may also use telephoto lenses, like 85mms, if they take close-up shots. The lens compresses the subject, and they look leaner. It is often a flattering look. Many popular macro lenses also fall into the telephoto category. Photographers use macro lenses to photograph detail in extreme close-ups. A telephoto macro also gives you a little working space.

Taken with a 105mm macro lens.

Best Focal Length for Your Photography

The best focal length for your photography depends on what type of photography you like to shoot. Let’s find the best focal lengths for each genre of photography.

Portrait Photography

The best focal lengths are between 50mm and 135mm if you like to photograph people. You can get standard prime lenses like 50mm with less distortion. Or you can buy a zoom lens covering the lower end of the range, like a 24-70mm or a 24-105mm. A short telephoto would also be a good buy for you. Many portrait photographers use a 70-200mm lens.

Street, Documentary, and Travel Photography

If you like to travel and take photos on the street, a standard lens is your friend. A 24-70mm lens is the go-to lens for many travel and street photographers. But many street and travel photographers like to use wide-angle prime or zoom lenses in the 16-35mm range. That lets them get in close and show a lot of the scene. If you are going into the unknown, you may want to look at a lens that covers a variety of situations, like a 24-105mm lens.

Architecture Photography

Architectural photographers often go with wide-angle focal lengths. They may shoot tall buildings on narrow streets. Or they may be inside an establishment trying to capture a tight corner or the majesty of a cathedral. A wide-angle lens works for it all. Architectural photographers may even pull out an ultra-wide-angle (12-24mm) lens or a fisheye when spaces get tight.

Sports and Wildlife Photography

Sports photographers and wildlife photographers share some common challenges. You may not be able to get close to your subjects, so a telephoto is a must. You need a 70-200mm or a 100-400mm lens. You may even need a super-telephoto lens if you are trying to photograph birds or players on a large field. And 800mm prime lenses are made for these situations.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers vary in their preferred lenses. You may like a wide-angle 16-35mm lens for grand landscapes. Or you may pick a telephoto lens like 100-400mm to capture details in the scene. If you like to photograph landscapes, you may need to try out a few different lenses to see what fits with your favorite landscape scenes.

Taken with a 600mm super-telephoto lens.

 

Want more?  Hot Photography Books 

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8 Ways to Produce a Soft Background in Your Photos

Shutterbug Photography, Rookie Photographer

By Josh Dunlop 

If you’ve read my tutorial on bokeh, you’ll understand that it plays a huge role in producing a soft and interesting background, as it relates to the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas.
Your background takes up as much of each pixel as your foreground does, so you should make it as interesting as you can by employing some of these techniques. 

Wide Aperture for a Soft Background

If you’ve played around with aperture much, you’ll know by now that, the wider the aperture, the shallower the depth of field. This, in turn, determines how blurred the photo is, after all, that’s all a soft background is – an attractive blur.
So, the wider you set your aperture, the softer your background will be but you need to be sure that the whole of your subject’s face is in focus, or at the very least their eyes, otherwise the entire photo will appear soft instead of just the background.

Get Close

Here’s an extract from my tutorial on depth of field which sums up exactly what effects can be created by bringing your lens closer to the subject:

The best way to demonstrate this is not with a diagram but with your own hand.
Take your arm and stretch it out in front of your face with your hand as far as you can reach.
Looking at your hand, you’ll notice that you can still work out a lot of the detail behind it, without moving your eyes away. Now, gradually move your hand closer to your face, focusing on it throughout. You’ll notice your peripheral vision becoming more and more out of focus.
The same effect occurs with a camera lens.

Distant Background

The further away your background is, the less in focus it will appear which, as we know, creates a soft background.
You need to consider just how soft you want the background to be; if it’s too far away, it can start to blur into insignificance.
Combining a distant background with a few other techniques on this list will be a lot more effective and aesthetically pleasing – you should be able to make out what’s going on in the background without providing enough information to distract from the subject.

Zoom In

If you remember back to my tutorial on focal length, you’ll know that portrait lenses are usually in the mid-telephoto range of 70-105mm. This is because of the way they compress the perspective of a scene, making the background appear closer.
The beauty of this is that you can have your background relatively far away, shoot nice and close to the subject (on a long focal length with a wide aperture) and you’ll still get a soft background without it appearing too distant.

Soft Lighting

Whether you’re in a studio or outside in the garden, if you want a soft background, you need soft lighting.
As a general rule, this means no direct light from the sun or from the flash on your camera.
My favourite time to shoot is during the evening as the camera’s sensor isn’t trying to compete with itself to correctly expose a certain part of the photo over another.
This produces a much greater dynamic range with more detail in the background colours. Soft lighting will also flatter your subject’s features and skin tone, resulting in a more even exposure.

Sharp Contrast

If you really want to emphasise how soft the background is, contrast it with an exceptionally sharp foreground.
Applying this technique makes the background a lot more obvious by comparison as the subject in the foreground seems to sit on top of the background (provided there’s enough distance between the two of them).
The photo below was shot at f/1.4 which provides an incredibly shallow depth of field but, because the contrast between sharp and blurred is so apparent, the entire subject appears to be in much deeper focus.

Bokeh Background

Soft backgrounds are all well and good but, if it’s a blur of concrete, there’s not exactly much to look at.
To make sure your background is equally important in terms of aesthetics, choose a background area in which you’ll have the opportunity to play around with the different colours and lights.
My favourite technique to use involves allowing small pockets of light to pass through the background so that they create a circular bokeh shape when captured by the camera.
This is incredibly easy to do and is a really subtle way of taking something that would usually have been boring and making it much more interesting – check out the photo below.

Shoot Into The Sun

There are many advantages of shooting into the sun. In fact, I’ve written a whole tutorial on it but, in terms of softening your background, shooting into the sun produces lens flare that can cast a soft light over the whole of your photograph.
Clearly, this doesn’t just soften the background; it softens the foreground too. This can, however, be very effective, especially seeing as these shots are usually taken in the evening when the sun is about head height. 

For more great photo background tips, Hot Photography Books 

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