Cameras discussed in this guide:

Sony a7RIII
Fuji X100 series
Nikon D780
Canon EOS R10
Fuji X-T mirrorless system

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Introduction

Finding the perfect camera to match your photographic style is one of the most exciting things a photographer can do. But there’s so much out there, and it can feel daunting working out which camera is best for you. Every camera type - and even particular models - have bespoke capabilities that excel in shooting specific subjects and conditions.

So, let’s do some matchmaking. In our guide below, we look at five of the most popular genres and areas of photography and recommend the best types of cameras for each. We’ve also recommended five cameras (or camera series) for each, which you can learn more about, browse, and shop via our friends at MPB - the largest global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video gear.

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1 Landscape & outdoor photography

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In our opinion, DSLR or mirrorless camera systems with a full-frame sensor (see our in-depth guide on what a full-frame sensor is) are the best landscape photography options. A camera with a full-frame sensor captures a much wider scene than crop sensor, essential for capturing the broadest range of details possible in a landscape scene.

In addition to a full-frame sensor, you should also consider a camera that provides a high megapixel output (although full-frame sensors and high megapixel counts usually go hand in hand). You want a camera capable of capturing even the most minute details of a scene and one that gives you ample opportunity to crop the image.

Landscape photography can often merit the use of different lenses and filters -  whether that’s a zoom lens to focus the details or a CPL filter to improve the colours in the scene - so you want a camera system that supports interchangeable lenses and camera filter systems. DSLR and mirrorless cameras support this well, and there’s a huge array of lens and filter options available.

However, if we were to choose one, we would recommend a mirrorless system for the added advantage that they are much smaller and lightweight to carry, without compromising on image quality.

One note of caution: while we recommend a mirrorless system over a DSLR, DSLRs tend to have far cheaper lens options, which may be an advantage if you’re on a budget.

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We recommend the Sony a7RIII mirrorless camera.

It’s a superior full-frame model from Sony, offering an impeccable image resolution at 42.4MP, plenty of options for interchangeable lenses, and has been a longtime favourite among landscape photographers. It’s also a budget-friendly option that isn’t going to break the bank.

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2 Travel, street, and documentary photography

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If your photography focuses predominantly on capturing your travels, street photography, or longer projects that involve documentary photography or reportage, you’ll likely benefit from a camera that performs well on the move. You’ll want something that’s small and comfortable to handle, not too heavy, and discreet.

We’d recommend a high-end (also known as premium) compact camera - small in size but with impeccable image quality and resolution - and there are some beautiful models on the market that offer exactly that. These cameras are easy to take with you on the move, but you’re not going to compromise on image quality. These cameras also have fixed prime lenses: ideal for street and travel photography as you don’t need to carry or change lenses.

You should also consider a camera that has ample ‘burst mode’ capability (one that shoots several images in quick succession) giving you plenty of options to choose the optimal shot.

There’s also a sartorial aspect to compact cameras. If you’re actively wearing your camera around your neck or somewhere on your person, you might want to consider how it looks with your outfit - many compacts on the market have been designed to be beautifully stylish, with a classic or retro look.

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We recommend the Fuji X100 series mirrorless system.

Simply put, these are beautiful cameras with absolutely gorgeous image reproduction, synonymous with the Fujifilm system.

These cameras are classed as premium digital compact cameras and feature fixed prime lenses. This means that while there are no interchangeable lens options, it’s light and small, and there’s no need to carry lots of additional accessories, perfect when on the go. They also feature a stylish retro design that’s beautiful to handle.

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3 Night photography

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Dark sky photography has exploded in popularity over the last couple of years, and we have no doubt that this trend will continue - the “mainstreaming” of night photography features in our 2025 Trends report.

While many of the ideal camera functions for night photography mimic those of landscape photography (such as a full-frame sensor and high megapixel count), it’s important to consider some of the advanced technical specifics that night photography involves.

The first is to find a camera that excels in image quality at higher ISOs (noise); as night photography inevitably involves shooting at higher ISOs than you would be using during the day.

Also, night photography involves taking considerably longer exposures than daytime shots  - you’ll be taking a single shot over the course of several minutes or even much longer. So you should consider a camera that boasts extended battery life, and DSLRs often provide better battery life compared to mirrorless models.

You’ll also want a camera that you’re confident will focus well in low-light situations and retain a sharp image, and one that can handle hot pixels well (these are red, noisy pixels reproduced on an image that often occur when a camera has heated up after a period of extended use). Again, the DSLR market is well stocked with models that excel in all of the capabilities mentioned.

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We highly recommend the Nikon D780 DSLR camera.

It’s a full-frame DSLR well-loved by photographers. It features impeccable night shooting capabilities, long-lasting battery life, and a tough, robust exterior perfect for shooting for long periods outdoors.

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4 Wildlife, macro and natural subjects

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When it comes to wildlife photography, much like street photography, having a camera with excellent autofocus and a robust burst mode is essential. You’ll often be photographing fast-moving animals, so it’s important to have a camera setup that can capture images quickly and in succession to get the perfect shot. You want a camera that you’re confident is going to do the job and also, crucially, focus in the correct place. We recommend a DLSR or Mirrorless camera with exemplary autofocus functionality and the ability to track subjects with the focus locked on the subject.

Also, consider a camera with a high megapixel count - so if you crop your photos ( very common for wildlife and nature photography), you’ll still have a great-quality image. Another important factor is a camera with accurate, lifelike colour reproduction - your images should be as realistic-looking as possible for the best wildlife photography. Lastly, consider a camera body setup that has a wide range of zoom lenses available, as you’re going to find yourself zooming in on your subject more often than not. Generally speaking, DSLR systems offer a cheaper and wider range of lens options compared to mirrorless options.

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We recommend the Canon EOS R10 DSLR.

This is a brilliant, budget-friendly option for those who want to take wildlife photography more seriously. It can shoot at 15 fps (15 frames per second) with excellent autofocus capability, meaning you’ll get the best, sharpest shot when photographing a moving subject. You also have plenty of options for interchangeable lenses.

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5 An ‘all-rounder’ for everyday photography

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If you’re at a stage in your photography where you want to try a little bit of everything, or generally consider yourself an all-rounder, you’ll want to consider a camera that’s fantastic for photographing a broad range of subjects.

For this, we’d highly recommend going for a mirrorless camera model– they offer the same capabilities as a DLSR model in terms of excellent resolution and interchange lenses, but they are much more compact and lightweight, making them easy to handle and carry in a multitude of photo-taking scenarios.

You may also want to consider a camera with an in-built auto mode for multiple photo-taking scenarios, such as landscape, portrait, or action photography. This means that you can simply select an option or move a dial on your camera to get the optimal settings for a particular subject, and you don’t need to worry too much about making advanced adjustments.

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We recommend the Fuji X-T mirrorless system.

A superior series of mid-range mirrorless cameras from Fujifilm, and a personal favourite of Focus Editor Philip. The X-T system offers both a stylish, compact setup and superior image quality, as well as the option for interchangeable lenses, meaning it’s adaptable for all kinds of shooting scenarios.

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Conclusion

Regardless of the camera model you choose, we hope you’ve found this guide useful. Remember to do thorough research to find the ideal model for your needs, and ultimately, treat your camera kit as an investment in advancing and improving your craft.

Looking to sell your old camera gear? With MPB, you can sell your used camera gear, or trade it in to help offset the cost of any new kit! Get started here.

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Picfair’s Photography Jargon Buster:

If you’re continuing to find yourself confused by all the different photography terms out there or want to brush up on your knowledge of photography lingo, read Picfair’s Ultimate Jargon Buster - where we’ve compiled a glossary of many of the most common photographic terms in common use today.

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Article in partnership with MPB.