Rating of the best camera models for professionals in 2022

Technologies in the modern world are developing at a tremendous speed and most people today do not even have time to follow the latest technology, learning about them only after the fact. It would seem that in 2022 no one will be surprised by a good camera - now even budget Chinese smartphones are equipped with triple modules with a 48 MP main sensor.

However, despite this, modern smartphones still cannot reach the level of professional cameras, which is not surprising - just look at how much good optics costs (like a brand new mobile phone). So for anyone who is truly passionate about photography or even makes a living from it, the difference between a phone and a camera is not just noticeable - it is huge. Since there were quite a lot of interesting announcements and presentations in the world of cameras in 2019 and the beginning of this year, it's time to study the new rating of the best camera models for professionals for 2022.

The review will feature only professional cameras that have received positive feedback not only from users, but also from reputable organizations, such as the Association of European Audio and Video Magazines. For convenience, the rating is divided into two blocks - with SLR and mirrorless cameras (for a quick look at the characteristics, you can use the table at the end of each section).

Mirrorless cameras

Despite the seemingly “eternal” hegemony of DSLRs, now there is a really worthy competitor for them - mirrorless cameras. They appeared not so long ago and many people far from photography could well even know what is the peculiarity of their structure - namely, in the electronic viewfinder (which replaces the mirror mechanism). The advantages of mirrorless cameras are obvious:

• Compact dimensions. Making a SLR camera small is simply physically impossible due to the more complex design.
• Electronic viewfinder. In fact, it replaces the mirror, and its main plus is the ability to preview a photo with all the settings and corrections before it is created.
• Matrix stabilization. Modern devices can compensate for up to seven exposure levels when shooting manually.
• There are no problems and difficulties of back and front focus (system misses during auto focus).
• Video filming. Everything is generally simple here - mirrorless cameras are more adapted to shooting.By comparison, high-end DSLRs can record video in UltraHD, while mirrorless cameras can record in 4K.

Nikon Z6

Average price: 170,000 rubles

If Nikon has been able to surprise users with something more than the release of its own full-frame system, it is the new Nikon Z mount. Now the lens mount is fixed not with five, but with four screws. The contact interface block has also increased (from 8 to 11). But, the main surprise is the significantly increased inner diameter. The company itself explained this decision by the fact that it is easier to create better high-aperture optics this way. A lot of conjectures and disputes broke out on the network between users on the topic of the mount's capabilities, but here's what is known for sure:

• the stabilization capabilities were expanded (by increasing the space around the full-size sensor, the system received the implementation of a shift along five axes, as well as a pixel shift known as pixel shift);
• Compensation for the rotation of the celestial sphere (reduces the likelihood of bands from the movement of stars during ultra-long exposure);
• the maximum angle of coverage of the incident beam has significantly increased - up to 44 ° (which is much more than that of the main competitors - Sony E and Canon EF);
• the weight of the bayonet has increased;
• Compatibility at a new level due to the simple adaptation of optics from other companies and systems.

The frame of the Nikon Z6 is made of a magnesium alloy shell. This solution allows to lighten the structure, and at the same time adds to it the necessary rigidity and strength necessary to protect the fragile contents.For additional safety, all external joints and seams received sealing sleeves that protect against water and dust.

Another innovation of the camera was the new Expeed 6 processor, the main features of which are improved performance in the analysis of data from the sensor, the speed of creating images and the ability to shoot in 4K.

The mechanical shutter of the camera has a good guaranteed resource - 200 thousand cycles. As for the shutter speed, in automatic mode it is 1/8000 s (minimum) and 30 s (maximum). There is a manual bulb mode that allows you to independently control the duration of the exposure.

As befits a top-class camera, Nikon Z6 has in-camera image stabilization, which is based on moving the sensor along five axes, compensating for horizontal and vertical shifts, as well as angular deviations and rotations to the sides along the optical axis of the lens. There is an anti-vibration vibration reduction system.

Comfort when shooting is not the main, but a very important parameter, so Nikon decided to take care of their customers by equipping the camera with a viewfinder. The image is formed into a small 1.2 cm OLED screen with a resolution of 3.7 MP. By the way, the display refresh rate is quite high - 60 frames / s, which is quite enough when working under normal conditions. Also, the protective glass is coated with a special fluoride antireflection coating, which suppresses and minimizes spurious reflections, and also has a dust-repellent base.

The Z6 display is a 3.2-inch LCD screen with 2.1 mm resolution and a 170° viewing angle. Of the convenient features - scrolling through the captured content with your finger and focusing by pointing to a point.The camera received an information display - not the most necessary, but still quite a useful addition. Using this screen, you can get information about the selected flash mode, exposure compensation, battery level, the number of available shots (that is, the remaining space on the memory card) and the parameters of the exposure triad. All data is easily read from the display both in sunny weather and at night - no additional backlight and eye strain are needed (a quick glance is enough).

All camera interfaces are located on the left side and are divided into two groups (everything is closed with a tight plug):

• the first group includes 3.5 mm audio and video outputs;
• in the second - a slot for a remote control and HDMI and USB 3.0 (Type-C) connectors.

There is only one memory card slot in Nikon Z6 and, at the same time, it is designed not for a standard SD card, but for a new and rather rare XQD. It is difficult to understand what dictated such a decision, because XQD was originally intended for cameras that shoot video in 8K, but even Sony, which developed drives, today is not too eager to switch from proven and common SDXC cards.

The battery EN-EL 15b is responsible for the autonomy of the camera, located in a compartment hidden by a hinged plastic cover. It is interesting that you can charge the battery not only with the help of charging, but also through the Power Bank right while the device is running. Working hours can be calculated from official data:

• 310 shots using viewfinder;
• 380 shots using display.

The standard power supply can be replaced with EN-EL 15 and EN-EL 15a batteries, but their performance is inferior to the original and cannot be charged while the camera is running.

The Z6 does not have a built-in flash. The native Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S is available as a lens.

Main features of the camera:

• focal length: 24-70mm;
• aperture - f / 4 (minimum) and f / 22 (maximum);
• visual angles 84°-34°;
• there is an automatic and internal focusing;
• focusing distance (min): 30 cm;
• dimensions ∅77.5 × 88.5 mm with a weight of 500 grams.

• durable case;
• protection against moisture and dust;
• new items are used: Expeed 6 processor and Nikon Z mount;
• additional informative display;
• 3.69 mm electronic viewfinder at 60 fps;
• silent shooting;
• electronic stabilization;
• video in UHD 4K (30 fps);
• autonomy;
• USB 3 and HDMI interfaces;
• charging while working;
• outputs for audio / microphone;
• WiFi and Bluetooth.

• using XQD;
• lack of built-in flash;
• no GPS;
• no NFC module;
• there is no possibility of backing up captured content on drives.

Fujifilm X-T3

Average price: 110,000 rubles

One of the main upgrades of the Fujifilm X-T3 is considered to be a 26,000,000 pixels sensor and photodiode backlighting, as well as a high-performance X-Processor IV. However, first things first.

The body of the model is almost completely identical to its predecessor, however, Fujifilm has always been distinguished by a conservative approach to updated models. All elements of the X-T3 are located in the usual places and even have a similar shape. Of the changes - a slightly increased width and thickness, and as a result - weight. The frame of the model is all-metal and made of aluminum-magnesium alloy, which has a good effect on wear resistance, lightness and protective characteristics of the camera.

On the right edge of the camera there is a set of interfaces hidden under a cover with a lock (as well as a neck strap eyelet), which includes:

• Type D (aka HDMI).
• type c.
• Connector (x2) 3.5 mm for microphone and headphones.

The manufacturer took care of the comfort of customers and equipped the cover with a latch, by sliding which, it can be removed, which is extremely convenient when the wires are connected.

On the left side there is another compartment, this time for external flash drives - SDXC (supporting the UHS-II standard). There is also a second eyelet for a neck strap, a remote control connector and two memory slots.

The X-T3's display can move in three axes, but you won't be able to turn it towards you to comfortably take selfies. But you can take pictures from an overhead position or from low and uncomfortable angles to the object.

To increase the level of convenience in portrait orientation, and at the same time increase battery life, the device is equipped with a handle in which the battery compartment is located. Interestingly, the compartment holds two batteries, which are discharged sequentially.

Fujifilm X-T3 has good compatibility with optics produced for X Mount. For understanding - today its lineup exceeds 20 lenses and this is not the limit - apparently, the company plans to announce several more models.

The camera received an X-Trans CMOS IV sensor designed specifically for Fujifilm X. Of its features - 26 million effective pixels. Another innovation worth highlighting is the appearance of a backlit BSI sensor. Such sensors are quite often used in smartphones and action cameras, that is, in devices with a small matrix. Fitting a BSI sensor into a camera the size of a Fujifilm X-T3 is not an easy task, as a lot of work needs to be done to equalize the signal-to-noise ratio.Fortunately, the developers managed to realize their idea and the performance rose from 6 dB to 12 dB. As a result, the photosensitivity has significantly improved and the dynamic range of the sensor (photographic latitude) has significantly expanded.

The company, quite expectedly, did not use the standard Bayer array as a filter for the color image sensor, but the proprietary X-Trans array, among the advantages of which are lowering the moiré level and suppressing color distortions.

The X-T3 uses a new image processor X-Processor 4. There is not too much information about it, but it is known that it allows you to expand the capabilities of the camera in simulating various types of cinema and photographic film, and also improves the process of tracking moving objects, increasing focusing speed (besides, there are additional opportunities for video shooting).

Where the camera has added really seriously compared to the previous model (X-T2) is in the autofocus system. A huge number of sensors are located throughout the sensor of the novelty - more than two million. The sensitivity has also increased from a modest -1 to -3 EV, which allows the camera to quickly focus even in poor lighting conditions (the developers claim that the light of just one candle is enough).

The fast processor allows the camera to refocus and change exposure 1.5 times faster than the previous model, thanks to an improved phase detection algorithm. So shooting objects at high speed or chaotic movement will no longer be a problem - users appreciate the excellent tenacity and accuracy of autofocus. The innovations did not bypass the eye and face detection system, the speed of which has doubled even in continuous autofocus mode.

Camera Features:

• OLED 0.5″, 3.69 million dots display with a focal length of 50 mm;
• maximum shooting resolution - 4096 × 2160 px;
• diagonal angle of view – 38°;
• there is automatic manual, tracking and single focusing;
• dimensions: 133×93×59 mm, weight 539 grams.

• durable case;
• dust and moisture protection;
• shooting parameters (4K at 60fps, 120 fps FHD);
• a large selection of optics;
• excellent color reproduction;
• slots for two memory cards UHD XC II;
• fast processor;
• tenacious autofocus;
• low level of color noise;
• powered by batteries or power bank.

• the price of the pen-slot for the battery is too high;
• not too convenient to hold with a large lens due to the small size of the camera itself;
• a lot of buttons and wheels - it will not be easy to deal with a move unfamiliar with Fujifilm products.

Canon EOS RP

Average price: about 95,000 rubles

Canon's first full-frame camera is the EOS R, introduced in 2018, but its more affordable 2019 counterpart Canon EOS RP looks more interesting and accessible. The body of the model, according to photography enthusiasts, has absorbed all the best that photographic equipment has achieved over the past decades. The layout of the buttons on the back of the EOS RP looks like a standard for Canon DSLRs, so getting used to them will be quite easy.

The battery compartment tray, memory cards and tripod mounting threads are located at the bottom and are protected by a lockable cover. This decision is typical for not too expensive models, but you should not evaluate the camera only on this basis. On the left edge, there are interfaces hidden under rubber plugs, divided into three groups:

1. Audio outputs for a microphone.
2. HDMI and USB.
3. Power connector.

What pleases is the mobility of the display - it moves in all axes, so that selfie lovers can easily take pictures of themselves. The full-frame sensor has a good resolution of 26.2 MP and is almost identical to the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

Everything is good with mount compatibility - not only native RF is available for work, but also other lenses of the EF-S and EF series. It is worth mentioning that some models will require adapters, but the company has done everything to make them affordable and simple in terms of design.

Like the previous, more expensive counterparts, the body of the device is made of a metal magnesium alloy, however, hidden under a polycarbonate shell. This decision is very reasonable, because the case protects not only from mechanical damage, but also has dust and moisture protection properties. The manufacturer talks about the operation of the device in the temperature range from 0 to +40 ° C, with air humidity less than 85%.

The device's menu looks pretty nice, and getting used to working with it will not be difficult - fortunately, Canon has always been able to make understandable interfaces.

Among the main competitors, EOS RP stands out for its good sensor resolution, excellent autofocus (Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology is used) and the most acceptable dimensions. At the same time, there are also disadvantages - the display and viewfinder are frankly weak points of the camera, there is no in-camera image stabilization, and the autonomy parameters are inferior to the main competitors.

Camera Features:

• display resolution - 1,040,000 pixels;
• maximum shooting speed - 5 frames / s;
• maximum video resolution - 3840 × 2160 (30p);
• battery capacity (CIPA) - 250;
• dimensions: 133×85×70 mm, weight 485 grams.

• compatible with EF and EF-S series optics;
• Digic 8 processor;
• sensor resolution - 26 MP;
• auto focus (Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology);
• shooting speed up to 5 fps;
• maximum resolution - 3840 × 2160 px at 25 frames / s;
• frame buffer JPEG - until the drive is full, RAW - up to 50;
• price;
• weight and dimensions.

• connection interface - USB 2.0;
• no in-camera image stabilization;
• an outdated sensor is used.

The model was recognized as the most successful in terms of price / quality ratio according to the EISA association.

comparison table

SLR cameras

Devices with a mirror mechanism have long entered the life of all photography fans and, so far, no major changes are expected, because they have a number of significant advantages:

• Price. At the same price, mirrorless cameras will still lose in terms of image quality.
• Autonomy. Due to the lack of an electronic viewfinder and the large size of the body, such cameras are equipped with a larger battery. The number of shots that can be taken on a single charge is up to 3000.
• Turn on speed.
• Higher level of reliability and durability of components.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Average price: about 135,000 rubles

The 5D series cameras have been around since the first version appeared in 2005.Although Mark IV did not make such a breakthrough as its progenitor, the device still became the object of close attention of professionals.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV received a completely new sensor, consisting of 30.4 million effective pixels of the image, represented by paired light-receiving cells, located under the filter and microlens. This technology is called Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and its key feature is the ability to refine the sharpness and shift of the “bokeh” pattern.

The autofocus system has also undergone changes. Now it is a grid of 61 sensors, of which 41 with a cruciform structure and 5 (located in the central part) in addition to this cover the left and right diagonal directions. This approach allows autofocus to show good results at apertures - up to f / 8 (previously this figure was at around f / 5.6).

The new exposure sensor in conjunction with the Digic 6 processor allows high-quality implementation of intelligent tracking and object recognition functions, as well as flicker detection. The sensor is sensitive to the basic RGB color set and infrared light.

The capabilities of the new Digic 6 processor include reading and processing data from the matrix, creating an image and its subsequent correction. There is also the possibility of using a hardware optics optimizer and shooting mode in 4K at a frequency of 30 fps. The noise reduction system has been significantly improved and the likelihood of image artifacts at high ISOs has been reduced, which makes noise smoother and more pleasing to the human eye.

The mechanics of the mirror has also undergone changes.Now the suspension system has become more "strict", as additional components have been added to stabilize the main and additional mirrors. The result is that the likelihood of blurring the image, as well as the level of vibration, has decreased. The mirror is driven by a new motor, which makes all the manipulations a little faster, which allows you to increase the rate of fire.

What camera fans have been waiting for for a long time is touch control via the display. You can now scroll through the menus, select the necessary items and specify the AF area (in Live View mode) with your fingers. For those who are used to "mechanics", there is a convenient joystick on the rear panel, which can also be used to adjust the autofocus area, so the innovation is rather just a nice addition, and not a complete replacement for the control system.

Many people talk about the design identity of the old Mark III and the new Mark IV, and this is true - the differences are only millimeters in size and a few grams in weight. However, Canon has always been somewhat conservative about what works well, and the design and ergonomics of the 5D series are just the same as what is almost great.

Of course, it is impossible not to compare the novelty with its predecessor. Here is what the company got as a result:

• Mark IV received GPS and Wi-Fi modules, a slightly extended ISO range, a new sensor (with better noise reduction), a modern high-performance processor, a new mirror position control mechanism and, of course, the ability to shoot video in 4K/Full HD formats at 30 fps .
• Outwardly, the differences are minimal, so yes, the Mark IV is indeed a significantly improved third version, which will definitely please fans of the series.

Main features of the camera:

• resolution 3.2″ TFT RGBW display - 1,620,000 pixels;
• maximum shooting speed - up to 7 frames / s;
• maximum video resolution - 4K at 30 fps;
• battery life - 900 shots;
• dimensions: 151×116×76 mm with a weight of 800 grams.

• good rate of fire;
• support for GPS and Wi-Fi;
• productive Digic 6;
• autonomy;
• the presence of a touch screen;
• noise suppression;
• shooting video in 4K format at a speed of 30 fps;
• dust and moisture protection;
• Ease of use.

• decent size;
• competitors offer their models cheaper.

Pentax K1 Mark II

Average price: about 165,000 rubles

Pentax is a serious company with a worldwide reputation, and therefore its new products always attract the attention of all amateur photographers. K1 Mark II received a durable magnesium alloy case, as well as good dust and moisture protection, which allows you to protect internal components from a wide variety of damage and impact. The manufacturer claims that the camera works fine even at sub-zero temperatures down to -10 °C.

Of the features worth highlighting:

• Built-in Shake Reduction - 5-axis image stabilizer, thanks to which images are obtained in high quality in any conditions (no blurring of lines, blurring of silhouettes, etc.).
• High sensitivity, clarity and contrast allow you to take pictures even in the dark without significant loss in quality.
• The SPixels Shift Resolution II system, using sensor shift, allows you to take pictures in ultra-high resolution with excellent detail. As the owners emphasize, the result is very worthy even without the use of a tripod (taking pictures "by hand").

The image processing system has undergone significant improvements, combining the processor, sensor and accelerating unit (one of the most significant differences from its predecessor). The dynamic range of the sensor was 14.6 EV at ISO 100. At the same time, the information goes first to the accelerating unit, and only then reaches the Prime IV processor.

The sighting system is standard for all SLR cameras, but automatic focusing received 33 sensors, 25 of which are cross-shaped, and 3 are central (provide reliable operation in the range from -3 to +20 exposure levels). It is worth highlighting the presence of in-camera image stabilization - this option has always given Pentax an advantage over direct competitors Nikon and Canon, where shaking was compensated with the help of additional tools.

Main features of the camera:

• 3.2″ LCD display with 1.04 million pixels;
• maximum shooting speed up to 6.5 fps;
• the maximum video recording resolution is Full HD at a resolution of 1920 × 1080 px at a speed of 60 fps;
• battery life - no more than 670 shots;
• dimensions: 110×137×86 mm with a weight of 1010 grams.

• a lot of optics at affordable prices in the secondary market;
• excellent dust and moisture protection;
• high sensitivity, clarity and contrast;
• excellent image processing system;
• ergonomics;
• build quality;
• SPixels Shift Resolution II system;
• high quality photos even at night and at sub-zero temperatures;
• built-in 5-axis image stabilizer.

• significant weight;
• autonomy;
• price;
• high price of optics.

comparison table

Summing up

Finding a high-quality professional camera in 2022 is a completely solvable task, but you need to be prepared for significant expenses, because the mounts for such equipment are also quite expensive. However, the camera market today is developing very rapidly and offers both DSLR and mirrorless models that are amazing in their capabilities, among which you can find equipment for any task and for any wallet. So, the most interesting inexpensive camera in 2022 can be considered the Canon EOS RP, the best advanced mirrorless camera is the Fujifilm X-T3, and among the DSLRs, with a limited budget, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV will still be preferable.