Have you ever wondered what the biggest differences are between the most popular camera brands and which camera manufacturer is best to invest in? You’ll find the answers here.
What’s the best camera you can buy?
Most camera manufacturers carry many of the same types of cameras. So the question is no longer, “Which is the best camera?” but, “Which is the best camera for you?” To help you make an informed decision, I’ll first list the most popular camera brands and second show you the most basic differences between them.
Cameras are rapidly evolving from luxury items to a necessity. Because we live in a world where preserving memories is almost as important as making them. Every day, camera manufacturers launch new products that are faster, more powerful, and better. How is anyone supposed to find their way around that?
The use of the camera varies from person to person. There are those who use their camera primarily for themselves or for family vacations. Then of course there are those who need their camera to do art and earn a living. In the list below you will find camera brands that are suitable for all purposes.
Best camera brands at a glance
- Canon
- Nikon
- Pentax
- Sony
- Olympus
- Fujifilm
- GoPro
- Leica
1. Canon
Surely you have heard of the camera manufacturer Canon. Because it is probably one of the best camera brands there is. Canon is aimed at all types of photographers: beginners, but also professionals who only want the best possible quality of images and videos.
The digital SLR cameras of the EOS series and the compact cameras are both known for being user-friendly and reasonably affordable. And this is despite the fact that they belong to the upscale category of digital cameras. Moreover, the camera manufacturer Canon is known for its wide range of accessories and lenses. In addition, Canon also offers SLR and 35mm SLR cameras. You can also find other products from this brand, such as printers and scanners.
All advantages of the camera manufacturer Canon at a glance:
- Wide range of different cameras
- First-class and high-quality lenses
- Stunning and high-contrast images
- Product quality control
- Affordable camera lenses
2. Nikon
Nikon is another undisputed camera brand for digital and also for film cameras. Nikon products are known for their ergonomics, especially after the introduction of the AF-S lens series.
With Nikon, the higher the price, the more robust and intuitive the camera. So you definitely get what you pay for.
Nikon’s D-series cameras and lenses are among the best-selling cameras and lenses in the photography industry. Nikon offers pretty much everything you need. So you can maximize your artistic potential and excel in this field. In this article, you will find more information about the different formats of Nikon cameras.
The last few years have been dominated by discussions about whether Canon or Nikon is better. Therefore, we have taken the time to duel Nikon vs. Canon and have assessed all the advantages and disadvantages.
All advantages of the camera manufacturer Nikon at a glance:
- Produces some of the sharpest images
- Exceptional low light performance
- Compatibility with old F-mount lenses
- Affordable and high quality camera bodies
3. Pentax (Ricoh)
Pentax is a camera brand of Ricoh and is probably more of a background manufacturer in this list. But in the photo industry, this camera brand is mostly known for filling the gaps between lower-end compact digital cameras and high-end DSLRs. Plus, Pentax is known for making some of the most durable and weatherproof cameras around. Best of all, the cameras are easy to use and surprisingly affordable considering the quality.
Most Pentax users swear by their equipment and have never switched to other brands. After all, the best camera is not always the most expensive. In fact, the best camera brand is characterized by what works best for the photographer.
All advantages of the camera manufacturer Pentax at a glance:
- Pioneer of weatherproof DSLRs
- Universal K-mount for old lenses
- In-Body Stabilization
- Medium to high price range
4. Sony
Sony is at the forefront when it comes to mirrorless system cameras and high-quality compact cameras. You might remember the Cyber-Shot range of compact digital cameras, which was extremely popular in the early 2000s.
While Sony offers very competitive entry-level DSLR cameras, they also have a very strong line of mirrorless cameras. These are great for action photography thanks to the improved image stabilization and advanced autofocus system. Sony will always have a place in the list of best camera brands as they offer a remarkable Alpha line, affordable prices and user-friendly features. Here you can find a comparison between different lenses of the Sony camera brand.
All advantages of the camera manufacturer Sony at a glance:
- Futuristic and innovative
- Pioneer of full-frame mirrorless cameras
- High quality compact cameras
- Competitive DLSRs
- Middle price range
5. Olympus
When Olympus came out with mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, it blew every photographer away. These cameras were lighter, smaller, and faster than anything else. Actually, this is a big surprise because this camera manufacturer is actually known for making high-end film SLR cameras and some of the most rugged compact cameras.
This brand, however, is still on the lower end of the price spectrum. Prefer convenience but don’t want to sacrifice quality? Olympus already seems like the most affordable choice for you.
All advantages of the camera manufacturer Olympus at a glance:
- Pioneer of mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses
- Offers evolving camera systems
- The products are robust, compact, and competitive
- Low to medium price range
6. Fujifilm
When it comes to instant and lomo photography, Fujifilm is definitely the most popular brand. It is known among the younger generations for its user-friendly instant cameras. The Fujifilm camera manufacturer has definitely come a long way and has only gotten better with their latest lines of small format, medium format, and rangefinder film cameras.
Fujifilm has also developed its own mirrorless cameras. It has also continued to improve its competitive digital compact cameras and will soon launch hybrid film-digital instant cameras. Fujifilm is obviously the best camera brand if you’re interested in analog and instant cameras, as well as beautiful vintage photos. But the other offerings are nothing to scoff at either and are great choices. With the X-series, Fuji also competes with other manufacturers in the upper segment.
All advantages of the camera manufacturer Fujifilm at a glance:
- High-quality film cameras
- First class instant and Lomo cameras
- Competitive
- Low to medium price range
7. GoPro
GoPro rose to prominence in the early 2000s. In the last half-decade, the brand has only become more popular. That’s because they came out with small action cameras that capture stunning, high-quality images and videos from a first-person perspective. No other action camera comes close to GoPro’s superior Hero camera series.
This camera series is extremely rugged and waterproof up to 10 meters (check out our top list of waterproof cameras here). Plus, the camera can be mounted on bikes, helmets, and even drones. Their ultra-wide-angle fisheye lenses allow you to get very close to the subject, even in tight areas.
Although the output is quite unusual compared to traditional media, there is actually a growing niche for GoPro photography. It is undoubtedly the best choice for action photography. You can find our top ranking on action cams here.
All advantages of the camera manufacturer GoPro at a glance:
- A popular choice for action photos
- Lightweight, compact and robust design
- Can be mounted on almost everything
- Large selection of accessories
8. Leica
It is well known that Leica makes some of the best manual cameras. For many, Leica lenses are also the best available in the world of photography (based on published lens tests). Many photographers may be put off by the price. But many believe the cost is justified based on the build and performance of the camera, as well as the high-quality output. For example, the Leica M series consists of cameras that are incredibly well built and have advanced optics.
Leica cameras don’t have automatic modes, so they may not be the right choice for the average beginner. These things are just cult.
All advantages of the camera manufacturer Leica at a glance:
- Beautifully crafted, durable cameras
- Compact and portable
- Superior image optics
- Renowned M-Series
Conclusion
Hopefully, I give you an overview of the currently most popular camera brands and camera manufacturers with this small compilation. Which camera convinced you the most and for which camera would you put your hand in the fire?
