Canon EOS R3

Canon has produced a superb camera that offers a truly professional photographic tool as the flagship of the EOS R mirrorless system. The handling is excellent, everything having been well thought out. Any particular preferences that a photographer may have can likely be addressed through the high degree of customisation provided.

Photographers will be conscious that the R3 probably is the one camera that directly goes head to head with Nikon’s Z9, where the emphasis is slightly different. Canon has kept the mechanical shutter as well as providing a super-fast electronic shutter. Nikon has a higher MP count but no mechanical shutter. There are variations in handling as well as many other minor differences that may or may not be important to any one individual.

Either way, no one needs to feel left out and those who choose the Canon version with its own handling and character will certainly be very happy with the magnificent results. A definite ‘Editor’s Choice’.

Nikon Z9

This is the top-of-the-line Flagship Z series camera, and we can tell. It has every feature imaginable, is beautifully made, performs impeccably and is every bit the professional photographic tool. It may seem large and heavy, but it actually melds well with the lenses and is very much a photographer’s camera. The vertical grip is a nice touch as well.

If a more compact form factor is needed then the Z series offers the Z7 and Z7 II with the same resolution as the Z9. Otherwise, if the weight and bulk are acceptable then the new Z9 is a hugely powerful and versatile design.

Another very definite ‘Editor’s Choice’.

Canon EOS R6 MK II

The Canon EOS R6 II is a well designed full frame hybrid mirrorless camera that delivers fine-quality images. It handles superbly. It also offers a high level of specification that is likely to cover most enthusiast and professional needs. There is highly effective IS built into the body, which can work with the IS in some lenses. The power of 8 stops advantage in terms of camera shake cannot be underestimated, releasing much of the need for a tripod in travel, museum and architectural photography. It also has good video capabilities that offer excellent, stable video without the need for the complexities of fully professional video cameras. In summary, a great all-rounder, perhaps a tad expensive but otherwise a highly desirable camera.

Panasonic Lumix S5II

An excellent technical performance, great handling and is very much a photographer’s camera in its operational style. These are all key features that help make the Panasonic Lumix S5 II a pleasure to use. The new Phase Hybrid AF system works well, the improved IS system applies equally to stills and video shooting and all the controls and systems work crisply and without hesitation.

The competition at this price point is keen, but the S5 II should be high on our list for serious consideration.

Leica M11 (Typ 2416)

A beautifully made camera, the M11 will suit rangefinder photographers very nicely and the superb sharp images with gorgeous colour rendition will be a pleasure to work with. DSLR photographers may struggle with the manual focusing method and the very limited ability to focus close, but perseverance may pay dividends and when it’s right, the results will justify the effort.

This is not an all-purpose design that can fulfil all our photography, but it can score when looking at street, reportage, travel, landscape and similar subjects where we do not need to be ultra-close to the subject.

Yes, it is expensive, but made in the way that it is and to the standards involved, then it has to be. In the end, we just need to look at the results and on that basis, it can be ‘Highly Recommended’.

Sony Alpha 7 IV

Equally suited for stills or video, with a great performance and handling extremely well, the Sony A7 IV has a lot going for it. Yes, it’s the most expensive of its peers, by which are meant the full-frame options of up to 33MP, but it is a hybrid camera that does tackle both stills and video in the one package.

The handling is excellent, and the only questions regard the menu style, which may or may not suit the user. Familiarity will help no doubt, but the overall set-up is, in this reviewer’s opinion, somewhat over-complex.

In summary, a very high-quality package that should consistently deliver the highest quality of results – ‘Highly Recommended’.

ZEISS ZX-1

Speaking as a photographer, we see the things that are missing, such as Shake Reduction and Weather Resistance and we see the slow operation…Speaking as a mobile phone user we see a quality camera with built-in image adjustments, vast potential from connectivity options and something that operates from menus just like my phone. Perhaps we have a Marmite camera here, that we might love or hate…

Whatever our point of view though, the ZEISS ZX-1 remains a very slick bit of design that produces quality images, albeit it at a price. If it suits your way of working, then definitely ‘Recommended’.

Nikon Z7 II

The Nikon Z7 II may seem like a “subtle” update to the original Z7, but it’s offering a range of updates that make this camera an excellent all-around package. The addition of the SD card slot makes the camera more affordable and gives a backup option for those that need it, as well as making image transfer easier. The camera has also had a speed improvement, with dual image processors, and 10fps continuous shooting is a nice bump. You also benefit from 4K 60fps video recording, something that makes it more competitive with other cameras around this price point, although it’s worth noting that there is a crop. There’s also improved AF sensitivity down to -3EV.

Like the other cameras in the Z series range, the Z7 II offers great handling. When combined with the extremely high-quality Z series lenses, you’ll find yourself extremely impressed by the image quality on offer from the camera. The images produced offer a level of sharpness and detail that is not always seen.

With Nikon’s respected colour reproduction and face/eye detection focus, the camera would be well suited to wedding, portrait and fashion photography. You’ll also find the camera well suited to landscape, and architecture photography, thanks to the high-resolution sensor. There’s also the added bonus of the Nikon Z/S series lenses offering excellent quality so that you know you’re going to get good results.

Sony Alpha 1 ILCE-1

The Sony Alpha 1 offers a hell of a lot. Video users will be extremely happy with 8K 30fps / 4K 120fps footage, and this will be overkill for the average videographer. High-speed stills photographers will be impressed by the 30fps on offer, and even those looking for high-resolution shots will be impressed by the 50mp on offer.

Many of the previous complaints made against Sony cameras, to do with handling, have been resolved with the A7S III and Alpha 1, with an updated, and easier-to-use menu system, an improved touch-screen operation, where the camera actually lets you use the touch-screen in a useful way. There is also a range of customisable buttons and controls.

If you want the best and have the money, then, without a doubt, the Sony Alpha 1 is still one of the best all-around digital cameras currently available.

Leica SL2-S

We enjoyed shooting with the camera, and we’re pleased with the results, with great image quality, and excellent noise performance. One thing that we did find a little frustrating when using the camera were the top and bottom bars displayed on-screen, and whilst they can be switched off, the bottom bar re-appears as you focus your shot. If you’re trying to be really careful about what is or isn’t in the frame, this can be really frustrating and seems like a real oversight. If you use the electronic viewfinder, this isn’t an issue.

The SL2-S is a great camera, with excellent results possible, however, for stills photographers, the price is going to be a hard pill to swallow compared to what’s on the market. For serious videographers, there are other options available that offer 8K video and/or 4K 120fps video for a similar price. It’s likely the fixed screen may be off-putting to some as well. The Leica SL2-S gives great results, offers high-speed shooting, and unlimited video recording, for those that have the budget to spare, it should provide many years of quality.

Panasonic Lumix S5

The Panasonic Lumix S5 offers a compelling option in the full-frame mirrorless camera market, with obvious strengths in what’s on offer for videographers.

For stills photography, the camera gives great results, with good focus, good colour reproduction, and good noise performance. There are enough options, settings, and shooting modes to keep the majority of photographers happy. However, sports photographers are likely going to want to look elsewhere, due to the 7fps continuous shooting speed.

The camera is easy to use, with good handling, thanks to quick access to some of the most important settings, with WB/ISO and exposure compensation buttons available just behind the shutter release button.

Overall, the Panasonic Lumix S5 offers a lot of features, for a great price, and combined with the 20-60mm lens, it makes for a great combination.

Nikon Z6 II

Like the Nikon Z6, the Z6 II, offers great image quality, and great handling, but with added “oomph” as well as the convenience of an SD card slot. The Nikon Z6 II and the other camera’s in the Z series offer great handling, and the Z6 II offers a full-frame 24mp BSI CMOS sensor that is able to offer great noise performance. When combined with the extremely high-quality Z series lenses, you’ll find yourself extremely impressed by the image quality on offer from the camera. The images produced offer a level of sharpness and detail that is not always seen.

The Nikon Z6 II may seem like a “minor” update, however, it’s a welcome update that makes an already great camera even better

Sony Alpha A7S III

If we cut to the chase, the Sony Alpha A7S III is, ultimately, designed for videographers. In this area, the A7S III excels, giving video capabilities beyond what most other mirrorless cameras offer. With the exception of the Canon EOS R5. However, the A7S III does not suffer from the same overheating issues as the R5, and if you don’t need or want 8K video, then the A7S III is going to be a better choice. It also offers exceptional low-light performance, with a 12mp BSI CMOS sensor. 4K footage recorded at 120fps looks excellent, and the in-body image stabilisation does an excellent job keeping video steady.

For stills photographers, the 12mp resolution is likely to feel limiting, especially when we’re used to using 20/24/36/45mp cameras. It’s a shame, as the 9.44m dot EVF is excellent, and will make any viewfinder user happy with the view. However, for those that need to shoot in very low-light conditions, then the A7S III may be an option. 

Canon EOS R6

Whilst the Canon EOS R5 may have had all the lime-light, and been the centre of attention for all the right (and wrong) reasons, thanks to having a stand out feature of 8K video recording, It’s the Canon EOS R6 that’s likely to be of most interest to most photographers.

The Canon EOS R6 gives you a solid, dependable, full-frame mirrorless camera with all the familiar controls, and handling that feels good in the hand. You could easily pick up this camera, after using a Canon DSLR, and simply get on with using it. At the same time, you’re likely to be impressed by the rapid and reliable focus system, the improved continuous shooting speeds, and excellent image quality on offer. Noise performance is particularly impressive, with the camera retaining detail in images, even as the ISO speed increases.

The Canon EOS R6 feels like a complete and well-rounded camera. It feels extremely mature in every way we can think of. There’s no jagged edges or operational issues that spring to mind, and the camera delivers the goods when it comes to image quality, with Canon’s reliable colour reproduction. Combine that with an excellent AF system, with support for both humans and animals, and you have a camera that’s going to deliver great results time after time. In addition, you’ll be able to shoot at slower shutter speeds thanks to the in-body image stabilisation system, although you might not need to, as you can easily increase the ISO speed and still get great results.

Nikon Z5

The Nikon Z5 is a very solid introduction to the Nikon Z series and the kit lens is a very solid performer as well. There is a considerable saving to be made compared to the Z6 and Z7 and thus it widens the potential market without seriously affecting the end quality. The Z range is incredibly good and there is a lot to like about it.

Overall, the Nikon Z5 is an excellent lower-priced introduction to the superb Nikon Z system.

Canon EOS R5

The Canon EOS R5 has class-leading video specifications, as well as impressive stills performance. For stills photography, it does not offer the highest resolution but it does offer plenty of resolution. 45mp is going to be enough for 99% of the population. You can also shoot at up to 12/20fps at the full 45mp resolution. Impressive!

The camera is suitable for all types of photography, although perhaps sports photographers will want a camera with longer battery life, or a lower resolution sensor.

Overall, the Canon EOS R5 offers a great full-frame mirrorless camera, with a high-resolution sensor, excellent electronic viewfinder, rapid focus and fast continuous shooting. For stills photographers, the Canon EOS R5 would make a great upgrade from an earlier Canon, whether that’s the Canon EOS R, or the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. However, the price does seem a little expensive, especially if you’re not interested in the 8K video features, and if you don’t need 8K, then you may want to look at the Canon EOS R6.

Leica SL2

The Leica SL2, like most of the Leica range, isn’t a mass-produced, mass-production camera, the camera is made in Germany, and this is part of the reason why the Leica SL2 has a higher price than much of the competition. At £5,300 the price is comparable to other Leica cameras, but when you factor in lenses, the complete system could turn into quite an investment.

However, some would say that we’re reaching a point where digital cameras are “good enough” or rather so good that you shouldn’t need to upgrade for several years, so why not invest in a camera that will hopefully last the next 5 – 10 years and still be capable of producing exceptional images?

For video users, the options available, as well as a wide range of lenses could make this an appealing choice. Assuming you don’t need 6K or 8K, and also as long as you don’t mind the lack of a vari-angle screen.

The camera produces great-looking photos. The high-resolution 47mp full-frame sensor makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, including fashion, landscape, and commercial photographer, as well as portraits. For archiving or fine-art reproduction, or even just still-life work and product photography, the 187mp high-resolution mode could be of particular interest.

Sigma fp

The Sigma fp is a unique camera in a world of similar-looking cameras, and whilst it’s going to seem “odd” and different to most people, this will be seen as a benefit to others. The modular approach is a bold move and gives you the choice of what you want on a camera. Don’t use flash or need a flash hot-shoe, then don’t take it. Without the added grip, the camera can feel too small, but this is something that will be down to personal preference, as well as depending on needs and what lens is used with the camera.

The Sigma fp will be an “odd” choice for most, but for some, it will feel like a great option, particularly for videographers. In a market full of cameras that all look the same, the Sigma fp makes a refreshing change.

Sony Alpha A7R IV

The Sony Alpha A7R IV (Mark 4) 61mp full-frame camera is the first full-frame camera to feature a 61mp Full-Frame BSI CMOS sensor. It can also record 4K video, has built-in 5-axis image stabilisation and can shoot continuously at 10fps. Plus, it has up to 15-stops of dynamic range.

You don’t need to use a tripod (unless you want to), you don’t need to use a self-timer, or worry about shutter shock, instead, you can simply concentrate on your photography, framing, and composition, and shoot away. The camera has a reliable focus system and gives good JPEG results straight from the camera. If you pair the camera with a high-quality zoom lens or a prime lens, then you can quickly get great results. 

Should you buy it? If you need (or want) high-resolution images, and have the computer power to deal with larger, high-resolution images, then the Sony Alpha A7R Mark IV offers a very complete package, with a wide range of lenses available, right now.

Panasonic Lumix S1R

The Panasonic Lumix S1R has it all: excellent image quality, excellent video quality, great handling, weather sealing, fast performance, and an easy-to-use menu system. There are some unique features, including the ability to shoot 187mp images! The biggest negative, is the camera’s size and weight, being easily the same size and weight as a full-frame DSLR, but without the long battery life of a DSLR. But as camera size is very much a personal thing, the S1R might be right for you. The S1R is also part of the L-Mount alliance, and as such, has a head start in lenses compared to some. 

Canon EOS RP

The Canon EOS RP offers a LOT of bang for the buck, with great image quality from the 26mp full-frame sensor, packed into a compact camera body. The camera offers 4K video recording and is priced very competitively.  If you are happy with the lens range available, or have Canon EF lenses available to you, then the Canon EOS RP offers a great alternative to a (larger) DSLR. 

Overall, the Canon EOS RP offers a full-frame mirrorless camera with Canon’s trusted colour reproduction, good handling, and great image quality, all at an excellent price.

Nikon Z6

The Nikon Z6 is still a great full-frame mirrorless camera offering a 24mp full-frame sensor in a compact mirrorless camera body, with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and high-speed continuous shooting at 12fps. The camera delivers great image quality, with excellent noise performance and Nikon’s tried and tested colour reproduction.  

There’s a lot to like about the Nikon Z series and as more lenses are added, the appeal of the system will grow. 

Nikon Z7

The Nikon Z7 offers the best technology from Nikon’s DSLRs but in a more compact mirrorless camera body, with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and a 45.7mp full-frame BSI CMOS sensor. Focus performance is very good, with a high success rate, much improved compared to a DSLR, thanks to on-sensor phase-detection focus points. Image quality is excellent, easily matching the D850, with good noise performance, and Nikon’s tried, tested (and loved) colour reproduction.

Canon EOS R

The Canon EOS R is a great camera with a great lens, capable of delivering excellent image quality. There are minor operational, and design quirks that will make the camera feel awkward compared to a DSLR such as the 5D Mark IV, but for the most part, the EOS R does the job efficiently and is a pleasure to use. 

Overall, the Canon EOS R delivers a competent package, with great image quality, with a high-quality 24-105mm f/4L lens, however, there are a few design choices that will frustrate some, such as only one SD card slot, and heavily cropped 4K video recording.

Sony Alpha A7 Mark III

The Sony Alpha A7 Mark III, on specifications alone, offers everything you could possibly want from a camera, including low noise at higher ISO speeds, high-speed continuous shooting, rapid focus, and numerous focus points. 

The camera also performs with excellent image quality, thanks to reliable exposure, excellent lenses, great dynamic range and rapid focus performance. High quality 4K video recording is just icing on the cake.

Sony Alpha A7R Mark III

The Sony Alpha A7R Mark III delivers excellent image quality with good colour, and very good noise performance. Levels of detail in images can be improved by using the Pixel shift multi-shot mode, for still subjects, although this does require further processing on your computer to produce the final image.

With the A7R Mark III you can have your cake and eat it, with both a high-resolution sensor, and high-speed continuous shooting. There’s also a wide range of lenses available, with Sony introducing an impressive number of lenses every year.

Canon EOS R8

The R8 is a good, solid offering from Canon that fills a gap in the range, as well as giving an upgrade path for DSLR users and also users of the older canon RP and R models. Technology moves on and Canon have moved to bolster its mirrorless ranges. Good ergonomic design, excellent AF performance and weather sealing add to the attraction of the R8, as well as it having a relatively modest weight and bulk for a full-frame camera.

The lack of a mechanical shutter is perhaps becoming a trend, although the electronics may have to speed up a bit more yet to avoid rolling shutter effects. The 1st Curtain electronic shutter is there to avoid this, albeit at quite a penalty in terms of frames per second.

Overall, a very creditable camera from Canon that hits the spot and as a result is Recommended.

Older Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras To Consider

As several older full-frame mirrorless cameras are still available, particularly from Sony, here are a few more Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera suggestions that might not be as modern but are still worth taking a look at. Sony has actually been making full-frame mirrorless cameras since 2013 so they have quite a few cameras in their line-up with the Sony Alpha A7 Mark II from 2015 still available on Amazon for around £1100! You might also find a good deal over on MPB who specialise in buying and selling used camera gear.

Older Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras Still Worth A Look:

• Sony Alpha A7R Mark III
• Sony Alpha A9
• Sony Alpha A7S Mark II
• Sony Alpha A7 Mark II