Background information
How camera prices have changed over time
by David Lee
Our editors’ favourite cameras – February 2026 edition
23.2.2026
Translation: Katherine Martin
Which camera’s right for you? In this guide, you’ll find out which cameras we’d recommend for different use cases. We’ll be updating it on a regular basis.
Looking for a new camera but don’t know which one to get? I don’t blame you. The world of cameras can seem vast and tricky to decipher at times. As a member of Digitec’s editorial team, I get to try out all the latest models. So, I’ll be using this article to tell you about my current favourites. Some of them have been recommended by my colleague David Lee. We’ll be updating the guide on a regular basis. The last time we refreshed it was in June 2025.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, «What’s the best camera?» It all comes down to your budget, situation and preferences. The devices listed here are the ones I’d spend my own money on. If you disagree with my verdicts or have any questions, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
What are the trends on the camera market right now?
If you’re interested in following the camera market as a whole, here are the latest key developments:
1. Partially stacked sensors: After years of stagnation, the latest sensors are finally demonstrating some progress. The Panasonic Lumix S1II and the Sony Alpha 7 V are showcasing the possibilities of partially stacked sensors – higher dynamic range and relatively fast readout times at a reasonable price. Since virtually every brand except Canon buys their sensors from Sony, we’ll probably see this technology in many cameras in the future.
Source: Samuel Buchmann
2. A focus on high-end devices and lifestyle: All in all, demand for cameras has remained stable. In recent times, it’s actually gone up a little. There’s a trend towards buying more expensive devices as opposed to budget-friendly cameras with interchangeable lenses. With the high-end segment offering the possibility of higher margins, manufacturers are also directing their focus at that sector. There’s also good money to be made with lifestyle cameras, as customers are prepared to pay high prices for exclusivity.
3. Plenty of new lenses: Choosing a camera also means choosing from a range of lenses – a product that’s recently undergone significant advances and innovations. Most notably, Canon and Sony have launched a strikingly high number of new lenses in recent years. Canon’s updated most of its fixed focal lengths within the last two years, adding a budget-friendly but decent lens to its range with the RF 45 mm F1.2 STM. Meanwhile, Sony has hit a new milestone with its f/2 zooms and its brilliant FE 100 mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS II. When it comes to third-party manufacturers, Sigma has been making the biggest waves, namely with its 300–600 mm F4.0 DG OS.
Source: David Lee
Flagships: Sony Alpha 1 II, Canon EOS R5 Mark II
As I said before, there’s no such thing as «the best camera». Mind you, if money’s no object, there kinda is. Quite simply, the Sony Alpha 1 II can do anything. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shooting video, taking a portrait or capturing a sporting event – the device has zero weaknesses. Sure, it’s not a massive advancement on its predecessor. But let’s face it, there wasn’t much to be improved upon. And yes, it’s overpriced compared to other brands. If it’s perfection you want, prepare to cough up for it.
Not got an unlimited budget at your disposal? Canon gives you 90 per cent of the Sony Alpha 1 II’s performance for almost half the money. Having fallen in price since its release, the EOS R5 Mark II with its newer autofocus system has replaced the Nikon Z8 as my value-for-money recommendation. Like its competition, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II boasts a stacked sensor with a high resolution. It’s also fast and excels at both photography and filming. If you choose it over the Sony or Nikon model, you’ll have to live with a slight trade-off in terms of readout speed.
Other good options: Nikon Z8, Panasonic Lumix S1RII
Mid-range: Canon EOS R6 Mark III, Sony Alpha 7 V
It’s a good time to buy a mid-range camera, as Canon and Sony have just updated their models. The EOS R6 Mark III has a better resolution than its predecessor, really good video functions and an astoundingly fast FSI sensor. Its autofocus is on a par with Sony’s, and the body fits my hand better than its rival.
The Sony Alpha 7 V boasts a partially stacked sensor. It’s roughly as fast as the sensor in Canon’s model and has a higher dynamic range. At least when it’s used with a mechanical shutter. The Alpha 7 V is also really good at recording video. Granted, it doesn’t have the same features as the R6 Mark III – 7K resolution, 120 fps uncropped and Open Gate. However, it never overheats, even during long recordings. That said, as is the case for all of these differences, there’s not much in it between the two cameras.
Other good options: Nikon Z6III, Panasonic Lumix S1II
Entry-level cameras: Nikon Z50II, Canon EOS R10
There are also decent cameras for modest budgets. The Nikon Z50II has a cutting-edge autofocus system sporting professional-grade algorithms. It automatically recognises different objects and follows them accurately using 3D tracking. The Z50II’s controls are sophisticated. For a device in this price range, the camera also provides high video quality with 10-bit colour depth. Recently, Nikon finally launched a fast APS-C zoom.
The Canon EOS R10 also sports an APS-C sensor with decent image quality, a good autofocus and excellent controls. If you’re after something cheaper but still good, you could go for the EOS R50. The thing is, it’s too small for most hands and lacks key controls such as a thumb joystick and a second dial. While you won’t find a camera with a stabilised sensor in this price range, at least the kit lens is equipped with one.
** Other good options:** Fujifilm X-M5, Canon EOS R50, Sony Alpha 6100
Studio: Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Canon EOS R5
If you’re looking for maximum image quality for product or portrait photography, there’s no question that you’ll need a medium-format sensor. When it comes to portraits, an autofocus with reliable eye tracking is also extremely handy. You get both of these things with the Fujifilm GFX 100S II – and considering its sensor size, it isn’t even massively expensive. It has a fantastic dynamic range, a good image stabiliser and an affordable range of lenses. The slow flash synchronisation time of 1/125 of a second won’t be an issue in studios.
When it comes to full-frame cameras, there’s a huge selection to choose from. For one thing, the Canon EOS R5 offers superb value for money. There’s now also a successor model, with an enhanced autofocus as its main improvement. Mind you, the R5’s was already good enough for a studio environment. At 45 megapixels, the resolution’s still respectable enough. Canon also has a range of high-quality RF lenses.
Other good options: Sony Alpha 7RV, Nikon Z7 II, Panasonic Lumix S1RII, Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Fujifilm X-H2
Landscape: Hasselblad X2D II, Sony Alpha 7C R
The quality of the photos taken by the Hasselblad X2D is mind-blowing. At a price of 7,200 francs, it’s the most expensive camera in this list – and unfortunately isn’t available on Galaxus. There’s no way to rationally justify this price. Even so, this medium-format device is my dream camera for landscape photography. The X2D II also nipped my biggest criticisms of its predecessor in the bud, as the camera finally has a joystick and an autofocus fit for the times.
Source: Hasselblad
The Sony Alpha 7C R gives you more reasonable bang for your buck. It has the same 61-megapixel, full-frame sensor as the larger Alpha 7RV, but comes in compact housing. At the same time, it does involve compromises when it comes to the viewfinder and video features. However, neither of those compromises are especially problematic if you’re photographing landscapes. Since Sony has plenty of compact lenses in its range, the A7C R allows you to put together a lightweight, high-performance kit.
Other good options: Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Sony Alpha 7RV, Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Nikon Z7II, Fujifilm X-T5, Panasonic Lumix S1RII
Photojournalism: Canon EOS R1, Sony Alpha 7 V
Since magazines often use portrait images, cameras with a fixed vertical grip are ubiquitous in the world of press photography. The Canon EOS R1 has one of the best autofocus systems on the market, keeping the risk of missing a moment to a minimum. Unlike the Sony Alpha 9 III, this camera’s sensor doesn’t have a global shutter. On the flipside, that means it doesn’t have the same disadvantages when it comes to image quality. The competition’s fierce. For instance, if you want a higher resolution, you’ll be happier with the Nikon Z9.
The cheaper Sony Alpha 7 V is also a good choice. Although its partially stacked sensor can’t quite compete with the flagships on readout and autofocus speed, it’s very fast for a camera of this price. Plus, it delivers excellent image quality. Sony also sells plenty of decent compact lenses that are ideal for photojournalism – and the FE 28–70mm f/2 GM, a unique all-rounder.
Other good options: Nikon Z8, Nikon Z6III, Sony Alpha 1 II Sony Alpha 1 II, Canon EOS R3, Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Fujifilm X-H2S
Travel: Sony Alpha 6700, iPhone 17 Pro
When you’re travelling, it’s handy to be able to cover all your needs with a single lens. In addition, you don’t want your camera to be too heavy. With this in mind, cameras with a smaller sensor are the way to go. In my comparison test, the Sony Alpha 6700 came up trumps. Paired with the pleasingly good and inexpensive 18–135 mm, it makes a well-rounded package, giving you high image quality, a great autofocus and excellent video functions.
Until a few years ago, I found the prospect of going on holiday without a camera unthinkable. These days, however, I’d rather just capture memories than create photographic masterpieces. This is something smartphone cameras are ideally suited to. I like the iPhone 17 Pro because it has three useful focal lengths with three good sensors. I’m often surprised at how good the photo quality has become. The iPhone does plenty of things well on its own, but still lets you decide how you want the images to look. It doesn’t go overboard with using AI either.
Other good options: Ricoh GR IV, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm X-T50, Canon EOS R10, Nikon Z50II, Sony Alpha 7CII, Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Lifestyle: Fujifilm X100VI, Sony RX1R III
The Fujifilm X100 is iconic. The latest version has almost none of the weaknesses seen in previous models. Now sporting a better autofocus and an image stabiliser, it’s also increased the resolution of the APS-C sensor to 40 megapixels. The 35-millimetre lens is fixed, a feature fans see as an incentive for more intentional photography. Critics, on the other hand, see it as restrictive. One thing’s for sure: the Fujifilm X100VI is fun and doesn’t cost a fortune.
The Sony RX1R III is a genuine luxury item. To tell the truth, it’s too expensive and has some shortcomings. Even so, I fell in love with this small camera and its large sensor. It’s light enough to hang around your neck – something worth doing, given how much better the photos are compared to a smartphone camera’s. One reason for this is the f/2 lens, which lets you play with the depth of field.
Other good options: Fujifilm GFX100RF, OM-System OM-3, Leica Q3, Nikon Zf
Sport and wildlife: Sony Alpha 1 II, Canon EOS R7
The Sony Alpha 1 II is the queen of wildlife photography. No other camera on the market has a better combination of autofocus speed and high resolution. The high resolution’s handy, as it means you can crop images if need be. This makes taking snaps of fast-moving animals considerably easier. With the 200–600 mm and the 400–800 mm, Sony sells really good lenses suitable for the camera. Unlike the lenses for the Alpha 1, they’re not that expensive either.
With the EOS R7 and its two lightweight super-telephoto lenses, Canon proves that equipment for sports and wildlife photography doesn’t have to cost a fortune. For a camera of this price, the autofocus is sensational. With the super-telephoto lenses mentioned above, you could even snap the likes of songbirds without any issues. Given the narrow apertures and the APS-C sensor, however, you’ll need a lot of light – ideally sunshine – for a high-quality image. Check out David’s review for more information on that.
Other good options: Nikon Z8, Canon EOS R3, Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Canon EOS R6 Mark III, Sony Alpha 9 III, Sony Alpha 7 V, Fujifilm X-H2S, OM System OM-1 Mark II
Video: Sony FX3, Nikon ZR
If you’re just planning on shooting film, the Sony FX3 is still the number-one choice – even five years after it’s release. Admittedly, it’s lacking a couple of cutting-edge features, including Open Gate and high-res RAW video. However, it does have 4K in handy codecs. The video quality’s also excellent across the board, regardless of frame rate. You can attach all kinds of accessories to the actively cooled housing on 1/4-inch threads without needing a cage. If you’re not in a rush to buy your new camera, it might be worth being patient – the FX3’s successor is expected to come out very soon.
With the ZR, Nikon’s entered the compact cinema camera segment for the first time – at a competitive price. Available for around 2,000 francs, it boasts numerous professional features, packed into very compact housing. I’m especially keen on the huge, bright display. If you’d rather avoid large files, you can film in 6K RED RAW. These more lightweight codecs are unfortunately less impressive with the latest firmware due to aggressive denoising.
Other good options: Canon EOS C50, Sony FX30, Panasonic Lumix S1II, Panasonic Lumix S5IIX, Panasonic Lumix GH7
Vlogging: Sony ZV-E1, Canon PowerShot V1
The Sony ZV-E1 has the same full-frame sensor as the FX3, but only costs half the price. Although you’ll have to forgo active cooling and a more professional case in return, the ZV-E1 is more compact. Paired with a lens like the Sony FE 20–70 mm f/4 G, it makes for a versatile combination of outstanding image quality and light weight. On top of that, it boasts new AI features and a very aggressive digital image stabiliser.
My favourite pocket vlogging camera is a Canon device. The PowerShot V1 won me over with its large sensor, whose image quality is significantly better than a smartphone. It also beats action cams and other ultra-compact solutions such as the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Mind you, having a gimbal means the latter has other plus points. The PowerShot V1’s 16–50 mm lens is versatile, and the focus is fast and reliable. And unlike the Sony ZV-1 II, Canon’s little pocket rocket has both a digital and an optical image stabiliser.
Other good options: Panasonic Lumix S5 II, Panasonic Lumix GH7, Nikon Z6III, Sony Alpha 6700, Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II, Canon EOS R50V, DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Header image: Samuel Buchmann
Samuel Buchmann
Senior Editor
Samuel.Buchmann@digitecgalaxus.chMy fingerprint often changes so drastically that my MacBook doesn't recognise it anymore. The reason? If I'm not clinging to a monitor or camera, I'm probably clinging to a rockface by the tips of my fingers.
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