A countdown of our cameras of the year for 2023
Top 5 Cameras of 2023
The year 2023 has been an exciting one for camera enthusiasts, with many new models and innovations hitting the market. Whether you are looking for a high-resolution medium format camera, a retro-styled mirrorless camera, or a versatile hybrid camera, there is something for everyone in this list. Here are our top five cameras of the year, counting down from 5 to 1. These are cameras that we have tested over the year so there may some camera missing from the list that may have made it in if we had been able to test them.
5. Nikon Z8
The Nikon Z8 is a mid-sized high-end full-frame mirrorless camera that offers the same performance and image quality as the flagship Z9, but in a smaller and lighter body. It features a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor, up to 20fps continuous shooting, 8K/60p video recording, and a 9.44M-dot OLED viewfinder. The Z8 is a great choice for photographers who want a powerful and versatile camera that can handle any situation.
4. Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a unique camera that only captures black and white images. It is based on the K-3 Mark III, a DSLR that has a 26MP APS-C sensor, 5-axis in-body stabilization, and 12fps burst shooting. However, the Monochrome version has a modified sensor that has no color filter array, resulting in higher resolution, lower noise, and greater dynamic range. It also has a dedicated monochrome LCD screen and a range of filters and toning options to customize the look of your images. The K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a camera for purists who love the art of black and white photography.
3. Fujifilm GFX 100 II
The Fujifilm GFX 100 II is the latest medium format flagship from Fujifilm, and it boasts a new and improved 102MP sensor that measures 44 x 33mm. It has an increased light-gathering ability that enables a base sensitivity of ISO 80, and a faster readout speed that allows for 8fps shooting and 8K/30p video recording. It also has a 5-axis in-body stabilization system that is rated at up to 8EV of correction, and a subject recognition autofocus system that can track humans, animals, and vehicles. The GFX 100 II is a camera that delivers stunning image quality and impressive video features in a relatively compact and ergonomic body.
2. Nikon ZF
The Nikon Zf is a retro-themed full-frame mirrorless camera that pays homage to Nikon’s classic 35mm SLRs, such as the FE and FM series. It has a 24.5MP sensor, a 3.68M-dot EVF, and a 3.2in vari-angle touchscreen. It also has a larger mode dial that includes a Vlog mode, a bigger battery, and a headphone jack. The Zf can shoot 4K/60p video in 10-bit F-Log and F-Log2, and it can output ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW via HDMI4. The Zf is a camera that combines old-school style with modern technology, and it is a joy to use for both stills and video.
1. Fujifilm X-S20
The Fujifilm X-S20 is our top pick for the best camera of the year, and it is a hybrid camera that can do it all. It has a 26MP X-Trans sensor, the new X Processor 5, a 5-axis in-body stabilization system, and a 3in fully articulating touchscreen. It can shoot 20fps with raw, 30fps with JPEG, and up to 120fps with a crop. It can also record 6.2K open-gate video in 10-bit 4:2:2, and it has a subject recognition and tracking autofocus system that can detect humans, animals, and vehicles. It also has a new Film Simulation mode, Eterna Bleach Bypass, that creates a high-contrast and low-saturation look. The X-S20 also used the larger battery found in the X-H2 which gives the potential of over 1000 shots on a single charge. The X-S20 is a small and compact camera that delivers amazing performance and image quality for both photo and video, and it is the ultimate camera for content creators and vloggers. The X-S20 is also very competitively priced, at the time of writing around £1200, which makes it great value for money and our Camera of the Year.