If you’re in need of an incredibly versatile mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z9 won’t disappoint. The Z9 is particularly skilled when it comes to high-speed photography, with a burst mode capable of capturing sports and wildlife with full autofocus capabilities. 

As with many mirrorless cameras, the Z9 is smaller and more lightweight than its DSLR equivalent, the Nikon D6. That said, it certainly isn’t the most travel-friendly choice at 1340g and with its chunky square body. 

However, the weather-sealed design is durable and the two grips and shutter release buttons make snapping portraits as comfortable and intuitive as capturing landscape shots. Other design features include a bright, 3000-nit electronic viewfinder with a speedy 120fps refresh rate and a 4-axis monitor with a 170-degree viewing angle for capturing shots at tricky angles. 

The Z9 takes advantage of a 45-megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS sensor, a 493-point autofocus system with 10 AF-area modes and detection for nine subject types. There’s also 8K/60p and 4K/120p video support. 

The Z9 certainly isn’t the cheapest camera on this list and the CFexpress and XQD memory cards needed are also quite pricey, but if you’re looking for a large and capable mirrorless camera, you’ll struggle to find better than the Nikon Z9. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full review: Nikon Z9

If you’re looking for a full-frame DSLR, the Nikon D850 is the best we’ve reviewed in recent years, earning an impressive 4.5/5 stars from our reviewer. 

The camera features a weather-sealed magnesium alloy design for durability with physical buttons and a good amount of customisation options. There’s a large 100% viewfinder at the top and a 3.2-inch, 2.36m-dot touchscreen monitor that can be tilted to shoot at different angles. 

Like the Z9, the camera packs a 45.7-megapixel sensor that puts the D850 in the same category as the 50.6-megapixel Canon 5DS and the 42-megapixel Sony A7R II which were released around the same time. There’s also the EXPEED 5 processor on board, which you can find in the Nikon D500 and the D5. 

The camera takes advantage of a fast and accurate 153-point Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system, 7fps continuous shooting (9fps if you pay extra for the attachable battery grip), and support for 4K video capture at 30fps. 

Reviewer: Michael Topham

Full review: Nikon D850

The Fujifilm X-T5 is a fantastic pro-grade camera for photography that doesn’t break the bank at just £1600. That’s less than half the price of our current favourite pick, the Nikon Z9. 

The X-T5 combines retro good looks with plenty of features and the highest-resolution APS-C sensor on the market to create a camera worthy of taking over the Fujifilm X-T4. 

The Fujifilm X-T5 sports a similar eye-catching design to the X-T4 with classic milled dials and an even more lightweight feel than its predecessor. Despite its retro design, the X-T5 is remarkably robust with 56 weather-sealed points to keep out dust and moisture, as well as the ability to operate in temperatures as low as -10 degrees. 

Along with a huge 40-megapixel crop sensor, the Fujifilm X-T5 benefits from speedy autofocus and a rapid 15fps burst rate that opens up the camera to wildlife and sports photographers alike. 

Subject detection allows the X-T5 to detect humans, eyes, animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, planes and trains, while five-axis IBIS with seven stops of compensation ensures that camera shake is kept to a minimum even in low-light conditions and when using longer focal lengths. 

Additionally, the battery life on the X-T5 allows for 140 more shots than its predecessor and the X-T5 can be charged on the go using a power bank. 

When it comes to video, the Fujifilm X-T5 is capable of capturing 6.2K footage at up to 30p and at 4:2:2 10-bit internally. This means the files can capture a large amount of tonal data that will help with colour grading later down the line. There’s also support for Fujifilm’s F-Log 2 profiles internally, as well as Apple ProRes RAW when captured externally. 

Coming back to image quality, we found that RAW files help a huge amount of tonal data, making it easy to recover detail in lighter and darker areas in editing. You can even push beyond the 40-megapixel sensor and capture huge 160-megapixel shots thanks to the Pixel Shift feature that combines 220 frames into a single high-quality image. 

If you’re looking for a huge 40-megapixel sensor in a small package with retro flair, the Fujifilm X-T5 is hard to beat. 

Reviewer: Matty Graham

Full Review: Fujifilm X-T5

The Nikon D3500 is an affordable choice for anyone searching for a fantastic DSLR for beginners. It’s also significantly smaller than many DSLRs you’ll find on the market (though still a bit bigger than most mirrorless alternatives). 

The camera is limited to a fixed 921K-dot display, but the body takes advantage of the additional grip and balance you’ll find with a DSLR, as well as the extended 1550-shot battery life. The 18-55mm AF-P kit lens is also ideal for first-timers offering consistently sharp results across its focal range. 

The D3500 is powered by a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and packs a good number of features you might expect to get with a more professional DSLR, including the full set of program AE, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual modes. 

The 100-25,600 ISO range allows for decent low-light performance for its price and the 5fps burst mode is more than fast enough to capture kids and pets in motion. 

Video is limited to HD rather than 4K, but stills are very good. We found the camera capable of capturing realistic colours in both indoor and outdoor settings. 

If you’d rather opt for a Canon model, the Canon 250D is also a great cheap option for beginners. 

Reviewer: Rod Lawton

Full review: Nikon D3500

If you’re looking for a mirrorless camera with impressive video capabilities, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a fantastic video-first option. 

The GH6 is capable of capturing 5.7K video at up to 60fps with support for Apple ProRes 422 HQ, dedicated headphone and microphone ports and full-size HDMI for external monitoring. There’s also support for CFexpress Type B memory cards. 

We found the in-body image stabilisation with up to 7.5 stops of motion compensation ensured we captured stable video, though the autofocus did encounter issues tracking moving objects. 

For stills, there’s a high-resolution photo mode that merges bursts together to capture 100-megapixel images, but don’t mistake this for a photography-first camera. While the GH6 can snap some great images, you’d be better off looking elsewhere if your priority isn’t high-quality video. 

As far as improvements over the previous models go, the GH6 packs the same design as the other models in its GH series with the addition of a new cooling system and a double-hinged touchscreen for more flexible shooting. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full review: Panasonic Lumix GH6

While the GH6 offers some of the highest quality video, the Sony ZV-E10 is the best when it comes to vlogging features. It’s also beginner-friendly and affordable, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to move beyond your smartphone’s recording capabilities. 

The ZV-E10 is one of the smallest and most lightweight mirrorless cameras we’ve reviewed at just 343g. To put that into perspective with the other cameras in this list, that’s almost a quarter of the weight of the Nikon Z9. 

There’s no electronic viewfinder, with the camera instead relying on a bright, 3-inch flip-out touchscreen, but there are plenty of vlogger and influencer features onboard. The list includes image stabilisation, real-time autofocus tracking for the eyes and face and the flexibility of Sony’s E-mount lens system. For those less concerned about swapping out the lenses, the ZV-1 is similarly great and slightly cheaper. 

The ZV-E10 delivers rich and clean 4K video at up to 30fps or 1080p at 60fps and there are Sony’s Slow and Quick modes for features like slow motion capture. The camera is also capable of snapping some sharp 24.2-megapixel stills. 

One of the more unique vlogging features here is Sony’s Product Showcase mode, which is sure to come in handy for reviewers and influencers in particular who find themselves holding objects up to the camera. Though we found it could be a little fussy at times, the feature nevertheless offered a good improvement over the standard face detection-based mode when used in these situations. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full review: Sony ZV-E10

If you’re interested in a more spontaneous way to capture photos, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is the best instant camera we’ve tried and tested. 

This hybrid instant camera has a lightweight plastic build with a retro faux leather and silver aesthetic that doesn’t look dissimilar to the compact Fujifilm X100V. 

The hybrid design makes it possible for the camera to hold 45 images at a time, allowing you to preview them on the 3-inch LCD screen and print them as desired without wasting unnecessary paper and ink. 

Despite this, the camera maintains the charm of a traditional instant camera with its simple controls, including two shutter buttons, flash, a preset dial and a lever to print your images.  

The image quality offers the same punchy colours and detailed results as other Instax cameras, though we did find that skin tones had the tendency to come out a bit pale. If you’re looking to capture something a bit more stylistic, there’s also the option to add vivid, pale and monochrome filters to your photos, while lens effects on offer include vignetting, soft focus and blur.

That said, the camera doesn’t do too well in low-lighting conditions so that’s something to be aware of if you plan on taking the camera to parties and other dim indoor environments.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

The Fujifilm X-H2S is our best mirrorless camera for high-speed photography. 

The Fujifilm X-H2S arrived in 2022 as one of two hybrid cameras alongside the identical-looking X-H2. However, where the X-H2 focuses primarily on resolution, the X-H2S is all about speed. 

With the X-H2S, Fujifilm has opted for a more neutral look over the retro design of the X-T5. The camera has a small and lightweight body with a 3-inch vari-angle display, an OLED EVF and a monochrome LCD monitor so you can check your settings at a glance. 

The X-H2S takes advantage of a new processor and image sensor combo, being the first camera powered by the new X Processor 5 and X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor. It also benefits from a new autofocus algorithm, which we found did a fantastic job of tracking people and vehicles alike. Then there’s the incredibly speedy 40fps burst mode which makes the X-H2S the fastest Fujifilm X series camera yet. 

The camera doesn’t come equipped with the 40-megapixel sensor found on the X-H2, nor does it take advantage of that camera’s 160-megapixel Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode. What the X-H2S does capture are wonderfully bright and sharp 26-megapixel stills. Colours are vibrant and punchy and Fujifilm’s famous film simulation modes make it easy to replicate a range of looks and styles directly in-camera. 

The hybrid camera can also capture sharp 6.2K video at up to 30p or 4K at up to 120p with support for Apple ProRes 422 HQ on board, too. 

The X-H2 has a 40-megapixel sensor for those looking to snap even higher-resolution images and you can get a full-frame camera like the Sony Alpha 7 IV for just a few hundred pounds more than the APS-C X-H2S. 

However, for those looking for a lightweight camera with fast autofocus and an even more impressive burst mode, the X-H2S is a great choice. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies 

Full review: Fujifilm X-H2S

The Panasonic Lumix S5II might just be Panasonic’s most widely appealing full-frame camera to date. The S5II improves upon the Panasonic S5, making it a great buy for young and aspiring content creators. 

The Lumix S5II is Panasonic’s first mirrorless camera to adopt phase-detection AF, combining it with its usual contrast-based Depth-from-Defocus autofocus to create a hybrid system comparable to those used by competitors. 

The camera also delivers many upgrades over the still-available Panasonic S5, including a new full-frame sensor, a new processor, upgraded image stabilisation and an integrated heat management system to support unlimited 6K and 4K video capture. 

The Lumix S5II has a DSLR-style body with a tough and weatherproof magnesium alloy construction. It’s a bit bulkier than the Panasonic S5 due to the integrated cooling system, but the Panasonic S5II is still compact and lightweight for a full-frame camera. 

The camera comes with a brand new 3.68-million dot OLED viewfinder, which we found to be wonderfully crisp and detailed with high contrast and a fast refresh rate giving it almost the feel of an optical viewfinder. There’s also a 3-inch monitor with a vari-angle design for versatile positioning and a range of touch controls, including the ability to change settings and set autofocus points. 

In-body image stabilisation is excellent for shooting video, as is the new phase hybrid autofocus system. The AF isn’t as snappy as that found on some Sony and Canon cameras, but it’s very capable and a marked improvement over the Panasonic S5. 

Photographers can shoot at up to 9fps with the mechanical shutter or 30fps with the electronic shutter and connectivity options are strong, with a full-size HDMI port, 3.5mm headphone and mic inputs and a USB-C port for charging all included. 

All-in-all, the Panasonic S5II is a powerful all-rounder for anyone looking to capture full-frame video and sharp photos. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen 

Full Review: Panasonic Lumix S5II

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is one of the best all-round full-frame cameras you’ll find right now, making it a great pick for anyone considering upgrading from a smaller-sized sensor for the first time. 

The R6 Mark II looks very similar to the original Canon EOS R6, sharing the same weight and dimensions as its predecessor. The design is robust with a fair amount of weather-sealing and the grip is well-proportioned to offer users a strong hold over the camera. 

One slight difference between the R6 and the R6 Mark II is the control layout. The on/off button has been relocated and there’s now a dedicated switch for toggling between photo and video modes. The joystick that shifts AF points has also been redesigned and there are new Scenes and Creative Features options in the mode dial. 

This camera is incredibly versatile, making it a good fit for a variety of scenes ranging from landscapes to sports and even wildlife photography. 

The shutter speed is double that found on the older R6 and the Dual Pixel AF II autofocus system supports subject detection for a wider range of subjects. There’s also a Pre Shooting feature that captures the action a half second before the shutter button is fully pressed, along with upgraded Focus Bracketing and up to 8-stops of in-body image stabilisation to fight camera shake. 

The camera is capable of capturing 4K video at up to 60p, along with 6K/60p Pro Res RAW footage when paired with an external device like the Atomos Ninja. Slo-mo has also been given an update, now supporting 6x slow motion capture at 180p instead of 120p, and the newer camera supports unrestricted recording times, unlike its predecessor which tapped out at 30 minutes. 

Images captured by the 24-megapixel sensor are vibrant without appearing saturated and the camera handles digital noise extremely well. There’s also support for 14-bit RAW files that capture a huge amount of tonal details and make it easier to fix brighter and darker areas later down the line. 

If you’re wanting to move up from the original R6, the changes might not be worth the upgrade. However, for those interested in picking up their first full-frame shooter, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II offers a versatile and good value experience all-round. 

Reviewer: Matty Graham

Full Review: Canon EOS R6 Mark II

If you’re searching for a camera to snap high-resolution images, the Fujifilm GFX100 II is certainly worth considering. 

The GFX100 II sits at the top of Fujifilm’s current GFX line-up with its huge 102-megapixel medium format sensor capable of snapping large, detailed images with vibrant colours and great contrast straight out of the camera. 

Despite the chunky sensor, the camera remains more compact and lightweight than some similarly-priced full-frame cameras, including the Nikon Z9 and the Canon EOS R3. That said, the GFX100 II definitely isn’t dainty at 1080g without factoring in the lens. The camera has a solid build with a new Bishamon-Tex pattern adorning the grip and has space for two card slots and a variety of ports, including USB-C, HDMI Type-A and Ethernet. 

Alongside the main 3.2-inch three-direction tilting touchscreen, there’s a removable EVF with a 120fps refresh rate and a third sub-LCD monitor for glancing at settings atop the camera. 

When it comes to features, many of the upgrades on the GFX100 II are powered by the X-Processor 5 – the same image processor found in the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-T5. This includes the new prediction AF algorithm developed for high-speed photography and subject detection for animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains, insects and drones. 

The camera also includes a faster burst rate of 8fps, along with an increased eight stops of five-axis image stabilisation. The 40fps Canon EOS R6 Mark II and the 120fps Nikon Z9 and Z8 both offer significantly faster burst rates but with smaller, full-frame sensors. 

The battery life is solid, delivering 540 stills or around an hour of 8K/30p recording, while the video quality is incredibly sharp with true-to-life colours and good stabilisation. If you’re looking to capture very high-resolution stills and video, the Fujifilm GFX100 II is a great choice. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full Review: Fujifilm GFX100 II

The GoPro Hero 12 Black is GoPro’s newest action camera for 2023 and its best one yet. The camera isn’t a huge departure from the Hero 11 Black that came before it, but instead builds on the 11 with a range of new and updated features. 

Visually, the Hero 12 Black is almost identical to the Hero 11 Black with the same build, weight and two displays. The only design changes here are the new speckled finish and 1/4-20 mounting threads. Otherwise, the Hero 12 Black is rugged and waterproof up to 10m, with touch controls and a single MicroSD slot for media storage. 

The Hero 12 Black supports a range of familiar features, including the latest version of GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilisation with AutoBoost and Horizon Lock to keep the horizon level. There’s also up to 8x slo-mo and three creative Night Effects that invite you to play with light to achieve varying effects. 

New features include the Interval Photo setting, which prompts the camera to automatically snap photos at set intervals, as well as Timecode Sync, which allows you to synchronise multiple Hero 12 Black cameras to record simultaneously. 

There’s support for audio recording and remote voice commands via your Bluetooth earbuds, meaning you can now use your AirPods to record sound. Additionally, there are a range of features in the GoPro Quik app, though some are locked behind GoPro’s Premium/Premium+ paywall and require a yearly subscription to access. 

When it comes to performance and image quality, the GoPro is powered by the GP2 processor paired with a 1/1.9-inch CMOS image sensor. This combination allows the action cam to capture sharp and vibrant 5.3K/60p video, 27-megapixel images, and 24.7-megapixel stills from video. 

These resolutions will be familiar to Hero 11 Black users, though GoPro has added HDR video into the mix, allowing the camera to capture a greater dynamic range. The camera also supports a wider range of modes when recording at an 8:7 aspect ratio. 

Like its predecessors, the Hero 12 Black can fall short when shooting in low light. If you’re searching for an action camera equipped to film in low light conditions, we’d recommend checking out the DJI Osmo Action 4. 

Finally, the Hero 12 Black has received a major boost in battery life, with the action camera offering twice the recording time of its predecessor when shooting at 5.3K/60p. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full Review: GoPro Hero 12 Black

The GoPro Hero 11 Black is the best GoPro if you don’t want to splash out on the latest model.

Launched in 2022, the Hero 11 Black is one of two Hero 11 Black cameras along with the smaller, screenless Hero 11 Black Mini. 

The biggest update here compared to 2021’s Hero 10 Black is the camera’s new 8:7 sensor. This allows it to record 360-degree horizon-locked video at up to 4K resolution and capture footage that can be cropped for a variety of platforms. 

The camera delivers impressive 5.3K60 video quality, is capable of capturing 24.7-megapixel stills and footage can also be slowed down for an up to 8X slo-mo effect when recording at 2.7K240. We found the video quality to be GoPro’s best yet, with plenty of dynamic range in bright environments and smoother colour gradation thanks to 10-bit colour support.

The Hero 11 Black takes advantage of best-in-class stabilisation with the help of HyperSmooth 5.0. Stabilisation has received an update over the HyperSmooth 4.0 found on the Hero 10 Black with AutoBoost and Horizon Lock now built-in to HyperSmooth.  

The design of the camera is identical to that of the 10, with the same dual-screen layout, and the camera is waterproof up to 33ft. However, it comes with a new Enduro battery for longer improved performance in cold temperatures and up to 38% longer recording times in moderate temperatures compared to the Hero 10 Black. 

The mounting system is more fiddly than that on the DJI Osmo Action 3 and the camera is pricier than the competition, but the Hero 11 Black is still our action camera of choice and a fantastic follow-up to the Hero 10 Black. 

Reviewer: Basil Kronfli

Full review: GoPro Hero 11 Black

If you’re looking to save a bit of money on your next GoPro, then look no further than 2021’s Hero 10 Black. 

Succeeded by the Hero 11 Black in 2022 and the Hero 12 Black in 2023, the 10 remains an excellent GoPro with plenty of useful features for anyone looking to trade out their smartphone for a more rugged action camera. 

Like the Hero 11 Black (and the Hero 9 Black before it), the Hero 10 Black boasts a compact and durable design with plenty of accessories available to upgrade it and a waterproof rating of up to 33ft. 

The biggest upgrade that arrived with the 10 was the long-awaited GP2 processor. Not only did the new processor increase the frame rate across the board, but it also delivered a much-needed speed boost to the previously sluggish UI, allowing it to better compete with the best camera phones on the market. 

The Hero 10 also included the Hero 9’s biggest update – the front display. This, along with the touchscreen on the back of the camera, makes framing and previewing shots significantly easier than on older GoPros. 

Other features here include HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilisation and a battery life we found was good enough to get us through a day. 

Footage captured with the Hero 10 is strikingly detailed and colourful in daylight and the camera is able to transition to underwater scenes quickly and almost instantaneously. Low-light performance is less impressive, with the dedicated Night Mode unable to produce images of the same quality seen in daytime capture. This is something we also experienced on the newer Hero 11 Black. 

The Hero 10 Black is also pricier than much of the competition. Regardless, the camera is still a powerful action camera.

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan

Full review: GoPro Hero 10 Black

If you’re looking for a 360-degree camera, the GoPro Max is the best GoPro available right now. 

Unlike the flagship Hero line, the Max isn’t designed for straightforward video capture. Rather, the Fusion follow-up is built for those looking to get creative with super wide fields of view. 

Like the Hero 12 Black, 11 Black and 10 Black, the GoPro Max features a compact design. However, the Max feels a bit more delicate with its convex lenses on either side sticking out and lens caps supplied in the box. 

However, like the Hero line, the Max does have built-in mounting fingers and is water-resistant (though only to 16ft instead of the 33ft on the Hero). This means that, while the Max can handle surface-level swimming and snorkelling, it shouldn’t be used for high-speed water sports. The Max is also worse off for underwater shooting due to the visual aberrations caused by the way the lens reacts to the refraction of light through water. 

The Max is also limited to one display whereas the Hero line has two. However, the screen is bright and the camera’s dual-lens design means you can film vlogs with the display pointing either way anyway, so there’s less of a need for two screens. 

The biggest benefit to the Max is how versatile and simple it is to use. We found it to be comparable to using two action cameras in one, with multiple fields of view designed to mimic those on the Hero line, along with the 360-degree option. 

Editing and sharing footage is easy with the GoPro app and features like Reframe and Timeline make the app better than Insta360’s. You can also use the app to control your GoPro, while features like Time Lapse and Time Warp offer sped-up capture styles. 

Video quality is good, though not as high as that across the Hero line. The Hero line is more detailed, sharper and highly contrasted at 1080p with a 27mm field of view and even the impressive-sounding 5.6K resolution on the 360-degree mode is less so when spread across such a wide capture. 

However, stabilisation is superb and the horizon appears level even if you spin the camera 360-degrees with horizon levelling switched on. 

If you’re looking for the best 360-degree GoPro – and don’t require the very best 4K action camera around – the GoPro Max is an easy choice. 

Reviewer: Andrew Williams

Full review: GoPro Max

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is Fujifilm’s best hybrid instant camera and the only one in this list to be awarded 4.5/5 stars. 

The Mini Evo has a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of the Fujifilm X100V compact camera with its black faux leather finish and silver details and the plastic construction keeps it lightweight. There’s a 3-inch LCD screen for previewing photos and controls include a lens that turns to switch on the camera, two shutter buttons, flash, a preset dial and a physical lever to print your snaps. 

The hybrid design means you don’t need to waste paper and ink printing out every shot you take and the camera can hold 45 images (or more with a microSD card), while still delivering on the charm of an instant camera. 

We found the image quality of the Mini Evo to be comparable to other Instax cameras with punchy colours and a decent amount of detail, but skin tones can come out quite pale and the camera struggles with focus in less-than-ideal lighting situations. 

There’s also an array of filters to choose from, including vivid, pale and monochrome, as well as lens effects like vignetting, soft focus and blur. 

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

The Fujifilm Instax SQ1 is a stylish instant camera ideal for printing larger images and capturing selfies. 

The SQ1 has an attractive but rather chunky design in a choice of three vibrant colours and a large lens taking up the majority of the space on the front of the camera. Everything important, such as the textured grip, the shutter button and the small viewfinder, sits on one side of the camera making it a little less ideal for left-handed people. However, we found the camera to be durable and comfortable to shoot with. 

Unlike Fujifilm’s Mini cameras, the SQ1 uses Instax’ 62mm x 62mm Square film and there’s no display to preview your images here, giving it a slightly more spontaneous feel than the hybrid Mini Evo. However, there’s also no USB port, meaning you’ll need to change the CR-2 battery when the camera runs out of charge. We found this to be the case after around 100 shots. 

Shooting with this camera is simple, with no fiddly settings here and only two shooting modes: regular and a selfie mode that uses a small mirror to help you line up your shot. 

As far as image quality goes, the auto-exposure does a good job at getting light from dark scenes, as does the flash. Colours are soft and natural, but photos aren’t the sharpest. We found the fixed-focus lens to be great for portraits but hit and miss for landscapes, blurring objects further in the distance. 

Reviewer: Max Parker 

Full review: Fujifilm Instax SQ1

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 has a cute design and simple controls that make it an easy choice for anyone looking to pick up their first instant camera. 

The Instax Mini 12 has the familiar bright and bubbly design the Mini line is known for, making it as cute of an accessory as it is a camera. 

Fujifilm has done away with the power button found on the Instax Mini 9 and the Mini 11 and instead chosen to wrap the power button into the twisting mechanism already present on the lens. This means you can twist once to power up the camera and twice to enter the Close-Up (or selfie) mode. 

This and the shutter button are the only controls you’ll need to know to get started with the Instax Mini 12 as the exposure and flash are fully automatic and there’s a mirror to help frame selfies. This is fantastic for beginners or anyone gifted the camera and unsure of how to get started. 

The Instax Mini 12 is compatible with Instax Mini film, making it ideal for printing out small, credit card-sized photos that work out at around 75p a shot. That being said, if you’re anxious about wasting film, you might be better off opting for a hybrid camera, like the Instax Mini Evo, or an instant printer, such as the Instax Square Link. 

We found photos shot with the Instax Mini 12 to be sharp with detail. There’s a good amount of contrast in the images and colours are on the cooler side, delivering the slightly faded look you’d expect from instant film. 

The camera can struggle to focus in low-light situations – especially in the Close-Up mode – and we had difficultly centring shots at times despite the new Parallax Correction feature designed to prevent this. 

However, the Instax Mini 12 is a fantastic instant camera for anyone looking to get into instant photography for the first time. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full Review: Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

Lomo’Instant Automat

Best instant camera for creativity

Trusted Score

Pros

• Easy to use
• Can create multiple exposures

Cons

• Small and expensive film
• Lack of manual control option

The Lomo’Instant Automat is an instant camera with a vintage style for those looking for a non-Instax option great for taking on the go. 

The camera is automated, making it easy to get to grips with for beginners. However, the focus is manual, allowing you to choose between close for portraits, mid-range for group shots and infinity for landscapes. You can also turn the flash on and off and experiment with exposure by adding and removing exposure compensation or turning to the Bulb mode for long exposure images. 

The standard lens have an equivalent focal length of 35mm but you can also invest in converter lenses for added functionality. 

The small viewfinder is used to frame images, though we found it wasn’t always the most accurate and doesn’t adjust when you change lens adapters, meaning you’ll only see a rough approximate of what you’re shooting. There’s also the option to take selfies, with the shutter release button doubling as a mirror. 

We found that images shot on the Automat were mixed but that’s part of the charm of shooting with an instant camera. The camera produces colourful results in bright conditions and surprisingly natural ones with the flash on in darker settings, though we did see the odd light leak or lens flare 

Though this camera is built by Lomography, it uses the Instax format of film, making it readily available when you need to stock up. It’s also powered by two CR2 batteries with no USB charging on board. There’s also no display on the back, meaning you can’t preview your images before they print. 

Reviewer: Amy Davies

Full review: Lomo’Instant Automat

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is Fujifilm’s latest square format instant camera and a great alternative to the Instax SQ1 for anyone looking for something with a more classic appearance. 

Internally, the SQ40 is largely identical to the SQ1. Both cameras have large but lightweight designs and are incredibly simple to operate, making them ideal for anyone new to instant photography. 

The image quality on the SQ40 is great too. We found the camera picked up a decent amount of detail and contrast during our time reviewing it. Meanwhile, the automatic exposure and flash provide enough light to brighten up the subject regardless of the time of day. 

The results were blurry at times – especially when snapping pics from a shorter distance – but small imperfections like fuzzy text and blown-out lights can also add character to an instant photo so we didn’t find this to be a dealbreaker. 

Because the biggest differences between the SQ40 and the SQ1 lay in the physical design, the SQ40 is less an upgrade and more of an alternative option for anyone who wants a square format camera but prefers the black faux leather finish and silver details already found on the Instax Mini 40 and Instax Mini Evo, as opposed to the brightly coloured design of the SQ1. 

Like the SQ1, the SQ40 accepts Fujifilm’s Instax Square film, which measures 62 x 62mm or 86 x 72mm including the borders. The company sells this film in packs of 20 with 10 shots available from each of the two cartridges in the box. This should work out at around 85p a shot, though anyone hesitant about wasting film may want to check out the Instax Square Link before making a final decision on either of the Square models. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full Review: Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

The GoPro Hero 11 Black is the best action camera we’ve tested, combining impressive video quality, excellent features and best-in-class stabilisation. 

The successor to the Hero 10 Black has the exact same dimensions as its predecessor and works with the same mods too. 

Like the Hero 10, the Hero 11 Black also has two displays – a 2.27-inch touchscreen with a 5:3 aspect ratio on the back and a 1.4-inch display without touch capabilities on the front. If you’re looking for an action cam with a front touch display, you may want to check out the DJI Osmo Action 3. 

The GoPro Hero 11 Black is also waterproof up to 10m, though the Osmo Action 3 has the GoPro beat in this area with an ability to dive up to 16m. 

The Hero 11 Black is capable of recording up to 5.3K video and capturing up to 27-megapixel images with an 8:7 aspect ratio thanks to a new 1/1.9-inch sensor. Content creators can easily crop videos in the GoPro Quik iOS and Android apps, which is handy for sharing content on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. 

The camera is versatile too, allowing you to shoot 5.3K/30fps or 4K/60fps with the full 8:7 sensor, or 5.3K/60fps, 4K/120fps or 2.7K/240fps at 16:9. 

There’s support for 360-degree horizon levelling in 5.3K with no mod necessary, as well as fantastic image stabilisation. 

The battery lasts longer than that in previous GoPros and, when it comes to audio, volume levels are amplified to ensure everything is picked up. However, those who are serious about sound may want to pick up the Media Mod to add a mini boom mic to their action cam set-up. 

Reviewer: Basil Kronfli
Full Review: GoPro Hero 11 Black

The Insta360 X4 is a versatile action camera that makes it possible to capture 360º video and drone-like shots in 8K. 

The main draw of the X4 is 360º video. The action cam is capable of recording 8K/30p (4K reframed after editing) for more detail, or 5.7K/60p to prioritise a high frame rate and smooth results. There’s also a more standard GoPro-style single-lens mode but, unlike the GoPro Hero 12 Black which extends to 120p, this is limited to 60p. 

When it comes to features, FlowState electronic image stabilisation is superb at crafting smooth and jerk-free results, while HorizonLock ensures that videos stay level even when turned 360º. The Insta360 X series is known for its auto-stitching and selfie stick removal which remain excellent on the X4, though you can occasionally spot the seams if you look out for them. 

The design will no doubt feel familiar to Insta360 X3 users with its pocket-sized, stick shape and dual lenses bulging out of either side. The camera is waterproof up to 10m without a dive case or 50m with one and can be operated in temperatures down to -20ºC. 

On the one side, there are physical controls, including a shutter button and another button to cycle through shooting modes. Above them sits a 2.5-inch Gorilla Glass touchscreen, while the side of the camera includes a power button and a customisation Q button for flicking through presets. 

The UI is streamlined, making swiping through the settings and actions a breeze, or you can use the mobile app to access the same options remotely. The app also allows you to edit and share content on a larger screen. 

The camera’s new 5nm chip is capable of analysing and reframing videos automatically using AI, quickly creating videos that we found to be either fantastic or odd. It’s an interesting feature to play around with, but not one we would necessarily rely on. 

Finally, the battery life has been given a huge 66% boost compared to the X3, with the X4 now offering up to 135 minutes of recording time at 5.7K/30p. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full Review: Insta360 X4

The Insta360 One RS 1-inch 360 Edition is the best action camera for 360 filming, combining 6K resolution and near-flawless stabilisation. 

The action camera looks more like the Insta360 X3 than the One RS that came before it. Gone is the red battery pack and the horizontal design, and the buttons can now be found on the side of the camera. The 1.5-inch screen is quite small compared to that of competitors, such as the GoPro Hero 11 Black. 

The battery also has a larger capacity than the vertical one found in the Insta360 One R, meaning it annoyingly isn’t compatible with the newer camera despite the two batteries being the same size. The camera can also get quite hot, which is something to consider during longer filming sessions, such as when capturing time-lapses. 

The Insta360 One RS 360 Edition is capable of recording up to 6K footage, putting the camera in line with the GoPro Max when it comes to video quality. We found footage captured with this camera to be vibrant with greens that pop and plenty of bright blues. 

The mic boasts excellent quality too, with voices picked up clearly even on windy days. There’s also a separate mic adapter available for those looking to attach a more professional set-up. 

The Insta360 app and Insta360 Studio make editing footage less daunting, even for newbies, with features like Snap mode making it easy to change the angle and zoom level during playback. This allows you to set a route for the viewers’ perspective or choose a specific subject for the video to follow. 

Image stabilisation is also next-level, improving upon the FlowState stabilisation found on the One RS.

If you can stomach the high price of the Insta One RS 1-inch 360 Edition, you’ll struggle to find a better 360 action camera. 

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan
Full Review: Insta360 One RS 360 Edition

The DJI Osmo Action 3 is an excellent choice for underwater filming and a great action camera in its own right, bested only by the GoPro Hero 11 Black. 

DJI has switched out the modular design it debuted on the Action 2 in favour of a more standard GoPro-esque action camera template. However, DJI hasn’t completely ditched the old design, keeping the magnetic clamp and using it to create a fantastic quick-release system for attaching the camera to first and third-party mounts. 

This means you can unclip the camera from mounts instead of unscrewing it as you might with a GoPro, making it much faster to change. There’s even a second mag-lock mounting point on the side of the protective case for easy filming in portrait orientations for TikTok or Instagram Reels. 

Even without the case, the Osmo Action 3 is capable of surviving drops of up to 1.5m and water as deep as 16m. This depth extends to 60m when used with the optional waterproof case. You can also replace the lens so if it does get damaged, there’s no need to replace the entire camera. 

Both the 1.4-inch front and the 2.25-inch rear screens are touch-capable, which puts DJI one step ahead of GoPro when comparing the two front displays. Physical buttons are limited to one large shutter button and a power/quick select button for cycling through modes which we found lacked a bit of travel. 

When it comes to video quality, the Osmo Action 3 is capable of capturing 4K video at 120fps, meaning there’s no 5.3K option like the one found on the GoPro Hero 11 Black. However, the FOV is wider at 155-degrees. 

We found footage to be sharp, detailed and well-exposed during the day, though the quality did fall off in trickier lighting conditions, with images and videos suffering in low-light environments. 

Image stabilisation is extremely impressive, but both the stabilisation and horizon levelling features do come with a crop. Likewise, 360-degree horizon levelling is also only supported when recording at 2.7K or lower, which is a pretty dramatic difference next to the GoPro Hero 11 Black’s 5.3K 360-degree horizon levelling support. 

Despite these caveats, the DJI Osmo Action 3 remains a rugged and very affordable action camera. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen
Full Review: DJI Osmo Action 3

Action cameras are already pretty small but the Insta360 Go 3 takes it to a whole other level. This thumb-sized camera weighs just 35g by itself which not only makes it unbelievably portable, but also incredibly versatile in terms of the accessories that you can pair it with.

For instance, if you want to shoot some POV footage you can insert the Go 3 into a clip that can then be attached to a cap, or you can pair it with a magnetic necklace to shoot a hands-free hyper-lapse. For any entry level content creators who want a vlogging camera to match their creativity, the Insta360 Go 3 is easily one of the best options out there.

The Go 3 is also a considerable leap over its predecessor, taking more meaningful steps to compete with more fully fledged options from GoPro and DJI. The Go 3 achieves this via the new Action Pod which turns the Go 3 into a more traditional camera.

When housed in the Action Pod, you can use the oscillating display to see exactly what you’re filming, regardless of which side of the camera you’re on, which means that unlike the Go 2, you can shoot to-camera footage in a pinch and know exactly where you are within the frame.

There’s also a bump in recording quality as the Go 3 can now record footage at up to 2.7K. For any professional content creators who want a higher resolution, the Go 3 doesn’t come close to the more detailed footage offered by the GoPro Hero 11 and even the Insta360 Ace Pro, but for everyone else, it can do the job just fine.

Insta360 has also endeavoured to add an extra mic to the Go 3 and it made a huge difference when we tested the audio quality out in public. Even when filming in a loud and busy crowd, the Go 3 was still able to hone in on the subject’s voice without any need for editing, and given just how easy it is to chuck the Go 3 into a pocket or a camera bag, it’s a great starting camera for most people.

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan
Full Review: Insta360 Go 3

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is our favourite action camera for shooting in low light and a worthy alternative to the GoPro Hero 11 Black. 

We love the 2022 GoPro, but low light performance has never been the camera’s strong suit. This is where DJI steps in with its large 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and 4K resolution promising better performance in low lighting and a higher level of waterproofing out of the box. 

The new sensor is bigger than both the 1/1.9-inch sensor in the Hero 11 Black and the 1/1.7-inch one in the Osmo Action 3. Larger pixels allow the sensor to take in more light, making the Action 4 a stronger choice for capturing evening and late-night adventures where you can’t rely on daylight to get a clear shot. That said, if you do shoot primarily in daylight, the Hero 11 Black does offer more punchy and detailed 5.3K videos. 

Visually, the Osmo Action 4 looks identical to the Action 3 with the same dual touchscreens, top-mounted shutter button and Horizontal-Vertical Protective Frame which allows users to quickly switch between orientations for shooting TikToks and Reels. This isn’t as elegant as GoPro’s method for shooting vertically but it’s a good solution nonetheless. 

The Action 4 does have the GoPro and the Action 3 beat on waterproofing, allowing you to plunge the camera up to 18m with no additional protection. 

Upgrades that arrived with this generation of the Osmo Action include support for larger 512GB microSD cards and improved image stabilisation with Rocksteady 3.0+. However, battery life, connectivity, screen resolution and shutter speed remain unchanged from the previous generation. 

The Action 4 includes several forms of electronic image stabilisation that give GoPro a run for its money, along with HorizonSteady which helps to ensure the frame remains level with the horizon up to 45-degrees. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen
Full Review: DJI Osmo Action 4

The DJI Air 3 is DJI’s latest mid-range folding drone aimed at enthusiasts who want great aerial image quality without the Mavic price tag. It’s also the first new Air drone since 2021’s Air 2S. 

The DJI Air 3 features a 48-megapixel dual-camera setup consisting of a wide-angle sensor and a telephoto sensor. This is the first time an Air camera has come equipped with two cameras and we enjoyed both of them, with the telephoto lens allowing you to get closer to your subject without disturbing that, whether you’re shooting sports, wildlife or a wedding. 

We also found that the image quality and flexibility surpassed all previous mid-range and entry-level drones from DJI without costing as much as the Mavic 3 series. 

There are loads of useful features here too, including FocusTrack to lock onto a subject and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance to prevent the drone from bumping into things. 

The drone also packs a larger battery than the Air 2S, allowing you to record up to 46 minutes of footage before landing to recharge. 

The biggest drawback here is the design. The DJI Air 3 is almost as heavy as the Mavic 3 Classic and much larger and heavier than the Mini 3 Pro. 

For EU flyers, the weight won’t make a difference as this drone is classified as a C1 drone. However, UK buyers will want to consider the fact the Air 3 is subject to more restrictions than the Mini 3 Pro due to its weight being over 250g. This means the Air 3 legally cannot fly closer than 50m to uninvolved people or over a crowd and must remain at least 150m away from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial sites. 

For this reason, UK buyers might want to consider the more compact and lightweight Mini 3 Pro over the Air 3. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full Review: DJI Air 3

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best of DJI’s sub-250g Mini series, making it our recommended choice for hobbyists and professionals looking to fly their drone in the UK with the fewest restrictions possible. 

The DJI Mini 4 Pro costs slightly more than its predecessor, the DJI Mini 3 Pro, but with this new price comes some small but significant upgrades. The drone is also a fraction of the price of the flagship Mavic 3 Pro. 

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a small, lightweight drone that collapses down tiny enough to fit in a large coat pocket. 

The simple twin-stick control setup is responsive and allows for precise movements. The Mini 4 Pro can travel as fast as 16m/s in S mode and the four motors are strong enough to ensure the drone remains steady in winds of up to 10.7m/s. 

Key features include obstacle avoidance via vision sensors, with the Mini 4 Pro covering more angles and directions than the Mini 3 Pro. We found that the sensors work well but it’s worth noting they aren’t as effective in low-light conditions. The Mini 4 Pro also includes an improved version of DJI’s ActiveTrack subject tracking, along with ActiveTrack 360 to circle your subject while moving up and back or forward without crashing. 

Inside the drone is a gimbal-stabilised 12-megapixel, 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with support for 4K video at up to 60fps, or slow-motion 4K at up to 100fps. There’s also 1080p/200fps for those looking to increase the frame rate even further. The new imaging processor supports 10-bit colour up from 8-bit through the D-Log M profile for a wider colour gamut and greater dynamic range. 

Stills can be captured at 12-megapixels or 48-megapixels thanks to the Quad Bayer sensor, but low light performance can be hit and miss – especially when compared to results from the larger sensors in DJI’s Mavic drones. 

When it comes to battery life, the Mini 4 Pro delivers the same 34 minutes of flight time as the Mini 3 Pro. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full Review: DJI Mini 4 Pro

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the second five-star review on this list and our top choice for anyone looking for a premium drone with a superb camera, long battery life and a great range of safety features. 

The Mavic 3 Pro is a 958g drone with a design that is virtually identical to DJI’s previous Mavic 3 models. The quadcopter is built from hard-wearing dark grey plastic and folds down to a compact size. 

The drone is easy to use and compatible with the RC or RC Pro controllers, both of which are well-built, have long battery lives and connect to the drone wirelessly and quickly. The twin-stick controls are simple and responsive and the drone feels agile and zippy with Sport, Normal and Cinema modes. 

The Mavic 3 Pro supports omnidirectional object detection and APAs 5.0, meaning it can dodge obstacles automatically while tracking a moving subject so long as you aren’t using Sport mode. 

Video transmission is excellent, delivering a low-latency feed of up to 1080p from the camera to the controller display at an up to 15km distance (a length you wouldn’t even reach without breaking a few drone laws). 

The main Hasselblad camera delivers sharp 20-megapixel stills and can record 5.1K video at up to 200fps. The camera can also shoot in 10-bit 4:2:2 colour and supports a variety of flat profiles, including D-Log, D-Log M and HLG for easier colour grading. 

Like the Mavic 3, the Mavic 3 Pro also features a second telephoto camera. The 12-megapixel camera has a wider aperture than that on the Mavic 3, making it a bit better in low-light situations but video is limited to 4K/60p with no support for any of the aforementioned flat colour profiles. 

Finally, there’s a third camera with a telephoto lens equivalent to around 70mm for snapping images of a subject with a compressed viewpoint and layered background without coming too close. 

The drone has a flight time of 43 minutes – slightly less than the 46 minutes offered by the Mavic 3 – but this is still a long time to be in the air. 

The Mavic 3 Pro is the largest drone on this list with its 958g weight pushing it into a stricter category in the UK when it comes to flying restrictions. If you’re looking for more shooting freedom, you might want to opt for a drone under 250g like the DJI Mini 4 Pro. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full Review: DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The Ryze Tello is a tiny entry-level quadcopter created by Chinese startup Ryze Technology in collaboration with DJI. This isn’t a drone for serious aerial photographers but for under £100 the Tello is a joy to fly. 

The Tello is small and lightweight even compared to the compact DJI Spark at just 100mm square (when viewed from above) and 80g. The plastic feels noticeably cheaper than that used to make DJI’s usual drones but is still tough enough to provide some durability. 

The front camera is fixed instead of mounted on a gimbal, meaning its stabilisation is provided by electronics rather than there. The battery life is also short at just 13 minutes (or 10 in our experience) and can be charged using the Micro-USB port on the drone, or using a separate charger with space for three batteries if you opt for the Boost Combo package. 

The drone itself is surprisingly stable and responsive when in flight, though we wouldn’t recommend taking it outside if there’s any wind as the drone runs the risk of getting swept away with no GPS-based return-to-home function. 

There are six flight modes to experiment with, including 360, Throw & Go, 8D Flips, Bounce, Up & Away and Circle, all of which we found worked exactly as advertised. 

There’s no card slot or built-in ROM storage, with photos and video transferred directly to the smartphone or tablet used to control the drone. You can also use a third-party Bluetooth gamepad controller to direct the Tello if you’d prefer a pair of physical joysticks. 

The Tello requires a Wi-Fi connection, meaning it can only stretch as far as 100m from its user, though we found it was limited to closer to 50m. 

The Ryze Tello produces acceptable-looking 5-megapixel stills and 720p video in bright lighting with little noise and level footage thanks to EIS, though the quality is nothing outstanding. This is also affected by the fact that footage is transferred over Wi-Fi, meaning we often spotted dropped frames and bad compression artefacts in videos shot outside. 

The Ryze Tello is a well-made toy that is fun to fly and teaches you the drone fundamentals with a good range of interesting flight modes. However, anyone looking to capture decent-quality photos and video will need to spend more on their drone purchase. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full Review: Ryze Tello

The DJI Mini 3 is another small drone, sitting just below the Mini 3 Pro in DJI’s Mini 3 line-up. While not as well-equipped as our favourite drone, the Mini 3 remains an excellent entry-level option that delivers a lot for its low price. 

The Mini 3 looks very similar to the Mini 3 Pro and weighs the same 249g thanks to its thin plastic construction. At 148 x 90 x 62mm, the drone is small enough to slip into a coat pocket and the low weight means it falls under a less restricted category of UK drone law than larger drones like the DJI Mavic 3. 

There’s a USB-C port for charging and file transfers as well as a microSD slot for storage, and the drone is compatible with the same choice of two controllers supported by the Mini 3 Pro. 

Unlike the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 3 doesn’t benefit from front and back sensors to help detect and avoid obstacles around it and avoid collisions. Instead, the Mini 3 sticks to downward-facing sensors which only aid stability and landing so you’ll need to be a little more careful when flying this drone. 

The drone itself is very responsive and easy to fly with no discernable delay between the twin joystick controllers and the drone’s reactions and 720p live feeds are clear and stable. The device has a maximum control range of 6km. 

The Mini 3 is capable of hitting speeds of up to 16m/s in windless conditions and we found the drone did a decent job of withstanding coastal wind despite its tiny size. Furthermore, the battery life is even longer than that on the Mini 3 Pro at 38 minutes to the Pro’s 34 minutes. 

There are also features like automatic take-off, landing and return-to-home available here, along with some automated shot modes. However, unlike the Mini 3 Pro and the DJI Mavic 3, there’s no Active Track tracking so you will need an actual person to control the drone if you want the camera to follow you around. 

The 12-megapixel 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor is a downgrade compared to the Mini 3 Pro’s camera, but the ability to snap 12-megapixel stills and shoot 4K/30fps video is still impressive for an entry-level drone. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen 

Full Review: DJI Mini 3

The DJI Avata 2 is the best drone we’ve tested for FPV flight and the ideal gateway for those interested in it. 

If you’re looking for a drone that handles more like a plane than the steady DJI Mini, Air, and Mavic, zipping through the sky and allowing you to bank, roll, and loop through the air, then the Avata 2 is the one for you. 

The Avata 2 is sleeker and around 40g lighter than its predecessor, the DJI Avata, with a reworked design for improved aerial agility and responsiveness. The drone also includes 46GB of built-in storage and a microSD slot for expansion. 

Despite its reduced weight, the 380g drone remains too heavy to fit into the sub-250g class, meaning the drone cannot be flown over or closer than 50m to ‘uninvolved people’ or within 150m of residential, recreation, commercial, or industrial sites under UK law. 

The drone comes with DJI’s Goggles 3 headset and RC Motion 3 controller, allowing you to see what the drone sees on two 100Hz 1080p micro OLED displays. There’s also a camera built into the Goggles 3, allowing you to check your surroundings without pausing to remove the headset. 

The Avata offers similar speeds to its predecessor, including 8m/s in Normal mode, 14m/s in Sport mode and 27m/s in Manual, with the latter requiring the twin-stick Remote Controller 3 rather than the RC Motion 3. Manual mode removes the stabilisers, allowing for exhilarating dives and turns, albeit with a higher risk of crashing. If you’re keen to avoid damage to your drone, you’ll likely want to stick with the Normal and Sport modes. 

The drone features improved camera specs compared to the original DJI Avata, though video resolutions and frame rates remain mostly unchanged. The ultra0wide camera can capture 4K video at up to 60fps, or 2.7K at up to 120fps, but low-light performance and the dynamic range have been bolstered, allowing the drone to draw more detail out of interiors and night-time shots than its predecessor. 

The Avata 2 can now shoot video with a 10-bit D Log M colour profile for easier colour grading in post-production, and the HorizonSteady and RockSteady image stabilisation modes found on other DJI drones are available. We found these modes to be effective at providing smooth, horizon-locked footage. 

Finally, the DJI Avata 2 includes a 23-minute battery life. If you’re searching for a user-friendly introduction to FPV flying, the Avata 2 is a great (though expensive) choice. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen 

Full Review: DJI Avata 2

The Nikon D850 is a full-frame DSLR aimed at professional photographers and the successor to 2014’s D810. 

The camera features a 45.7-megapixel sensor – an upgrade from the D810’s 36.3-megapixel one – that brought the camera line with the 50.6-megapixel Canon 5DS  and the 42-megapixel Sony A7R II when it was released. 

The D850 is powered by the EXPEED 5 processor found in the D500 and the D5, which along with the sensor, helps keep noise to a minimum when using higher sensitivity settings. 

The camera also takes advantage of the same 153-point Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system found on these cameras, which we found to be fast and accurate when we tested it.

Continuous shooting is limited to 7fps, but you can connect the optional battery grip to increase this to 9fps (though this will, of course, cost extra). 

The camera features a weather-sealed magnesium alloy design with plenty of buttons, controls and customisation options. There’s a 3.2-inch, 2.36m-dot tiltable touchscreen and a large 100% viewfinder for lining up shots. 

When it comes to video, the D850 includes separate microphone and headphone inputs and was the first Nikon DSLR to support 4K video at up to 30fps. 

Reviewer: Michael Topham

Full review: Nikon D850

The Nikon D3500 is the best DSLR we’ve tested for anyone new to photography, though it has fierce competition with the Canon 250D. 

The D3500 is small for a DSLR (though not as compact as a mirrorless camera) and offers the advantage of the extra grip and balance of a DSLR. The screen is limited to a fixed 921K-dot display, but the camera comes with a fantastic 18-55mm AF-P kit lens that we found to be sharp and consistent across its focal range. 

The D3500 packs a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and, though this camera is beginner-friendly, it isn’t simplistic. The D3500 features all the features you’d expect from a more serious DSLR, including the full set of program AE, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual modes. 

It has an ISO range of 100-25,600 for decent low-light performance and can capture 5fps in its burst mode, making it easier to snap photos of energetic kids and pets. 

Video capture is limited to HD (all of our best mirrorless cameras right now support 4K shooting) but image quality is good, offering realistic colours both indoors and outdoors. 

Perhaps the biggest benefit to the D3500 over its mirrorless rivals is the camera’s excellent 1,550-shot battery life, which will keep you shooting for significantly longer without having to stop and recharge.

Reviewer: Rod Lawton

Full review: Nikon D3500

The Pentax K-1 II is the update to 2016’s Pentax K-1, the camera company’s first full-frame DSLR, and is the best value DSLR we’ve tested if you’ve got less than £2000 to spend on your next camera. 

The K-1 II boasts a durable, weatherproof magnesium alloy body that’s slightly heavier than even the D850. The large grip is coated with textured rubber for a secure hold and there are a large number of buttons, dials and switches, including customisable dials on the front and rear. 

There’s a 3.2-inch tilting LCD display that we found to be sharp and accurately colour calibrated, as well as an optical viewfinder with a magnification of 0.7x and almost 100% coverage of the scene. 

Inside, the camera packs a 36-megapixel full-frame sensor, fast autofocus and built-in image stabilisation. 

Image quality is excellent – we found the camera to be especially well suited to photographers looking to shoot static subjects like landscapes – and the ISO can go as high as 12,800 with acceptable results (we would avoid the ISO 409, 600 and ISO 819,200 settings). 

As far as video goes, the K-1 II can capture Full HD resolution at 30fps and the camera offers both microphone and headphone inputs. However, if video is your priority, we would recommend opting for a camera that supports 4K instead. 

Reviewer: Andy Westlake

Full review: Pentax K-1 II

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the fourth iteration of the 5D and an excellent DSLR if you’re looking for a full-frame Canon model. 

The design will be familiar for 5D Mark III users, though the hump where the viewfinder lives is larger to make room for the Wi-Fi and GPS unit and the grip is deeper for added security. 

The camera also replaces the Mark III’s 22.3-megapixel sensor with a 30.4-megapixel one and brings the native ISO up to 50-102,400 for improved low-light performance. 

There’s an optical viewfinder with Intelligent Viewfinder II to show information like shooting modes, a level and a grid to help with composition. There’s also a 3.2-inch, 1.62m-dot touch-sensitive display but isn’t an articulating one, meaning you can’t tilt it. 

The camera features two image processors: a DIGIC 6 chip for metering and a DIGIC 6+ for high-speed image processing. There’s also support for Canon’s Dual-Pixel AF technology and Dual-Pixel RAW and the AF points cover a greater area of the viewfinder than that on their predecessor and are sensitive down to -3EV. 

Images captured with this camera are sharp and colours are well-saturated and relatively noise-free up to around 25,600.

There’s also support for 4K video capture, putting this camera in line with many of our best mirrorless cameras when it comes to videography. That said, those interested in a mirrorless equivalent will want to check out the Canon EOS R.

Reviewer: Amy Davies

Full review: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

If you’re looking for a great vlogging camera to get started with, the Sony ZV-E10 delivers 4K video and beginner-friendly features wrapped in a lightweight package. 

The mirrorless camera is packed with features to help YouTubers and Instagram stars step up their video content, including a good-sized APS-C sensor, image stabilisation, real-time autofocus tracking for the eyes and face and flexibility with Sony’s E-mount lens system. 

At 343g, the ZV-E10 is one of the smallest and lightest mirrorless cameras we’ve reviewed. There’s no electronic viewfinder, but we found the 3-inch touchscreen to be bright and clear – even on sunny days. The screen also flips out to the side, making it ideal for when you need to record yourself. 

The autofocus is fast and there’s a Product Showcase mode to shift the focus quickly for influencers who need to hold objects in front of the camera. We found this mode to be a little fussy at times but it was still an improvement over the standard face detection-based mode when used in these circumstances. 

There’s none of the fancy in-body image stabilisation found in the A6600, but the ZV-E10 does come with SteadyShot image stabilisation. This means you get digital stabilisation as well as optical stabilisation with certain lenses. 

The ZV-E10 supports clean and rich 4K at up to 30fps or softer and smoother 1080p at 60fps, which is ideal when using the Slow and Quick mode to capture slow motion video. The Sony can also produce some sharp 24.2-megapixel stills, though vlogging is the clear focus of this camera. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full review: Sony ZV-E10

If you like the sound of the ZV-E10 but need something a little more affordable, Sony’s own ZV-1 might actually be the E10’s biggest competition. 

Not only is the ZV-1 cheaper (in part due to the fact you don’t need to pick up a separate lens) but its also smaller and the built-in lens is bright and sharp, making it a great choice if you’re not bothered about swapping out your lenses with the E-mount system.

At 10.5 x 4.4 x 6cm, the ZV-1 is compact enough to slip into a bag or pocket and there’s a hotshoe on top for those who want to add an external mic, though we found the audio quality on the built-in one to be excellent. There’s also a touchscreen that flips out and rotates, allowing you to see what you’re filming at different angles.

The video quality is fantastic, with the camera capable of capturing bright and vibrant 4K footage. Photos are decent too, albeit not the focus of the ZV-1.

There are loads of handy video features included too, like a real-time bokeh mode with its own dedicated shutter for quick access and two stabilisation options: standard and active. There’s also the same Product Showcase feature found on the ZV-E10. 

Unfortunately, we did find this camera had a tendency to overheat quickly when used indoors, so that’s something to be consider if you plan to film primarily in your home. 

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan

Full review: Sony ZV-1

The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a lightweight and affordable mirrorless camera that offers superb video quality and great stills. However, while the Panasonic can be used to snap images, video remains its biggest strength, making it the perfect choice for vloggers. 

The Micro Four Thirds camera features a double-hinged touchscreen and a new cooling system for Panasonic’s GH series, helping it stave off any overheating issues.

The camera is also capable of going beyond the ZV-E10 and the ZV-1’s 4K resolution, and capture sharp 5.7K video at up to 60fps. There’s in-body stabilisation for up to 7.5 stops of motion compensation, which we found to be very effective, allowing us to record walk-and-talk vlogs without the background bouncing. It even managed to capture stable footage of far away subjects with a telephoto lens attached.

As far as ports go, there are inputs for headphones and a microphone, along with a full-size HDMI output for external monitoring and recording. There’s also support for CF express Type B memory cards, as well as Apple’s ProRes 422 HQ format.

One con we encountered was that the autofocus lost focus at times when tracking moving objects, though this was still an improvement from the autofocus on the GH5 II. Otherwise, the GH6 is a fantastic mirrorless camera for budding videographers and vloggers in particular. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full review: Panasonic Lumix GH6

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

The best for smooth video

Trusted Score

Pros

• Smooth, detailed 4K video
• User-friendly controls
• Rotating touchscreen for vertical and horizontal filming

Cons

• No waterproofing
• The Creator Combo is expensive

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a versatile camera that makes it just as easy to shoot vertical content for TikTok as it is to capture horizontal video for YouTube. 

The camera is capable of capturing sharp 4K/60p footage with bright, realistic colours, along with decent 9.4-megapixel stills. The 1-inch CMOS sensor also improves low-light performance compared to the Osmo Pocket 2, allowing you to get clearer results when shooting at night. 

The Osmo Pocket 3 features an integrated gimbal to produce smooth handheld footage wherever you go with the help of three-axis mechanical stabilisation. There are also three follow modes to choose from and three rotation speeds 

Anyone familiar with DJI’s Osmo Pocket cameras will find the design of the Pocket 2 comfortably familiar. The limited number of physical controls also makes it easy for new users to get started. There’s a record button for switching the camera on and recording and a joystick for controlling the gimbal movements and zoom, but the more in-depth features can be accessed via the touchscreen and the DJI Mimo app. 

One striking addition to the Osmo Pocket 3’s design is the rectangular OLED display that rotates to record in different aspect ratios depending on whether you want to record horizontal or vertical content. The 2-inch touchscreen replaces the fixed square LCD screen found on the Osmo Pocket 2. 

The autofocus on the Osmo Pocket 3 is better at locking onto its subject than the AF on previous Osmo Pocket cameras and ActiveTrack 6.0 introduces two new focus features – Face Auto-Detect and the Dynamic Framing mode. There’s a new Product Showcase mode reminiscent of that on the Sony ZV-E10 and ZV-1, while other features include Spinshot, Panorama, Timelapse and Slow-mo in 4K at up to 120fps. 

Finally, the battery can capture up to 116 minutes of 4K/60fps video or 166 minutes of 1080p/24fps video and charges three times faster than its predecessor. We found that the Osmo Pocket 3 was able to go from 6% to 100% in less than half an hour. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full Review: DJI Osmo Pocket 3

The GoPro Hero 11 Black is the best action cam available right now and the camera you should opt for if you plan on vlogging in more adventurous settings that require something compact and rugged. 

The Hero 11 Black is physically very similar to its predecessor, the Hero 10 Black. The two cameras share the same dimensions, dual-screen design and mods, meaning you can use any existing accessories you might have to upgrade the latest GoPro. 

The camera has two displays, a 2.27-inch touchscreen on the back and a 1.4-inch non-touch display on the front. If you’re looking for touch displays all-around, you might prefer the DJI Osmo Action 3. 

The Action 3 also has better waterproofing than the Hero 11 Black, allowing it to plunge up to 16m compared to the GoPro’s 10m limit. With that said, for many vloggers, 10m will be more than enough to get great looking underwater shots. GoPro also sells a protective camera housing that supports depths of up to 60m for deep-water divers. 

When it comes to resolution, the Hero 11 Black is able to produce up to 5.3K/30fps (or 4K/60fps) video and 27-megapixel images, putting the GoPro just behind the 5.7K/60fps Panasonic Lumix GH6 in terms of video quality. 

The new 1/1.9-inch sensor allows content creators to capture an 8:7 aspect ratio which can easily be cropped with the GoPro Quik app for sharing clips on social media sites like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. 

Shoot at 16:9 and you’ll be able to capture even smoother video, including 5.3K/60fps, 4K/120fps and 2.7K/240fps. Furthermore, 5.3K capture is now supported by 360-degree horizon levelling, and GoPro’s image stabilisation is excellent as always. 

Finally, the Hero 11 Black benefits from a longer battery life compared to its predecessors. 

If you’re in need of a vlogging camera that can handle more extreme environments, the newest GoPro is certainly worth a look. 

Reviewer: Basil Kronfli
Full Review: GoPro Hero 11 Black

For any vloggers out there who prefer to travel light and absolutely abhor the idea of carrying around a cumbersome piece of kit, the compact Insta360 Go 3 will feel like the perfect workaround.

This thumb-sized camera packs a ton of tech into its miniature stature, and even with the included Action Pod in tow, you can easily fit the Insta360 Go 3 in a jacket pocket, making it quickly accessible for a bit of vlogging on the go.

In spite of its smaller size however, the Go 3 still manages to shoot surprisingly colourful video with a resolution cap of 2.7K. That might be an issue for any professional level content creators, but if you’re just starting out or aren’t too fussed about shooting in 4K then you’ll get on just fine.

Unlike its predecessor, it’s now much easier to see the framing of your content as you film thanks to the flip-out screen on the Action Pod, which transforms the Insta360 Go 3 into a more traditional action camera with touchscreen controls.

Because the Go 3 is so compact, you can get quite creative with your shots in ways that just wouldn’t be possible with larger cameras. For instance, you could place the Go 3 in a cupboard to film yourself searching for your favourite cup, and that’s before mentioning the various accessories that can be paired with it, such as the magnetic necklace for POV shots.

Like most action cameras, the Go 3 does struggle with low-light settings so do bear that in mind if you plan on filming any night-time shots. Still, in almost every scenario the Go 3 does a tremendous job of recording audio, even in crowded areas, as it can hone in on your voice. For any entry-level creators, the Insta360 Go 3 is a great compact camera to invest in.

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan
Full Review: Insta360 Go 3

The Nikon Z9 is a fantastically versatile camera designed to serve professionals in a wide range of applications from wildlife to sports to fashion photography and video. 

At 1340g the large and square camera certainly isn’t lightweight, but it’s still significantly smaller and less heavy than Nikon’s flagship DSLR, the D6. The Z9’s body is weather-sealed and there are also grips and shutter release buttons on two sides to make snapping portraits as comfortable as landscapes. 

The 3000-nit electronic viewfinder has a 120fps refresh rate and there’s a sharp 4-axis monitor with a 170-degree viewing angle. 

The Z9 packs a 45.7-megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS sensor for rich and detailed images, as well as a 493-point autofocus system with 10 AF-area modes to choose from and detection for nine different subject types. There’s also an incredibly fast burst mode capable of capturing 11-megapixel JPEGs at up to 120fps with full AF/AE. 

Finally, there’s support for 8K video at up to 60p or 4K at up to 120p. 

Aside from the camera’s size and weight, the main con here is the high price of the camera and the memory cards needed to store your photos. However, if you can stomach £5000, the Nikon Z9 is an excellent mirrorless camera. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full review: Nikon Z9

If you’re looking for a high-resolution full frame camera packed with features, you might want to consider the Sony a7R V. 

This mirrorless camera combines a durable build with a functional design, steering away from the retro styles preferred by Fujifilm and OM System. The camera is also surprisingly compact given its full-frame sensor. 

Along with weather sealing, the a7R V includes an ultrasonic actuator that oscillates 70,000 times per second to keep dust off the sensor and offers improved heat management to support 8K video recording for up to 30 minutes. 

There’s a 9.44m-dot EVF and a spacious 3.2-inch touch screen with a flip-out, vari-angle hinge that makes it easy to vlog with the camera. 

When it comes to features, one of Sony’s biggest strengths is autofocus. The a7R V is packed with AF technologies that improve the experience, including 693 phase-detection AF points, Real-Time Recognition to lock onto subjects and track them through the frame, and the ability to use AF in near-dark conditions. 

The camera can shoot up to 10fps, which isn’t the fastest on the market (the Fujifilm X-T5 delivers 15fps for a much lower price) but is very impressive considering these are 61-megapixel images. 

The images themselves are packed with detail and clarity with Sony delivering excellent colour rendition that is free from any green or orange colour casts. The sheer size of the images also means you can crop into images to recompose a scene without worrying about overly compromising on image quality. 

Finally, the Sony a7R V supports 8K video recording at up to 25p, or 4K at up to 60p. The camera includes ports for headphones and an external mic, and there’s the option to attach an external monitor via the full-size HDMI port. 

The Sony a7R isn’t the fastest camera around – and it certainly isn’t the cheapest – but it offers high-resolution stills and video, as well as impressive AF performance for less than the Nikon Z9. 

Reviewer: Matty Graham

Full Review: Sony a7R V

The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is the most impressive mirrorless camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor we’ve reviewed and a great choice if you’re looking for something that is video-first but still offers great image quality. 

The GH6 offers a familiar shape and controls for anyone used to Panasonic’s GH series, but with the addition of a new cooling system and a new double-hinged touchscreen for greater flexibility than a regular vari-angle screen. 

The camera is capable of shooting 5.7K video at up to 60fps, and there are dedicated headphone and microphone ports, as well as a full-size HDMI output for external monitoring and recording and support for CFexpress Type B cards. There’s also support for Apple ProRes 422 HQ on board. 

The in-body image stabilisation offers up to 7.5 stops of motion compensation for stable video and the high resolution photo mode merges bursts together to capture 100-megapixel images. 

The autofocus is less impressive. We found it had a tendency to lose focus when tracking moving objects. This also isn’t a photography-first camera. While the GH6 can produce fantastic stills, if your main purpose isn’t video then you may be best looking elsewhere. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full review: Panasonic Lumix GH6

Fujifilm X-T5

A mirrorless camera with retro style

Trusted Score

Pros

• Huge 40-megapixel resolution
• Fast 15 frames per second burst mode
• Advanced stabilisation system

Cons

• Crop-sensor
• Design won’t suit all

The Fujifilm X-T5 has a timeless classic design that makes it one of the best-looking mirrorless cameras around. The camera also just so happens to have some great specs and features too, including the highest-resolution APS-C sensor on the market. 

The camera features a similar design to its predecessor, the Fujifilm X-T4, including the same retro dials and slim, lightweight profile. The X-T5 is also remarkably robust with 56 weather-sealed points to keep dust and moisture out of the camera, and an ability to operate in temperatures as low as -10 degrees. 

Inside, the Fujifilm X-T5 boasts a large 40-megapixel crop sensor, quick 15fps burst mode and responsive autofocus. Subject detection has been expanded to cover animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, planes and trains, as well as the usual people and eyes and the five-axis IBIS benefits from seven stops of compensation to limit camera shake when shooting handheld and in low-light environments. 

The image quality is fantastic, with RAW files in particular able to retain a huge amount of tonal data. The Pixel Shift feature makes it possible to push even further than the 40-megapixels found in the sensor and capture more detail by combining 220 frames into one huge 160-megapixel image. 

The X-T5 is also a decent choice for video with its 6.2K/30p resolution and support for 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording, allowing you to capture large amounts of tonal data for easier colour grading. F-Log 2 and Apple ProRes RAW are also available, though the latter is only supported externally. 

If you’re looking for another reason to upgrade from the X-T4, the X-T5 also has a longer battery life, making it possible to capture an additional 140 shots. 

With its slim retro design and new sensor, it’s safe to say that the Fujifilm X-T series continues to be one of the most attractive mirrorless cameras around. 

Reviewer: Matty Graham

Full Review: Fujifilm X-T5

Fujifilm X-H2

Best for detail

Trusted Score

Pros

• Superb detail from compact APS-C body
• 8K and Apple ProRes video recording

Cons

• Not the best low-light performer
• Pricey CFexpress Type B card required for some functions

The Fujifilm X-H2 is a ground-breaking camera with the highest-resolution APS-C sensor on the market. 

The non-stacked, rear-illuminated X-Trans CMOS sensor is designed with detail in mind rather than the speed offered by a stacked sensor. This is the main area that differentiates the X-H2 from the Fujifilm X-H2S, a near-identical camera that prioritises speed over resolution. 

The 40.2-megapixel sensor is the same one found in the Fujifilm X-T5, delivering the X-H2’s crisp 40-megapixel stills and 8K/30fps video. There’s also the Pixel Shift Multi Shot feature which combines multiple images to create staggering 160-megapixel super hi-res results. 

You can get higher-resolution sensors on full-frame and medium-format mirrorless cameras, but the APS-C format means the X-H2 can use cheaper and lighter lenses than larger rivals. This makes it a smart choice if you’re looking to build a large lens collection going forward. 

We found the image quality to be fantastic with rich detail and a pleasing tonality and dynamic range to the photos. It can shoot stills continuously up to 15fps with its mechanical shutter and up to 20fps with the electronic one, and the autofocus is fast and accurate with AI-assisted subject recognition onboard. 

The build is lightweight but rugged and weather-proof, and there’s an always-on LCD panel on the top plate to let you see your settings at a glance. 

The camera also comes with a crisp 0.5-inch OLED EVF with a 120fps refresh rate and a 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor with touch support for settings like zoom and focus. 

This camera isn’t our top pick for tackling low-light environments and some functions will require you to spend more on a CFexpress Type B card but the Fujifilm X-H2 is nevertheless a powerful performer for both photo and video. 

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen
Full Review: Fujifilm X-H2

The Fujifilm GFX100 II is a fantastic choice if you’re in need of a medium format mirrorless camera to capture high-resolution images. 

The GFX100 II sits at the top of Fujifilm’s GFX line-up with its huge 102-megapixel medium format sensor designed for snapping large, detailed images with vibrant colours and great contrast straight out of camera. 

While this camera isn’t lightweight at 1080g, it remains less heavy and foreboding than some similarly-priced full-frame cameras, such as the Nikon Z9 and the Canon EOS R3. The new Bishamon-Tex texture looks sleek and there are two memory card slots – one for CFExpress Type B and another for standard SD cards. 

There’s a total of three displays on this camera, including a large 120fps detachable EVF, a 3.2-inch three-direction tilting touchscreen and a third sub-LCD top monitor to display key settings at a glance. 

The GFX100 II is powered by the same X-Processor 5 image processor found in the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-T5, allowing the camera to take advantage of some of Fujifilm’s latest features and upgrades. 

This includes the new prediction AF algorithm developed for high-speed photography on the Fujifilm X-H2S, subject detection for animals, birds, cars, bikes, planes and trains and a faster 8fps burst rate. While the 8fps mechanical shutter can’t compete with the 40fps electronic shutter on the full frame Canon EOS R6 Mark II or the 120fps on the Nikon Z9 and Z8, it is a major upgrade compared to the 5fps offered by the GFX100 and GFX100S. 

The camera also has a battery life of 540 stills or an hour of 8K/30p video recording, which proved accurate during our tests. If you’re in need of a camera that can handle large, high-resolution images, the Fujifilm GFX100 II is definitely worth considering. 

Reviewer: Hannah Davies

Full Review: Fujifilm GFX100 II

In the current age of flagship smartphones, having just two cameras might seem like a setback on paper but the iPhone 13 still manages to sit head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to video quality.

The rear-facing dual-cameras can capture 4K Dolby Vision footage up to 60fps, and not only does the footage in question boast outstanding colour vibrancy, but it also remains stable for any walking shots.

There’s even Cinematic Mode which manages to seamlessly move the focus from one subject to another as they come in and out of the frame. While the mode is unfortunately capped at 1080p 30fps, it’s still an impressive bit of software and one that makes the filming process even easier for total beginners.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: iPhone 13 Review

With drones, pocket cameras, wireless mics and more in its wares, DJI has been catering to all aspects of the vlogging experience for quite some time, and the company has used that expertise to develop its latest smartphone gimbal: the DJI OM 5.

Using the same magnetic design as its predecessor, the clasp of the OM 5 can be removed and packed away so that it doesn’t catch on anything during transit, and there’s even an adhesive magnet that can be placed on the back of your phone so that you can quickly attach your handset and get to filming right away.

While the accompanying DJI app is as good as it’s ever been, the big new feature of the OM 5 is its extendable arm which allows you to get more height on your viewpoint and achieve those all-important landscape shots that make for a great thumbnail.

Reviewer: Sam Kieldsen

Full review: DJI OM 5 Review

It shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that GoPro’s latest action camera sits at the top of this category. Even with some fierce competition from Insta360, GoPro still remains as the go-to brand for adventurers and thrill-seekers.

Thanks to the all-new GP2 processor, the GoPro Hero 10 packs an impressive performance boost over its predecessor as you can jump between modes and various menus with ease.

On top of the performance boost, 5.3K footage taken on the Hero 10 looks nothing short of incredible, and the bright front-facing screen makes it a Godsend for any vloggers who have trouble lining up their shot when filming to-camera segments.

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan

Full review: GoPro Hero 10 Black

The GoPro Max long held this crown but the Insta360 X3 has swooped in and snatched it up with several features that vloggers will love. For starters, the new Me Mode setting allows you to catch drone-style/camera crew shots simply by holding the camera away from you on a selfie stick, which it also erases from the picture using AI.

The larger 2.29-inch screen is also a marked improvement over the man-hole display of the Insta360 One X2. It’s easy to read when shooting outdoors, and its vertical design makes it ideal for any 9:16 content that’s posted to Instagram or TikTok.

If you don’t have much experience in editing 360-content then you’ll get on well with the accompanying Insta360 app. The app simplifies the process and can offer up social media-ready content in just a few minutes.

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan

Full review: Insta360 X3 Review

If you’re not tied down to a budget and you’re looking to turn your vlogging into a profession then the Sony ZV-1 is easily one of the best dedicated cameras out there. Its compact design makes it easy to carry around, and the swivel screen is always a must-have, but there’s so much more under the hood that vloggers will love.

For starters, the autofocus is impeccable. If you’ve ever shot some footage and realised afterwards that you were out of focus the entire time then the ZV-1 is the antidote to those nightmares.

The three-capsule mic does a tremendous job of honing in on your voice, even in busy areas, but the Product Showcase feature is perfect for any vloggers who incorporate a review segment into their videos. Just hold a product up to the camera and the focus will immediately shift to it without any fuss – it’s as simple as that.

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan

Full review: Sony ZV-1 Review