Selecting the best of anything is never easy and always somewhat subjective. All the cameras below are aimed at serious enthusiasts looking to express their creative vision. If you are looking to take your photography to the next level, all five cameras that made our list are superb picture takers in their respective genres.
We hope our selection of top cameras inspires you to enrich your imaging experience in the new year.
Best Cameras of 2016
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Digital SLR Camera Body
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Adorama price: $3,499.00 (body only)
The latest member of Canon’s acclaimed the pro/enthusiast 5D series features an upgraded 30.4Mp full-frame CMOS sensor coupled to an advanced DIGIC 6+ Image Processor. As a result it can capture full-res RAW images at up to 7fps, DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) video at 30 fps, and grab 8.8MP stills from video. The Mark IV employs a 61-point High Density Reticular AF system for swift, precise AF and tracking, and provides a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-32000 that can be expanded to ISO 50-102400. Other key features: An AF Area Select Button, Dual Pixel Raw capture for enhanced image quality, Movie Servo AF, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi with NFC, and separate CF and SD card slots. The Mark IV has an oversized 3.2-inch hi-res 1.62m-dot Touchscreen LCD monitor and uses a 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor to evaluate the scene and subjects for accurate exposures under a variety of different lighting conditions. Audio can be recorded using the on-board stereo microphone or an optional external microphone via the 3.5mm mic jack. The Intelligent pentaprism Viewfinder II provides an extremely bright viewing image, the AF points are highlighted in red, and the finder can display a range of other shooting aids including an electronic level, grid, flicker detection, white balance, metering mode, AF information, etc. Digital Lens Optimizer technology compensates for a range of optical defects from various lenses, the camera can store lens data for future use, and process it in real time, delivering JPEGs with the corrections applied. A built-in intervalometer permits the creation of time-lapse images and supports recording 1-99 consecutive frames in pre-selected intervals ranging from 1 sec, to 1 sec short of 100 hours.
Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
Sony Alpha a6500
Adorama price: (body only)
This remarkable 24.2MP APS-C-format camera with Exmor CMOS sensor and advanced BIONZ X image processor sets a new standard in its class with an impressive new sensor design, enhanced UHD 4K video capture, and a full-res RAW burst rate of up to 11 fps for 21 frames. The new sensor combines wide-area 425-point phase detection with a 169 zone contrast-detect zones to deliver precise, decisive AF in as little as 0.05 sec in addition to providing superior object identification, much faster, more consistent tracking, 14-bit RAW file output for capturing a wider tonal range and color gamut, and sensitivity settings to ISO 51200. The camera offers two choices for viewing and reviewing images, a 2.36m-dot OLED EVF Tru-Finder, and a 3.0-inch 921.6-dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD monitor. The a6500 can capture UHD 4K 3840 x 2160p video at 30 fps, 25 fps, and cinematic 24 fps, in S-Log3 Gamma profile as well as S&Q Motion in Full HD 1980 x 1080p at speeds from 1-120fps. When using the Super35mm 16:9 aspect ratio recordings are captured at an effective resolution of 20MP, output at 8MP in 4K, and the camera supports custom color profiles. New pro-caliber features include 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, a newly added front-end LSI chip that gives the camera faster internal processing to improve high ISO performance for stills and videos, a more robust shutter mechanism, and improved ergonomics.
GoPro HERO5 Black
GoPro HERO5 Black
Adorama price:
GoPro, the innovative California-based company that really put the modern action cam on the map upped the ante for 2016 by releasing the upgraded top-of-the-line 12MP Hero 5 Black with a touchscreen LCD, and the 10MP Hero 5 Session, which is somewhat smaller because it omits the LCD entirely. Both feature intuitive operation with automatic options and simple 1-button control, can capture 4K video at 30fps, incorporate software based image stabilization, and have well sealed bodies that are submersible to 33 feet (underwater housings are available for going deeper), can upload photos and videos to the Cloud while charging the camera, and feature voice control with support for 7 languages (with more to come.) Both Hero 5-series GoPro models are compatible with current GoPro mounts and can be front-mounted on GoPro’s cool new Karma drone. Both include a unique new Linear-View mode for capturing wide-angle videos and stills with virtually no distortion, and provide stereo sound recording and wind noise reduction. Our Best 5 Of 2016 pick: The flagship GoPro HERO5 Black.
Nikon D500 DX-format Digital SLR Body with AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR Lens
Nikon D500
Adorama price: (after rebate, with AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm lens)
Nikon’s formidable new DX-format DSLR sets a new standard for the class with a 20.9MP CMOS DX sensor coupled to an advanced EXPEED 5 Image Processor to deliver a blazing fill-res burst rate of 10 fps, 4K UHD video recording at 30 fps, and a native ISO up to 51200 that can be bumped up to an incredible ISO 1640000 for shooting in dark or difficult lighting conditions. The D500 employs a MultiCAM 20K 153-point AF system that features 99 cross-type points to enhance AF speed and accuracy, a 3.2-inch 2.36M-dot tilting LCD touchscreen for working at high and low angles, features an upgraded version of SnapBridge, and provides Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity. Its well-balanced, comfortably contoured, ergonomic body has conveniently placed controls, is constructed or durable lightweight magnesium alloy, and is dust- and weather–sealed for working in challenging conditions. The standard AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm (24-120mm equivalent) f/2.8-4 E ED VR lens features 4-stop effective VR image stabilization and had Sports Mode and a Silent Wave Motor to deliver ultra-fast AF speeds.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Adorama price: (body only, in black)
The new Mark II looks familiar, but this new 20.4 MP Micro FourThirds-format mirrorless camera (up from 16.3MP) proves that Olympus is serious about capturing more of the pro/enthusiast market. One of the main upgrades: exceptional AF speed thanks to an expanded AF array of 121 focusing points, all cross pattern, and each providing both phase and contrast detection! The array covers an impressive 80% or so of the imaging area, and it’s claimed to be the fastest Olympus AF system to date and competitive with top pro DSLRs. Indeed, the Mark II can capture full-res bursts at an astonishing 60fps and up to 18 fps with full AF using its electronic shutter, and up to 15 fps using its mechanical shutter that uses a floating design to minimize shock. The Mark II also employs an advanced TruPic 8 image processor, enabling the 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system to deliver claimed 50MP-eqivalent images in High Res Shot Mode with slow-moving or still life subjects. Other cutting-edge features: Cinematic 4K video capture at 24fps with full control of aperture, shutter speeds, framing rates, bit rates, etc., an HDMI out port, and dual card slots that can be configured for video and still, JPEG and RAW, or mirrored storage on separate SD cards. Customization facilities have also been upgraded enabling Pre Focus settings for astrophotography, and AF limiters for enhanced performance when shooting sports or high-speed action.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Sigma sd Quattro H APS-H Sensor Mirrorless Digital Camera
Sigma sd Quattro H
Adorama price: (body only)
This unique new mirrorless camera combines an upgraded 45MP APS-H-format version of Sigma’s famous 3-layer Foveon X3 Quattro CMOS sensor. The sd Quattro H delivers full-color information at every pixel point without interpolation, and has a Sigma SA lens mount, the same one used on the flagship Sigma SD1 Merrill SLR. Thanks to its amazing 1:1.4 RGB pixel ratio it can capture lossless compressed RAW images with superior color output, and a spatial resolution equivalent to a conventional 51MP Bayer sensor. Other features: Advanced Dual True III Image Processing Engine that allows continuous full-res shooting at 3.8 fps at sensitivities up to ISO 6400 ISO. It also provides a Super-Fine Detail Mode, a bright 3.0 1.62M-dot LCD and Sub Monitor, plus a 2.36M-dot, high magnification electronic viewfinder. Its Hybrid AF System incorporates both phase-detect and contrast detect points with up to 9 selectable points, and has an operating range of minus 1 to 18 EV. The sd Quattro H has a distinctive ergonomic shape, an intuitive, customizable control layout, and records images in the lossless RAW and future-proof DNG format. Other features: Quick Set Button, Lock Switch, and focus peaking indication.
