Forget your smart phone or old DSLR, if you want to take incredible images that will capture the imagination then you’re going to need something a little more capable. These five are ideal for taking your first steps into the world of professional photography and upping your Instagram game…
Fujifilm X-T2
If DSLRs aren’t your thing then the Fujifilm X-T2 is an awesome option. It’s got excellent high-speed autofocus tech, including a 24.3MP CMOS sensor with Optical Image Stabilisation – that captures 4K video as well as RAW stills – and an articulated 2.36 million-dot OLED display with 0.77x magnification. There is also a regular view finder, of course. It has an ISO range of 100 to 51200 and packs a built-in flash. Another bonus is that it only weighs 457g. This compact camera looks even better in the Graphite Silver Edition.
Price: £1,600; fujifilm.eu/uk
Light L16
Light’s crazy-looking L16 camera is about the size of a regular smartphone, but by using 16 cameras at once, it claims to shoot DSLR-quality images. The L16 is unlike anything seen before. Light has had to design new camera-modules, new chipsets and create proprietary computational-imaging software, fitting it all into a 435 gram mobile device. It packs 5x optical zoom, 10-3200 ISO, and can capture 4K video all with 52 effective megapixels. Those 16 modules are made up of 5 x 28mm ƒ/2.0, 5 x 70mm ƒ/2.0, and 6 x 150mm ƒ/2.4.
Price: £1,462; spot.light.co
Nikon D850
The D810 has plenty of love from pros and enthusiasts so the arrival of Nikon’s D850 was huge news. Sporting a 45.7MP full-frame back-illuminated sensor, 4K video capture, 64-25,600 ISO (expandable to 102,400), tilting 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen, silent shooting mode (handy for wedding or golf photography, for instance), slo-mo video and even 8K time-lapse video capture. There is also the 153-point auto focus, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, illuminated buttons and that renowned Nikon build-quality in a magnesium-alloy frame, complete with all-weather sealing.
Price: £3,499; europe-nikon.com
Canon 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D range is a favourite amongst photographers. Like Porsches, the updates from the MK III will only be spotted by fans. The 5D Mark IV boasts a full-frame 30.4MP sensor, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, an ISO up to 102400 (expanded) and 4K video recording. Additionally, you get a 61 point autofocus and a handy touchscreen. It also has a big 0.71x viewfinder, a weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body, and plenty of controls and sockets. Its 5DS stable-mate may have more megapixels, but the Mark IV is a more capable all-rounder.
Price: £3,345.99; store.canon.co.uk
Leica SL
That famous red dot can only signify one brand, Leica. Their SL model is a 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera that has an astonishing ‘EyeRes’ high-resolution viewfinder. Naturally, it boasts incredible build quality and weather sealing. Those that know will already love the company’s unconventional, though effective, controls. This is the first non-rangefinder style 35mm full-frame digital camera Leica has made, as well as being their first full frame mirrorless. Spec-wise, you get 4K video recording, dual SD card slots and 529-spot contrast-detect auto focus. There is also a range of SL lenses available.
Price: £4,995; uk.leica-camera.com
