We know, we know. You’re tempted just to use the camera in your cell phone, right? “The best camera is the one you’ve always got with you.” Great advice for pictures of rainbows. Not so great if you want a long zoom lense, or you need to photograph something with complex lighting or focus. And at the end of the day, dedicated cameras have larger sensors, which mean higher resolution. They also have big glass, which typically produces better detail. Maybe that doesn’t matter for your cat video. But if you’re hoping to catch images for your org or church, maybe it should matter more. So what’s the best dedicated camera in 2018? For the money, balancing all the factors that non-profits and churches need to consider, you could do a lot worse than choosing the Panasonic G7 with the 14-140 lense. You get amazing options, true 4K video, touch-screen, lightweight system, fast auto-focus, super-high-resolution shots, and a decent price for the value, AND did we mention it takes amazing pictures? With the 14-140 lense, you’ll need to cough up $900 but wow — try taking these pictures with your cell phone. And look at the bright side: You didn’t have to pay $1500 for the Nikon or Cannon, which weighed twice as much in your backpack, and didn’t give you any increase in picture quality! : )
https://www.amazon.com/PANASONIC-Mirrorless-14-42mm-Megapixels-DMC-G7KK/dp/B00X409TIC
If your budget is super-tight, give up 4K and the touch-screen settings and just go with the Sony A6000 and suddenly you’re at $350. Can you believe it? Picture quality won’t drop at all. It’s a tremendous day to be a photographer.
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Mirrorless-Digital-Graphite-ILCE-6000L/dp/B01NACWUB8
Note that our links don’t include any kind of referral links. We don’t gain a thing if you buy these or if you decide not to buy them. The point is, we just honestly think they’re the best.
Both excellent choices. The G7 is quite a value, and you can get it a bit cheaper if you’re cheaper and shop around. I typically shoot with a Canon 70D, but it is heavy. My org just gave me money to get a mirrorless for travel and more video work, and after much research I went with the Panasonic GX85 (https://amzn.to/2P7dQ1s), which I believe is probably one of the very best all-around values right now. Image quality is excellent (the lack of an anti-alias filter results in much sharper images), and on the video side, you get 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which makes a tremendous difference shooting hand-held video. The 4k video is just fantastic. There are 3 negatives – no mic input, the screen does not fully articulate, and it is not weather-sealed, but for $597 you get the camera body and 2 excellent kit lenses – a 12-32mm and 45-150mm. And Panasonic is throwing in a 3-year warranty! LOVE mine (my Canon is getting dusty).
The Panasonic G85 is a bit more, but adds a mic input, weather sealing, and articulating screen. And the G9 will get you still more features. But the GX85 is the best bang for the buck.
If you don’t care about 4k video, the Canon M50 is awesome, as well (https://amzn.to/2PCnYk1). It is a bit more money – $700 with just the 15-45mm lens), but you can buy an adapter to use regular Canon lenses. Its 4k video still isn’t bad, but isn’t as good as what you’ll get with Sony or Panasonic. For those into vlogging, this is now probably the best deal on the market.
(BTW, the 2 links above ARE affiliate links. If I see anything come in from them, I’ll share it with Doug and the BT team).
Love my Sony A6000 for ministry. Definitely recommend mirrorless for portability and ease of use.
I have extensively researched mirrorless cameras. In my opinion, for $600, the Olympus OM‑D E‑M10 Mark II (or the M III) is better than the two cameras that you have recommended. I say $600. I bought the camera body that came with the M.Zuiko Digital 14‑42mm at $500. They also offered the Zuiko Digital 40‑150mm in a bundle for an additional $100. I have never had a camera like this in my entire life and during my missionary career.
Sam Snodgrass