This year has given us dozens of incredible new advances in photography, from major drone upgrades to a long list of new and improved mirrorless cameras. To celebrate the new year, our team reviewed the archives, made multiple lists, and had a few “spirited” debates to put together our list of the best new cameras released in 2018.
Specialty Cameras
Drone: DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone
The DJI Mavic 2 does a great job and is incredibly fun to shoot with. It has a built-in Hasselblad camera, shoots 10-bit HDR video, has an adjustable aperture, and a 1” CMOS sensor (a step up from the original Mavic Pro). It’s also loaded with cool features like omnidirectional sensing and trajectory prediction; this drone can track fast-moving objects at speeds up to 72 kph (about 44 mph).
Action: GoPro HERO7
The GoPro HERO7 was released in July 2018. Arguably the most important addition to this model is its “HyperSmooth Video” technology. The HERO7 is notably better than the HERO6 at shooting steady, clear footage even in extreme conditions (rafting, biking, running, etc.).
That said, GoPro kept the features that make the HERO6 a great action camera; the HERO7 records in ultra HD 4K video at up to 60fps, it’s waterproof up to 33 ft, and automatically captures stills in breathtaking HDR. It also features 16 voice control commands for hands-free recording.
Blogging: DJI OSMO Pocket
The DJI OSMO Pocket is every blogger’s new best friend. It’s a mini 3-axis stabilized camera that features a 1/2.3-inch sensor, 80° FOV, and f/2.0 aperture. It can shoot 4K/60fps video at 100 Mbps and photos at 12 MP with a pixel size of 1.55 μm. For such a tiny camera, it does a great job packing in features. Value adds include FPV (first-person view), Active Track, Panorama, Motion Lapse and Night Shot which allows users to take clear, tripod-free photos with an extended 2-3 second exposure.
Instant Cameras
Fujifilm Instax SQ20 Instant Camera
The Instax SQ20 is Fujifilm’s second hybrid digital and instant film camera. Both the SQ20 and its predecessor, the SQ10, are equipped with a digital image sensor, digital image processing technology, and a color LCD monitor to review content before printing a hard copy. However, the SQ20 offers remarkably better shooting settings to help take your content to the next level. That list includes collage mode, frame grab, and time shift. Click here to see a full list of the differences between the Fujifilm Instax SQ20 and SQ10.
Polaroid Originals 9010 OneStep+ Instant Bluetooth Camera
The Polaroid Originals 9010 OneStep+ is based on the company’s signature instant cameras of the 1970s and 80s with a few important upgrades. The biggest jump is connectivity; the 9010 OneStep+ connects with Apple and Android phones via Bluetooth, allowing you to remotely control your camera and share images in real-time. It also has 6 new creative tools including double exposure, light painting, and noise-triggered photographs. This model also boasts a long-lasting battery and all the charm of the 1977 original with sharper images.
Fujifilm Instax SQ6 Instant Camera
The Fujifilm Instax SQ6y is the company’s first square format analog camera that (you guessed it) uses square instant film with a 1:1 aspect ratio. It’s a classic instant camera with more room to capture the whole scene. Notable features include automatic exposure control, macro and landscape modes, and programmed electronic shutter release. It also has selfie mode—accompanied by a selfie mirror—so you don’t waste film accidentally taking pictures of the wall behind you. The SQ6 comes in a wide array of colors including Blush Gold, Graphite Gray, and Pear White and two new colors: Aqua Blue and Ruby Red.
APS-C Cameras
Fujifilm X-T3 Mirrorless Digital Camera
We love the look and feel of the Fujifilm X-T3; it has a sleek, classic look that makes you want to pick it up and use it. The form factor combined with this camera’s fourth-generation X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 processor make it one of the best new cameras released in 2018. We also highly recommend it for street photography or videography; the X-T3 mirrorless shoots ultra HD 4K video and features a 3” tilting LCD touchscreen.
Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera
The Nikon D3500 is the company’s latest entry-level DSLR, made with beginners and family use in mind. It’s portable, cost-effective and gives you better specs for your money than the previous model (the Nikon D3400). The D3500 has a quick, 11-point autofocus that—combined with the camera’s 24.4MP sensor—picks up an incredible amount of detail. If the moment calls for video, this model can also shoot up to 20 minutes of high-quality footage in 1080p. Still not sold? Find a full breakdown on why we love it here.
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Digital Camera
At its core, the Canon EOS M50 has a 24.1 megapixel (APS-C) CMOS sensor that achieves an ISO range of 100-25600. It also provides a few key upgrades to the EOS M series we’ve been missing. First, this is the only M Series device to have UHD 4K capability. It also features a fully articulating vari-angle touchscreen LCD screen which is a major step up for usability.
Additional new features include a silent-shooting mode which is ideal for nature and event photography. Additionally, the M50 includes Eye Detection autofocus mode and a gyro sensor; these elements work in conjunction with the lens-based image stabilization system to minimize unwanted shaking while you shoot.
Full Frame Cameras
Sony Alpha a7III Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Sony Alpha a7III is an incredibly dynamic camera for a device of its size and weight. It features a 24.2MP BSI Full-frame image sensor, high-speed BIONZ X™ processing, and records up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking. It also features a new back-illuminated 24.2MP sensor with 5-axis image stabilization, 4K video, and a world-class autofocus system. Read more of our thoughts on this beauty here.
Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Nikon Z6’s impressive 24.5MP BSI FX-Format CMOS sensor combined with Nikon’s signature EXPEED 6 processor makes the Z6 a contender for one of the best new cameras released in 2018. We’re also huge fans of the Z6’s filming capabilities; this camera can capture Ultra HD 4K video in a 16:9 aspect ratio at 30p. By taking advantage of the width and resolution of its backside-illuminated image sensor, you can even achieve the equivalent of 5K video using DX Mode.
Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera
Last but not least is the Canon EOS R. This model boasts a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 8 image processor and 5,655 manually selectable autofocus points. Like the models above, the EOS R also shoots ultra-high-definition 4K at 30fps, along with Full HD 1080p at 60fps. Its integrated Canon Log also makes it easier to match cameras and color-grading in post-production, allowing you to capture flat images with an improved 12 stop dynamic range. You can learn more about its features and specs here.
That concludes our list of the best new cameras released in 2018. If you have any additions, let us know in the comments!
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