Many photographers just shoot stills. Many videographers just shoot videos. But there are plenty who want to do both. If you’re one of them, here’s a guide to the best hybrid cameras.
It’s no coincidence that they’re all mirrorless cameras. That’s not because “hybrid” means “mirrorless.” (Some people use it that way.) But it’s because the best mirrorless cameras offer everything you want. It’s a still camera with all the video features you need.
Yes, some excellent still cameras do offer video. Some examples are the Nikon D850, Nikon D6, and the Canon EOS 1 DX Mark III. But DSLRs are usually bigger and heavier. They’ll always suffer from viewfinder blackout. And their autofocus systems will also never work across the whole frame.
If you want a hybrid camera that doesn’t compromise on stills or video, you’re better off with a Nikon Z9. Or there are plenty of crop sensor models from Panasonic, Fujifilm, and Olympus. These offer a smaller, more portable option at a fraction of the price.
Let’s look at a quick roundup of the best hybrid camera options before we go into each camera in more detail.
Now let’s look at each hybrid camera in detail. Some lean more toward still photography. Others are built more for video. But you get the best of both!
The best hybrid cameras on the market are now the same as the best mirrorless ones. At the top of the tree are the full frame mirrorless cameras from Sony, Canon, and Nikon. But the best all-rounder for photography and videography on our list is the Nikon Z9.
Are you looking for a smaller, more affordable crop-sensor model? Look at the new Fujifilm X-H2S, Panasonic Lumix DC-S5, and Olympus OM-D E-M1X. They offer good image quality. Plus, they have excellent burst rates, buffer sizes, and video features.
If you’re looking for more inspiration try our recent guides to the best camera for product photography, 4K DSLRs, or Nikon mirrorless cameras next!
