Camera of the Year?

So what should be our Camera of the Year for 2018? I have a pretty good idea.

Looking only at enthusiast cameras, there weren't actually very many all-new cameras. Many, from the Lumix LX100II to the Leica M10P, were derivations of already-existing models. This is a salutary trend in my opinion. Refinement of technological objects is a very important aspect of their creation and development, and I actually like, and approve of (expect, even), the trend towards Mark II, III, etc., iterations. Fuji does an especially nice job of it, especially if you include mid-model firmware fixes in the equation.

When you look for only truly new and original designs, however, the list of 2018's prospects shrinks pretty dramatically. Even the Lumix GX9 is really a restating of the GX7—I think it's even called the "GX7 Mark III" in Japan. Just because the lineage was interrupted by the very different GX8 doesn't mean the GX9 and GX7 aren't child and parent.

Looked at that way, 2018 was still a pretty great year. We had the Fuji GFX 50R, the "rangefinder-style" version of Fuji's fuller-than-full-frame (FtFF—I just coined that) or "medium" format digital; the new and innovative Zeiss ZX1 (well, that one's not actually out yet, so it'll be considered in 2019); the "one-off" Fuji X-H1 which I used and reviewed, and which you can get for $1,399 right now; the amateur or entry-level-focused Canon EOS M50 and Fuji X-T100; and of course there was "the FFM revolution," the three Sony A7 competitors from Canon and Nikon, the EOS R (why am I hearing so little about that one? Do I just travel in the wrong circles?) and the Z6 and Z7.

Am I missing anything? Good thing the Panasonic G9 came along in 2017, or I'd have to give it the palm just because it's sitting here on my desk all hot-roddy and supercool.

So what would be your take?

Mike

P.S. Or let me put this another way: if some offered you either a brand new Fuji GFX 50R or a Nikon Z7 and two or three lenses to use for free for the next three or four years, which of the two would you say yes to?

Original contents copyright 2018 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.

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Comments

[Rodolfo Canet]

Fujifilm GFX50R, by far. When technical sufficiency has reached even the lowest range of cameras, lust and passion is what we need, and Fuji has put it closer to our pockets' reach than ever. Over-capable and unrealistic, but healthily intoxicating.

[Christopher May]

Maybe this is just a personal preference thing but none of the cameras released in 2018 do anything for me. Specifically speaking to the mirrorless theme that seems to be the story of the year, there is no system that has me ready to abandon my Nikon DSLR gear. The Nikon Z’s don’t seem quite up to snuff with regards to focus on moving things. The EOS R doesn’t really offer anything terribly unique over the very capable 5D IV. Sony is getting more refined but still suffers some ergonomic issues that I’m not fond of. I like to shoot in dim conditions so the m4/3 sensor size is a bit of a liability for me. The fuller than full frame Fuji’s are a little out of my price league and don’t have enough lenses to catch my interest yet. The Fuji APS cameras come the closest to making me think about switching but even then, when I consider switching my whole system to Fuji or augmenting my Nikon gear with a D850, I find that I’d rather do the latter every time. I know my Nikons, I can use them blindfolded, I know how to make the most of their files, etc. That’s more appealing than any new abilities that cameras brought out in 2018.

So, I’ll happily watch what happens next year but 2018 can be described as the year of “Meh” for cameras that actually make me want to spend my money.

[Khürt Williams]

I think the Nikon Z and Canon R and Fuji medium format things were the only truly new camera designs in 2018. That's more than enough for me. The Fuji's are the only ones I would be interested in. If I'm going bigger from APS-C why stop over at 35mm? Go big!!

[Stan B.]

How 'bout photobook of the year? Mine is American Exteriors by ML Casteel- for creating images so beautiful, emotive and meaningful from... "nothing."

https://www.mlcasteel.com/american-interiors#1

[Kivi Shaps]

Mike, Gotta go with the Leica M10-D. Technology takes a back seat to the purist.

[Keith]

That's a bit of a catch 22. The Z 7 has a very limited native lens set at the moment, and I would hate to build a system around adapted lenses. But it would be the system I might be able to afford in 3-4 years. The Fuji is certainly lustworthy, but I fear that I would be spoiled by the files after 3-4 years, only to have to give it up for a paltry FF system. There is no wrong answer, maybe just one that is more right depending on the individual. I would choose the Fuji, and then just have to "get-over-it" when it was time to return.

[c.d.embrey]

Mike said: "Fuji does an especially nice job of it, especially if you include mid-model firmware fixes in the equation."

Chuck says buy a Fuji camera and pay to be a βeta tester—those vaunted Kaizen's are a result of poor R&D on Fujifilm's part 8-0

Leica's S system (30 x 45 mm sensor) was the first FtFF ...just sayin'.

If someone offered either a brand new Fuji GFX 50R or a Nikon Z7 for FREE, I'd purchase a Canon EOS R at full retail.

BTW my camera of the year is an iPhone Ex Ess. Still testing, so far the results look great on my 4K screen.

[Richard Tugwell]

"P.S. Or let me put this another way: if some offered you either a brand new Fuji GFX 50R or a Nikon Z7 and two or three lenses to use for free for the next three or four years, which of the two would you say yes to?"

Fuji GFX 50R - I fell the Nikon is just a dSLR with CCTV replacing the viewfinder

[James Bullard]

Free to use for the next 2-3 years? I'd choose the EOS R with the 24-105mm and an adapter to use my existing EOS lenses (no high-end ones but I already own them) and maybe the 28-70mm f/2 or 35mm macro lens if the party supplying them felt that generous.

I know. Those other ones have features the EOS R doesn't, features I don't feel a need for. Most cameras, all the ones I currently own or have owned, have features I don't need and don't use. I see no point to having the latest geegaw if it doesn't do anything for you. I'd like FF, a fully articulated screen, and to be able to combine it in the systems I have. The EOS R would do that.

[Moose]

". . . if some offered you either a brand new Fuji GFX 50R or a Nikon Z7 and two or three lenses to use for free for the next three or four years, which of the two would you say yes to?"

Neither, or, if gifts, whichever one I could sell for the most $$.

No, not being snarky, just straightforward. The lenses needed for my photography are either not available or far too large and heavy for these systems.

I hate changing lenses in the field, slow and clumsy, missed shots, dust, dropped gear, etc. Yet I regularly use FLs from 14-800 mm -e. Here, about to go on a small boat tour of the Essex River Estuary, I am shooting with GM5/7-14 in hand, E-M5 II/12-60 and E-M5 II/100-400 around my neck.

That may not fit other's needs, but it's my way.

Yes, I have a FF mirrorless, the original A7, which I use for Alt photography with old or alt lenses, such as the 1962 Canon 58/1.2, ~1970 Tamron 28/2.8, Lensbabies, and so on. I can't see how either of those cameras would improve on it for my purposes.

[John Holmes]

Leica CL

[Bill Pearce]

Would you make me your generous offer to use the bigger than big Fuji for 2019, I would be thrilled. I have used a number of Fuji lenses, both LF and xPan, and they are exceptional. The ergonomics of the xPan are perfect for me, but for those of you with bear paws for hands might have problems.
Fuji cameras have been around a long time, and have been highly underrated. Of course, like some others, the marketing for the USA has been, and still is sadly lacking.

[Larry Gebhardt]

I'd have to go with the Fuji GFX 50R and a few lenses over the Nikon. But that assumes I could also use my Sony A7RIII for hand held work. But for camera of the year I'd nominate the Nikon Z7. It looks like all that's holding it back is lens selection (both native and third party).

[Mike Ferron]

I have become a big fan of Panasonic and now owning a GX85 which I really love due to the overall wonderful performance my vote will go to the GX9. (It has to be a bit better right?)

I went to a big review site to look over 2018's offerings and I was rather shocked to see how few offered serious new offerings this year. I've been a Nikon person in years past but I won't make the Z7 my pick due to the overall cost and limited lens selection. Put the big Nikon zooms on it via adapter and the size disqualifies it.

So yeah GX9 it is.

[Franklin Berryman]

Don't fall into the trap. There doesn't need to be a camera of the year. How about an image of the year?

[Paul McEvoy]

I hope you do a best used camera post sometime soon. Cameras seem to have been so good for so long that buying used seems to make a lot of sense.

[John]

All my buying is on hold, as I’m waiting for the next “super” Olympus. If that delivers what the rumors promise, nothing from 2018 matters to me.

The two cameras that do intrigue me are the ones you mention at the end: the Fuji rangefinder because of its sensor and the Z7 because it comes closest to what I would want in a FF ML camera. Of the two, taking up your offer, I’d get the Z7 and a few PF lenses as the Fuji would be worthless for the bird photography I spend most of my time on.

[William Lewis]

The best camera of the year, for me, remains nothing new - the Olympus Pen F. It will remain so at least until I can afford one. Then and only then will I be able to replace the GAS for it with the GAS for something else ;) Maybe a fast 25 to go with it... < LOL >

[Andrew John]

Well, you did miss one: the Pentax K1 Mark II. As you, I approve of Mark II, III, etc., iterations. Unfortunately this time Pentax missed the boat. It got lot's of flak from the internet and DPreview just "nominated" it as the worst upgrade in 2018. That's a bit severe in my opinion but still.
The only real new designs are all high end (and therefore expensive): Fuji GFX 50R and Canon/Nikon FFM.
I hope 2019 will bring more innovation to middle and low end designs.
My take for the Camera of the Year would be the Fuji GFX 50R but... I can't afford it.

Happy New Year !

[Jens]

I give my vote to Canon EOS R. I have been on my way switching to Sony several times and I am very happy that i can use my Canon EF lenses on the EOS R instead of using adapter and Sony A7 bodies. The low light single AF is fantastic. I shoot model and portrait and often in low light and for me the R is perfect. It has a nice touch screen as well. I only wish Canon could give the option to program the slide bar to be activated from a button press instead of holding it down in one of the sides of the slide bar.

[Doug Vaughn]

I've spent quality time with both the EOS R and the GFX 50R but have no experience with the Nikon Z6 or Z7.

For camera of the year, I'd have to say GFX 50R because it makes mini-medium / super-FF format affordable for the first time. Yes, affordable is relative, and it's on the outer edge of what I can justify to the Secretary of the Treasury. But oh the images it produces when mated to the 45mm and 63mm lenses. I've read how amazing the 110mm is and am anxious to try it. The only nit is somewhat slow focus, but this is a camera you use when working deliberately and was never intended for action.

Despite the lack of love many reviewers have for the EOS R, I found it to fit my style of photography very well. A 5D (II, III, then IV) has been my workhorse camera for years, so most of it felt instantly familiar. I've probably purchased my last flippy-mirror camera and am won over to the mirrorless revolution. I expect Canon's next iteration (refinement) of the R series to be my vote for 2019 camera of the year.

[Stephen Scharf]

I'll go with the X-H1, which I certainly hope will not be a "one-off" in the X-H(yper) line. One of the top 5 camera's I've ever used. The X-H1 established a new line for the Fuji X-system of very tough, strong, stiff, robust, durable camera bodies for professional use and built to exceedingly tight optical tolerances for use with a new line of lenses of very high engineering specification, including the MK series of Cine lenses, and the frickin' amazing XF200mm f/2.0, which is the best lens I've ever used. And the new XF8-16mm f/2.8 is no slouch, either.

While the EOS R may not be getting a lot of "buzz" by the overly inwardly-focused-and-specs world of YouTube reviewers, its quietly being rented at a rate 2:1 over the Nikon Z series at LensRentals. So, there ya go.

And, I'll take the GFX50R, the 45, 32-64 and 110mm GF lenses, thank you very much. I shot briefly with the GFX50R at the Fujifilm Festival, and that is one sweet little puppy.

And, while we're at it with "Camera of the Year", why not "Lens of the Year"? And at the end of the day, its the lenses that matter.

[Alun J. Carr]

Panasonic ZS200/TZ200 (https://goo.gl/TtDCYc). A great alternative to the Sony RX100 VI (https://goo.gl/k9cdSt): same 1" sensor, much lower price, bigger zoom range, and both have EVFs. If you want to spend a lot more on the same camera in order to get a red dot on the front, buy the Leica C-LUX (https://goo.gl/JLKPPM). A real carry-everywhere camera. Add a filter ring using the kit from Lensmate (https://goo.gl/Ldndnk) and buy a decent 52 mm CPL filter and maybe an ND8 or vario-ND filter. I have a Hama 52 mm rubber lens hood that when retracted has no vignetting (on a ZS/TZ100), even at 25 mm-e, and when extended, no vignetting above 35 mm-e; I attach it to my belt-pack with a Nite Ize carabiner (https://goo.gl/S8iWA8}.

Note: I only own its predecessor, the ZS100/TZ100. The Pana/Leica lens isn't as good (IMHO) as the Sony/Zeiss ones in the Sony RX10 (https://goo.gl/yvsVPA which has to be one of the best bargains around) and RX10 III (https://goo.gl/sWHZ2p), but noise, etc. is pretty much the same, as you'd expect (I'm happy to go up to ISO 3200, possibly higher if I'm processing the raw file in DxO PhotoLab 2 with its PRIME NR). Put either a ZS/TZ100 or ZS/TZ200 in a smallish belt pack like the National Geographic A1212 (https://goo.gl/V7DPKG) and you're ready for those sudden photo opportunities with more versatility and way better image quality than your smartphone.

[Oskar Ojala]

I was half expecting something out of the ordinary, like one of those now popular instant film cameras. But it's true, most products, whether interchangeable lens cameras or phones, are about incremental refinement right now, so the best camera should be some sort of standout in its class.

[Bahi]

I went decades without any form of IBIS or even lens based stabilisation but now, having used a GX8 for a year, find myself yearning for a G9 and its hardly believable level of stabilisation. I'm guessing the smaller sensor helps the mechanism's ability to deal with high-frequency corrections. I don't think my technique is any less stable now that before but higher resolution cameras certainly expose weaknesses that my 6MP Nikon of 2006 didn't. I'd love a G9 to replace my GX8 – my stuff usually doesn't rely on fast shutter speeds but the light is usually low. No funds but the price will come down over time, I hope.

If I had to pick one from the 2018 releases for a camera of the year, it would probably be the Z7 – the Z6/Z7 body feels right and that counts for something.

[hugh crawford]

Ha
https://camerasize.com/compare/#202,805

Since I already have more full-frame and aps-c cameras than I know what to do with I'd go for the Fujifilm GFX50R. Come to think of it if I had no cameras at all I would do the same thing.

If I had no cameras or lenses at all and was spending my own money I'd probably look at that Pentax K-1 MKII, and then probably buy the Sony.

On the other hand I'm really having a ball with the iPhone Xr I got a couple of weeks ago after accidently smashing my five year old 5s. Does it qualify? It will probably outsell all the cameras you are talking about combined.

[Geoff Wittig]

I suspect you don't hear much about the Eos R because it's a bit of a disappointment. It's a step backward ergonomically, replacing the usual joystick with a hypersensitive 'swipe bar' that some users disable out of frustration. It uses the two year old sensor from the 5D Mk IV while Nikon and Sony have moved forward. And Canon's refusal to adopt IBIS is starting to look stubborn. The articulating LCD and viewfinder are nice, but not compelling reasons to buy one.
Nikon's Z7/Z6 twins address the restrictions of the narrow F-mount. Sony has a fully realized mirror-less system. The Eos R by comparison doesn't offer much beyond a more compact body, and this is neutered by the huge new lenses.
Maybe it's just me.

[Ollie]

On the Eos R- most folks who would buy one (ie pros) are waiting for the ‘proper’ model to come out. Enthusiasts have already switched to other brands so no longer care.
Have a happy new year, Mike!

[Ed]

Similar to how Time magazine gave it's 1982 Man of the Year award to the personal computer, I'd give this year's Camera of the Year award to:

The Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

[Rob L.]

Having rented an X-H1(entirely your fault, I love my XT-2 and still do, but maaaaan...) and appreciating the X-T3's refinement and improvement of that line - I still think there's a bit more work there that could be done. The Nikon Z7 is in the top 3 at least, not so much for 'best camera of the year', but it is one of the defining cameras of the year. It's a repositioning of Nikon's engineering focus, what looks to be an amazing set of lenses, and a really great camera.

I'd still go with the Fuji 50R in your question, because it suits what I shoot more - I don't think the form factor alone justifies CotY status, though.

[Adam Carlberg]

Personally, I’d take the Fuji, hands down. It’s just lovely in all the right ways.

[Craig Yuill]

I think that this was more a year of hype than true innovation - a year where major camera companies finally decided to take certain features seriously. Canon finally decided to take FF mirrorless seriously. Nikon finally decided to take mirrorless and IBIS seriously. Fuji finally decided to take video seriously. Now, if only one of the camera companies would produce a mirrorless camera with IBIS, good video and stills AF, good ergonomics, easy-to-use menus, and a choice between flip-up and a fully-articulated screen at a price that doesn't reach the stratosphere then a lot of us would be very happy.

A YouTube channel named "Camera Conspiracies" is based around the idea that camera companies have conspired to prevent the perfect camera from being made. Come to think of it, Herbert Keppler from "Modern Photography" and "Popular Photography" used to have similar musings about 30 or so years ago.

[Arg]

There is certainly nothing new and original about the X-T3, so that one is out.

P.S. if you are only going to allow new release cameras, call it New Camera of the Year.

cheers

[Doug C]

Well I bought a Nikon Z6. So do I think that should be the C-o-t-Y? No way! Too many opportunities missed and too many glitches that Nikon is too arrogant to fix. I'll keep it, crummy though it is, because it's better for what I do than the Sony that I was going to buy.

But COTY? I think you are right to go with the G9.

[Ben Rosengart]

Probably the Fuji, just because I like their style. But my camera of the year is actually two cameras: the iPhone XS. In a week or so, I’m going to make my first prints from it, with my new Epson P600.

[David Raboin]

I don't think any one camera deserves camera of the year in 2018. All developments are insignificant compared to the new, wide-throat, short-flange-distance mounts from Canon and Nikon. The new mounts open many possibilities. Everyone is talking about Canon's 28-70 f2 and Nikon's 58mm f.95, but what do you all think of that Canon R Mount 35mm lens? That's what I'm excited about: fast glass, that's fairly small and reasonably priced.

[Tom Burke]

iPhone XS.

Of course there are a whole load of things it can't do at all (or at least, does very badly). But the things it can do, it does very well. It's a huge improvement on the iPhone 7 (my previous camera of this format), and many reviewers are commenting that even though the specs looks similar to 2017's iPhone X, in use the the 2018 model is significantly better . That's just for still photography, of course - although I'm not a videographer, may people who are are getting excellent results from this camera.

And I can browse the internet and even make telephone calls with it!

[Jean]

When I am shooting I want the camera to get out of the way, so to change systems or shooting with different brands on an assignment doesn’t make sense. Been there, done that. The GFX 50R has the same kind of logic as my other cameras and great lenses. I believe it is fun to use as well. Great for architecture and landscape. Great for portraiture as well. Would be a great addition to the kit I love and use.

I am waiting patiently for IBIS to trickle down to the different APS-C models and MF as well. Really high resolution MF and global shutter would take away the drawbacks of using the silent electronic shutter. Point is, any new gear has to do things that are not possible to do with the gear we have today. The GFX 50R fits that bill. Still a bit expensive, but a lovely camera.

Almost all cameras and lenses today are great. We are spoiled completely. The quality we can achieve is very, very good. It all comes down to what you want and need. To be very familiar with the camera and the lens is for me the most important thing. And no piece of kit is best for every job.

Happy new year, Mike. I used to wait patiently for the Sunday morning photographer. Can’t believe the years that have passed. Still love your writing. TOP is the site I keep coming back to. Love the quality and the off topic stuff.

[Dan Khong]

The slew of different responses obviously show that:
1. There is no perfect camera that qualifies as Camera of the Year
2. The Camera of the Year is one that you use most in the whole year.
3. The Camera of the Year might be one you put on your wish list and somebody did deliver it to your Christmas tree the night before Christmas.
4. It's the camera that occupy most of your REM sleep.

[Peter]

My current camera is always the camera of any year

[JG]

Honestly? I'm starting to suspect I might have reached the end of the road with "upgrading" and am now happily looking backward to my future instead of forward.

Even if I could use a new(er) camera and lenses for free, I'm quite happy with the results I'm achieving with my present collection of gear. And while none of it was free, it's all paid for, which means I won't need to spend any cash to continue using it, which is almost the same thing, right?

Aside from my present (and temporary?) infatuation with my DIY modified full-spectrum Samsung NX500 -- I'm having a lot of fun doing IR photography right now! -- my plan is to continue to hone my skills (modest as they are, of course!) and wring every last iota of image quality I can from the gear I already own.

In short: Thanks, but no thanks!

[Stef]

I second Leica CL. Amazing image quality of SL squeezed into a tiny body. And it's good for more than one year because it's performance doesn't depend on nose detection, nose reduction, image gyralization, elbow tracking and..well..you get the idea,

[Stanleyk]

I guess I am biased because I own one, but I would have to go with the Fuji GFX 50R. It's the first camera I have owned since the original X100 that makes me want to use it every day. It is an amazing camera. The odd thing is so far I have just kept on SF Jpeg Acros R. I guess that's my version of the Leica Monochrome. I think the SF equals about 25 MB. Anyway it prints large beautifully. The camera is obviously bigger than my X100 but it's easy to hold and shoot. I have no problem getting shots at 1/30.

[Edd Fuller]

I think the real story of 2018 is the amazing growth of photographers across the internet for whom cameras like the D850 and 5DMKIV are no longer capable of meeting their needs. How can camera companies keep up with such a surge of talent?

[John Krumm]

Surprisingly my personal "best new camera" is turning out to be my iPhone XS. The lenses are both great, comparable to my GRII lens. Plus, the daytime image quality, when I use Halide for shooting raw and Lightroom mobile for processing, is quite impressive. And the fact that I can shoot around and then turn on my computer and quickly see the images in Lightroom (with editable adjustments made on the phone, if any) is pretty cool. Probably the main drawback to the smaller sensor is less color sensitivity than the larger ones, but that's pretty minor. It's definitely a real camera. Only wish I could hold it with more confidence. And there is as much a learning curve to phone shooting as with any other camera.

[Bryce Lee]

Nice thought, lousy reasons. First up tried all the three or four major brands about a year ago. Keep in mind, enormous hands, photographing 99 percent of the time fast moving trains.

My local brick store dealer whom i have dealt wither over 40
years suggested I take the store demo for each of the brands they handle along with a piece of glass I liked; two weeks each device, give or take.

In the last two years my physical mobility has greatly decreased so was looking for something suitable; something with one lens only!

And at that point in time had sold all of my film camera gear, everything including tripods and carry cases. No digital other than a rapidly expiring pawn shop point and shoot tiny Canon, which used two AA batteries for power.

First a mid-range mirrorless Fuji; that was a disaster. Too damn much information in the view finder. Ditto the Sony (why do I keep thinking Minolta when I pick up a Sony camera?) Basic, simple to operate but like Fuji too much information in the viewfinder and
the glass out front was not inspiring.
Then one of the full frame Canons with a 50 mm lens.
Nice piece of hardware; can see why many prefer Canon over Nikon.

Was still not satisfied. Noting my lack of mobility in the last few years, asked to see one of the small Nikons. Hmm light in weight, all plastic more or less. It came with an 18-70 mm glass (why can't DX frame manufacturers label the glass to coincide with the guts inside?. Full frame ie colour slide size I do understand.)

So purchased after much internal debate an 18-140 mm zoom and a Nikon D5600. Cash is dandy, no 13 percent sales tax;
and that was a year ago this past September. Noting my inability to walk have made maybe 250 exposures; not a dud in the bunch.

Suspect all of us prefer to stay with what we know; something photo based that is just different enough means a whole new learning curve. Did not want that hence the Nikon D5600.
Figured buy something I knew; and as for that new monstrosity Nikon they call a mirrorless camera, just forget it. Can't make a silk purse out of a cow's ear!

[Lou]

For sure the camera of the year for me is the one I have been shooting best pictures with. It happens to be the Fuji X-pro 1, for it's lightweight and small enough to take up the mountain and on cycling trips.

[Richard Parkin]

I think the camera of the year will turn out to Google Pixel 3. I haven’t tried it but it’s a phone with a single front camera where competitors have 2 or 3 and yet dpreview.com rates as the best phone camera for still photos ahead of iPhones, though the latter are higher placed due to other features. They said “The Pixel 3 is the first smartphone camera to truly rival traditional dedicated cameras, surpassing 1"-type and rivaling cameras with Four Thirds sensors in 'Night Sight' mode”. There, that’ll set the cat amongst the pigeons ;-) .

[Howard A Slavitt]

My cameras of the year are the iphone XS and Sony A7RIII (I know, not new this year). I bought the iphone XS as part of my normal upgrade cycle of iphones. The camera is so good that I decided it essentially replaced my m43 gear - two OMD EM1s, and about 10 top shelf native lenses (including my favorite - the Oly 12-40mm). I can make prints from the iphone XS up to 11 x 14" that are excellent. So I sold half of my m43 gear, and told myself I'd be happy with the iphone XS with its two lenses (about 26mm and 50 mm equivalents) for a year. . . . Then I started reading about the Nikon Z7. I decided that this was a truly significant upgrade over the iphone photos that was light enough to carry everywhere with me and I'd be able to get it with the 24-70mm lens for what I sold my m43 gear for. . . . Until I read Thom Hogan's review (and others) in which he concluded that the Sony A7RIII is a better camera for now because of the lens selection. I looked at the lens available on B&H for the Sony and promptly bought the A7Riii. It's an unbelievable camera. The interface takes getting used to as everyone says, but no more than did the Olympus. I'm pretty comfortable with the Sony after about 3 weeks with the camera. I just took it for quick week-end trip with one lens - a Samyang 35mm f2.8 in Sony mount with Autofocus - cost me $250 new. For me, it's much better than having a M43 because I can crop the 35mm f2.8 (3 ounces, a pancake) to 55mm and still have about 18.5 megapixels. So for me, it's like having all the benefits of a prime and a zoom. It's a truly small, comfortable to use package. Not a perfect lens, but a good one. . . . I could go on about the other 3 Sony mount lenses I've also bought ("top shelf"), which are unbelievable and not too big or heavy. I love the truly magical Eye AF with the Sony. The bottom line is that the iphone XS (the camera I always have with me) and the Sony A7RIII are my cameras of the year, and for me, the past two decades. The cameras and lenses are better than any camera I've ever owned in every way - a Horseman 6cm x 9cm view camera, Bronicas back in the day, Canon 5D I, 5D II + L lenses, a gaggle of Panasonic and Olympus m43 bodies. Thanks for maintaining your fantastic blog. Love it! Reading your posts helped lead me to my cameras of the year.

[Andy Munro]

I like Panasonics, the handling and menus are very intuitive. I've already put my money down.

No FF, mirrorless or not, the lenses are just too big and heavy.

So any current Panasonic would get my vote.

[JohnMFlores]

My best camera of 2018 were the cameras I bought in 2016 - a pair of Lumix GX85s. They were workhorses this year and landed me a magazine cover as well as some nice two-page spreads.

As the old aphorism goes, "The best camera is the one whose cost you have already amortized."

[Mike Plews]

Maybe camera of the decade would be better because that's about how often I get to buy one.

[Jim Arthur]

Being a Canon guy I guess I’d have to pick the EOS R simply because of the very looong wait. I’ll wait for the Mark II though.

Your question and Fuji mention got me thinking about the advantages of medium format so I went on the hunt. My first stop was the videos released by Hasselblad. Their comparison to a Nikon DSLR didn’t strike me as fair so I continued my search and found an interesting and detailed article at DPReview entitled, “Opinion: Thinking about buying medium format? Read this first” that is worth reading.

[Steve Jacob]

Nothing new this year, just new to old brands who didn't have it before. Nothing stands out, nothing breaks new ground, except for the price of the Fuji GFX 50R, so I would have to give it to Fuji.

[Miguel Tejada-Flores]

I know it's not a 'new' camera - since it technically came out in 2017 - but the Pentax KP I just bought is, hands down, the nicest Pentax I've shot with since my late lamented analog Pentaxes, a club which included several MX's and a few Spotmatics.

Pentax knows how to build relatively compact, beautifully functional cameras for photographers. They also know how to build cool (and occasionally weird) small lenses which shine.

The KP is a revelation. I hate to write these words since they sound either gushing or sentimental, but it deserves serious acclaim, especially from former old-school diehard analog photographers who miss their compact but functional SLR's.

Honorable mention goes to Canon's G1x Mk III - hands down the best almost-nearly-semi-pocketable camera I've ever used. In spite of its relatively slowish zoom lens, and it's dubious reviews, it is a gem. And it fits nicely in larger pockets.

All in all, for me, 2018 produced two outstanding cameras. Damn...what a year.

[raizans]

My vote goes to the MiNT Instantkon RF670! I can’t think of anything that comes close to being as impressive and smile-inducing.

[raizans]

Doh, make that the RF70!

[john robison]

How can anyone keep up with all the "new" cameras, much less compare them with the "old" models? This post reminds me just how out of touch I am with modern photographic equipment. How do the folks who discuss all these things ever keep current?

That, and often it seems announcements proceeds actual stock by several months.

[Tom K.]

Sony A7 III.

[Morris Taub]

the fuji please, though for my needs all those megapixels are overkill, i print small...

i just bought a z6 with kit lens and the 50mm S...nice body, (24mp is plenty for me), big lenses but relatively light, nice image quality, still playing with adjustments in Lightroom, it's all new for import setting from nikon via lightroom, weird...

jumped on an early camera release for the first time in my life, death anxiety issues...this z6 replaces my D700 ;-)

health and joy to you all for 2019 and beyond...

[SteveW]

Happy New Year!

And ah well, after reading these comments thus far....I have an iPhone 8 Plus and am now chomping at the bit for an XS, which I won't get....I'm not due for my "upgrade" yet. In any case, I'm not feeling too bad about it because when I do finally update the iPhone camera will be all the much better. Maybe it will have 3 or 4 lenses/sensors, who knows, but the smartphone cameras keep on pushing along with computational photography, which is in my opinion is where the real change in cameras is happening these days.

Reminds me of a blog I read here on TOP at one point or another on pairing a small sensor camera with a big sensor camera. The iPhone and Nikon D750 fits the bill for me these days. And for whatever reason, it's about 28/58mm-e on both. And for full disclosure I use a Nikon D5300 with a small zoom, which is a real kick to use. I wonder if the iPhone will eventually push the D5300 to the 'ol storage shelf?

My vote for camera of the year would go to the iPhone XS or Pixel 3...even though I've not used either.

[B Grace]

I bought myself a nice Nikon FM for Christmas after giving up on the meter in my old Nikkormat for using film. My personal camera of the year then would be for the year 1979 and the FM fits into the system I've put together for family snapshots, vacation and hobby photography, and tinkering with old Nikkors.

I also think the Leica CL is interesting. It's definitely what Nikon's 1-series should have been and it makes so many of the common mirrorless cameras today seem too large.

Fuji certainly deserves credit for reinventing the traditional camera in a 3/4-size. The gear is well designed. It seems robust and the overall system covers all the bases. If only it weren't such an about-face in gear for me.

Strangely though, my Camera of the Year may just be awarded to Polaroid in general due to the relaunch of the instant film platforms on the market. I wish I had bought the last Spectra camera I saw in the used gear case at the camera shop. The Polaroid/Polaroid Originals/Impossible Project/Fuji Instax experiment may not last but let's hope it does. I sure doubt anyone expected it. Bravo!