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10+ Best Cameras for Photojournalism in 2024 (May)

10+ Best Cameras for Photojournalism in 2024 (May)

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Journalism is a tough job. It requires you to be able to think critically, navigate your way through complex scenarios, and solve problems when no one else can, and it becomes even more challenging when you’re trying to get the best shot.

That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on some of the best cameras for journalists: from the Fujifilm X-T4 to the Sony Alpha A9 II and more.

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Read on for our recommendations, and make sure you’re ready for any situation!

10+ Best Cameras for Photojournalism in 2024

  1. Fujifilm X-T4  — The best camera for journalism in 2024 overall (Editor’s choice)
  2. Sony ZV-1 — The best budget camera for photojournalism
  3. Nikon Z5 — The best value camera for photojournalism
  4. Canon EOS R3 — The best camera for professional journalists
  5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV — The best camera for beginner journalists
  6. Canon EOS R5 — The best camera for documentaries
  7. Canon EOS 90D — The best DSLR camera for journalism
  8. Sony Alpha A9 II — The best camera for sports journalism
  9. Canon XA11 — The best camera for broadcasting
  10.  GoPro Hero11 Black — The best action camera for journalism

What is the Best Camera for Photojournalism?

The images that photojournalists capture with their cameras can do amazing things. From telling stories that might never be told or changing the world and how we view it, photojournalists are an important facet of society.

While becoming a professional can take years of training, the Fujifilm X-T4, which is the best camera for photo-journalism in our opinion, can take you from novice to experienced amateur in no time.

Interested in some of our other top choices? Check out our comparison table below.

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Best Overall
Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera Body - Black
Best Budget
Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators, Vlogging and YouTube with Flip Screen, Built-in...
Best Value
Nikon Z 5 | Our most compact full-frame mirrorless stills/video camera | Nikon USA Model
Best for Professionals
Canon EOS R3 Body
Best for Beginners
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Camera with M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens, Silver
Title
Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera Body - Black
Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators, Vlogging and YouTube with Flip Screen, Built-in...
Nikon Z 5 | Our most compact full-frame mirrorless stills/video camera | Nikon USA Model
Canon EOS R3 Body
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Camera with M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens, Silver
Prime Status
-
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
-
Star Rating
-
-
-
-
-
Reviews
-
-
-
-
-
Type
Mirrorless
Compact
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Sensor
APS-C
1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS
Full-frame CMOS
Full-frame
Micro Four Thirds
Megapixels
26.1MP
20.1MP
24.3MP
24.1MP
20.3MP
Display
3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.62M dots
3-inch TFT LCD touchscreen, 921,600 dots
3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040k dots
3.15-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 2,100k dots
3-inch 180-degree tiltable touchscreen, 1,037K dots
Maximum shooting speed
11 FPS
24 FPS
4.5 FPS
30 FPS
15 FPS
Price
$1,298.99
$748.00
$996.95
$4,499.00
$799.99
Best Overall
Thumbnail
Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera Body - Black
Title
Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera Body - Black
Prime Status
-
Star Rating
-
Reviews
-
Type
Mirrorless
Sensor
APS-C
Megapixels
26.1MP
Display
3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.62M dots
Maximum shooting speed
11 FPS
Price
$1,298.99
Buy Now
Best Budget
Thumbnail
Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators, Vlogging and YouTube with Flip Screen, Built-in...
Title
Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators, Vlogging and YouTube with Flip Screen, Built-in...
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Star Rating
-
Reviews
-
Type
Compact
Sensor
1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS
Megapixels
20.1MP
Display
3-inch TFT LCD touchscreen, 921,600 dots
Maximum shooting speed
24 FPS
Price
$748.00
Buy Now
Best Value
Thumbnail
Nikon Z 5 | Our most compact full-frame mirrorless stills/video camera | Nikon USA Model
Title
Nikon Z 5 | Our most compact full-frame mirrorless stills/video camera | Nikon USA Model
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Star Rating
-
Reviews
-
Type
Mirrorless
Sensor
Full-frame CMOS
Megapixels
24.3MP
Display
3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040k dots
Maximum shooting speed
4.5 FPS
Price
$996.95
Buy Now
Best for Professionals
Thumbnail
Canon EOS R3 Body
Title
Canon EOS R3 Body
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Star Rating
-
Reviews
-
Type
Mirrorless
Sensor
Full-frame
Megapixels
24.1MP
Display
3.15-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 2,100k dots
Maximum shooting speed
30 FPS
Price
$4,499.00
Buy Now
Best for Beginners
Thumbnail
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Camera with M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens, Silver
Title
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Camera with M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens, Silver
Prime Status
-
Star Rating
-
Reviews
-
Type
Mirrorless
Sensor
Micro Four Thirds
Megapixels
20.3MP
Display
3-inch 180-degree tiltable touchscreen, 1,037K dots
Maximum shooting speed
15 FPS
Price
$799.99
Buy Now

10+ Best Cameras for Photojournalism in 2024

1. Fujifilm X-T4 (Editor’s Choice)

Fujifilm X-T4.
Fujifilm X-T4. Image credits: Fujifilm / Amazon.

 


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The best camera for photojournalism in 2024 overall 

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 26.1MP | Display: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.62M dots | Maximum shooting speed: 11 FPS | Viewfinder: EVF OLED | Maximum video resolution: 4K

The best camera to equip you with the skills, tools, and technology to tell your story is the Fujifilm X-T4. It is packed with superior image processing, quality, and high-resolution capabilities to create stunning 4K video footage at 60 FPS. Whether shooting a documentary or capturing some stills, this compact, lightweight camera always offers exceptional results.

The X-T4 can also capture super-fast shots at 15 frames per second and features 5-axis image stabilization combined with a four-axis digital image stabilizer to mitigate camera movement, resulting in clear, stable imagery even when you shoot video.

It has a durable design, so you’re ready to take photos no matter how bad a storm blows. The new Vari-angle touchscreen LCD display offers exceptional shooting flexibility, whether looking through your viewfinder or peering at the rear screen.

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Overall, if you want to take your filming and photography skills to the next level, the Fujifilm X-T4 is worth a look. While it is pricey, it offers a great balance between features and functionality and is certainly worth the investment if you want to get the best out of your journalism work in the coming years.

Pros Cons
➕Excellent value ➖Autofocus for videos could’ve been better
➕Can shoot 4K videos at 60 FPS ➖Lacks a headphone jack
➕Outstanding image quality
➕Sturdy build
➕Great low-light performance
➕5-axis image stabilization
➕Reliable battery life

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sale
Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera Body - Black
  • Putting stability in your hands: A huge part of creating great photos or videos is making sure you are in the right place at the right time – and that often means making handheld images to get to...
  • Performance you can rely on: For any serious image maker, having a tool that can be relied upon to perform flawlessly whenever it is required is extremely important. For this reason, X-T4 features a...
  • Find the best angle for your story: When chasing the perfect image, versatility is key, so the last thing you want is to be hampered by awkward angles. The 1.62 million pixel vari-angle touchscreen...
  • When your story needs movement: The modern image maker is blurring the lines between photography and videography, and X-T4 has been designed to celebrate this new generation of hybrid creativity. With...
  • Powerful image manipulation made easy: For over 85 years, Fujifilm has produced photographic films that have been used by some of the world’s best-known moviemakers to create some of the world’s...

 

2. Sony ZV-1

Sony ZV-1.
Sony ZV-1. Image credits: Sony / Amazon.

The best budget camera for journalism

Type: Compact | Sensor: 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS | Megapixels: 20.1MP | Display: 3-inch TFT LCD touchscreen, 921,600 dots | Maximum shooting speed: 24 FPS | Maximum video resolution: 4K

The ZV-1 is the best camera on a budget for journalism. Originally designed as a vlogging camera, it combines the features of a camcorder and camera to give benefits of both. It’s durable, easy to use, and small enough to fit in your bag without weighing you down.

The Sony ZV-1 is loaded with features that help you get the best shot at any moment. It has a 20.1MP CMOS sensor paired with a fast, hybrid autofocus system, so your subjects are always in focus with real-time eye autofocus and tracking. It also has a 24mm F1.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens for exceptional quality images, wide view coverage, and superior sharpness.

Where this camera shines, however, is when it comes to recording videos. It shoots incredible 4K HDR footage, and the audio is just as good with a forward-directional onboard mic and detachable windscreen. You can also add an external mic to improve the audio quality further.

Since the ZV-1 is WiFi enabled, you can directly Livestream, share work with your audience, and transfer and edit files wirelessly. The side flip-out 3SS-inch LCD screen also tilts up and down, allowing you to record yourself while reporting easily. And the best part is that it does all of this at a fraction of most high-end mirrorless cameras and camcorders.

Pros Cons
➕Cheap ➖Poor battery life
➕Best-in-class autofocus ➖Average stabilization
➕Vari-angle screen
➕Compact and portable design
➕Supports live streaming
➕Exceptional audio quality
➕Built-in ND filter

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators, Vlogging and YouTube with Flip Screen, Built-in...
  • 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1” Exmor RS CMOS sensor w/ DRAM. Large aperture 24-70mm1 F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens.Bluetooth : Yes (Bluetooth Standard Ver. 4.1 (2.4 GHz band)). Operating...
  • Fast Hybrid Autofocus and Real Time Eye Autofocus and Real-time Autofocus tracking.
  • Side flip-out 3.0” LCD screen that also tilts up and down for easier to compose selfie shots
  • Quickly switch between two modes of defocused background bokeh
  • Product Showcase Setting transitions focus from face to object

 

3. Nikon Z5

Nikon Z5.
Nikon Z5. Image credits: Nikon / Amazon.

The best value camera for journalism

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full-frame CMOS | Megapixels: 24.3MP | Display: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040k dots | Maximum shooting speed: 4.5 FPS | Viewfinder: EVF, 3,690k dots, 100% coverage, 0.8x magnification | Maximum video resolution: Full HD

If you are looking for the best value camera, the Nikon Z5 offers many of the features that the full-frame flagship Z7 II does and then some, at less than half of what it costs. With solid performance, good control, and an attractive price, this is a little gem of a camera you’d be well served to check out.

The flexible Z5 is a versatile tool that complements your shooting while maintaining high quality. With a 24MP sensor and an efficient 273-point autofocus system, you can capture highly detailed images and lifelike 4K video even in low light. Its VR image stabilization won’t let you down even in low light conditions, and its large electronic viewfinder is also amazing.

All in all, the Nikon Z5 is not just your everyday mid-range camera: at heart, it’s a full-frame powerhouse. For its price, you are absolutely spoiled for features, and with an impressively long battery life and dual card slots, it’s sure to last for many shots before you need to recharge or add more memory.

Pros Cons
➕Value for money ➖Subpar 4.5 FPS continuous shooting speed
➕Ergonomic design ➖Cropped 4K video
➕Full-frame sensor
➕5-axis AF system
➕Dual SD cards slot
➕Doubles as a webcam
➕Impressive battery life

Latest Price on Amazon:

Nikon Z 5 | Our most compact full-frame mirrorless stills/video camera | Nikon USA Model
  • 24.3MP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera | Nikon’s most compact, lightweight full-frame interchangeable lens Z series camera
  • Outstanding Image Quality | Sharp, lifelike details, vibrant colors and great low-light performance
  • 4K/30p and 1080/60p Video Recording | Crisp, smooth videos with shallow depth of field; USB power delivery; HDMI output
  • Eye-Detection Autofocus | Automatically locks onto the eyes of people, dogs and cats and tracks them as they move around the frame
  • 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization | Capture steady handheld videos and sharp photos; shoot at slower shutter speeds in low light without causing camera blur

 

4. Canon EOS R3

Canon EOS R3.
Canon EOS R3. Image credits: Canon / Amazon.

The best camera for professional journalists

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Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full-frame | Megapixels: 24.1MP | Display: 3.15-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 2,100k dots | Maximum shooting speed: 30 FPS | Viewfinder: OLED EVF, 5,690k dots, 100% coverage, 0.76x magnification | Maximum video resolution: 6K

If you are a veteran in the industry, you will need a camera that mirrors the quality and years of experience behind your work. In that case, we would highly recommend the Canon EOS R3.

This powerful model’s core is a 24.1MP full-frame sensor paired with a DIGIC X image processor capable of shooting blackout-free 30FPS stills and 6K RAW video at 60FPS. Add to that the improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF performance, coupled with powerful Eye Control AF, and you have a camera that sets an industry-leading image quality standard with unmatched dynamic range, detail, and low noise.

Another important selling point of the Canon EOS R3 is its ability to shoot cinematic RAW video at 6K resolution and 4K 10-bit (uncropped) footage with Canon Log 3 at 120FPS, which means that you can get more detail from your footage than you would with other cameras in this category.

If you’re planning on doing any heavy documentary or journalism work, this should be one of the first cameras on your list!

Pros Cons
➕Professional quality stills ➖Expensive
➕6K RAW video ➖” Only” 24.1 megapixels
➕Ergonomic, weather-proof
➕Large HDR viewfinder
➕Excellent autofocus system
➕Lots of connectivity options
➕Superfast 30 FPS shooting speed

Latest Price on Amazon:

Canon EOS R3 Body
  • High Image Quality with a Back-illuminated Stacked 24.1 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-102400; Expandable to 204800
  • High-speed continuous shooting of up to approx. 30 fps with electronic (silent) shutter and up to 12fps with Mechanical Shutter
  • Improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 1,053 AF Points featuring Vehicle Detection as well as Eye, Face, Head, and Animal Detection
  • The First EOS Digital camera to feature Eye Control AF

 

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. Image credits: Olympus / Amazon.

The best camera for beginner journalists

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds | Megapixels: 20.3MP | Display: 3-inch 180-degree tiltable touchscreen, 1,037K dots | Maximum shooting speed: 15 FPS | Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360K dots | Maximum video resolution: 4K

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has been the go-to choice for beginners for years, and for a good reason. It was designed as an affordable and easy-to-use camera, so you don’t need to worry about complicated features or slow menu navigation. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV makes it easy for anyone to take high-resolution images and videos with ease.

It is a slightly reengineered version of the classic Olympus OM-D line but with a more powerful sensor, improved in-body image stabilization, and a flip-down and tiltable monitor. It’s designed to be super compact while still fulfilling all the same functions most consumers want from their cameras.

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Whether a beginner or a pro, you will be impressed by this camera’s 20MP sensor paired with an in-body 5-axis image stabilization that captures sharp and clear photos as fast as 15 FPS.

The E-M10 Mark IV also has excellent video capabilities, which makes it perfect for journalists covering stories that require both still photos and high-quality video footage. It has a flip-down monitor that you can use to record yourself while broadcasting and a wide range of lenses that you can choose from that suit your requirements the best.

In addition, this compact camera is also capable of USB charging, so you can conveniently charge it on the go from any outlet or power bank. For beginners, the brand’s free OI app shares step-by-step tutorials that will help you master the device in no time. This is especially helpful if you’re new to photography and don’t know what settings or lenses will work best for your situation or subject matter.

If you are a beginner and don’t know which camera to get, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great place to start, and it is available for a bargain considering the prices of other mirrorless cameras today.

Pros Cons
➕Incredible easy to use ➖No weather sealing
➕USB charging ➖No mic port
➕Flip-down monitor
➕Stunning image and video quality
➕Speedy 15 FPS burst speeds
➕5-axis image stabilization
➕Compatible with a wide range of lenses

Latest Price on Amazon:

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Camera with M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens, Silver
  • 20 MP Live MOS Sensor
  • Always-on connection and background connection via Bluetooth & OI Share Smartphone app
  • Flip-down monitor and dedicated selfie mode. Selfie mode automatically turns on when monitor is flipped down.
  • In-Body 5-Axis Image Stabilization capable of 4.5 shutter speed steps of compensation.
  • 16 Art Filters (31 types). Includes new Instant Film for a nostalgic feel

 

6. Canon EOS R5

Canon EOS R5.
Canon EOS R5. Image credits: Canon / Amazon

The best camera for documentaries

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full-frame | Megapixels: 45MP | Display: 3.15-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 2,100k dots  | Viewfinder: OLED EVF, 5,690k dots, 100% coverage, 0.76x magnification | Maximum shooting speed: 20 FPS with an electronic shutter, 12 FPS with a mechanical shutter | Maximum video resolution: 8K

The EOS R5 is a true Canon masterpiece. It integrates the best of the EOS R series into a sleek and sophisticated device that takes excellent still images with its full-frame sensor and lets you capture video like never before with its extraordinary autofocus capabilities.

Built for professional workflows, it captures high-quality 8K DCI video with accurate color at 30 frames per second, with no rolling shutter effects while the 5-axis in-body image stabilization keeps footage blur-free. The image quality is impressive thanks to the 45MP CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC X image processor and state-of-the-art autofocus technology to give your work the quality it deserves.

It is also built to last with a durable magnesium-alloy frame body and weather-sealed lenses, making this camera capable of handling anything you throw at it—perfect if you often work outdoors. The Canon EOS R5 is the perfect all-rounder, and only now have people started to realize how much value it offers compared to other cameras in the same price range.

Pros Cons
➕Stunning 45MP image quality ➖Pricey
➕Cinematic 8K video ➖Recording limitations with higher-resolution video
➕30 FPS burst speed
➕Excellent battery life
➕Robust build
➕Dual card slots
➕Best autofocus and IBIS in the market

Latest Price on Amazon:

Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera - 8K Video, 45 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, DIGIC X...
634 Reviews
Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera - 8K Video, 45 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, DIGIC X...
  • High Image Quality featuring a New 45 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor..Working Temperature Range : 32–104°F / 0–+40°C, Working Humidity Range 85% or less
  • DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-51200; Expandable to 102400x1.
  • High-speed continuous shooting of up to 12 fps with Mechanical Shutter and up to 20 fps electronic (silent) shutter.
  • Dual pixel CMOS AF covering approx. 100% area with 1,053 AF areas.
  • Subject tracking of people and animals using deep learning technology.

 

7. Canon EOS 90D

Canon EOS 90D.
Canon EOS 90D. Image credits: Canon / Amazon.

The best DSLR camera for journalism

Type: DSLR | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 32.5MP | Display: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Maximum shooting speed: 10 FPS | Viewfinder: Pentaprism | Maximum video resolution: 4K

While mirrorless cameras are the trend right now, DSLRs are not far behind their mirrorless counterparts. Many enthusiasts still prefer them for their ergonomic design, better value, and a wider range of lenses. And one of the best DSLR cameras is the Canon EOS 90D, especially if you are an aspiring documentary photographer.

It is designed with stills in mind and boasts a massive 32.5MP CMOS sensor with a high ISO range to produce sharp, high-resolution images in all conditions. You can take photos at high ISO without having to worry about noise and grain in your photos. This camera shoots fast, whether it is recording 4K video at 30 FPS or Full HD video at 120 FPS, or taking stills with a continuous burst speed of up to 10 FPS.

Furthermore, Canon’s color profiles will come in handy if you’re out shooting portraits and want that natural skin tone and true color for your documentary. With its heightened sensitivity to skin tones, the camera automatically detects your subject’s complexion and adjusts the white balance accordingly. The Canon EOS 90D makes it easy to capture the perfect image every time.

Pros Cons
➕Highly-detailed 32.5MP sensor ➖Single memory card slot
➕Vivid and color-accurate stills and videos ➖Limited buffer capacity
➕Uncropped 4K video
➕Optical viewfinder
➕Vari-angle touchscreen
➕10 FPS shooting speed with iTR tracking

Latest Price on Amazon:

Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with 18-135 is USM Lens | Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DIGIC 8 Image...
  • High image quality with 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
  • High-speed continuous shooting of up to 10 fps with no time Lag during off shooting
  • 4K UHD 30P/ Full HD 120P video
  • 45-Point All Cross-type AF System supports up to 27 points with an F/8 metering
  • Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.

 

8. Sony Alpha A9 II

Sony Alpha A9 II.
Sony Alpha A9 II. Image credits: Sony / Amazon.

The best camera for sports journalism

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full-frame CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Display: 3-inch TFT | Maximum shooting speed: 20 FPS with an electronic shutter, 10 FPS with mechanical shutter | Viewfinder: 0.5-inch electronic OLED | Maximum video resolution: 4K

If you’re a sports journalist and have a strong interest in capturing action, the Sony Alpha A9 II is your best bet. It is one of the most powerful cameras made for sports, combining a lightning fast 24.2 MP CMOS sensor with a high range of up to 60 AF area selection points, advanced subject recognition, and a 20 FPS black-out free shooting speed. The result? Stunning images of fast-paced action with superb clarity.

Sony has added other cutting-edge features to the Alpha A9 II such as a Transfer & Tagging system that enables you to capture up to 50 seconds of speech and convert it to an image caption, built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity for super-fast file transfers, and new mechanical shutter designed with ultra-low vibration. You can shoot wirelessly using the camera, which is useful if you are working on reporting alone.

It also has a 4K video recording capability, allowing users to capture high-quality footage at full resolution. The Sony Alpha A9 II is an engineering marvel and quite easily one of the best cameras for sports journalism.

Pros Cons
➕Articulating display ➖No CFexpress support
➕Amazing stills as well as 4K video ➖High price tag
➕Superb AF system
➕Best-in-class connectivity
➕Blackout-free capture at up to 20 FPS
➕5-axis IBIS

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera: 24.2MP Full Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with...
  • SONY ALPHA A9 II: Compact professional cameras mastered for sports photography and photojournalism
  • SUPERIOR SPEED: Fastest 35mm full-frame 24. 2MP stacked Exmore RS CMOS sensor with integrated memory
  • FASTER AUTO FOCUS: Up to 20fps at full resolution with 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second
  • ADVANCED SUBJECT RECOGNITION: Real-time Tracking and Real-Time Eye AF for humans, animals and movies
  • VOICE MEMO FUNCTION: Attach a voice memo (. wav) to photo files or use voice to text for IPTC data

 

9. Canon XA11

Canon XA11.
Canon XA11. Image credits: Canon / Amazon.

The best camera for broadcasting

Type: Video camera/camcorder | Sensor: 1/2.84 inch type HD CMOS Pro | Megapixels: 3.09MP | Display: 3-inch, approx. 460,000 dots | Viewfinder: 0.24-inch, approx. 1.56 million dots, 100% coverage | Maximum video resolution: Full HD

If you have seen journalists reporting from the field using a video camera, there is a good chance they are using a Canon XA11. It is a professional camera that is great for all kinds of journalism work thanks to its HD CMOS Pro image sensor with high sensitivity that can capture approximately 2136×1362 pixels, resulting in vivid, color-accurate, and clear images and footage even in low light.

In addition, it has a 20x HD zoom lens that provides a long zoom range with 35mm equivalent of 26.8–576mm, which is useful if you want to report from a distance, and a 5-axis image stabilization system to ensure stable footage. The versatile XA11 can even record in Full HD resolution in both AVCHD and MP4 recording codecs, at multiple bit rates, and even simultaneously, offering you more editing options.

If you still aren’t impressed, it comes with Wide DR Gamma and Highlight Priority modes to ensure a natural range of tones and colors for realistic and eye-catching results, a 3-inch LCD touchscreen with 100% coverage, and dual SD Card slots, so you never run out of storage while reporting or filming a documentary.

Pros Cons
➕Versatile ➖Heavy and bulky
➕Great audio quality ➖Not ideal for still photography
➕Large LCD touchscreen
➕Dual SD Card slots
➕Wide DR Gamma and Highlight Priority modes
➕20x zoom lens
➕5-axis image stabilization system

Latest Price on Amazon:

Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder
  • Genuine Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens
  • New, Advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor with Improved Low-light Performance
  • Full HD 1920x1080 Recording Capabilities
  • 3.0-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen with Tilt able Electronic Viewfinder
  • Video Recording System:Compression: MPEG-4 AVC/H.26.Television System:NTSC

 

10. GoPro Hero11 Black

GoPro Hero11 Black.
GoPro Hero11 Black. Image credits: GoPro / Amazon

The best action camera for journalism

Type: Action | Sensor: 1/1.9-inch CMOS | Megapixels: 27.6MP | Display: 2.27-inch touch LCD rear and 1.4-inch color LCD front | Maximum video resolution: 5.3K

While unconventional, action cameras are quickly growing in popularity among journalists who often have to work in zones of conflict, and remote places or capture aerial footage using drones that other cameras simply cannot reach.

Despite its diminutive size, it can shoot outstanding 5.3K video with crisp details at 60 FPS and is capable of capturing high-res 27MP photos, and even screen grab 24.7MP stills directly from videos.

To keep photos and videos steady, it features Emmy award-winning HyperSmooth Stabilization with a built-in Horizon Lock that automatically adjusts to ensure that the end result is cropped as little as possible.

The Hero11 Black even offers the option to directly live-stream your footage from the camera itself, so there is no complicated setup required to go live and with dual screens, you can even record yourself. Plus, it has a scheduled capture mode and can be remotely controlled wirelessly so you can work hands-free.

And if you are worried about damaging the GoPro on your travels, it should be the least of your worries. The GoPro Hero11 Black boasts a rugged design and is waterproof up to 33ft (10m), so you can take it wherever you go. It comes bundled with a long-lasting Enduro battery, so you won’t have to charge it often.

Pros Cons
➕Rugged, weatherproof design ➖Might not be suitable for all journalists
➕Can be attached on any mount or tripod ➖Poor low-light performance
➕5.3K/60 FPS video
➕Dual screens
➕24.7MP stills from videos
➕Backwards compatible with existing GoPro accessories
➕Improved Hypersmooth stabilization with Horizon Lock
➕ Long-lasting battery life

Latest Price on Amazon:

GoPro HERO11 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, 1/1.9" Image...
  • Revolutionary New Image Sensor: expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera out of the box. This gives you an extra-large canvas for your creativity by capturing more of the sky and horizon in every...
  • Unbelievable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p, HERO11 Black captures the action with crisp detail and cinematic image...
  • High-Res Photos + Videos, High Frame Rate: HERO11 Black’s new image sensor boosts photo resolution up to an incredible 27MP while delivering 5.3K60 video with amazingly fluid motion that you can use...
  • Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth Stabilization: HyperSmooth has never been better. And now it’s won a huge award for its insanely smooth footage—a 2021 Emmy for In- Camera Sensor and Software...
  • What’s Included: HERO11 Black Camera, Enduro Battery, Carrying Case, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable

 

How to Choose the Best Camera for Photo Journalism

Now that you have a rough idea of what to look for and where to start, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s our guide on how to choose a camera for journalism:

Type

There are many types of cameras to choose from, each with its own benefits. Here’s a brief rundown of the most popular camera categories:

DSLR

These cameras use interchangeable lenses and have a large sensor, allowing them to capture more light than point-and-shoot cameras. They’re also great if you want to take more control over photography skills, as they allow for manual settings like shutter speed, aperture, ISO and exposure compensation. DSLR cameras can be expensive but offer amazing image quality!

Mirrorless

These are similar to DSLRs but instead use an electronic viewfinder that looks like an LCD display on top of the mirror itself rather than having one built into it like in traditional SLRs; this allows for much easier composition when shooting action shots because there is no need for any additional optics for focusing purposes. Mirrorless cameras are the most popular type of camera right now and offer the best quality.

Point-and-shoot cameras

Point-and-shoot cameras are ideal for beginners and those on a budget, as they’re easy to use and don’t require a lot of technical knowledge. They can be used indoors or out, but they may struggle with low light conditions and lack the option of interchangeable lenses.

Megapixels

Megapixels define how many pixels make up your photo or video—the higher this number is, the more details you’ll get in your image. This has become less relevant lately because image processing by the software also plays an essential role in the quality of the image. However, you should look for a camera with at least 20MP if you want highly-detailed photos.

Sensor Size

The sensor size refers to how large the area inside the camera sensor is. Bigger sensors allow for better photos in low-light conditions because they can collect more light but also make for larger images.

Most sensors come in three sizes: a 1-inch sensor mainly used in budget point-and-shoot cameras, an APS-C found in advanced compacts, mirrorless and DSLRs, and a full-frame sensor used in high-end cameras.

Frames per second (FPS)

The higher the FPS, the more shots your camera can take every second and the smoother your stills and video footage will be during slow-motion or fast-motion shots.

Video Resolution

Video resolutions of at least 1080p are ideal for high-quality journalism content, but according to modern journalism standards, having at least 4K resolution is even better. Especially if you plan to broadcast your content on Youtube or other platforms.

Connectivity

Connectivity standards like WiFi and Bluetooth will allow you to connect your smartphone and desktop directly to the camera without having to rely on an external docking station or cables—a feature that could save time when shooting live broadcasts or transferring files!

Size and Weight

A good camera should be light enough to carry around during your travels as a reporter. Still, the right size to be comfortable to use for hours on end.

 

Best Camera & Photography Gear

 

10+ Best Cameras for Photo-Journalism in 2024

We believe that these are the best cameras for photo-journalism and that you should use them to capture your stories. The key is to find the one that fits your needs and budget.

If you’re looking for something with more features and capabilities, then it might be worth investing in a more expensive device. But if you just need something that works well enough without being too complicated, most of the devices on this list would suit your needs perfectly!

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