What is the Best Camera in 2025?

They say, “The best camera is the one you have on you,” and while that sentiment has merit, perhaps it’s only part of the story. What if the real answer lies deeper within the connection between you and the camera itself. Cameras don’t just take photos—they leave impressions. Their size, weight, and even the sound they make can evoke feelings as vivid as the images they create. So perhaps the best camera is the one that begs you to take it with you!

Take my Leica Q2 Monochrom, for instance. If someone asked me to choose just one camera for the rest of my life, this would be it. Not because of its impeccable design or its monochrome magic, though those are incredible perks. No, it’s because this camera shifted my entire approach to photography. Its shutter whispers so softly it’s almost meditative, letting me slip unnoticed into a scene. “Take the damn photo.”

With this camera, photography becomes fluid, seamless—a quiet, poetic dance with the world. This camera helped me see more beauty in more places – yes, even in the harsh, fluorescent glow of supermarket aisles. Before long, it became a part of me: phone, wallet, keys, camera. When the tools you use resonate with you, something clicks. It’s less about megapixels and autofocus points and more about the way the camera makes you feel.

For some, that connection might come from an unexpected place. Have you seen the Nikon Zf or Zfc? These cameras come in bold, retro-inspired colours, and while many shy away from admitting it, colour can be transformative. (And yes, I see the irony of just declaring a monochrome camera my ultimate favourite.) A bright teal or ruby red camera isn’t just a tool, it’s a conversation starter, a confidence booster, and a creative catalyst. If the colour of your camera makes you want to sling it around your neck and never leave the house without it, isn’t that worth more than a spec sheet? Maybe you’ve had a camera like that—the kind that turns strangers into friends, co-conspirators in your creative journey?

3 Questions For Finding The Best Camera

Choosing the perfect camera is a deeply personal journey, but asking the right questions can help narrow the field. After all, it’s not just about what the camera can do; it’s about what it can do for you.

What is the purpose of this camera?

Start here. Are you documenting family holidays? If so, think small, compact, and easy to use—something the whole family can master, but still excites you every time you pick it up. Imagine a camera that’s as much a part of your trip as the laughter and late-night card games, with images that anchor those memories firmly in your heart.

Maybe it’s about documenting everyday life. How do you want to feel when you look back at these photos? Picture yourself reaching for your camera—does it slip into your pocket effortlessly? Will it let you move unnoticed in a room, capturing moments as they are without anyone changing their behavior because “the camera’s out”?

Or perhaps this is for professional work. A camera that makes you look and feel the part. Does it say “seasoned pro” or “amateur hour”? And more importantly, does it handle the light, angles, and scenes you dream of mastering?

What kind of images does the brand promote?

This might seem secondary, but it can be telling. The first time I saw a Leica ad, I wasn’t just looking at photographs; I was feeling them. There was an emotional weight to the images—a richness that wasn’t about technical perfection but about connection. I knew instantly that this was the kind of photography I wanted to pursue. The question then becomes: what images are the photographers who use this brand creating? Do they resonate with you? Can you see yourself in their shoes?

How does it feel to hold?

This is where it gets physical—literally. A camera isn’t just a tool; it’s a companion, one you’ll spend countless hours with. But here’s the thing: you won’t get the full story in a camera shop. In those fleeting minutes with a salesperson rattling off specs, you need to be ready to tune into how the camera feels.

What’s its weight? Do your hands wrap around it just right, or does it feel awkward and unbalanced? Is it too big or too small? Can you imagine it in your bag, on a strap around your neck, or held to your eye for a full day’s shoot? These might seem like minor details, but when you’re out in the field, they become everything.

At Loop Art & Photo Space, conversations about cameras often veer away from tech specs and focus instead on the feelings they evoke. Visitors light up as they recount memories made with their favourite gear. My personal excitement spills over when I talk about my Bronica SQ-B—a medium-format film camera that feels like an extension of my artistic soul. It’s not just a camera; it’s a presence. The satisfying heft in my hands reminds me to slow down, to savour each shot. And the clunk—oh, the clunk—as the mirror swings out of the way feels like a declaration: This moment matters. It’s the sound of patience rewarded after meticulously setting up a frame.

Photography is an emotional, almost poetic art form. Every click of the shutter is deeply personal. The camera you choose should enhance that feeling, not hinder it with endless menus or settings that feel like a chore. It should be a seamless part of your creative journey, something that amplifies your voice and vision. Whether it’s the sturdy presence of medium format, the elegant silence of a compact rangefinder, or the playful charm of a brightly coloured Mirrorless, the physicality of a camera is an extension of your story. The way it feels, sounds, and looks—it all plays into the emotions of photography.

So, when it’s time to choose your perfect camera, don’t let specs dictate your decision entirely. Sure, it should do all the cool things you need, but more importantly, it should spark joy, speak to your soul, and promise memories yet to come.