DPReview readers share their favorite camera brands

Photo: capanikon

For last week's Question of the week, we’re turning the spotlight on something photographers love to debate: what’s your favorite camera brand? Some of you swear by one trusted name and have used it for decades, while others have explored multiple brands before finding 'the one'. There were quite a few of you who also talked about your experience in switching from one camera brand to another – a brave decision.

What I personally found interesting was how many of the responses talked about camera and lens brands that aren't often discussed on our forums. The Mamiya, Bronica, Siruis or TTArtisans of the world.

Keep reading to see which camera brands our readers chose as their favorites.

Your favorite camera brand

Skinma: OM System / Olympus. Nothing else comes close. I love the size of the cameras, as I can take a body and two lenses, a water bottle, food, and a flash all in my Lowepro sling bag. Performance is also great. I still have my original Olympus E-M5 as a backup body, and its image quality is fantastic compared to that of more modern cameras.

capanikon: A friend showed me his Nikon F3. I was impressed with the industrial rawness of it, the metal and hardness. The haptic shutter speed dial, buttons and switches. It felt like a real machine. I like the style of the F-mount lenses with their clicky aperture rings and bunny ears, helicoid focus, and rubber focusing rings. So, I sold my EOS and switched to Nikon. First, a used N8008; later, an F4s and an F3hp.

Satyaa: None! Every time I started to like a brand, they lagged in something I needed, and I had to switch. I like different bodies and lenses for different reasons, but no favorite brand right now. I am speaking as a hobbyist on a budget. If money is no constraint, I guess one could get anything in any brand. Leica might be my favorite brand at that point.

Photo: maoby

Kipplemaster: I have used a lot of different stuff and am definitely not a brand loyalist. Currently have a selection of Sonys as well as a couple of Nikon 1s. Out of ‘millions’ of lenses I've owned, that one is surprisingly easy to call. Probably my ‘sweet spot’ for loving my camera kit was the original Canon 5D and associated L lenses. My second-favourite lens is the Canon 200mm F2.8L.

I like trying weird stuff like the original Lytro and the Nokia 808 PureView, a 40MP camera on a weird Nokia phone in the days when 40MP wasn't even available on any DSLR. Most of them have been fun. All of which is a long-winded way of saying I don't really have a favorite brand. I almost forgot to mention that some of my other favourite lenses have been Sigmas.

greycell: I've followed DPReview for at least 15 years, and weirdly never felt compelled to comment before. I even hesitate to say Olympus (slash OM System) is ‘my favorite’, but it's what I'm used to and work with within my own means and limitations. I chose it originally because it's what my dad used, and I inherited all his classic manual lenses from the OM-1 era onward. I know it's not even the best for the low-light concert photography I like to do, but it feels good enough with modern processing tools.

SimonV: Having tried and owned almost all brands, there's only one that stands out and doesn't feel like it does things the same as others, and that's Fujifilm. I wouldn't call myself a fanboy in any regard since many of their models are a bit too fiddly for me and seem built for smaller hands and fingers, but they're the only company I've found that is both capable (albeit not at the top of any category) and, most importantly, Fun to shoot with.

If I were a pro, I'm sure it would be different, but I'm a hobbyist, and the most fun I've had has been with Fujifilm. Especially their later models like the X100VI and GFX100RF, which provide both fun and excellent image quality.

Photo: dimpsey

sportyaccordy: I shoot Sony because I'm just super picky about lenses and will compromise everything else for that. I really loved shooting with Canon. On paper, yes, sometimes Canon isn't the best, but the shooting experience/build quality, etc., make up for that. And now on the body side, at least I think they are basically back on top. Lenses are getting better, but still not where I want them (and even if/when they get there, I'm not switching again).

LLW902: I've got a Sony a7c II with a 24-70mm F2.8 and a Fujifilm X-E5 with a 23mm pancake lens, both sitting on my desk right now. Both are great cameras, but I'd reach for the Fujifilm first for almost anything, except a professional opportunity where it was absolutely critical I not miss focus on the first try. I guess that's a rather roundabout way of saying that Fujifilm is my favorite, even though, on the merits, it is a less accomplished device.

Tony5D: Currently using Nikon Z7II, but decided to change from Fujifilm (XE2, XT2, then XH1) mainly because my main subjects are landscape and architecture. The Nikon offers full-frame and 42MP, and is not much bigger than the X-H1. I have also used just about everything else because I was in the industry. Old favorites? Minolta CLE is easy to pack for flights, and the Canon G5 X Mark II, which I carry at all times, is a backup.

dizzeeK: Let's be honest, for someone shooting stills that aren't birds or sports, anything will work. I can only speak for me personally, though. I have to say, Canon. I have been through many cameras/systems since the film days, and I am most happy with Canon, despite the RF system not being the ‘best’ on paper. It is a joy to use, and the results are great. Who else has a 70-200mm F4 that is that compact and well featured?

So many other stories we couldn't fit in this article are shared in the forums. Thanks to everyone who took the time to explain why your favorite camera brand stands out to you.

Keep watch for the next Question of the week every other Wednesday to participate in this series. New questions are posted here on the homepage and in the forums. We can't wait to read and share your stories!

Share your favorite camera brand and see what other community members think!