These are the 20 most important cameras of the decade (and one phone)

I suppose it is to be expected that there will be a lot of misunderstanding about what is a mirrorless camera. The term does not apply to any and every camera that doesn't have a single lens reflex mirror. The term specifically refers to cameras that offer an alternative to the DSLR camera. Mirrorless cameras are digital cameras, they are system cameras with interchangeable lenses, they are specifically DSLR cameras without the single lens reflex mirror, i.e. they offer through-the-imaging-lens composition and focusing, like a DSLR. The first mirrorless camera was the Panasonic G1 in 2008. So, in fact, mirrorless cameras are actually something new.

As for the iPhone -- no. Firstly, it is not a 2010's thing. Smartphones with integrated cameras were established by the mid-2000's, and Apple wasn't even part of that establishment. So wrong time, wrong product. Secondly, the impact that the smartphone had on P&S sales in the 2010's was shared by numerous brands. The iPhone was not special.

Dec 29, 2019permalink

C.Eaton

Without a doubt the Sony 5n from 2010 should be on this list as it was the first mirrorless, interchangeable APS C camera so set the trend for compact, full featured cameras.
I bought the 5n as a trial in 2010 and immediately sold all my Canon 5D equipment as this little camera really did herald a new era in photography.

Dec 23, 2019permalink

Dash29

I see that the D500 hasn't made the list even though its the current benchmark.

Z6/7 errrrr...right!

Dec 22, 2019permalink

Sony has to be at the top, no question. Smartphone bloom aside, Sony shook the camera industry like no other with the A7/R and RX100 series and sent the traditional big makers back to the drawing board, who are now following the leader and are desperately trying to catch up. I also voted for the Iphone 4/s for obvious reasons, the K1 for exactly the reasons mentioned in the article (it doesn't have backlit buttons), and the 50S for redefining the big sensor enthusiast camera. I almost gave the X100 the 5th place for literally saving Fujifilm, but then it was the hipsters who saved Fujifilm and not the X100. The inclusion of the Nikon 1 in this list is a joke, if it's not trolling.

Dec 21, 2019permalink

Bumblebees

Actually the J1 isn't a joke from a technical perspective. It was from my understaninding the first mirrorless with phase detection AF points.
It also had some totally new functions that hasen't been seen before like Smart Photo Selector, Motion Snapshot. Quote from Wikipedia: "Reviewers say that Nikon stands behind its words and users agree that the Nikon 1 J1 has incredible speed when focusing in normal light,". The fps was also amazing. 20fps with folowing AF.

So it's kind of the Samsung NX1, but since the system was aimed toward normal consumers (and Nikon was afraid for canabilisation of the DSLR's) it wasent a hit among enthusiasts.

But, yes from a technical point of view it was big leaps forward.

Jan 3, 2020permalink

Kirk Bruner

Don't forget, Sony benefits from the smartphone boom. They supply the sensors for most phones, including all the i-phones.

9 months agopermalink

mehdi787

I shoot Nikon but they should include 5D Mark III in the list.

Dec 20, 2019permalink

It didn't make such and impact as the MkII.

Dec 21, 2019*permalink

Barney Britton

I'm just leaving a comment to get us above 666 comments. I don't need that kind of bad luck.

Dec 16, 2019permalink

romeno80

Does a decade start with a 0 or with 1?

Dec 16, 2019permalink

sidwin

"1", Barney and his crew should know this!

Dec 18, 2019permalink

markyboy81

"0", otherwise we'd still be in that decade!

Jan 6, 2020permalink

sidwin

Sorry to be a bit late replying but decades are numbered 1 to 10, 11 to 20, 2011 to 2020. In the UK we have a census in the first year of a decade. The next census is in 2021. The title of the film 2001 A Space Odyssey was chosen because 2001 was the first year of the next millennium and therefore, the first year of a new century and therefore the first year of a new decade and who am I to argue with Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke. Of course, in the great scheme of things such things only matter to pedants like me!

11 months agopermalink

markyboy81

So let me get this straight, the last year of the 90s was the year 2000? I rest my case m'lud.

11 months agopermalink

odpisan

I miss Pentax KP .. the first one with ISO 819.200 .. the smaller version of K1 II

Dec 16, 2019permalink

locke_fc

Solid list, it's hard to argue with it overall. Personally, I'd have left one of the Leicas out, and possibly one of the MF ones, due to their irrelevance to the vast majority of users. That would have freed up two slots for cameras like the Fuji X-T2 and some other.

Dec 16, 2019permalink

Tord S Eriksson

The Nikon 1 line was/is delightful, but hampered by lenses that failed faster than any brand, and it happened to any of the lenses, but (possibly) the second generation 10-30 PD. The 70-300 CX had a unique design, and they are still sought after, and it is still the sharpest 70-300 I have owned, and it is even better than the AF-P 70-300 VR, being a tiny bit sharper, and much more flare-resistant.

The J5 had the same sensor as the Sony RX line, so image-wise it slightly better than the earlier models, but sadly it lacked EVF, and using a loupe looking at the display not quite as good as it could have been. And the battery is very small, making the 'endurance' restricted, if you attach one of the heftier lenses.

The weak point was a design flaw with almost all the lenses (not the 10-30 PD, as far as I know, nor the 70-300 CX mentioned above).

Eventually Nikon gave up, closed down the just presented DL line (which shared the aperture design), and left China.

Sic Transit Gloria!

Dec 16, 2019permalink

6. Fujifilm GFX medium format mirrorless done well on a budget
7. Canon 5D mkiv showed the mirrored work horse can adapt to changing times
8. Nikon df for blending the 70s and the early 2000s DSLR (Note, was over priced intervals from D6)
9. Sony RX100 mkii
10. Panasonic LX100 mkii

The best company as a whole?
Fujifilm for their customer service and bravery in design meets technology.
Written by a MFT FAN BOY ;)

Dec 16, 2019permalink

My first thought was "who didn't make the list" and it was pretty telling, Pentax and Olympus have had fantastic cameras and some with ground breaking features like combined pixel shift large format size photos. BUT generally they have failed to keep up with the pace and quantity of innovations.
I hope both brands survive or if they don't they get bought out and keep their name. It would make sense for Lumix to swallow up Olympus (similar innovations and the same mount) and Sony to swallow up Pentax (Sony needs to learn how to make a rugged body with full superior weather sealing)
My list (Note price is an important factor):
1. Panasonic G1 (and Olympus Pen) first mirrorless
2. Panasonic GH4 started high quality video hybrid concept that is now the rage across the market
3. Sony A7 first full frame mirrorless attempt (melted)
4. Fujifilm XPro2 showed that tradition can work perfectly well with modern system ideas
5. Pentax K1 full-frame quality worth $10k on a $5k budget

Dec 16, 2019permalink

Olympus and Pentax *DID* make the list, actually.

And your #1 pick is actually a 2000's camera and does not qualify for this list. ;)

Dec 29, 2019permalink

Thanks Boss ;)

Jan 16, 2020permalink

Tord S Eriksson

Dec 16, 2019permalink

Darkroom_Fine_Art_Pro

You are missing one, the Chamonix 45N

Dec 15, 2019permalink

digitalsublime

势在必行的革新！Where is Canon 5D2??? The Quote in Chinese means "Imperative innovation!"

Dec 15, 2019permalink

That was the previous decade

Dec 21, 2019permalink

digitalsublime

You are right! Haha!

Dec 21, 2019permalink

MrHollywood

The only smart move was leaving the Ricoh GR off the list.

Dec 15, 2019permalink

GV65

I miss some of the very early cameras that opened up digital for the masses, like the canon eos 300D, the first affordable DSLR.

Dec 15, 2019permalink

Hans van de Riet

That's very true and a capable camera to boot. This was my very first digital camera and I am still impressed by the photos that came out of it. My only gripe with the camera was it extremely slow start up. Only a novice then, I shot in JPG not even knowing what RAW was for. Wish I had known as with the latest photo editors those JPGs photos could even have turned out better.
Unfortunately I had a break in and all my camera equipment was stolen. That's South Africa for you

Dec 20, 2019permalink

NotAPhotog

I'm biased, but the A6000 should be on the list as the best selling MILC of all time.

I also would like to nominate:

* Sony A7 - first FF MILC

* Panasonic GH5 - shows the versatility of M4/3s and benefits of a smaller sensor especially for video

* Fuji X-T1 - a true APS-C flagship that routinely gets compared to FF cameras and paved way for the excellent X-T2/3

* Fuji GFX50 - first MF MILC

* Nikon Z7 - showed that large camera companies were going to take MILCs seriously, also showed that Nikon is willing to learn from old mistakes with the larger mount, short flange distance and a serious sensor size unlike the Nikon 1 series.

* Canon 6D - made FF DSLRs more accessible

* Canon RP - wasn't as successful as the 6D above, but I applaud Canon's continuous attempt to make FF MILCs more accessible.

* Panasonic S1 - showed what they learned from M4/3, introduced a new mount, and the only company to offer a truly portable MILC system AND a larger, pro system as well.

Dec 15, 2019permalink

I think Your assessment is pretty right but DPR had to do something I suppose. Ideally you would actually say the first camera designed for each mount because it was the beginning of something special.

Dec 16, 2019permalink

dkeller

Definitely the Sony A6000 and A7 really popularized the mirrorless ICL market. Other cameras may have been better in some respects, but these, and the series that followed really set the trend.

Dec 23, 2019permalink

thoth22

I have no clue how you would omit the a6000? Is it not the best selling apsc mirrorless of all time? That is not notable?

Dec 14, 2019permalink

It's notable for sure from a numbers standpoint. However, I don't think it really pushed the industry forward in any way. Ergo's are a trainwreck, menus are worse, and the evf was crunchy AF. I would certainly recommend someone buy this over any apsc DSLR these days, but it didn't change the photography industry in the same way the A7 did.

Dec 16, 2019permalink

thoth22

It put mirrorless in a lot of new hands and it became mainstream, similar to the Rebel series, though not to same degree. I'm guessing a few dollars from the profits have gone to R & D, again pushing the industry forward. At the time it had the most advanced hybrid AF system with very good 1080p video. Good argument but it doesn't change my opinion as there is more to it. It will probably go down as one of the top selling ILC's of this decade. I guess sales don't push an industry forward, my bad.

Dec 18, 2019permalink

Photo Pete

What a shame the Nikon D3s was announced 2 months too early to make this list. That was the camera that showed the true potential of quality high iso images. It was a camera years ahead of its time.

Dec 14, 2019permalink

zxaar

i would say it was D3 that came with jump in high iso performance and started series of cameras to follow.

Dec 16, 2019permalink

chambeshi

Much what followed after 2010 were footnotes to the Nikon D3.

Interesting skew on the importance of putting MILC out in APC then FX. There was a long series of precursors eg Nikon Coolpix mirrorless. Then N1. Wider mount for then FX sensor and upgrade the LiveView of the DSLRs. No great leap forward ;-)

Dec 24, 2019permalink

kierenlon

I thought we might see a ricoh GR in there. Still it was a fun list and although I didn't own one, I had to vote for Samsung. The only thing that stopped me buying one at the time was lens selection. I really wish they stayed in the game

Dec 14, 2019permalink

Dave Melges

First, including the Canon R and Nikon Z is almost offensive. The Canikon duopoly literally HELD BACK the entire industry by refusing to commit to a modern camera...for years...while they waited for Pany/Oly/Fuji/Sony to solve all the problems...then they each essentially just copied Sony. They both waited so long, Nikon might go under.

Second, to not include the two cameras that most changed the buying habits of photographers everywhere....the Sony a6000 (which somehow remains competitive and the best selling mirrorless 6 years after release) and the a7III which made Sony the best selling full frame system, is criminal. We have two completely FAILED system cameras on the list, but not the a6000? We have niche cameras that really didn't change ANYthing on the list but no a7III?

This is one of those "let's try to make everyone happy" lists, not the REAL list.

Dec 14, 2019permalink

cbphoto123

Now that you got that all out...do you feel better now?

Dec 16, 2019permalink

Sounds like someone is upset that the two sony cameras they own aren't on the list. Also even sony doesn't care about their own APSC line so why should anyone else ?

Dec 16, 2019permalink

Le Frog

I can see the historical/technological significance of the Samsung models, even though the system was a commercial failure, but neither a technological dead end like the Nikon 1, nor niche toys like the Leica bodies surviving on the glory of Leica glass deserve inclusion.

If there is a niche product that has become a legend and deserves to be included, that surely is the the Panasonic GM1/5 and the Fujifilm X Pro.

Dec 14, 2019permalink

Herr Mueller

I think in 2012 one should not be missing - the Nikon P7700.
A nice little all-rounder with realy good picture quality for the 1/1,7 class.

Dec 13, 2019permalink

Which class completely and deservedly got wiped out when the RX100 came.

Dec 21, 2019*permalink

Kirk Bruner

In my sixty-nine years, I have never been so happy with a camera as I am with my Sony a99 II. I'm of the opinion that the SLT, despite the misnomer, offers the best of both worlds in functionality-a cross between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR all in one unit. Of course, Sony's use of the word "translucent" is an error (the mirror is semi-transparent, NOT translucent), but, what the camera does is stupendous in the real world. As I compare real-world files captured with the a99 II and the a7R II (same sensor), there is no difference that actually matters, AND, I can change a lens outdoors without getting dust dumped all over the sensor. This is my 4th SLT and my 5th Sony. My first was the a200, having been a Minolta person in the film years. Once I got into the a58 for a week, I was completely sold on the electronic viewfinder and really don't want to go back. No one talks about the SLT anymore, but its performance parameters set a pretty high bar for mirrorless cameras to clear.

Dec 13, 2019permalink

zxaar

a99 felt very good in the hand. it also focused pretty good.

Dec 15, 2019permalink

I never understood why the a99 was such a commercial failure. The mark 2 is absolutely excellent.

Dec 16, 2019permalink

Robert1950

I am just not into personal opinion polls, which is what this thread is all about. If I was a street photographer and walked around with little Fuji X100 and it did it for me, then it is obvious what my personal choice for most important camera of the decade would be, even if I have since upgraded to an X100F. For other it may be a Nikon D300s, even if it was released in 2009. etc., etc. I do agree with the 20 most important photographs though, irrelevant of what camera was used

Dec 12, 2019permalink

GrahamHO

I would much rather view the 20 most important photographs of the decade.
A camera is just a tool. But I guess dpreview.com is selling cameras not photographs

Dec 12, 2019permalink

seakayem

Agree with the Lytro comments - didn’t buy one but they opened up the possibility of PP focal point and DOF that is now why computation photography in camera phones is pushing the boundaries. And no Sony SLT cameras - the a55 and a99. They took everyone by surprise and forced a lot of catch up R&D early in the decade.

Dec 12, 2019permalink

seakayem

^ computational

Dec 12, 2019permalink

Shutterbug1947

No Canon 1DX ll. What a joke.

Dec 12, 2019permalink

scottenyc

Shall we assume the Sony didn't make the cover image because you were using it to take the picture?

Dec 12, 2019permalink

taktak91

The most important is the one you actually decided to buy.
If it wasn't important, you wouldn't have bought it.

Dec 12, 2019permalink

PuzzleGal

I don't think so. I think an important camera changes the path we all take. So, the iPhone (which was my vote) was a major step towards killing all the small, consumer-grade cameras. It's existence restricts what cameras I can purchase today. The Sony RX100 was a serious response, that said, "wait, there's still room for a GOOD small camera." I think they were right to mostly focus on "the first camera to do XYZ" and not "the camera that currently does XYZ the best".

Dec 26, 2019permalink

Carl Crumley

The Sony R1 introduced in 2005 was the first APS-C mirrorless camera I believe, not the Samsung NX10. The R1 had a fixed lens rather than interchangeable lenses. The Zeiss 24-105 lens on it was marvelous though. If Sony hadn't bought Minolta's DSLR line right after that they probably would have introduced interchangeable lens models and perhaps even full frame and been more than a decade ahead of their time. The electronic viewfinder technology would have hindered their success and general acceptance though.

Dec 12, 2019permalink

Suave

It had a fixed lens.

Dec 12, 2019permalink

Carl Crumley

I said that.

Dec 13, 2019permalink

Kirk Bruner

Sony, in fact, was poised to go partners with Minolta to co-produce DSLR cameras. Minolta would provide camera design, shutter tech, lens mount, auto-focus and metering systems, and Sony would build all the electronics. Optics would come both from Minolta and Zeiss. Everyone thought it was a match made in Heaven. Suddenly, the parent company, Konica/Minolta, pulled the plug on the camera company and it was instantly dead. Minolta folks around the world were aghast, as was Sony, who then bought Minolta, including the lensworks, and went right to work. Initically, it was the "A" lens mount system Sony wanted to access. Now, they had it all, including a lot of great Minolta people on board.

Dec 13, 2019permalink

Suave

How about the M50, the first mirrorless to make it to Costco?

Dec 12, 2019permalink

Alex Sarbu

Nice to see the Pentax K-1 on the list.
I can't agree with one entry, which IMO doesn't make any sense at all: the Samsung Galaxy NX, a complete failure. It can't be called important if it didn't do, nor influence anything.

Dec 11, 2019permalink

I tend to agree with Alex on this one. Did Not start any trends in the industry and sucked as a camera

Dec 16, 2019permalink

Skyscape

Very surprised the Nikon D500 is not on this list. The D500 scores among the highest ratings in its review here and was very boldly and repeatedly praised as a standout in APS-C cameras.

Dec 11, 2019permalink

Yeah but it didn't sell very well, and nobody followed in its footsteps, so maybe it was a dead end?

Dec 12, 2019permalink

Skyscape

That's a very good point, and it definitely seems like the end of the line for Nikon DX cameras. But a quick look at the other cameras on that list shows many new cameras that haven't really established any sales trends yet, and some of them like the Leica likely would not out-sell the D500. So I'm not sure if sales performance really figured into the considerations here.

Dec 12, 2019permalink

gfrensen

I do not think these kind of lists are very important for me. I will not base my choices on these lists. I do wonder why some cameras did make it to the list and others did not.
I can understand that a "first in a class" can be a good criteria. But when that class didn't make it at all (Samsung Galaxy, camera with phone interface) was that camera important? I don't think so!
Is the Leica T Important because it was such a beautiful camera? I don't think so, it didn't set a trend or something.
The Nikon 1 series, was a big flop, so was it that important?
The Pentax K1: The only reason to bring it in the list here is to satisfy the Pentax lovers. The camera did nothing for the industry, it didn't sell well, it didn't bring innovative features or what ever..
The Canon and Nikon FF mirrorless shouldn't be in the list either, they weren't the first and didn't bring anything new to the market. They just have to bring them out so they didn't loose that market.

Dec 11, 2019permalink

gfrensen

When we look at cameras that really changed the industry the list is very short:
1. Phone cameras (the destroyed the P&S cameras)
2. The Panasonic GH1 (just outside the 10 years I know, but started mirrorless)
3. Samsung NX10/Sony NEX (started together the APS-C mirrorless)
4. Sony A7 (Started single handed the FF mirrorless)
5. Fuji GFX 50/Hasselblad X1D (first mirorless mid frame camera)
6. Sony RX100, (Camera that saved the P&S cameras, together with the other 1" cameras)
7. Fuji instant cameras (for bringing back instant photography)

Some honourable mentions (cameras that did try something new, but didn't make it at all)
1. Lytro Light Field
2. Canon powershot N (a Connected camera)
3. Pentax Q: (First really compact ILC)
4. Nikon 1: (First 1" ILC)
5. Sony QX10: (First camera module for a smart phone)

Dec 11, 2019*permalink

(unknown member)

"I do not think these kind of lists are very important for me."

Thats a whole lot of words for something thats not important.

Dec 11, 2019permalink

Logas69

Dear Lord, so many omissions. If you want a proper poll, place everything inside that came up in the last 10 years.

Dec 11, 2019permalink

Barney Britton

A nice idea, but completely unmanageable, I'm afraid! Without completely changing how our poll UI works, it would be about a mile long.

Dec 11, 2019permalink

nevada5

Shouldn't we wait one more year till the end of the second decade of the century? The century began January 1, 2001. So .... it's math.

Dec 11, 2019permalink

(unknown member)

No it didnt.

Dec 11, 2019permalink

wolfloid

You are getting very confused.

Dec 15, 2019permalink

Silken

Except even then Sony was "pipped to the post" by Leica, with the M9 and M (typ 9+1=240)...

"...that the D850 may end up ultimately being regarded as the pinnacle of DSLR technology for enthusiast photographers..." Us very enthusiastic professionals!

Dec 11, 2019*permalink