What's the best all-around camera you've used?

[saltydogstudios]

By far, the best little "all around" camera I ever used, was the Fuji F31fd. I was heartbroken when I dropped that little jewel and broke it. It was the best pocket sized camera on the market for many years.

https://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/compacts/fuji_finepixf31fd

And a SuperCCD Sensor too!

My Finepix with a SuperCCD was really meh, but I've heard lots of good things, I think I just got a mediocre camera.

One of the reviews was from 2018 - so, it's definitely a camera that has long-term appeal.

I wonder if Fuji will ever revisit SuperCCD technology (or similar) now that megapixel counts are massive, that sort of tech (where ~half the pixels are dedicated to low light/high dynamic range) could find a new place.

 

[PhotoTeach2]

Another vote for the FZ1000, Swiss army knife camera

I of course agree as "all-around", (especially the newer "II" with Post-Stacking Focus and Pre/Pro-Capture).

but the G9 is better in a lot of areas , particullarlt skin tones

Again agree as it has a larger sensor, (and newer).

But may I ask if it has ALL the options/features in FZ1000 (or "II" version) ???

 

[tony field]

I would have thought that a best camera would be illustrated with photos taken by that camera. Cameras are supposed to be for the creation of images and not just an excuse for Dpreview conversation

 

[PhotoTeach2]

I would have thought that a best camera would be illustrated with photos taken by that camera. Cameras are supposed to be for the creation of images and not just an excuse for Dpreview conversation

If the purpose is to illustrate an "all-around" camera; I suggest they must be a SERIES of photos taken at the edge of the cameras envelope, and possibly only possible using specific (and unique) options or features.

As there are many cameras that are better/best for specific purposes, any "single" image that could be captured by any typical camera can't illustrate "all-around".

And Tony, you have seen my released photos, most indeed using the uniqueness of the FZ1000, (especially when first released 9-YEARS ago).

And the more recent FZ1000-II added more options/features (then and still are) rather unique.

The same with the RX10-IV as the first with stacked-sensor, (6-years ago).

 

[tony field]

I would have thought that a best camera would be illustrated with photos taken by that camera. Cameras are supposed to be for the creation of images and not just an excuse for Dpreview conversation

If the purpose is to illustrate an "all-around" camera; I suggest they must be a SERIES of photos taken at the edge of the cameras envelope, and possibly only possible using specific (and unique) options or features.

Hummmm. If you have to operate your camera at the edge of its envelope you have chosen the "wrong" camera/lens system.

As there are many cameras that are better/best for specific purposes, any "single" image that could be captured by any typical camera can't illustrate "all-around".

I Agree. At least a few images are a much better indication than a 15 word verbal attempt

The features are technically interesting but not necessarily useful to me although many of the features are useful for many photographers

And Tony, you have seen my released photos, most indeed using the uniqueness of the FZ1000, (especially when first released 9-YEARS ago).

Indeed your sample are excellent useful illustrations and good photography

And the more recent FZ1000-II added more options/features (then and still are) rather unique.

The same with the RX10-IV as the first with stacked-sensor, (6-years ago).

--
Charles Darwin: "ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge."
tony

 

[Nebell]

Currently using Fuji H2s because I shoot motorsport 99% of the time, but I've used A7r IV for motorsport, astro, landscape, people, street and macro and it always created amazing photos.
Even motorsport panning created photos out of this world and easily beats this H2s. It's just that I wanted a stacked sensor with 20+ fps to it becomes easier for me to grab very slow shutter speed photos.


I just wish it had stacked sensor and CFExpress Type A/B slot, which is inside A1 haha, but I would have to sell a kidney to buy that camera. Pretty sure those high end cameras like A1, Z9 and R3 are simply the best all-round if money is not an option.
Just that in my experience A7r IV is the best I've used.

 

[Booted Cat]

Where else can you find a phone-sized camera which is also a phone and computer with Internet access that covers 13-240mm, or 13-720mm considering 3x digital zoom?

p.s. I know the Huawei P40 Pro+ and Mate 40 Pro+ also have an ultrawide camera and 3x and 10x optical zoom cameras, but they have an RYYB (instead of RGGB) color filter array which leads to color inaccuracy.

The title is pretty much self explanatory, but just to flesh it out a bit, the following is a list of the cameras that for one reason or other are not the best all-around camera I've used:

Hasselblad X1D. Best picture quality I've every had from a camera, but buggy as hell and a fairly limited window in terms of what you can do with it.

Leica M240 (and variants): Probably the single best user experience I've had with a camera, but again, limited to an extent in what you can use it for.

Sigma DP Merrill / Quattro series: basically like the Hasselblad, but even more limited.

Fuji X100 series: Like the Leicas, a lot of fun to use and with excellent image quality, but a fixed 35mm equivalent lens again limits application.

So in my case (and I'm not a specialist: I shoot a little of everything), the best all-around camera I've used is the Sony A9. Easily enough resolution (for what I do), easily good enough autofocus (probably more than I will ever need), decent enough battery life, pretty impressive dynamic range (I don't shoot "midday sun in a coal mine" level stuff which requires a billion stops of DR), a totally silent electronic shutter which doesn't distort moving subjects...It's hard to envision a situation where the A9 couldn't do the job.

Let's hear about yours.