Best cameras

Start here: Canon EOS R10. It's the sweet spot for most people — fast autofocus, a detachable flash, and a body that's small enough to actually carry. It's the camera I'd hand to a first-time buyer who wants room to grow.

Who the others suit:

• Canon EOS R100 kit — the cheapest sensible entry point; buy it if you mostly shoot in daylight and want a lens included.
• Nikon Z50II — a newer crop-sensor body with in-body stabilization; great for travel and video.
• Canon EOS R7 with 18-150mm — one lens that covers wide to telephoto; the pick for wildlife, sports or kids' games.
• Sony Alpha 7 IV — full-frame, the step up for low light, shallow depth of field and serious video.
• Nikon Z6III — full-frame with a newer processor; the choice for fast action in dim light.
• Fujifilm X-T5 — dials and film simulations; the one for people who want to enjoy the process.
• Sony a6100 — a light, affordable second body or travel camera.

Skip the no-name "5K vintage" and old PEN listings — the specs don't back them up.