The photography industry is fascinating…
You don’t even have to be a photographer to appreciate the beauty of some machines that are used by the right hands to create art. They are marvels of technology that have shaped the way photographers view and capture history, the way they bring revolutionary concepts to light, and the way they capture the beauty of our planet and its life.
All cameras work by the same basic principle, yet each is unique in its own special way. They are the tools of our trade, and we love them as if they were extensions of our eyes and vision. To celebrate these marvels of engineering, here are the ten best cameras ever built.
Table of Contents
- Canon EOS 1D
- Nikon F
- Leica M4
- Mamiya 7 II
- Canon EOS 5D MK II
- Contax RTS-3
- Fuji X100
- Hasselblad 500cm
- Nikon D4
- Kodak Brownie
10. Canon EOS 1D
Elliot, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In 2001, Canon changed professional photography with this amazing camera that was co-designed by Kodak. The specifications were breathtaking for the time, and even by today’s standards, the features are some of the most high-end.
It had a whooping shutter speed of 1/16000s, 8 frames per second burst shooting, and a flash sync speed of 1/500. This meant that it was the best option for both high speed action photographers as well as studio shooters. It had a 4.1MP sensor that provided clean images at high ISO values compared to the standards of those years. It was also the first DSLR capable of recording 9,999 photos in a single folder. For everything it brings in terms of technological performance, the 1D takes 10th place in our list of the best cameras of all time.
9. Nikon F
Runner1616, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In 1959, Nikon took one of the most important steps in its history with the introduction of its first single-lens reflex camera, the Nikon F.
When it came out, it was clear to everyone that this was the most advanced camera of the time. The Nikon F bumped rangefinders into a second position as the choice of professional. It was a modular system camera, meaning that various pentaprisms, viewfinders, and focusing screens could be attached. This camera was so well built and damage-resistant that photographers used to call it “the hockey puck.” The F mount is still being used today on Nikon DSLRs.
8. Leica M4
Christopher Robin Roberts, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Number 8 on our list of the best cameras of all time is the classic Leica M4 rangefinder. It was introduced in 1967, and it was a significant upgrade from the M2 and M3. The design featured an angled film advance, a self-timer, and frame selection levers. A crank for rewinding was also added to replace the telescopic knob of the M3. It was one of Leica’s most successful models and remained in production until 1971.
Keep Reading: Best 35mm Film Camera: Top 10 Picks from a Professional Landscape Photographer
7. Mamiya 7 II
This was a brilliant 6x7cm rangefinder with interchangeable leaf shutter lenses. It had a lot of great features packed into a body no larger than a conventional 35mm SLR. There was a built-in aperture priority mode with full manual exposure capability, and a panoramic adapter was also available for 24x65mm frames. It was very well suited for fast, low light photography and takes the 7th place on our list of the best cameras of all time.
6. Canon EOS 5D MK II
It is challenging to describe the influence brought by the MKII to digital photography. In its day, it was possibly the most loved Canon digital camera. The 5D MKII was the first DSLR that truly gave birth to the convergence between photography and video. It is a landmark that is still in use by many photographers and Hollywood professionals, despite being replaced by the MK III. The 5DMK II is a testimony of Canon’s ability to excel in both photography and filmmaking.
5. Contax RTS-3
friedelkg, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
RTS stands for Real Time System. The camera was created by Porsche design and was the beginning of a new range of Contax SLRs that included 13 models. Because of its outstanding built quality and great operation, it rapidly became a favorite among professional photographers. Today, it has become a valued piece for camera collectors, as are many Contax cameras.
Keep Reading: Best Camera for Landscape Photography: What to Look For and Top Picks for 2024
4. Fuji X100
Darren Stone, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
It was the most anticipated camera of 2011 when it started shipping. The X100 sold like canned food before an announced disaster. With this small, highly advanced compact camera, Fuji brought a refreshing new feel to a photography market that had reached maturity in the digital age. It has a superb 23mm lens (35mm full frame equivalent), an APS-C sensor, and a retro-designed, solid metal body. It is the walk-around camera of countless photographers, and for this, it takes a well-deserved fourth position on our list of the best cameras of all time.
3. Hasselblad 500cm
The third position on our list is a Hasselblad, and for good reason. This was one of the most legendary medium-format cameras of all time. It was introduced in 1957, and it featured advanced technologies for its time, such as electronic flash sync at all speeds and automatic aperture stopdown. Because of the world-class built quality, the impeccable optical design of Hasselblad lenses, and the ease of use, it remained a favorite among high-end fashion and portrait photographers for more than 40 years.
2. Nikon D4
Zebarth, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The flagship camera from Nikon is number two on our list because of its rock-solid body, incredible speed, and outstanding low-light performance. It was the professional standard of its day, and although it has since been replaced with modern mirrorless cameras, it should continue to make and capture history for many years to come and provide the same trademark quality.
1. Kodak Brownie
cogdogblog, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The number one camera on our list of the best cameras of all time has the lowest technology inside it. In fact, it’s also the oldest!
Without the Kodak Brownie, none of the cameras above, and many others for that matter, would have been possible. It is the equivalent of the Ford Model T in photography.
The Brownie was launched in 1900, and it brought photography to the masses at a low cost. This camera also gave us the concept of the snapshot. It was nothing but a cardboard box with a meniscus lens, and it took 2¼-inch square pictures on 117-roll film. For that and many other inventions, we thank Kodak and proudly call this the best camera ever.
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Learn more:
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Hero Photo by New Africa via Shutterstock
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