I test camera gear for a living here are the 5 standout models for 2026 so far, from Sony, Lumix and more

Date:
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:26:46 +0000

Description:
I look back at the best cameras I've reviewed so far this year, and select my personal 5 favorites.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter After having precious little
new camera gear to review in the opening months of the year, 2026 has well
and truly kicked into gear for us tech journalists.

The first quarter saw a smattering of niche compact cameras, including the Leica Q3 Monochrom , Instax Mini Evo Cinema and Ricoh GR IV . That's right: a black-and-white-only full-frame compact and a 3-in-1 instant camera that shoots video were the highlights. That peculiar first quarter was followed by some more conventional photographer treats, such as the Sony A7R VI and Panasonic Lumix L10 . I described the full-frame A7R VI as 'the perfect camera', and said the L10 was 'the prettiest Lumix in years', and a worthy alternative to the Fujifilm X100VI . Latest Videos From Watch full video
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DJI launched a couple of standout five-star drones, the Avata 360 and Lito
X1 , while navigating both its US ban and some new competition, with Insta360 stealing the Pocket 4P 's thunder by launching its fantastic dual-lens Luna Ultra .

Meanwhile, it has been an unusually quiet year for some of the big names thus far. Nikon, for example, is yet to announce a new camera in 2026, nor have we seen a new Fujifilm X. You may like The best mirrorless cameras, based on in-depth testing The best Sony cameras, ranked according to in-depth testing The best compact camera: top choices to take anywhere

I expect a steady stream of new releases throughout the latter half of the year, with heavily rumored models including the crop-sensor Fujifilm X-T6 and the Canon EOS R7 II . But here I'm going to look back at my five favorite cameras I've personally tested so far in 2026, in no particular order, with honorable mentions for a few others that have had the full TechRadar review treatment. 5. Panasonic Lumix L10 Release date: May 12 Rating: 4.5/5 (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Panasonic surprised us all during its Lumix 25th anniversary event by dropping the all-new Lumix L10 and it was a real treat to review. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

It's the spiritual successor to the Lumix LX100 series of premium compact cameras, inheriting a gorgeous 24-75mm F1.7-2.8 lens that's been refined to work with Panasonic's latest 26.5MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and the latest Real Time LUTs profiles.

That sensor isn't all that the Lumix L10 has in common with powerful cameras such as the Lumix G9 II it also features Panasonic's reliable
phase-detection autofocus with advanced subject detection and 5.7K video recording, albeit without sensor-based image stabilization.

There's real power under the hood, and a gorgeous design to boot. It's not quite as retro-feeling as the X100VI, but it isn't far off and that zoom
lens versatility is a real win. If you're looking for a versatile everyday compact camera, the L10 is a fabulous pick. What to read next The best camera for photography Best cheap video cameras for 2026, based on in-depth testing Sony A7R VI review: Sony just perfected mirrorless cameras

Read my in-depth Panasonic Lumix L10 review Today's best Panasonic Lumix L10 deals 1,299 View 1,299 View 1,299 View Show more We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices 4. Insta360 Luna Ultra Release date: June 10 Rating: 4.5/5 (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman) Insta360 and DJI's rivalry got extra spicy this year when Insta360 launched its first vlogging camera, the dual-lens Luna Ultra, pipping the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P to the post. Cue lawsuits and counter lawsuits .

I've tested both compact vlogging cameras (though at the time of writing my DJI Pocket 4P review is under embargo), and they take this format to new heights. Both feature dual gimbal cameras with 20mm (1x) and 60mm (3x)
lenses, and an extended 6x lossless zoom.

Each brand takes a different stab at the format; the Luna Ultra features a unique and genuinely useful detachable remote and screen, meaning you can see and control the camera from up to 20m away. That module also features a built-in mic, making solo vlogging so much easier. I enjoyed DJI's magnetic fill light, which is powered by the camera.

The DJI Pocket series has dominated this space for years with no real rival, but that's no longer the case. For me it will be hard to go back to a single-lens vlogging camera having tested both the Luna Ultra and Pocket 4P they both get a mention here, because I expect them to be among the best-selling cameras over the next year.

Read my in-depth Insta360 Luna Ultra review Today's best Insta360 Luna Ultra deals 649 View 649 View 649.99 View Show more We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices 3. Ricoh GR IV Release date: Janauary 15, 2026 (announced August 20, 2025) Rating: 4/5 (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman) As a Ricoh GR III X user, I've been looking forward to the Ricoh GR IV for quite some time, hoping that the latest-generation model would address a few of my issues with my beloved premium pocket compact camera. Sadly, the GR IV didn't deliver on several counts: it again lacks a built-in flash and tilt screen, nor does it have any real improvements in autofocus performance or build quality.

However, the GR IV came with surprising upgrades elsewhere, and raises the image-quality bar for such a truly tiny and pocketable camera. A new 26MP sensor and refined lens gave a small boost in resolution, plus a notable improvement in image stabilization performance. Its lightning-fast startup time further enhances the GR series' street photography chops, while battery life saw a welcome boost, and internal storage was increased.

With those upgrades came a price hike, and the GR IV costs much more than the GR III did, especially if you live in the US. However, there's still no real competition for a camera of this size and quality, and Ricoh has further expanded the range with HDF and Monochrome versions of the GR IV.

Read my in-depth Ricoh GR IV review Today's best Ricoh GR IV deals 1,199 Preorder 1,199.99 View 1,249 View Show more We check over 250 million
products every day for the best prices 2. Oppo Find X9 Ultra Release date:
May 2 Rating: 4.5/5 (Image credit: Future) This round-up isn't confined to cameras I had the pleasure of traveling to China for the first time earlier this year to put the Oppo Find X9 Ultra's camera through its paces amid the stunning mountainous landscape of Yunnan province. Put simply, the Find X9 Ultra is the most versatile cameraphone I've ever used.

The flagship device is globally available, and costs as much as an iPhone 17 Pro Max , but that seemingly hasn't deterred fans desiring its five-camera array and top-spec screen, battery and chipset. The 1x main camera paired
with the Hasselblad Master mode delivers especially stunning natural colors and RAW photos up to 200MP, while the class-leading 3x and 10x telephoto cameras each pack the largest sensors in their respective formats.

I shot over 2,000 photos with the Find X9 Ultra, and shared my gallery and overall impressions, which you can find in the link below. I also compared
the smartphone to the Lumix TZ300 travel zoom compact , and felt that its 1x and 3x cameras were arguably even better quality, although the telephoto lenses are still no match for the new Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 S II professional lens.

The quality of smartphone telephoto cameras reached new heights in the X9 Ultra, and it has become my most-used camera this year. There's even a 300mm teleconverter lens accessory that further stretches that reach, and which performed admirably when I took it to a pro soccer game.

Read my in-depth Oppo Find X9 Ultra review Price comparison: Find the best deal for your next phone Contract Deals Sim Free Recommended Data (high to low) Data (low to high) Monthly cost (high to low) Monthly cost (low to high) Price (high to low) Price (low to high) Contract Deals Sim Free See all
prices (223 found) Filter Recommended Data (high to low) Data (low to high) Monthly cost (high to low) Monthly cost (low to high) Price (high to low) Price (low to high) gift Oppo Find X9 Ultra (512GB) 24 months data 25GB 29 upfront Monthly 46.99 /mth 29 upfront 46.99 /mth View at Mobiles.co.uk gift Oppo Find X9 Ultra (512GB Orange) 24 months data 200GB 40 upfront Monthly 54 /mth 40 upfront 54 /mth View at Mobiles.co.uk gift Oppo Find X9 Ultra (512GB) 24 months data 100GB 29 upfront Monthly 47.99 /mth 29 upfront 47.99 /mth View at Mobiles.co.uk Show more 1. Sony A7R VI Release date: May 13 Rating: 5/5 (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman) Today's best Sony A7R VI deals 4,399
View 4,399 View 4,399 View Show more We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices I've been reviewing cameras for over 15 years, so it takes something special to cause me to use the word 'perfect' and that's
what the Sony A7R VI is. It's a professional mirrorless camera with a stacked 66.8MP full-frame sensor and lightning-fast burst-shooting and autofocus performance, with an all-new higher-capacity battery bagging you more shots, and 8K video.

During my lengthy review period I shot everything from landscapes to wildlife and portraits, and the A7R VI can handle it all with ease. It's also a seriously well-designed camera, with a high-resolution EVF and multi-angle touchscreen, and is complemented by a rich selection of professional lenses for just about any use case.

In one sense, Sony has shot itself in the foot here by giving the A7R VI
such raw power and quality, it renders the pricier A1 II redundant for most users. The A7R VI can do 95% what the A1 II can do, for a much lower cost. I've never owned a Sony Alpha mirrorless camera, but the A7R VI has me seriously tempted, especially given that Sony has made my favorite lenses
over the last 18 months. If I could keep a hold of a single new camera from 2026, the A7R VI would be it.

Read my in-depth Sony A7R VI review Honorable mentions Image 1 of 5 Leica Q3 Monochrom (Image credit: Tim Coleman) DJI Avata 360 (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Canon EOS R6 Mark III (Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock) Instax mini Evo Cinema (Image credit: Tim Coleman) DJI Lito X1 (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) We've tested plenty more cameras throughout 2026, and five other models I want to highlight are the Instax Mini Evo Cinema, Canon EOS R6 Mark III, Leica Q3 Monochrom, and DJI's Lito X1 and Avata 360 drones.

The Instax Mini Evo Cinema is probably the quirkiest of the lot, being a 3-in-1 Instax that shoots photo, video and prints onto Instax Mini film. The 'Eras' dial is its standout feature it's a dial with 10 settings, one for each decade spanning the last 100 years that mimicks the look of the media of that time.

Canon launched its incredible EOS R6 Mark III full-frame mirrorless camera at the start of the year, and it goes head to head with the Sony A7 V as a top all-rounder, with no real weaknesses for photo and video use.

Monochrome-only cameras made a return too. I tested the Leica Q3 Monochrom , which it shoots next-level black-and-white photos, while Ricoh followed up
its GR IV with its first stab at this niche, the GR IV Monochrome , which sadly comes with a big mark-up over the color original. If you only shoot in black and white, these cameras should top your list.

Despite its US ban, DJI continues to lead the pack with new drones we gave both the Lito X1 and Avata 360 five-star ratings in our reviews. The Avata
360 is a more versatile 360-degree drone than the Antigravity A1 , while the Lito X1 is incredible value given that it has object avoidance and costs around half the price of the Mini 5 Pro .

I have a feeling that the second half of 2026 will deliver plenty more
treats, though I'm curious about what Nikon and Fujifilm could do next. Which new cameras would you like to see in 2026? Let me know in the comments below. Today's best Canon EOS R6 Mark III, Leica Q3 Monochrom, DJI Avata 360, Fujifilm Instax Evo Cinema and DJI Lito X1 deals Canon EOS R6 Mark III 2,100 2,015 View See all prices Leica Q3 Monochrom 5,900 View See all prices DJI Avata 360 639 View See all prices Fujifilm Instax Evo Cinema 329.99 View See all prices DJI Lito X1 369 View See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Follow TechRadar on Google News and
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/cameras/i-test-camera-gear-for-a-living-here-are-the -5-standout-models-for-2026-so-far-from-sony-lumix-and-more


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