In the early days of compact digital cameras, the number of megapixels was the main selection criterion, but since then, technology has moved on. The size of the sensor has long ceased to be the defining parameter.
Cameras have become much smarter, of higher quality, and there is a division into classes. For example, if the size is crucial for you, pay attention to ultrathin digital cameras. But remember that the compact size will affect the quality of electronic components, optics and battery capacity. However, most of the disadvantages are eliminated as the cost of the camera.
A separate niche in the market is cameras with an ultra-zoom and waterproof body for underwater photography. Models Premium segment will suit connoisseurs of high-quality pictures: Advanced digital cameras are often purchased by professional photographers to travel to replace the bulky DSLRs.
But regardless of the level of knowledge in the field of photography, when choosing should not blindly trust the technical description. Even the famous manufacturers Nikon, Canon, Sony are more or less successful compact digital cameras. In order not to regret the money spent, study before buying an independent rating of the best digital compact cameras. We have compiled a rating of the best digital cameras, which included only the successful models of reputable manufacturers.
The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has identified a list of the best cameras and optics of 2020-2021, according to their experts.
1) The Fujifilm X-T4 is named as the camera of the year. 
In the description, EISA specialists call the X-T4 “an outstanding mirrorless camera” that combines a compact size with very high image quality, impressive speed (up to 20 frames per second at full resolution), and professional video capabilities such as 4K 60fps recording.
“Fujifilm has undoubtedly created the best APS-C mirrorless camera,” EISA experts state in the camera card.
2) In the Best Buy Camera category, the Nikon Z50 wins.
“Competitively priced and of excellent quality, the Nikon Z 50 is recognized as the EISA 2020-2021 Best Buy Camera. This compact mirrorless camera with an APS-C (DX) sensor is easy to use and ideal for travel thanks to its rugged, weather-resistant body. It delivers excellent image quality with a good dynamic range, allowing you to recover details in both highlights and deep shadows. The Z 50 uses the same EXPEED 6 processor as Nikon’s full-frame models, allowing it to record 4K video at 30 frames per second or up to 120 frames per second in Full HD. Autofocus is fast and accurate, with very useful autofocus with eye detection and (thanks to a firmware update) animal detection,” the camera description on the nomination card says.
3) The Canon 90D wins in the “best APS-C camera” category.
The card notes that with the release of the Canon EOS 90D it became clear that the era of DSLR cameras is not over yet. The 32.5-megapixel sensor set the record for resolution for APS-C format sensors.
4) The title of the best full-frame camera goes to Nikon D780
“This successor to the Nikon D750 contains many improvements such as superior image processing, improved video capabilities (up to 4K UHD 30 frames per second with N-Log), slow motion, and single-frame shooting. In addition, the vastly improved hybrid AF system provides fast autofocus for shooting and shooting with the LCD screen,” the nominees note.
5) Sony’s advanced full-frame camera was the best, with the Sony A7RIV picking up the award.
Sony managed to achieve the Sony A7RIV’s incredibly high resolution of 61 million pixels.
“The camera also features one of the industry’s best autofocus systems, including real-time tracking based on artificial intelligence and real-time eye autofocus. Up to 10 frames per second continuous shooting with autofocus and autoexposure is possible. In addition, thanks to 5-axis image stabilization in the body, blurred images due to camera shake are minimized,” the camera card specifies.
6) The best professional camera was named Canon’s DSLR flagship, the Canon 1DX Mark III.
“Canon has gone to great lengths to update its top-of-the-line professional DSLR camera for news, sports, and wildlife photographers. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III offers advanced technology, including the newly developed 191-point autofocus system,” the camera card specifies.
The increased ability to shoot 12-bit video directly to the memory card in RAW is noted.
7) Nevertheless, the Panasonic S1H has named the best device for shooting both stills and video.
The Lumix DC-S1H is strongly focused on video recording. This device allows you to record at 6K resolution at 24 frames per second and 4K capture at 60 frames per second. It offers excellent image quality, especially in low light, the nomination card specifies.
8) The Fujifilm X100V was EISA’s best compact camera (although it does have some issues with overheating).
The camera card says it has “a great hybrid/electronic viewfinder” – and the same one as the Fujifilm X-Pro3 mirrorless camera.
The EISA itself has been called the perfect camera for travel and street photography.
9) The compact Sony ZV-1 was named the best camera for video blogging.
“This innovative compact camera is designed for content creators and video bloggers and offers great video features such as 4K recording in the S-Log range,” commented the authors of the nomination.
10) The best innovative camera was the mirrorless flagship, the Canon EOS R5.
It is noted that Canon EOS R5 is the first mirrorless camera capable of recording video in 8K format. It is also reported that the camera has an extremely effective matrix stabilization system.
Ten lenses also took prizes in the EISA categories:
The lens of the Year – Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Best Wide Angle Zoom Lens – Sigma 14-24mm F/2.8 DG DN Art
Best Standard Zoom Lens – Canon RF 24-70mm F/2.8 IS USM
Best telephoto lens – Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD
The best universal zoom for traveling – Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (review by Photar.ru)
Best Super Telesum – Sony FE 200-600mm F/5.6-6.3 G OSS
Best Professional Telescope Lens – Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F/2.8 E FL ED SR VR
Best wide angle lens – Sony FE 20mm F/1.8G
Best Portrait Lens – Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F/1.8 S
Best Innovative Optics – Canon RF 600mm and 800mm F11 IS STM
