Type: Full-frame mirrorless
Features: 8K video, 5-axis image stabilization, hybrid autofocus system
If you’re looking for pure luxury and top-tier quality, the Leica SL3 is in a class of its own. With a 60MP full-frame sensor, unreal dynamic range, and high-speed autofocus, it delivers incredible image quality. It’s built like a tank, has 7fps mechanical shutter, 30fps electronic, and a price tag to match. Though, note: This is a pricier option—it’s best suited for professionals or serious photographers who have stood by the Leica brand with all of its advancements. Otherwise, its design is similar to the new Panasonic Lumix pick, also included on this list.
In a previous version of this article, legend Steve McCurry recommended the Leica SL2, the SL3’s predecessor. McCurry is famous for his iconic photograph “Afghan Girl,” which was featured on the cover of National Geographic in June 1985. The SL2’s lenses, he said, were the best he’s used, and he praised the camera’s incredible durability. The camera has extremely crisp 5K and 4K recording capabilities, so for users who are traveling in rogue conditions—like windy deserts or beaches with massive waves—the camera’s weather sealing, which keeps out the elements, is key.