Best APS-C Cameras for 2022

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Best APS C Cameras for 2022 image

What are the best APS-C cameras we should consider when buying a camera through the rest of 2022? This is a good question!

I have three recommendations for you: a good option, a better option, and a best option for you to examine.

Interestingly, the best APS-C cameras for 2022 may have been introduced from a few years ago up to very recently, but the three I’m listing are either still being made or are so recent that you can find excellent examples from MPB, my favorite online platform for pre-owned photography equipment.

All three of these best APS-C cameras can be found right now at MPB. Part of the reason I shop at MPB is because it’s run by photographers, they carefully examine each item they list for sale, and they describe the exact condition of each item. What’s more, MPB offers a six-month warranty and seven-day return window on virtually everything they sell.

Without further ado, let’s discuss the best APS-C cameras for 2022!

Common Features of My Best APS-C Cameras

Common Features the Best APS C Cameras image

When looking at upgrading to a prosumer-style APS-C camera, there are some certain features that are important.

First off, in order to qualify as a prosumer-quality camera, it should have a level of build quality that engenders confidence for use in professional situations.

The sensor resolution and ISO sensitivity also need to support the case for this type of use and for inclusion on a list of best APS-C cameras. Resolution in the low 20s seems to work out very well for high-quality APS-C crop format cameras. After all, it was cameras in the 8 to 12 MP range that started to equal and surpass small format film for many photographers.

Other features I like to see are extended exposure bracketing, customizable buttons, and top-of-camera exposure setting readouts (or indicators of the same settings, such as physical dials). I also like cameras with faster sequence shooting, more AF points, and higher-capacity batteries (or the capability to add a battery grip).

I also like to have a high-quality video mode, preferably 4K, but Full HD works for a lot of vlog-style video recording.

If these items aren’t present, it isn’t a dealbreaker, but they’re nice to have.

Best APS-C Cameras - Good - Canon EOS 80D

Best APS C Cameras Good Canon EOS 80D image

The first camera on the list of best APS-C cameras is the good category with the Canon EOS 80D.

This camera comes with a 24.2MP APS-C sensor and 45 AF points. It is a DSLR type of camera, has a touch screen rear view screen, takes a single SD card, and records video in Full HD resolution.

This camera was released in 2016 and is a fine example of a prosumer camera. A couple of things that keep this camera from the top of this short list of best APS-C cameras are that it only holds one memory card and doesn’t have 4K video capability.

Learn More:

Best APS-C Cameras - Better - Nikon D7500

Best APS C Cameras Better Nikon D7500 image

Next on the list of the best APS-C cameras is the better category with the Nikon D7500. This camera is equipped with a 21MP APS-C sensor and 51 AF points. Also a DSLR style of camera, the Nikon D7500 has much of the electronics and features of the full-fledged pro model D500. It also holds a single SD card and records 4K video.

Released in 2017, the Nikon D7500 is a fine example of the excellent prosumer cameras at reasonable prices for which Nikon is famous. It also has a camera focus motor which opens up more lens availability than Nikon’s intermediate and entry-level cameras have.

A couple of things that keep this camera from being at the top of the short list of best APS-C cameras are that it only has one card slot and there is no in-body image stabilization. Instead, Nikon relies on individual lenses having VR (vibration reduction) technology for their DSLR lenses.

Best APS-C Cameras - Best - Fujifilm X-T4

Best APS C Cameras Best Fujifilm X T4 image

At the very top of my three-camera list of the best APS-C cameras in the best slot is the Fujifilm X-T4 mirrorless camera. It has a 26MP APS-C format sensor and 425 focus points. Fujifilm does not make any digital cameras with a mirror box - not even in their medium format cameras. This camera is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera body.

The Fujifilm X-T4 is the newest on my list of the best APS-C cameras, having come out in 2020. It has all of the features of being in my sights as a prosumer camera. In fact, it could be labeled by some as fully professional because of how rugged and capable it is.

Here are the features that put the Fujifilm X-T4 at the top of my list as the best of the bunch…

The camera controls are completely intuitive to operate, and you can instantly see what you’re setting because it uses marked dials instead of buttons or a menu. It records 4K video, has dual SD card slots, and a long battery life.

Best APS C Cameras Best Fujifilm X T4 2 image

A feature that the Canon and Nikon DSLRs don’t have is in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which allows shooting and filming in extreme conditions. The Fujifilm IBIS adds 6.5 stops of hand-holdability, which is a fantastic benefit of Fujifilm mirrorless cameras.

Another point in favor of mirrorless cameras is that you are able to use so many different lenses from multiple makers, in different mounts, and from virtually any era of modern photography if you have the right adapter to go from the lens mount to the camera.

Final Thoughts

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Well, with the Fujifilm X-T4 winning this little contest, am I recommending that you dump your current Canon or Nikon lenses, flashes, and other accessories that you’ve built up with your entry-level or intermediate-level camera to move into the prosumer category?

Of course not, don't be ridiculous!

Nikon and Canon (Pentax and Sony, too) are excellent cameras, each one capable of outshining the other with the right person at the controls. But, if you’re eager to move into mirrorless cameras and desire prosumer ruggedness and features, the Fujifilm X-T4 is easily one of the best APS-C cameras to use.

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And, as I mentioned in the introduction, you can find excellent examples of each of the cameras I’ve discussed here at MPB. Not only does buying pre-owned save you money, but you can also sell or trade in your current gear to MPB to further reduce the cost of your new-to-you gear.

With thousands of items in stock and with stock that is constantly changing, the likelihood that you can find the right camera for your needs at MPB is very high.

Don’t take my word for it, though - head over to MPB today to browse their vast selection of pre-owned camera gear!