The Camera You Should Be Using

There are many types of men in this world—too many types to count, really. Luckily, there are but five kinds of camera user, which makes it simple to fix you up with the right one.

1. The Connoisseur:

Canon EOS 5D Mark III– If you opt for a full-on DSLR, you’ll have a lot of options, but if we’re talking best-of-breed, we’re talking the Mark III. Its 22-megapixel, full-frame sensor and complete manual control let you capture every subject—no matter how speedy, sprawling or poorly lit—with stunning clarity. $3,500

2. The Point-and-Shooter:

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III– Despite the improvements of smartphone cameras, there is still a place for a unit like this, offering near-DSLR performance in a compact package. Not into juggling lenses or tinkering with settings? Here’s the perfect solution. $800

3. The EVIL-Doer:

Sony Alpha a7The EVILs (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens) of the world provide a happy medium between compact and DSLR, providing top image quality in a tiny package. Boasting a crisp electronic viewfinder, a light body and a full-frame sensor, it’s a featherweight contender with a heavyweight punch. $1,700

4. The Pic-Sharer:

Nokia Lumia 1020– Smartphones have been threatening to wipe compact cams off the map entirely, but it’s even more rare to find one packing the borderline-professional specs of this Windows-powered beauty. A whopping 41 megapixels, lossless 3x zoom and a surprising complement of manual settings (like shutter-speed control) produce the largest, sharpest images in the category. $550

5. The Swashbuckler:

Olympus Tough TG-3– There’s something to be said for a camera you can beat the hell out of. The TG-3 is the most waterproof (up to 50 feet), crush-proof (up to 220 pounds) and death-defying snapper around. It’s got a 16-megapixel sensor and the quick autofocus you need to snap pics mid-adventure. $350