Selects: Top 5 Best-value Camera Gear for 2025

If you’re a photographer or videographer on a budget, and you’d like to upgrade your kit, then this is for you. Makeda Sandford, Content Marketing Manager at MPB Brooklyn, takes a closer look at the Sony A7 III, Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon Z7 II camera bodies, plus the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM lenses.

1. Sony A7 III

The first one we're going to be talking about is the Sony A7R III. Released in 2018, this camera still competes with higher-end Sony cameras. The Sony A7 III is a great choice for both photographers and videographers. It comes with a Sony E-mount, with a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor, it has a dual memory card slot and it takes Sony Z-type batteries, which are extremely long-lasting. It also comes with five-axis image stabilisation built into the camera. And when it comes to low-light photography, this camera measures up against the other Sony models.

The Sony A7 III can record in 4K at 24 and 30 frames per second, but the slow motion is reserved for HD 1080p. It also comes with Sony's signature S-Log picture profile for colour grading in post-production and for achieving high dynamic range. If you're looking for a two-in-one solution for excellent photography and video, the Sony A7 III is still a strong choice.

2. Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Next, we're moving on to the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Released in 2012, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is one of MPB’s best-selling cameras. It has a 22.3-megapixel full-frame sensor and 61-point autofocus. It does continuous shooting at up to six frames per second. For bonus points, it also has dual card slots for SD and CF cards. It shoots 1080p video at 24 and 30 frames per second, is generally easy to handle and it isn't too bulky. It's a classic choice, and personally, I prefer the autofocus system over the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Like a Beatles album, this camera has a huge fan base. It doesn't get old—no matter how long you've had it—and will still blow people's minds. It's the perfect camera for the photographer's photographer and it's getting better all the time.

3. Nikon Z7 II

Next, the Nikon Z7 II. It truly is the star of kit—it actually lives up to the hype. With a full-frame 45.7-megapixel sensor, native ISO range of 64 to 25,600 and fast continuous shooting, you'll never throw away your shot. This camera offers a plus for videographers. It supports 8-bit video in 4K, and you can shoot 4K up to 60 frames per second with only a slight crop. You can get up to 30 frames-per-second 4K in 10-bit as well, but you'll need an external recorder. Either way, it gets the job done.

4. Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS

Next, we're moving on to the lenses. The Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS, for X-mount and APS-C format cameras, has image stabilisation, which is a huge plus. This lens is nice and compact for a kit lens with a solid build quality. All of this with the image stabilisation makes this a powerhouse kit lens.

5. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM

Last, but not least, is this oldie-but-goodie Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM. It’s a telephoto zoom lens designed for EF-mount cameras, but can also be used with the APS-C models where it operates as a 112-320mm equivalent. A really useful feature, among many, is that the aperture remains consistent as you zoom. It also comes with a 77mm filter mount, great for variable ND filters for example. It has a weather-resistant design, so it's great to use in crazy weather conditions making it a top choice for wildlife content or for covering sporting events.

This lens also comes with four switches on the side. The first is a focusing distance switch, with the closest focusing distance being 1.2m-to-infinity or 2.5m-to-infinity. The second switch is for toggling between manual and autofocus. The third switch is for image stabilisation, which is a serious win. And the fourth switch enables the different modes of stabilization, the single shot standard mode and a second mode prioritised for panning. When it comes to telephoto lenses, this one should never leave your kit bag.

Read more camera gear guides on the MPB content hub.