The Best Cameras Under $2500

Plus more camera news you missed

View in Browser October 19, 2025 This week was filled with plenty of news, ranging from Nikon's new speedy APS-C zoom and micro lens, to Apple's update to the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro line and one wild new smartphone camera design. We also tried out the Nikon Zf's new 'Grain Effect', updated our thoughts on the best cameras under $2,500, and gathered the community's thoughts on the best camera stores in the world.  As always, thanks for being part of our community.  — Ben Highlights The best cameras under $2500 in 2025 What's the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out. See the grain effect that's about to make the Nikon Zf even more retro We got a chance to shoot examples of the 'Grain Effect' option that's about to come to the Nikon Zf. What the FX do all the letters on Nikon's lenses mean? Nikon has simplified its lens names for its mirrorless lenses, but the company still uses a lot of special abbreviations and terminology in its lens descriptions. Here's what those terms mean. How to add DPReview as a Preferred Source on Google – and why it matters You may have noticed a banner at the top of the page that says, "Add as a preferred source on Google." We explain what that is and why it's important. Diamonds in the rough: the camera stores DPReview readers enjoy visiting the most In our most recent 'Question of the week,' we wanted to find out what camera stores were hidden gems around the world. Your responses surprised us! Our October "Fall Follies" photo challenge is open for submissions Our latest Editors' photo challenge, "Fall Follies," is now open for submissions. Show us what fall follies look like through your lens for a chance to be featured on the DPReview homepage later this month. The Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2025 celebrates inspiration, from everyday beauty to moving short films The winners of the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025 have been announced, marking the 40th edition of the competition. News Updates The M5 MacBook Pro's chip might not be "pro," but is that a bad thing? Apple had announced its latest MacBook Pro with its new M5 chip. Nikon is finally making a fast zoom for APS-C The Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm (24-75 equiv.) F2.8 VR is the fast zoom Z50II deserves. Honor has a wild idea for getting steady smartphone shots Imagine a smartphone powered by AI with a gimbal for the camera. Honor's latest smartphone concept could become the first robot in your pocket. Viltrox's new 50mm F1.4 Pro is light on your wallet, but heavy in your bag Viltrox has announced a new normal prime with a fast F1.4 aperture for Sony E mount full-frame cameras. Jungle specter: Photographing critically-endangered primates in the jungles of Vietnam Journey into Vietnam's wild interior with photographer Erez Marom as he seeks out some of Earth's most critically endangered primates. Nikon's 35mm Micro lens is made to get up close and personal The Z DX Micro 35mm F1.7 can focus on subjects as close as 0.16m (6.3") away.   Further Reading   • Amid the A.I. Deluge, What Counts as Art? Ask the Curators. - The New York Times   • The platform exposing exactly how much copyrighted art is used by AI tools - The Guardian   • 60 years after Gemini, newly processed images reveal incredible details - Ars Technica   • Picasso painting goes missing en route to exhibition - CNN   Panasonic launches firmware, updates apps, gives the S9 an extra sheen and adds adventure (kits) Panasonic has announced a bewildering array of updates and enhancements to its cameras and apps, and launched a "Titanium Gold" version of the S9. The new 7Artisans 35mm F1.8 lens combines budget price with premium features 7Artisans has released a budget-friendly AF 35mm F1.8 lens with a more premium build. The winners of the 2025 Nikon Small World competition capture the world beyond the human eye The world, closer than ever. This year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners are haunting and beautiful Photographers from all over the world submitted their work. Fujifilm adds another camera to its audio-forward Instax The Instax Mini LiPlay+ makes it even easier to take selfies; no front-facing mirror required. New photo app Irys offers an ad-free, algorithm-free alternative to Instagram If you just want a site to showcase your photos without getting caught up in the rat race of "like and subscribe," Irys may be for you. DPReview 276 5th Avenue, Suite 704 - 3126 New York, NY 10001 You received this email because you subscribed to the Digital Photography Review weekly newsletter. To update your preferences, click here. 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