(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom's Guide)
Every time the half-year mark comes around, I think to myself, "This has been a great year for cameras." It happened last year and the year before, and it has happened again this year. So far in 2026, we've been treated to some fantastic cameras and drones, and brands continue to prove that there's still room to grow and develop in terms of imaging tech.If you don't know me, my name is Nikita and I'm a Senior Reviews Writer, testing the best drones and the best cameras. This year, I've tested 12 of these nifty gadgets so far — from keychain cameras like the Kodak Charmera and black-and-white snappers like the Leica Q3 Monochrom, to speedy mirrorless beasts like the Canon EOS R6 Mark III and aerial wonders like the DJI Avata 360.After a somewhat slow start to the year, we've been spoiled thanks to new launches from the likes of Leica, and DJI coming out with a range of drones and gimbal cameras. Now that we're well into July, I thought I'd round up my top five cameras and drones of 2026 so far. Has there been a camera or drone that's been a standout for you? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!
Words and photos by
I review the best cameras and best drones here at Tom's Guide. I've adored photography for as long as I can remember, and when I'm not working, I love taking my Fujifilm X-T50 on a walk and capturing the sights. My favorite subjects to photograph are animals, birds, and my partner. You can follow my work on Instagram.
