Sometimes, the price tag of an item doesn’t always match its value. However, there’s definitely something captivating about luxury goods — be it classy cars or even a designer purse. After all, a lot of artistry and craftsmanship goes into these designs. Cameras are no exception, which is why many are often intimidated by the hobby due to the costs. However, all practicalities aside, it’s interesting to look at the most expensive cameras on the market and observe what makes them different. They’re certainly not your average point-and-shoot for selfies. Here are some worth checking out.
1. Canon EOS-1D X Mark III ($6,500)
The most dedicated photographers will likely want to save up for Canon’s flagship full frame DSLR. It’s a hybrid DSLR/mirrorless camera that contains a new image format and control input that is setting a new standard for cameras. With a battery life of up to 2800 shots and ISO range of up to 800,000, (among others features), it’s currently one of the most advanced cameras in the world.
2. Leica M10 Monochrom ($8,295)
This is perhaps Leica’s most controversial camera yet. It’s a digital camera that shoots photos in black and white — and with its price tag, it’s something photographers are trying to wrap their head around. However, Leica says that the camera has better dynamic range and can shoot images that are far more detailed than simply converting colored photos to monochrome.
3. Fujifilm GFX 100 Mirrorless ($9,999)
Fujifilm’s top large sensor camera is also the world’s first mirrorless camera that goes over 100MP of resolution. Despite being as big as a flagship DSLR, its sensor is 1.7 times bigger than a 35mm full frame sensor. It can record 4K30P videos and has a stabilization system up to 5.5 stops of stabilization. While its price tag is under five figures, it’s still quite the investment.
4. Linhof Technorama 617s III ($10,259)
This handheld roll-film camera is great for panorama and vertical shots, especially for producing views of landscape and architecture. The rugged build lets you use it in the most extreme conditions. This camera is designed for high-quality technical photography, thanks to its manual exposure and precise manual focus.
5. Mamiya Leaf Credo 80MP ($29,000)
Mamiya is known for great film medium format cameras, and this is no different. Features such as a dual-core microprocessor, high-res Live View functionality, wide viewing angle, and bi-directional spirit level are just a few things that make the Mamiya Leaf Credo worth the price. It also has a sensor of 53.7×40.3mm, producing highly-detailed images.
6. Hasselblad H6D-400C MS ($47,995)
High-quality cameras often come with a high price tag because they have special features that you won’t get anywhere else. In this regard, Hasselblad is no stranger to producing top-of-the-line, expensive cameras. Their H6D-400C MS can shoot a maximum of six sequential high-resolution photos and combine them in a 400MP frame with better color detail and no aliasing. Their H6D-100c is great as well, with a 100MP image sensor and Full HD RAW videos at 30fps. However, it’s quite steep at a hefty $33,000.
7. Phase One XF IQ4 150MP Camera ($55,000)
Phase One is a company that claims to have made “the world’s first 151MP camera” and the “ultimate camera for landscape photography.” This is their XF IQ4, which comes with 151MP and can give you a 14204×10652 resolution. With great color, detail, noise handling, and even a built-in professional editing software, it definitely lives up to its name.
8. O-Series Leica No.107 ($500,000)
We now introduce the more historical cameras, the first being the O-Series Leica No.107. Created in 1923 by Oskar Barnack, this is one of the earliest portable cameras. This is also the first Leica to be exported; it was taken to New York to be patented in the U.S.
9. Suisse Frères Daguerréotype pinhole camera ($740,000)
The most historical gadget on this list, this pinhole camera was designed by Louis Daguerre and made by the French company Suisse Frères in 1839. It was the earliest commercially available camera and was lost to the public until 2006 — when it was found by a former professor in his attic in Munich, Germany. It was subsequently auctioned off.
10. 1923 Leica 0-Series no.122 ($2.97 million)
Combining brand name with rarity and history, this camera was auctioned off for $2.97 million. The 0-Series only had 25 cameras in order to test the market before commercially launching the Leica A series two years later — and only a few are left in great condition, with the original parts still intact. Indeed, it’s a rare piece that not many photographers and collectors in the world get to possess.
