While many cameras have Wi-Fi, we selected options that give you a reason to carry or use them rather than just sticking with your phone. Whether you want to create and share professional-looking images or you’re a video blogger, here are our recommendations for the best Wi-Fi cameras. At its core, an enormous sensor powers the X100V. This sensor can deliver pro-grade images captured through its 35mm equivalent lens (a common and versatile size). The lens features a bright aperture (the amount of light it lets in) that provides creamy out-of-focus bokeh effect areas as well as crisp images in dimly lit conditions. We’ve spent some hands-on time with the X100V and find the retro-inspired controls a joy to use. We also appreciate its unique hybrid optical/digital range finder-style viewfinder, which lets you look through the viewfinder or the display. With the X100V, you’ll be as excited to take pictures as you will be to transfer them to your phone and share them with your friends. Resolution: 26.1MP | Sensor Type: X-Trans | Max ISO: 12800 | Optical Zoom: Fixed focal length | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth With this camera, you don’t need to connect to a smartphone or computer to share your photos; you can do so directly from the camera by connecting directly to an internet-enabled Wi-Fi connection. It’s got Adobe Lightroom editing software built in and is one of the most complete all-in-one photography solutions around. Even better, it features a full-frame image sensor and a premium quality ZEISS lens. If you can justify dropping some serious cash on an extremely expensive camera, the ZEISS ZX1 is an awesome and unique photography experience. Resolution: 37.4MP | Sensor Type: CMOS | Max ISO: 51200 | Optical Zoom: Fixed focal length | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth The sensor in this camera is comparable to our top pick, the Fujifilm X100V, yet the G1 X Mark III is available for only about 75 percent of the cost. It’s also more flexible in zoom range, with its 3x 24-72mm equivalent lens. However, the lens on the X100V does let in more light and provides better out-of-focus backgrounds. It beats out the G1 X Mark III overall, but this Canon is by no means an inferior option if you prefer to save some money. Resolution: 24.2MP | Sensor Type: CMOS | Max ISO: 25600 | Optical Zoom: 24-72mm | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth It’s an awesome camera for any kind of photographer. However, it has a few downsides, including a fixed screen you can’t tilt for shooting at awkward angles. It also can’t shoot 4K video like most other modern cameras. Regardless, the Ricoh GR III X is the perfect camera for street photographers on the hunt for candid images. Resolution: 24.2MP | Sensor Type: CMOS | Max ISO: 102400 | Optical Zoom: Fixed focal length | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth While this is an incredibly versatile camera with an unparalleled zoom range, there are a few caveats to consider aside from its bulky size. It’s not cheap, and the sensor is similar to the size of a typical smartphone camera sensor. The smaller sensor is how it achieves its fantastic range, which can be a ton of fun, whether you’re traveling or just watching birds in your yard. Resolution: 16.7MP | Sensor Type: CMOS | Max ISO: 6400 | Optical Zoom: 125x | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth The main downside here is the camera’s relatively small sensor. It’s slightly larger than most smartphone camera sensors and produces better images than your smartphone. However, there are cameras available with larger sensors for not much more money if that’s what you’re looking for. For vloggers, though, the ZV-1 can’t be beaten. Resolution: 20.1MP | Sensor Type: CMOS | Max ISO: 25600 | Optical Zoom: 24-70mm | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Importantly, you’re getting a relatively long superzoom focal length with its 25 to 250mm equivalent lens on top of the larger sensor. This setup makes it absolutely ideal for travel, and it definitely grants you capabilities that aren’t available on any smartphone. Resolution: 20.1MP | Sensor Type: CMOS | Max ISO: 51200 | Optical Zoom: 25-250mm | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth It’s also durable, though don’t be too casual in flinging it about; we’ve seen that it can sustain some damage from a short fall onto a rock. Its small sensor also won’t deliver photos much better than what your phone can capture, though it does have a short optical zoom. One cool feature is its incredible super-macro capability, which captures some great up-close images. The TG-6 is also highly portable (pocket-sized) and relatively inexpensive. Resolution: 12MP | Sensor Type: CMOS | Max ISO: 12800 | Optical Zoom: 25-100mm | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Sensor size
When buying a Wi-Fi camera, it’s important to consider what significant advantages it will offer compared to just taking pictures with your smartphone. A big factor is sensor size since most phone cameras feature tiny sensors. With that in mind, carrying a Wi-Fi-connected camera with a larger sensor capable of capturing better, more professional-looking images can make a lot of sense.
Cost
Wi-Fi cameras tend to be pricey, and that’s because of how good smartphone cameras have gotten. A dedicated camera has to offer some serious features to gain an appreciable advantage over a smartphone, resulting in steeper price tags.
About Our Trusted Experts
Andy Zahn is a professional photographer, videographer, and writer who has been contributing to Lifewire since 2019. Andy is a self-described camera geek who has a deep fascination with imaging technology. He’s reviewed numerous cameras and photographic devices over the years.
