Your image quality, fine details, and overall product presentation are directly related to the camera you choose. Cameras with high-resolution sensors can capture intricate details. Besides, ISO, lens compatibility, image stability, and many other features work together to ensure your products look their absolute best.
So, how do you choose the best camera for product photography?
In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the top cameras you can use for your product photoshoot. We will also guide you through the important features you should consider while choosing a camera.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Here are the 9 best camera for product photography you can consider for your upcoming project.
Sony A7 IV
Key Features
- Fully articulated 3 inches touchscreen LCD
- Real-time tracking and Autofocus
- 10 fps continuous shooting with full-time autofocus and autoexposure
- USB C and WiFi enable tethering for immediate image review
- Dual Memory card slots: CF express Type A/SD & SD (UHS II)
Specifications
- Camera Type: Full-frame mirrorless
- Sensor: 33 MP full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS
- Image format: JPEG, HEIF, RAW (Sony ARW 4.0)
- Continuous shooting rate: 10 fps
- Viewfinder: 3.68M-dot OLED viewfinder
- Autofocus system: Hybrid AF with 759 phase-detection with real-time subject tracking
- Battery: NP-FZ100 (2280 mAh, rechargeable Li-ion)
Pros | Cons |
Robust build quality | Potential overheating |
Excellent image quality with high resolution | Quite expensive |
Good low-light performance | No option to re-process Raw images in-camera |
Fast continuous shooting with accurate autofocus | Not recommended for shooting fast-moving products like car |
Touchscreen LCD for convenient shooting and composing | |
Full-size HDMI port |
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Key Features
- APS-C sensors capture high-quality images
- DIGIC 8 image processor ensures fast performance
- Great focus-holding ability in bright lighting conditions
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing and remote camera control
- Storage compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
- Auto white balance detection is good for inexperienced photographers
Specifications
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS
- Processor: Digic 8 image processor
- ISO Range: 100-25600 (expandable to 51200)
- Autofocus System: Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
- Continuous Shooting: 10 fps
- Viewfinder: Built-in 0.39-inch, 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- Screen: Vari-angle 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD
- Battery: LP-E12 battery pack
Pros | Cons |
Compact and lightweight design | Short battery life |
User-friendly interface and controls | Limited lens selection |
Versatile autofocus system | Doesn't support USB charging |
Vari-angle LCD touchscreen | |
Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and webcam support |
Canon EOS R10
Key Features
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor captures high-resolution images
- DIGIC X image processor performs a variety of high-speed tasks
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system ensures fast, responsive, and precise focusing performance
- Wired and wireless connectivity options for transferring photos as well as controlling the camera
- Single memory card slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
- LP-E17 rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
Specifications
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Processor: DIGIC X processor
- Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS
- ISO range: 100-32,000
- Viewfinder: 2.36 m Dot OLED EVF
- Continuous Shooting: 15 fps (Mechanical shutter), 23 fps (Electronic shutter)
- Autofocus system: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
- Screen: 1.04 million dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- Connectivity: USB Type-C port, micro-HDMI port, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2
Pros | Cons |
Small, compact, and lightweight | Battery life doesn’t support for a long time |
Excellent processor and auto-focus feature | In-body image stabilization is absent |
Continues shooting up to 23 fps in full resolution | Compact size unsuitable for handling with big hands |
Wide range of customization flexibility | |
Affordable price |
Panasonic Lumix G85
Panasonic Lumix G85 is another excellent camera for product photography at an affordable price. This DSLR style mid-range mirrorless camera offers several high-end features that can capture professional quality photographs. Its dual image stabilization feature ensures you get sharp and clear images when captured without a tripod. Besides, it has a fully articulating touchscreen LCD which allows for flexible shooting angles.
Key Features
- Robust design with anti-dust and waterproof feature
- 3 inches articulating touchscreen LCD
- Built-in wifi for wireless image sharing and remote camera control
- Dual image stabilization for achieving sharp images
- Fast shooting speeds up to 10 fps with single shot autofocus
- Supported memory formats: SD / SDHC / SDXC/ UHS I
Specifications
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 16 MP CMOS
- Continuous shooting: 9.4 fps
- ISO range: 200- 25600
- Viewfinder: 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder
- Battery: 1200 mAh, 7.2 VDC, rechargeable Lithium-ion
- Supported file formats: JPEG, MPO, Raw
Pros | Cons |
Compact and weather-sealed body | Poor battery life |
Great image quality ensuring accurate colors | Continuous autofocus is limited to 6fps shooting speeds |
5-axis in-body image stabilization | NFC, Bluetooth, and GPS are not available |
Excellent ISO performance | |
Fast and accurate autofocus ability | |
High-resolution photos | |
Affordable price |
Panasonic Lumix G9
Key Features
- Fully articulating touchscreen LCD
- Lots of physical controls
- Built-in wireless connectivity and USB support
- Continuous shooting at up to 60 fps with an electronic shutter
- Enhanced JPEG processing produces better color, contrast, and detail
Specifications
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 20.3 MP CMOS
- ISO range: 100-25,600
- Continuous shooting speed: 60 fps
- Viewfinder: 3.68 million dots, EVF
- Storage media: Dual SD card
- Storage type: Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II supported)
- Supported file formats: JPEG (Exif v2.31), Raw (Panasonic 12-bit RW2)
- Battery: DMW-BTC13 lithium-ion
Pros | Cons |
Fast and accurate autofocus | High-resolution mode is sensitive to camera shake |
In-body image stabilization | Relatively large and heavy compared to other mirrorless cameras |
Fully articulating touchscreen LCD | NFC, Bluetooth, and GPS are not available |
Robust build quality | |
Waterproof and dust resistant | |
Dual SD slots with UHS-II support |
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
Key Features
- Compact and lightweight DSLR ideal for long time photoshoots
- Fully articulated side-hinged touchscreen LCD
- User-friendly interface helpful for beginners
- Wireless connectivity facilitates workflow efficiency
Specifications
- Camera type: DSLR
- Processor: DIGIC 8
- Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS
- ISO range: 100-25,600
- Viewfinder: Optical pentamirror, 0.87x magnification
- Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Pros | Cons |
Good image quality | Hot shoe that doesn’t work with third-party flashes |
Strong build quality | Lack weather sealing |
Vari-angle touch LCD | Image quality can be affected in low-lighting |
Fast processor delivers better battery life | |
Useful guide mode for beginners | |
Comfortable grip and controls |
Sony A6400
The Sony A6400 is a compact APS-C camera with excellent image quality and performance. This camera is designed with a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and BIONZ X image processor to capture high-resolution, clear, and sharp photographs. The fast and accurate autofocus feature helps to set a sharp focus on every part of the product. Besides, the camera is compatible with a wide range of Sony E-mount lenses. It also has a 180 degrees tiltable screen that will make shooting from different angles and perspectives effortless.
Key Features
- Robust and portable design
- Excellent autofocus performance
- 24.2 MP APS-C sensor allows for capturing intricate details
- BIONZ X image processor reduces noise and improves color accuracy
- 2.95-inch 180-degree tiltable LCD touchscreen
- Multiple connectivity streamline the workflow
Specifications
- Camera type: APS-C
- Sensor: 24MP APS-C Exmor CMOS
- Processor: Bionz X
- ISO range: 100-102,400
- Viewfinder: 2.36 million dot OLED EVF
- Continuous shooting: 11 fps
- Screen: 3-inch 921.6k-Dot Tilting
- Autofocus system: 425-pt phase detection with real-time tracking
Pros | Cons |
Compact and lightweight design | Lack of in-body stabilization |
Great quality high-resolution image | No in-camera Raw processing |
High-quality electronic viewfinder | Limited external controls |
Versatile autofocus system | |
Support Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and NFC | |
Customizable menu settings |
Nikon Z 5
Nikon Z 5 is another great beginner level full-frame mirrorless camera you can consider for product photography. This sturdy camera has high-end features for capturing professional-quality photos. Its full-frame sensor can capture intricate details of your small-size products. Besides, the processor reduces noise, improves sharpness, and maintains color accuracy to enhance image quality. Moreover, its comfortable grip and intuitive layout make it easy to handle the camera.
Key Features
- 24.3 MP full-frame CMOS sensor captures high-resolution images with excellent detail
- EXPEED 6 processor enhances image quality
- Z-mount system provides a wide range of lens options
- Hybrid autofocus system ensures fast and accurate focusing
- 5-Axis built-in image stabilization reduces camera shake
Specifications
- Camera type: Full-frame mirrorless
- Sensor: 24.3 MP FX-Format CMOS
- Processor: EXPEED 6
- ISO range: 100-51,200
- Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
- Continuous shooting: 4.5 fps
- Viewfinder: 3.69 million dot OLED
- Memory Card Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth and wiFi
- Screen: 3.2 inches Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- File format: JPEG, Raw
- Battery: EN-EL15c rechargeable Lithium-ion
Pros | Cons |
5-axis image stabilization | Few third-party Z lenses available |
Dual UHS-II card slots | Autofocus performance needs improvement |
Dust and water protection | Screen only tilts and doesn't rotate |
Tilting touch LCD | |
High-magnification OLED EVF viewfinder | |
Great battery life |
Fuji Film X-T5
Key Features
- X-Processor 5 processor and X-Trans CMOS sensor to achieve high-resolution photos
- Advanced autofocus system can focus on specific areas of the product, enhancing detail and sharpness
- Compatible with a wide range of Fujifilm X-mount lenses
- 3-way tilting touchscreen facilitates capturing products from the best possible perspectives
- WiFi and Bluetooth allow easy transfer of images and streamline the workflow
- 7 stops in-body image stabilization ensure sharp images even at slower shutter speeds
Specifications
- Camera type: APS-C Mirrorless
- Sensor: 40MP X-Trans CMOS
- Processor: X-Processor 5
- Continuous shooting: 15 fps
- Viewfinder: 3.64M dot OLED
- Connectivity: WiFi and Bluetooth
- Screen: 3-inch fully articulating LCD screen
- Memory card slot: Dual UHS-II SD card
- File format: DCF, JPEG, HEIF, Raw (14-bit RAF)
Pros | Cons |
Compact size with comfortable grip | Require improvement for low-light performance |
Fast and reliable AF system | Viewfinder is a bit cramped compared to larger cameras |
Good battery life | |
Intuitive and fully customizable controls | |
3-way tilt screen | |
Super fast shutter speed | |
Waterproof body |
How to Choose The Best Camera for Product Photography?
You need to select a good quality camera to ensure your product’s unique features, intricate details, color, and everything else can be captured flawlessly. For this reason, when choosing the best camera for product photography, you need to consider several key factors that will impact the quality of the photos as well as the efficiency of your work.
The following are some of the features you must consider when choosing the best camera for product photography.
Image Quality and Resolution
You should choose a camera that has a high-resolution sensor. You can capture fine details and textures of your products if your camera has a resolution sensor of 20 MP or more. You can also crop images without affecting their sharpness or image quality. Higher resolution is important for all types of products, be they small items with fine details or larger in size.
Sensor Size
Another significant factor to consider is the size of the sensor. It is a major factor in controlling the performance of the camera and the quality of the images. Sensors decide how much light the camera can capture, affecting the details, color, and sharpness of your images.
You can use either Full-frame sensors or APS-C sensors. Full-frame sensors have larger pixels, allowing them to capture more light. You can use it to create a bokeh effect. However, for good-quality photos within your budget, you can use a camera with APS-C sensors.
Lens Compatibility
Checking the lens compatibility of the camera is a must. Some camera models are designed to support only specific lenses. That’s why you must make sure to choose a camera that is compatible with a wide selection of lenses. This will allow you to switch between macro, prime, or zoom lenses as per your shooting needs.
Autofocus System
Your camera should have a fast auto-focus feature, especially if you want to shoot moving subjects. Besides, you won’t have to spend a lot of time manually setting the focus on the product for every capture. The auto-focus system can swiftly refocus your product in between pictures while preserving all of the fine textures and details.
Tethering and Connectivity Options
A camera for professional product photoshoots requires the tethering feature. You can connect your camera to a computer through this system. You can view the photographs on a large screen in real-time and make any necessary adjustments to your angle, lighting, or other elements. You can also transfer your photos during your shoots to enhance your workflow efficiency.
User Interface and Design
You should choose a camera that has a friendly user interface. An intuitive interface will help you easily navigate the menu system. You can adjust the settings during your shoot and ensure a smooth workflow. In addition to that, the design should be comfortable too. A comfortable grip and well-placed controls will allow you to handle the camera for a long time without any trouble.
Budget Considerations
Budget is the most important factor in choosing the camera for your product photoshoot. You need to set your budget, considering your needs and your level of professionalism. You can compare different brands and models to ensure you find the best fit. However, you should think of it as an investment. That’s why if you get a good quality camera that is slightly above your budget, you should think about increasing your budget if possible.
What Type of Lens Is Best For Product Photography?
You have a bunch of lens options to consider for your photo shoot. However, you need to consider different factors, such as the size of the products, shooting set, and specific requirements of the shots you want to achieve.
Here are some lens recommendations that you can consider as the best lens for product photography.
Macro Lens
A macro lens is the best choice for capturing small details and textures. This type of lens is specifically designed for close-up photography. It has a 1:1 magnification ratio. For this reason, you can take shots from a close distance while maintaining a sharp focus.
You can use this lens for small items like jewelry photography. Moreover, you can use this lens to show the texture of your clothing items or other products.
Prime Lens
Prime lenses have fixed focal lengths. This type of lens is ideal for capturing sharp product images. You can use a lens that has 50mm, 85mm, or 100mm focal lengths. This lens is lightweight and suitable to use for long hours.
As you cannot adjust the zooming feature, you have to change your position to get your desired shot. So, to get superior-quality images, choosing a fixed focal length can be a wise decision.
Zoom Lens
Don’t you want to carry multiple lenses for your product photoshoot? Then you should use a zoom lens. A zoom lens has an adjustable focal lens through which you can take both close-up and distant shots. You can select a zoom lens with a focal length of 24-70mm or 24-105mm for both wide-angle and close-up shots.
This type of lens captures less light. That’s why images will be less sharp compared to a prime lens. However, a high-end zoom lens can capture images with good-quality sharpness.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What features are important in a camera for product photography?
Professional quality product photography requires some important camera features, including a high-resolution sensor for capturing fine details, larger sensors for more control over depth of field, and multiple lens mount options. Apart from these, you need dynamic range and color accuracy, fast and accurate autofocus, strong build quality, tethering capabilities, customizable control settings, and other features.
What are the best camera settings for product photography?
The best camera settings for product photography depend on factors such as the type of product, lighting conditions, depth of field, and many more. However, you should keep your aperture narrow, between f/8 and f/16. A shutter speed of around 1/60s or faster is enough to get sharp images of still products. You can adjust the ISO between 100 and 400 as per your lighting setup. Most importantly, manually set the white balance using a white or gray card to maintain color accuracy.
Which lenses are best for product photography?
Choosing the best lens for product photography depends on several factors, such as the size of the products, the types of shots you want, and your budget. For close-up shots and capturing intricate details, you can use macro lenses. A 50 to 100 mm prime lens can be a great option for capturing sharp images from a distance. If you want one lens to take all types of shots, then a standard 24-70mm or 24-105mm zoom lens would be an ideal selection.
Conclusion
A perfect product image is the combined effort of the studio setup and the use of equipment. Among all the equipment, choosing the right camera is a must. A good quality camera can capture the details of the product, maintain color accuracy, and do other tasks to make the images appear high-quality. Also, advanced features of the camera can enhance your workflow efficiency.
Hopefully you have learned about the features you should consider when choosing a camera. Besides, you can consider purchasing our recommended cameras for your shoot too.
