Best Cameras for Product Photography
Product photography is a lucrative, enjoyable, and in-demand photography niche. It’s crucial to choose the right camera while photographing products. You can capture beautiful shots using appropriate tools that sell. So, today, we’ll walk you through our guide covering the best cameras for product photography.
The best cameras are expensive, though. There are some low-cost camera options for product photography that work well. (If you are keen on knowing the best overall camera, it would be the Sony A7R IV. Yes, it is expensive, but it also offers the best performance).
What Makes A Camera Good For Product Photography
Resolution
What your objectives are for product photography will determine how you should go. Set this relatively high if you need to give customers prints because it will determine how large the prints can be. As a point of reference, prints of high quality usually keep their DPI around 300. For printers, DPI stands for “dots per inch.” This can be expressed in terms of pixels per inch for cameras.
“An investment in a high-quality camera will be worthwhile if you intend to undertake any print work.”
High-resolution cameras are not only ideal for prints, but they also offer plenty of post-production options. Cropping high-resolution photographs enable you to tweak composition and focus on specific product characteristics.
High-quality cameras are not as crucial for photographs only seen online. Your 50MP photographs won’t be appropriate in their native high-resolution state since web images are typically reduced to increase page speed.
Fortunately, modern cameras have resolutions that are increasing all the time. Even if you don’t care about this feature, you might still get a superb specification. Most modern cameras have 24 MP or more, which is sufficient for most product photographers.
Lens Compatibility
Every photographer understands the value of high-quality equipment. The lens you choose for your camera will determine whether or not your client receives sharp photographs. For product photography, high-end clients will demand nothing less than exact photographs.
Lens compatibility plays a role in this. The lenses available for native selection are only those that will fit your mount. For product photographers, some lenses stand out. Due to the variety of lenses, photographers often only use one brand. This frequently happens to those who genuinely enjoy the Canon L series lenses. The Metabones lens mount adapters have gained popularity among Sony users who prefer to utilize Canon lenses.
Since most brands have their own range of professional lenses, this is not a big issue. Additionally, third-party companies like Sigma produce professional lenses for many camera mounts. When choosing a specific camera, be mindful of the lenses available.
Full Manual Control
The last one is the basic but perhaps the most crucial. Without full manual camera control, you won’t be able to capture images to the best of your abilities. Avoid using a camera if it doesn’t have a manual setting! In a studio environment, manual exposure control is essentially unavoidable. Even entry-level DSLR and mirrorless cameras will typically have manual control options.
Let’s begin with the main topic of this article; we’re recommending 7 other best cameras for product photography. If you need our help figuring out how to pick the best low-budget mirrorless camera, check out our list at Best Cameras Magazine of “Best Product Photography Cameras.”
6 Best Cameras For Product Photography
1) Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera
Sony has not stopped since mirrorless cameras entered the mainstream, and the Sony A7R IV is just one illustration of how powerful they can be. The thing about this camera is that it can be used for various types of photography, not just for photographing products. Simply put, this full-frame sensor camera is almost pushing the boundaries and approaching entry-level medium format cameras.
Sony A7R IV has a full-frame 35mm back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor, which captures photos at 61 MP, and yields breathtaking results that even seasoned photographers appreciate. It can run continuously at high speed at 10 frames per second. Additionally, its 425 contrast AF points provide a wide field of view. Sony Alpha a7R IV includes an integrated picture stabilizer that reduces even the smallest amount of motion blur. That’s important, especially when photographing products that require you to capture even the slightest details.
However, we must inform you that this camera is primarily intended for taking pictures, as evidenced by the enormous sensor. Also, phase detection does not go all the way to the edge of the picture.
Features:
- World’s first 61MP pixels full-frame sensor
- 15-stop dynamic range
- BIONZ X processing maximizes sensor potential
- Low noise at High ISO
- 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output
- Serious speed up to 10 fps with AF/AE tracking
- 4D FOCUS – Wide, fast, reliable AF gets the shot
- Real-time Autofocus Tracking
- Reliable low-vibration shutter
- Silent shooting
- 5-axis image stabilization
- 5.76 million-dot UXGA OLED Tru-Finder
- 16-image Pixel Shift Multi Shooting
- Record reality in spectacular 4K
- Wireless tethering (PC Remote for Professional Workflow)
- Super speed USB Type-C
- Imaging Edge desktop applications
- Enhanced dust and moisture resistance
- Durable design and built
- Dual UHS-II slots
- Extended endurance
- Selectable focus frame color
Specifications:
- Effective Megapixels – 61 MP
- Memory Card Compatibility – Secure Digital (SD/SDHC, SDXC) Card
- Sensor – CMOS, 35.7 x 23.8 mm
- ISO Sensitivity – 100-32000
- Lens Mount – Sony E
- LCD Screen Size – 3.0’’
- Exposure Modes – Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
- Built-in Flash – No
- Battery – 1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 530 Shots)
- Dimensions – 5.07 x 3.8 x 3.05″ / 128.9 x 96.4 x 77.5 mm
- Weight – 1.46 lb / 665 g
- Focus Modes – Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
- Shooting Speed – 10 fps
- Image Stabilization – Sensor-Shift, 5-Way
- White Balance – Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater
- Camera Format – Full-Frame
- Shutter Speeds – (30 – 1/8000 Second , Bulb Mode) & (1/4 – 1/8000 Second in Movie Mode)
- Flash Type – TTL
- Video Resolution – 4K
- Focus Type – Auto & Manual
- Wi-Fi – Yes
- Flash Modes – Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Wireless
2) Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body
The best Nikon camera for product photography is the D850. It is expensive. But if you can afford it, you already know how reasonably priced it is, given all it can do. The primary factor is image quality. Its 153-point AF system and 45 MP BSI CMOS sensor, give it more than enough resolution to compete with the best and most expensive cameras on this list. Among all the DSLR camera options, it features one of the lowest rates of ISO noise. You receive a tilting touchscreen for easy system navigation, which improves usability. Additionally, it features a remarkable dynamic range that enables you to restore shadows and highlights in your photographs.
Features:
- Faster, richer, sharper processing
- Sensitive to every little detail
- Full frame
- Focus on near darkness
- Greater frame coverage
- Locked-on subject tracking
- Nuance in high resolution
- 4K time-lapse in camera
- Focus stacking
- Negative digitizer
- Optimal exposure in an instant
- Square (1:1) image size
Specifications:
- Effective Megapixels – 45.7 Megapixels
- Memory Card Compatibility – Secure Digital (SD/SDHC/SDXC) Card, XQD
- Sensor – CMOS, 35.9 x 23.9 mm
- ISO Sensitivity – 64-25600
- Lens Mount – Nikon F
- LCD Screen Size – 3.2’’
- Exposure Modes – Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
- Built-in Flash – Yes
- Battery – EN-EL15a Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
- Dimensions – 5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1″ / 146.0 x 124.0 x 78.5 mm
- Focus Modes – First-Curtain Sync, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction
- Weight – 2.01 lbs / 915 g
- Shooting Speed – 10 fps
- Image Stabilization – Sensor-Shift, 5-Way
- White Balance – Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater
- Camera Format – Full-Frame
- Shutter Speeds – (30 – 1/8000 Second , Bulb Mode) & (1/4 – 1/8000 Second in Movie Mode)
- Flash Type – TTL
- Video Resolution – 4K
- Focus Type – Auto & Manual
- Wi-Fi – Yes
3) Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body
The good news is that Canon has a lot to offer you in the form of the renowned EOS 5D Mark IV if you’re looking for the one DSLR that can rule them all. The legendary performance of the Canon 5D is well known. We believe that this camera is amazing for several reasons, and the most significant thing is that if you decide that you do not want to use it solely for product photography, that is okay because it is among the best cameras for all purposes. Most seasoned photographers use it as their primary DSLR.
You will receive a powerful 30 MP full-frame sensor with a quick 61-point autofocusing mechanism. Additionally, the camera can shoot at a speed of 7 frames per second, and the limitless JPG shooting buffer is impressive when you need to capture photos quickly because, for many people, this is what concerns the most.
Not to be overlooked, a 3.2-inch touch screen is available to you, and the fact that Wi-Fi and GPS are built-in will only encourage you to use this camera again. The CF and SD card ports are a great addition, particularly when you need to offload photographs, because they function nicely and quickly.
Even though this camera has so many beautiful features, some fall short of what some of us had hoped. The 4K footage is firstly cropped, and the Dual Pixel RAW features will make the camera slower.
Overall, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a fantastic camera. With the correct lens, it can dominate any form of photography you throw at it if you’re looking for a professional-grade DSLR and want to be sure you’re investing money in a camera that will manage to hold up for years to come.
Features:
- 30.4 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100-32000 (expandable to 50-102400)
- 4K Motion JPEG video
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- 3.2″ Touch Panel LCD
- Up to 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- 61 AF points with expanded vertical coverage
- 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor
- Dual Pixel RAW, in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer during JPEG shooting and Diffraction Correction technologies
- Built-in Wi-Fi Technology
- Built-in NFC Technology
- Built-in GPS provides geotag information, including auto time syncing with Universal Time Code (UTC) via satellites
Specifications:
- Effective Megapixels – 30.4 Megapixels
- Memory Card Compatibility – CompactFlash, Secure Digital (SD/SDHC, SDXC) Card
- Sensor – CMOS, 36 x 24 mm
- ISO Sensitivity – 100-32000
- Lens Mount – Canon EF-Mount
- LCD Screen Size – 3.2’’
- Exposure Modes – Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority
- Battery – LP-E6N Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Pack, 7.2 VDC, 1865 mAh
- Built-in Flash – No
- Dimensions – 5.9 x 4.6 x 3.0″ / 150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9 mm
- Weight – 1.76 lb / 800 g
- Shooting Speed – Up to 7 fps
- White Balance – Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (White), Shade, Tungsten
- Shutter Speeds – 30 – 1/8000
- Video Resolution – 4K
- Focus Type – Auto & Manual
- Wi-Fi – Yes
4) Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body
With a continuous shooting speed of 6.5 frames per second, it’s a fantastic option for photographing sports or product photography. The 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor in this camera enables photographers to capture sharp photographs and track moving objects with little latency.
Additionally, this Canon camera has a cutting-edge DIGIC 7 image processor and supports an amazing ISO range of 100–40000, allowing you to shoot product photographs of a professional calibre. Comparing Canon to the other cameras on our list of the best cameras for product photography, you can see that Canon places a strong emphasis on ergonomics, which makes it stand out among cameras. It weighs less than other DSLR cameras. It has a tilting monitor, which makes it simpler to shoot photos at oblique angles.
Features:
- 26.2 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
- Optical Viewfinder with a 45-point All Cross-type AF System
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-detection & Full HD 60p
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor, ISO 100–40000
- Vari-angle Touch Screen, 3.0-inch LCD
- Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Built-in NFC Capability
- Built-in Bluetooth Capability
- Built-in GPS Capability
- High-Speed Continuous Shooting at up to 6.5 fps
- Dust & Water-resistant
Specifications:
- Effective Megapixels – 26.2 MP
- Memory Card Compatibility – Secure Digital (SD/SDHC, SDXC) Card
- Sensor – CMOS, 35.9 x 24 mm
- ISO Sensitivity – 100-40000
- Lens Mount – Canon EF
- LCD Screen Size – 3.0’’
- Exposure Modes – Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority
- Built-in Flash – No
- Battery – LP-E6N Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.2 VDC, 1865 mAh
- Dimensions – 5.7 x 4.4 x 2.9″ / 144.0 x 110.5 x 74.8 mm
- Weight – 1.51 lb / 685 g
- Focus Modes – Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M), Single-servo AF (S)
- Shooting Speed – Up to 6.5 fps
- Image Stabilization – Digital, 5-Way
- White Balance – Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (White), Shade, Tungsten
- Camera Format – Full-Frame
- Shutter Speeds – 30 – 1/4000 Second, Bulb Mode
- Video Resolution – 1080 HD
- Focus Type – Auto & Manual
- Wi-Fi – Yes
5) Panasonic LUMIX S1 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
The Lumix S1 is a well-rounded camera that forms part of Panasonic’s debut into full-frame mirrorless and offers cutting-edge feature sets for both stills and video and a durable physical design. You can consider this one of the top cameras for product photography whether or not you like Lumix cameras. The existing Leica lenses can be used with this camera since it uses L-mount lenses.
If you need to capture a photo for a billboard banner, you can also select its 96MP high-resolution mode designed for capturing photographs of fine art or products.
Features:
- S1 Full Frame Sensor
- S1 IS Ideal For Video
- DFD Focusing Technology
- L-Mount Lens System
- Stabilization
- S1 High-Resolution Mode
- HLG Photo Mode
- Shutter Mechanism
- DFD Focusing
- Technology
- Face/Eye Detection Technology
- 6K Photo Mode
- Tilting Monitor
- Grip and Illuminated Controls
- Dual Memory Card Slots
- High-Speed Video Performance
Specifications:
- Effective Megapixels – 24.2 MP
- Memory Card Compatibility – Secure Digital (SD/SDHC, SDXC) Card, XQD
- Sensor – MOS, 35.6 x 23.8 mm
- ISO Sensitivity – 100 to 51200
- Lens Mount – Leica L
- LCD Screen Size – 3.2’’
- Exposure Modes – Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
- Built-in Flash – No
- Battery – DMW-BLJ31 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.2 VDC, 3100 mAh
- Dimensions – 5.9 x 4.3 x 3.8″ / 148.9 x 110.0 x 96.7 mm
- Weight – 2.25 lb / 1021 g
- Shooting Speed – Up to 9 fps
- Focus Modes – Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M), Single-servo AF (S)
- Image Stabilization – Sensor-Shift, 5-Way
- White Balance – Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Daylight, Flash, Incandescent, Shade, White Set
- Camera Format – Full-Frame
- Shutter Speeds – (1/8000 to 60 Second, Bulb Mode)
- Flash Type – TTL
- Video Resolution – 4K
- Focus Type – Auto & Manual
- Wi-Fi – Yes
- Flash Modes – Auto, Auto/Red-Eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-Eye Reduction, Off, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction
6) Sony A7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable - Lens Camera
If the Sony A7R IV is out of your budget, the Sony A7 III is another unique camera option for you at affordable prices. The A7 III still has a lot to offer if you’re primarily interested in photography, including a still-competitive autofocus system, 10 fps burst shooting, and one of the longest-lasting batteries you’ll find on a mirrorless camera.
You miss weather sealing, touch navigation, and Sony’s new and enhanced menu system. These, however, are tiny costs to pay for a camera that, in terms of image quality, continues to hold amazingly well against newer rivals.
Features:
- Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor
- 15-stop4 dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW4, ISO 50 to 204,800
- Up to 10fps1 Silent5 or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking
- 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93% image coverage
- Eye-AF with AF-C; Direct AF point 4-way multi-selector; touch AF
- 4K2 HDR3 Movie w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning or crop
- Long-lasting Z battery for up to 710 images8 on a full charge
- Secure and versatile dual media slots (UHS-II SD Card compatible)
Specifications:
- Effective Megapixels – 24.2 MP
- Memory Card Compatibility – Secure Digital (SD/SDHC, SDXC) Card, Memory Stick Duo
- Sensor – CMOS, 35.6 x 23.8 mm
- ISO Sensitivity – 100-51200
- Lens Mount – Sony E
- LCD Screen Size – 3.0’’
- Exposure Modes – Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Movie, Program, Shutter Priority
- Built-in Flash – No
- Battery – DMW-BLJ31 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.2 VDC, 3100 mAh
- Dimensions – 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9″ / 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7 mm
- Weight – 1.43 lb / 650 g
- Shooting Speed – Up to 10 fps
- Image Stabilization – Sensor-Shift, 5-Way
- Focus Modes – Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-servo AF (S)
- White Balance – Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater
- Camera Format – Full-Frame
- Shutter Speeds – (30 – 1/8000 Second, Bulb Mode)
- Flash Type – TTL
- Video Resolution – 4K
- Focus Type – Auto & Manual
- Wi-Fi – Yes
- Flash Modes – Auto, Fill-In, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Wireless
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera for product photography?
The ideal camera for product photography will depend on many variables, including your budget, the types of products you will photograph, and your personal preferences; thus, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
High resolution, low noise at high ISO, a dependable autofocus system, and the option to shoot in RAW format are some aspects to consider when selecting the best camera for product photography. A decent lens with a small aperture can also contribute to a shallow depth of field for a more polished appearance.
Some popular options for product photography include DSLR cameras such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the Nikon D850 and mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha A7R IV or the Fujifilm X-T4. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so it’s essential to research and try different cameras before deciding.
Do I need a full-frame camera for product photography?
While a full-frame camera can provide some advantages, such as better low-light performance and more control over depth of field, it’s not necessarily a requirement for product photography. Some crop-sensor cameras can also produce excellent results, especially with a high-quality lens.
What lens should I use for product photography?
The needs of your shoot determine the ideal lens for product photography. Macro lenses, which can capture small details and textures, and fast prime lenses with a wide aperture, which creates a shallow depth of field and a more professional effect, are two popular options.
What lens should I use for product photography?
To ensure the utmost quality of your photographic endeavors, it is imperative to possess a lens of superior caliber and a tripod to stabilize your camera for an excellent and crystal-clear outcome. The potential necessity of supplementary materials, such as a softbox, a white backdrop, a flash, light stands, and reflectors, is contingent upon the nature of the product being photographed and the setting in which the shooting takes place. Of course, the ultimate key to success is the spark of your imagination, for it is the fundamental component that imbues your photographs with vivacity and creativity.
What lens should I use for product photography?
To ensure the utmost quality of your photographic endeavors, it is imperative to possess a lens of superior caliber and a tripod to stabilize your camera for an excellent and crystal-clear outcome. The potential necessity of supplementary materials, such as a softbox, a white backdrop, a flash, light stands, and reflectors, is contingent upon the nature of the product being photographed and the setting in which the shooting takes place. Of course, the ultimate key to success is the spark of your imagination, for it is the fundamental component that imbues your photographs with vivacity and creativity.