Best Camera for Product Photography in 2023

I was in two minds about writing this guide to the best camera for product photography.

Let’s be honest – you can use pretty much any DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone to take photos of products.

Assuming you need to take some pictures of an item to sell on eBay, for example, any device that takes a photo will do the job.

How you light the product and how you edit the product photos afterwards will have a bigger impact than getting a better camera.

(That, and using the right lens for product photography.)

However, if you’re more concerned about professional product photography or finding a camera that will produce a photo like the ones you see in magazines, that’s a different story.

The best camera for product photography (when image quality really matters) needs to have a high megapixel count and, ideally a full-frame sensor.

It’s not mandatory, as I’ll explain later in the article, but it will help.

So with that said, check out our tips on product photography and then have a closer look at the recommendations.

What is the Best Camera for Product Photography in 2023?

Image	Product	Features
	Sony a7R VOVERALL BEST CAMERA FOR PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY	AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System 8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots BIONZ XR & AI Processing Unit	CHECK AMAZON PRICE CHECK B&H PRICE
	Nikon D850HIGHLY RECOMMENDED	Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System EXPEED 5 Image Processor 8K Time-Lapse SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi	CHECK AMAZON PRICE CHECK B&H PRICE
	Fujifilm GFX100	5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization X-Processor 4 Image Processor Removable 5.76m-Dot OLED EVF Built-In Battery Grip	CHECK AMAZON PRICE CHECK B&H PRICE
	Canon EOS R	Dual Pixel CMOS AF Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 30.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor DIGIC 8 Image Processor	CHECK AMAZON PRICE CHECK B&H PRICE
	Nikon D5600	24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor ISO 100-25600 and 5 fps Shooting Time-Lapse Movie Recording EXPEED 4 Image Processor	CHECK AMAZON PRICE CHECK B&H PRICE
	Canon EOS Rebel T8i	220,000-Pixel AE Sensor Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth DIGIC 8 Image Processor Vertical Video Support	CHECK AMAZON PRICE CHECK B&H PRICE

 

Sony a7R V | Overall Best Camera for Product Photography 

Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 is the best camera for product photography if you prefer Nikon to Sony or already own Nikon FX lenses.

Its 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers high resolution, ensuring excellent image quality.

The camera’s dynamic range is outstanding, capturing both shadows and highlights with precision.

The Nikon D850’s autofocus system is reliable, based on a hybrid mirrorless/DSLR system, ensuring sharp focus on your product every time.

This impressive DSLR camera’s robust build and intuitive design make it a joy to use, even during long shooting sessions.

The Nikon D850 can produce clean images at high ISOs, letting you take pictures of products in low light without struggle.

The ability to shoot in 4K video is a bonus, providing flexibility for those who also need to create high-quality product videos.

I used the Nikon D850 for several months when it was released, and found it to be a powerhouse of a camera that delivers exceptional image quality.

This makes it an excellent choice for professional product photographers or enthusiasts with deep pockets.

• Nimon D850 review

Fujifilm GFX100

The Fujifilm GFX100 is a medium format camera that offers an impressive 102-megapixel sensor, making it one of the best cameras for product photography.

Its high resolution and outstanding dynamic range ensure that every detail of your product is captured with stunning clarity.

The GFX100’s in-body image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, ensuring sharp images even when shooting handheld.

(Normally, you’d be using a tripod for product photography to get the sharpest possible pictures, but it’s nice to know that IBIS is there for you when one’s not available.)

The camera’s robust build and intuitive design make it a joy to use, even during long shooting sessions.

With its medium format camera sensor, the Fujifilm GFX100 will squeeze every pixel of light from your scene, making it perfect for low-light product photo shoots.

Its also able to shoot in 4k, allowing you to crop into your footage for visual variety without losing resolution for web-format videos.

As with all the cameras in the Fujifilm GFX lineup, the GFX1oo is expensive and somewhat overkill for non-professionals or very serious amateurs.

However, if you need a 102-megapixel sensor camera to capture all the details of your product, there’s nothing else quite like the GFX100.

• Best lenses for Fujifilm GFX100s

Canon EOS R

The Canon EOS R is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers a 30.3-megapixel sensor, making it a great camera for product photography.

Canon has a broad selection of impressive lenses for its R series mirrorless lineup, and the EOS R can take advantage of all of them.

Just like the other cameras for product photography in this guide, its high resolution and wide dynamic range will help capture all the details of any subject you shoot.

The EOS R’s in-body image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, ensuring sharp images even when shooting handheld.

When compared to the Sony a7RV, the ergonomics of the EOS R are better – the robust build is similar, but the buttons and dials seem more intuitively placed, and the camera body feels better to hold.

With its full frame sensor, the Canon EOS R does well in low light at high ISOs, helping you out in dimly-lit situations.

You can also shoot in 4K video, providing flexibility when you need to create high-quality product videos or crop down to 1080p for short-form web content.

It’s by no means a budget camera for product photography but as a slightly older (2018) full-frame mirrorless camera with several successors, you can pick it up for a great price.

• Canon EOS R review

Nikon D5600

The Nikon D5600 is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly camera for product photography.

Its 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor ensures high-resolution images, capturing the finest details of your products.

The D5600’s wide ISO range (100-25600) allows for exceptional performance in various lighting conditions.

The camera’s vari-angle touchscreen LCD provides flexibility in composing shots from different angles, while the 39-point autofocus system ensures sharp, focused images.

Nikon’s SnapBridge feature is a fun addition, alliwing seamless transfer of images to your smartphone or tablet for quick editing and sharing online.

As with the other cameras on this list, the D5600 supports RAW format, allowing for more editing latitude during post-processing.

In terms of video quality, the D5600 offers Full HD 1080p video recording at up to 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth, high-quality footage.

The camera’s autofocus system performs well in video mode, providing sharp focus throughout your clips.

Despite its advanced features, the Nikon D5600 remains user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

• Best Value Nikon D5600 Bundle Deals

Canon EOS Rebel T8i (850D)

It also gives you access to a huge selection of Canon EF lenses.

• 7 Best Entry-Level DSLR Cameras for Beginners

Fujifilm X-T200

Sony a6000

The Sony a6000 stands out in the realm of product photography, not only for its impressive features but also for its affordability.

In comparison to other cameras in its class, the a6000 offers a high-quality experience at a fraction of the cost.

This makes it an excellent choice for those who are just starting out in product photography or for professionals looking for a budget-friendly backup camera.

Despite its lower price point, the a6000 doesn’t compromise on image quality.

Its 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor delivers high-resolution images that far surpass what you can achieve with a smartphone camera.

While smartphones have come a long way in terms of their photography capabilities, they still can’t match the level of detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range that a dedicated camera like the a6000 can provide.

Moreover, the a6000 offers the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, allowing you to choose the perfect lens for each product you’re photographing.

This is a significant advantage over smartphones, which typically have fixed lenses.

Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app allows for convenient image transfer and remote control of the camera.

The a6000 also supports continuous shooting at up to 11 frames per second, which can be useful for capturing products in motion.

• Sony a6000 review
• Best lenses for Sony a6000
• Best accessories for Sony a6000

What’s the Best Phone Camera for Product Photography?

Modern smartphones come equipped with high-quality cameras and advanced features that can produce excellent results for product photography, especially for online platforms where easy sharing is a plus.

Here are some good phones for product photography:

1. iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max: The iPhone Pro models feature a triple camera system with improved low-light performance, sensor-shift optical image stabilization, ProRAW for more editing control, and ProRes video recording.
2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: This phone features a quad-camera system, including a 108-megapixel wide sensor for high-resolution photos, two telephoto lenses, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. It also offers a 100x Space Zoom feature.
3. Google Pixel 7 Pro: Known for its excellent computational photography capabilities, the Pixel 6 Pro features a new camera system with improved sensors and lenses. Google’s software enhancements like HDR+ and Night Sight make it a strong contender.
4. Huawei P40 Pro: The P40 Pro has a Leica quad-camera setup with a 50-megapixel wide sensor, a 12-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, a 40-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a TOF 3D depth sensor. Its low-light capabilities are particularly impressive.

Remember to use Advanced Features where available like Portrait Mode for a shallow depth of field effect, Night Mode for better low-light photos, and HDR for improved dynamic range.

However, while smartphones can produce great product photos, they do have limitations compared to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, such as smaller sensors and less control over settings.

For high-end product photography, especially for large prints or high-end advertising, professional photographers obviously can’t turn up to a shoot with just a phone!

What’s the Best point-and-shoot camera for product photography?

Here are a few examples of high-megapixel point-and-shoot cameras that could be used for taking photos of products:

1. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII: This camera features a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch sensor and a fast, versatile 24-200mm equivalent zoom lens. It also offers advanced features like a pop-up electronic viewfinder, 4K video recording, and high-speed autofocus.
2. Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II: This camera has a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch sensor and a 24-120mm equivalent zoom lens. It also features a pop-up electronic viewfinder and supports 4K video recording.
3. Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 (also known as the TZ200): This camera has a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch sensor and a long 24-360mm equivalent zoom lens, making it a versatile choice for a variety of shooting situations.

These cameras offer a good balance of image quality, portability, and ease of use, making them a good choice for those who want high-quality images without the complexity of a DSLR or mirrorless camera system.

How Can I Improve the Quality of the Photos I Take of Products (With the Camera I already own?)

Improving your product photography doesn’t necessarily require a new camera.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the camera you already own:

1. Lighting: Good lighting is crucial in product photography. Natural light can work well, but you might also consider investing in some affordable lighting equipment, such as a lightbox for small products or some softbox lights for larger items. The goal is to evenly light your product to avoid harsh shadows and highlight its features.
2. Background: Use a simple, uncluttered background to ensure that your product is the focus of the image. A roll of white paper or a professional photography backdrop can work well.
3. Stability: Use a tripod to keep your camera steady. This can help to prevent blurry images and allows you to experiment with different angles and compositions.
4. Manual Settings: If your camera has manual settings, learn how to use them. Adjusting the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO can give you more control over how your images look.
5. Composition: Think about how you arrange your product and any other items in the frame. The rule of thirds, where you divide your frame into a 3×3 grid and place your product along the lines or at their intersections, can be a good starting point.
6. Post-Processing: Learn how to use photo editing software to enhance your images after you’ve taken them. This can include adjusting the exposure, contrast, and color balance, as well as retouching any imperfections.
7. Experiment: Try different angles, settings, and lighting conditions to see what works best for your product. Photography is a creative process, so don’t be afraid to experiment and learn as you go.

Why is a Full Frame Camera Better for Product Photography?

A full-frame camera is often a preferred choice for product photography due to its superior image quality.

The larger sensor size of a full-frame camera allows it to capture more light and detail.

This results in clearer, more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions or when capturing the intricate details of a product.

Full-frame cameras also offer a shallower depth of field compared to crop sensor cameras.

This allows you to keep the product in sharp focus while achieving a beautifully blurred background, a popular effect in product photography.

Additionally, full-frame cameras typically have a better dynamic range.

This means they can capture more detail in the highlights and shadows, which can be particularly important when photographing products with varying tones and textures.

Lastly, full-frame cameras often have a wider selection of compatible lenses, giving you more flexibility to choose the best lens for each product and situation.

So, while full-frame cameras are often more expensive, their benefits can make them a worthwhile investment for product photography.