Product photography is an essential element of e-commerce success, but to make sure you can capture the best images for your items it’s important to think about the camera.
Just like any other type of photography, using a good product photography camera can make a huge difference, elevating your product photos from mediocre to amazing.
The ideal product photography camera will be easy to use and able to take detailed images with true-to-life colors and sharpness.
A great product photography camera should also have quick autofocus capabilities, as well as the ability to produce high-resolution images.
And for those who are into macro photography, manual settings that allow you to get right up close and personal with small objects are essential.
To give you an idea of what cameras might work best for product photographers, we’ll look at some of the most popular options on the market.
Whether you are just starting out or an experienced pro, our guide will help you identify the perfect camera for product photography in 2023.
Read on to discover which are our picks of the best cameras available today!
What Is product photography?
Product photography is a specialized form of photography that involves taking pictures of products or services with the goal of presenting them in an attractive and accurate way to help drive sales.
It requires knowledge of lighting techniques, camera angles, and post-processing tools to produce high-quality images that capture their subject in their best light.
Product photographers must pay attention to composition, background, product placement, and color in order to create aesthetically pleasing images that accurately reflect the product or service being presented.
Additionally, product photography often incorporates special effects like reflections, shadows, and white backgrounds for a professional look.
Product photographers must also be familiar with the latest trends in marketing to ensure that their photos are up-to-date and current with customer tastes.
- Reasons Why Product Photography is Important for Your Brand
- Professional product photography is essential in helping to create a strong and consistent visual identity for your brand.
- It conveys the quality of your products and helps establish consumer trust and credibility.
- With high-quality images, customers are more likely to make purchases, leading to increased conversions and sales.
- Image stabilization and image quality are key components of professional product photography, helping products stand out in a crowded market
- Images taken with the best camera for product photography can be used across various marketing channels, such as websites, social media platforms, and advertising campaigns.
Best Camera For Product Photography 2023
1. Sony A7R IV
Overall best camera for product photography
Specifications
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Full-frame
- Megapixels: 61MP
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- ISO range: 100 to 32,000
- Image stabilization: 5-axis in-body stabilisation
- Weight: 655g
REASONS TO BUY
- Incredible resolution and detail
- Pixel-shift multi-shot mode
REASONS TO AVOID
- Awkward handling
- Big lenses cause imbalance
The Sony A7R IV is a mirrorless camera that has left professional photographers absolutely delighted.
The 61MP sensor features one of the highest resolutions around, making it perfect for those product photography shoots.
It also boasts Pixel Shift Multi Shooting – allowing photographers to combine multiple images to create an image of up to 240MP!
So, now you don’t need to worry about battling with boxy construction and hefty lenses, as these issues won’t arise if you’re shooting products indoors.
While there may be newer models such as the Sony A7R V available, the A7R IV offers all the quality you need from a mirrorless camera at a reasonable price.
2. Fujifilm GFX 50S II
best Fujifilm for product photography
Specifications
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: CMOS
- Megapixels: 51.4MP
- Lens mount: FUJIFILM G
- ISO range: 50-102400, 3 fps Shooting
- Image stabilization: 6.5 stops of five-axis stabilization
- Weight: lightweight
REASONS TO BUY
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Excellent image quality
- Low price for medium format
REASONS TO AVOID
- It takes a bit long to focus
- Still relatively expensiv
The Fujifilm GFX 50S II is a great entry point for those who want to break into the world of medium-format cameras.
Despite its hefty price tag, this model packs an outstanding dynamic range, outstanding image quality, and countless autofocus points.
So yeah, prepare to kiss your DSLR goodbye!
For less than what you’d pay for a flagship DSLR, you get larger resolution and more details from the massive sensor; You get blushed tones when capturing scenes in poor light conditions, and you get the joy of attracting endlessly jealous stares from photographers out there.
3. Sony A6100
Specifications
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 24.2MP
- Lens mount: Sony E
- ISO range: 100-32,000
- Image stabilization: None
- Weight: 396g
REASONS TO BUY
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Excellent image quality
REASONS TO AVOID
- It takes a bit long to focus
If you’re on a quest for a mirrorless camera with excellent image quality that can do a bit of everything, the Sony A6100 should be one at the top of your list.
This sleek APS-C camera boasts an impressive 24.2MP sensor that produces stunning photos.
And what’s even better?
The lightweight and compact design make it the perfect travel companion.
Plus its extensive Sony E-mount lens selection offers plenty of large-aperture optics for professional quality pictures with incredible depth of field.
Moreover, it offers the option to shoot in 1:1 aspect ratio – perfect if you’re looking to give your photos that extra edge.
All this is still available at a great price, despite its lack of fancy features like the latest BIONZ processor.
4. Canon EOS 5DS
best canon for product photography
Specifications
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Full Frame
- Megapixels: 50.6 MP
- Lens mount: Canon EF
- ISO range: 6400-12,800
- Image stabilization: None
- Weight: 930g
REASONS TO BUY
- Superhigh resolution
- Robust, weathersealed body
- Excellent autofocus
REASONS TO AVOID
- Relatively limited ISO range
- Enormous, difficult to handle raw files
If you thought the Canon 5D was legendary, wait until you hear about its beefed-up big brother: the Canon EOS 5DS!
It comes with a 50 MP of resolution punch—and that’s five more than what the Nikon D850 is packing.
This ultra-high-res sensor makes it a medium format contender, so you can bet your bottom dollar on getting quality shots for your ad campaigns.
And rest assured, it’s compatible with the dozens of Canon EF lenses, so you can get creative with any and all sorts of product shoots!
So if you want maximum resolution power in a DSLR body, forget the heavyweights—the 5DS is here to stay.
5. Sony RX100 V
Specifications
- Camera type: Compact
- Sensor: 1-inch
- Megapixels: 21MP
- Lens: 24-70mm
- ISO range: 125-12,800
- Image stabilization: SteadyShot optical
- Weight: 299g
REASONS TO BUY
- All-in-one package
- Can power via USB
REASONS TO AVOID
- Clunky menu system
- Can be fiddly
Looking for a compact camera that can deliver when it comes to product photography?
Look no further than the Sony RX100 V, the go-to choice for professional photographers.
With its 1-inch sensor and 24-70mm equivalent lens with a maximum aperture range of f/1.8-2.8, you’re guaranteed to be able to snap amazing shots anytime, anywhere – all wrapped up in a package small enough to fit in your pocket!
If that’s too pricey for your budget, consider grabbing the RX100 IV or even an earlier version of this series instead.
Or if you need something with a longer lens, the RX100 series has got you covered – pick your perfect model and start clicking away!
6. Nikon D850
Specifications
- Camera type: Full Format
- Sensor: Full Frame
- Megapixels: 45.7 MP
- Lens: Nikon F FX
- ISO range: 64-25600
- Image stabilization: none
- Weight: 1005
REASONS TO BUY
- Outstanding battery life
- Excellent dynamic range
REASONS TO AVOID
- No 4K @ 60fps
- 30 minute video clip limit
The Nikon D850 isn’t exactly a budget-friendly camera, but given the phenomenal performance it gives you, it’s a bargain.
With its 45 MP sensor, you’re guaranteed to get images with amazing clarity and contrast.
The ISO noise is exceptionally low compared to other DSLR options, so you won’t have to worry about unwanted grain in your shots.
It also has an amazing dynamic range that allows you to post-process your photos even better. And printing super high-resolution prints? Child’s play for the Nikon D850!
7. Fujifilm GFX 100S
Specifications
- Camera type: Full Format
- Sensor: Medium format
- Megapixels: 102MP
- Lens mount: Fujifilm G
- ISO range: 100 to 12,800
- Image stabilization: In-body image stabilization
- Weight: 900g
REASONS TO BUY
- Even better resolution!
- In-body stabilization
REASONS TO AVOID
- Expensive
- Heavy
Professional photogs around the world were pleasantly shocked when Fujifilm released its GFX series of mirrorless, large-sensor medium format cameras and now, they can rejoice even more – meet the GFX 100S.
Although not exactly cheap, it’s still much more affordable than its predecessors and is shelled full of amazing capabilities such as a triple-digit megapixel count and an in-body stabilization system.
The control layout is also nice and straightforward so you won’t have to spend time decoding complex menu settings.
With this camera, you’ll be able to capture stunningly detailed product images (plus it weighs about the same as a small car – but hey, at least you save some money compared to those high-end models!).
FAQs:
Can I use a digital camera for product photography?
If you’re a veteran of product photography, you might have noticed that a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) is the camera of choice for print-ready product shots.
This camera type has some perks over point-and-shoots: with an optical viewfinder and a reflective mirror, you can accurately compose your shot before clicking the shutter button.
But if your camera requirements don’t exactly require pro-level equipment, you can take advantage of newer mirrorless camera technology to capture great product images.
It all depends on what kind of quality you need for your final products!
What camera do I need to sell photos?
“When it comes to stock photography, a regular ol’ DSLR or mirrorless camera is all you need, baby!
These bad boys have got some serious auto-functionality and still let you play with the settings like a boss when the need arises.
So go ahead, snap away and make your portfolio sizzle! “
