A photo can accurately and attractively portray or present any product, a camera or a phone or a purse or a shirt. Magazines come with a bunch of product catalogue and brochures advertising a product. It either demonstrates its capabilities or promotes the product and brand. It is a simple example of product photography. This decade witnessed the rise of e-commerce, extending the scope of product photography. The photo accurately representing a quality product gives it a better exposure which is possible with one of the best cameras for product photography.
Why product photography?
A picture is worth a thousand words. It feels like this adage fits best to product photography. From being a home baker to a retail manufacturer, product photography has become inevitable to promote your products online. At times of waning patience, a photo can be more effective than words. But not any picture, will make it work, it has to be authentic and accurate. A camera which can handle different light conditions, and capture the details with clarity is a necessity.
Types of product photography
Indoor/studio product photos: The photos of the product shot inside a studio or any-where indoors. The idea is to provide an accurate representation of the product.
Process photography: If you want to project a specific production method which makes your product stand out from the rest. It is process photography.
Lifestyle photos: Portraying a certain product in a real-life scenario, either to explain its application or as a standard operating procedure. These are lifestyle photos.
All these scenarios may require a camera which can handle different light conditions and the capacity to deliver a high-quality photo. Let’s look into best cameras across different types that will suit of product photography.
Best Camera For Product Photography
1. Sony A7 III – Best Mirrorless Camera For Product Photography
Mega Pixels: 24 MP
Sensor Size: Full Frame
Type: Mirrorless
Weight: 650g
The updated sensor design of the Alpha A7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera from Sony makes it suitable for different conditions. It can offer high speed and better low-light performance. The full-frame 24.2 Mega Pixel Exmor CMOS sensor works in tandem with the latest BIONZ X image processor. It can achieve of speeds up to 10-fps of continuous shooting.
A Fast Hybrid Auto Focus System employs 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection to improve focus. It helps in tracking the subject .
Improved processor leads to high-clarity images with reduced noise in the ISO range expandable up to ISO 50-204800. The camera has a 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization, which reduces the effects of vibrations up to 5 stops.
The body design of Sony includes a rear 3-inch touchscreen LCD with a tilting design. The magnesium-alloy body is weather-sealed making it robust and dust resistant.
- Improved low light performance suitable for indoor photography
- 4K and Ultra HD resolution for high-quality videos
- Dual SD card slots for sufficient data storage
- Inbuilt Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth Connectivity helps in rapid data transfers and remote operations
- XGA OLED Tru Finder Electronic View Finder
- One slot is UHS-II compatible
- Despite an improved battery performance, the EVF drains the battery
2. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – Best DSLR Camera For Product Photography
Mega Pixels: 30 MP
Sensor Size: Full Frame
Type: DSLR
Weight: 800g
The 5D Mark IV DSLR from Canon has a 30.4 MegaPixel CMOS sensor with the support of a DIGIC 6+ image processor. It can handle of speeds up to 7 frames per second of continuous shooting.
The camera works at a high range of ISO expandable up to 50-102400. It makes the camera perfect in terms of low noise, extra sharp images, enhancing the low-light performance. The camera comes with built-in Wi-Fi, NFC connectivity, and GPS. The autofocus systems improve the speed of tracking through a 61 point phase-detection points.
The 3.2-inch touch screen LCD is versatile in handling different high and low angles of shooting. The camera can record videos up to 4K (4096 × 2160) at 30 fps. The magnesium alloy body comes with an ergonomic drip making it durable and weather-resistant to suit different environment.
- 30.4 MP CMOS Sensor and an updated DIGIC 6+ Image Processor
- High-Density Reticular, Dual Pixel Auto Focus System
- 3.2 inch LCD touch screen with tilted design
- Inbuilt GPS module for geography tagging
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy data transfers
- The auto modes and settings might look daunting
- An expensive piece of equipment
3. Nikon D7500 – Best Nikon DSLR Camera For Product Photography
Mega Pixels: 20.9 MP
Sensor Size: APS-C
Type: DSLR
Weight: 640g
Nikon D7500 is a DSLR camera that comes with a 20.9 MegaPixel CMOS APS-C sensor. At the helm of an EXPEED 5 image processor, it can handle continuous shooting at speeds up to 8-fps. It can amplify gains up to ISO 51,200 (expandable to ISO 1,640,000).
The 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX II autofocus system tracks the movement of the subject . The D7500 camera is lightweight, despite being a DSLR. It is robust and weather-sealed, which makes it suitable to handle harsh climate and environments.
The optical viewfinder and 3.2-inch touchscreen make a light-work of shooting in multiple high and low angles. The SnapBridge, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wireless transfer of footage and remote operations through mobile devices.
This Nikon is one of the affordable DSLR cameras with an APS-C sensor. This makes it a perfect tool for indoor and outdoor low light product photography. The features make it a value-for-money purchase.
- 20.9 Mega Pixel DX-Format CMOS Sensor and EXPEED 5 Processor
- Pentaprism optical viewfinder with .94x magnification
- Lightweight compared to the other D SLR models making hand-held shooting less cumbersome
- A 3.2 inch LCD touch screen and 51-Point Autofocus System with multiple modes
- Electronic vibration reduction to negate the effects the motion blur
- External microphone slot to record quality sound
- Single card slot
- The 4K recordings come with a crop
4. Fujifilm X-T3
Mega Pixels: 26 MP
Sensor Size: APS-C
Type: Mirrorless
Weight: 539g
This Fujifilm X-T3 is a mirrorless APS-C sensor camera which can handle both videography and action photography. The design features a powerful image processor that can handle high-resolution photos and 4K videos. The APS-C sensor has a back-illuminated design.
The 3.69 million dot capacity viewfinder features a Sports Finder Mode giving you added efficiency to recognize moving subjects. In addition to that, the X-T3 comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It simplifies remote operations and wireless sharing. The magnesium-alloy body makes the camera dust resistant and durable to work in different weather conditions. This camera doesn’t have an inbuilt stabilisation which may confine it to shooting fixed subjects.
- The APS-C 26.1 MegaPixel CMOS 4 Sensor
- A 3.69 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder with a refresh rate up to 100fps
- Dual SD card slots compatible with UHS-II standards
- Classic shooting modes with grain effect
- Lightweight, compact yet robust
- Battery life is low
- Absence of an inbuilt image stabilisation system
5. Nikon D850 – Great For Product Photography in Low Light
Mega Pixels: 45.7 MP
Sensor Size: Full Frame
Type: DSLR
Weight: 915g
Nikon D850 is a DSLR full-frame camera that makes high speed and resolution possible. It has a 45.7 MegaPixel CMOS sensor and an EXPEED 5 image processor. The back-illuminated sensor delivers a better clarity photo in low-light conditions, which suits for indoor product photography.
It can handle ISO of 32 to 102400 and can record 4K Ultra HD videos. The 153-point Auto Focus system is efficient with 99 cross sensors to focus in different light conditions. The dedicated power aperture button handles the exposure transitions from light to darker areas.
The pentaprism viewfinder has a wide field of view and .75x magnification. The Nikon D850 is robust to handle harsh environment and weather conditions.
- 45.7 MegaPixel CMOS sensor
- Autofocus with a 153 Point phase-detection system
- Scene Recognition System has a 180000 pixel RGB Sensor
- The illuminated rear buttons offer better visibility during low light conditions
- Dual card slots
- Unstable Snapbridge
- Comes at a premium price
6. Olympus E-M1 Mark II
Mega Pixels: 20.4 MP
Sensor Size: Micro four thirds
Type: Mirrorless
Weight: 574g
The E-M1 Mark II from Olympus is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera with a 20.4 Mega Pixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic image processor. The electronic shutter boasts the capability of continuous shooting at 60 fps.
It is perfect for video-photographers who indulge in shooting both DCI and Ultra HD 4K recording modes. The sensor supports up to ISO 25600 to handle low light conditions.
This camera works best as a handheld device owing to its lightweight. The inbuilt 5-axis image stabilization reduces motion blur and the impact of vibration that comes with handheld shooting.
The 121 phase-detection focus point autofocus system produces excellent photographs despite the moving subjects. The Olympus camera has a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body that makes it durable. The inbuilt Wi-Fi and dual SD card slots simplify remote operations and data storage.
Despite being expensive, it is one of the best cameras with the mirror four-thirds sensor offering great focal lengths for shooting small objects.
- 20.4 Megapixel sensor and a powerful TruePic VIII Processor
- Video recording at DCI 4K and Ultra HD
- In built 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
- A 2.36 Million dot EVF
- 3.0 inch LCD Touch Screen with flexibility of Vari-angle design
- Weather-sealed to be Dust proof and Freeze proof
- Dual SD card slots
- Expensive camera
7. Canon EOS REBEL T7i
Mega Pixels: 24.2 MP
Sensor Size: APS-C
Type: DSLR
Weight: 532g
The EOS Rebel T7i DSLR from Canon has a sleek and portable body. It comes with a 24.2 MegaPixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor capable of capturing high-resolution photos and videos up to ISO 100-51200. The camera can work in different lighting conditions.
The sensor and the powerful processor can shoot continuously up to 6 fps. This sensor has a Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which uses 45 phase-detection points to smoothen the shooting experience.
The 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD features intuitive control and live view monitor. The various angle design makes it easy to shoot from a different high and low angle. In addition to that, the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC enables pairing with smartphone and tablets for wireless image sharing and remote operations.
- 24.2 Mega Pixel APS-C CMOS Sensor and a powerful DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 45-Point Phase detection Auto focus
- Optical pentamirror view finder
- Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC enables wireless data transfers
- 3.0 inch LCD touchscreen with a Vari-angle design
- ISO of up to 51200
- Features an HDR
- No external microphone
- Entry-level DSLR
If you are small scale entrepreneur, or you are working within budget limitations. If you would prefer a compact lightweight camera, point and shoot cameras can work for you.
The following point and shoot cameras would be suitable for product photography.
8. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II – Best Point and Shoot Camera For Product Photography
Mega Pixels: 20.1 MP
Sensor Size: Point and Shoot
Weight: 320g
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a compact point-and-shoot camera. It comprises a 20.1 Mega Pixel (1-inch) CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor. The enables the camera to capture up to 8-fps with a maximum ISO of 12800. This ensures image quality with minimal noise in less ideal light conditions.
The camera has a 4.2x zoom lens which can offer performance of a 24-100 mm equivalent focal length range. The f/1.8-f/2.8 maximum aperture helps allows room for light exposure in poorly-lit conditions which are more prevalent in product photography.
The 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD has a tilting design to facilitate shooting in high and low angles. The G7 X Mark II has an in-built Wi-Fi, NFC that enables wireless data sharing and remote operations.
- 20.1 Mega Pixel CMOS Sensor and a powerful DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- Intelligent image stabilisation with 4.2 Optical zoom
- 3-inch touch screen LCD
- Inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless data transfers
- A panning function for accurate focusing
- Doesn’t come with a viewfinder
- Low battery life
9. Panasonic Lumix DCZS80
Mega Pixels: 20.3 MP
Sensor Size: Point and Shoot
Weight: 328g
The Panasonic Lumix DCZS80 is a workhorse camera. The 20.3 Mega Pixel High-Sensitivity Live MOS sensor can offer low noise and sensitivity to an extended ISO 6400.
The sensor works in tandem with an image processor which can shoot and process continuously at up to 10 fps. In addition to that, there is an impressive Leica DC Vario-Elmar 30x zoom lens with 24-720mm equivalent focal length range.
This camera comes with a 5-axis POWER Optical Image Stabilizer that reduces the effects of vibration. The combination of an electronic viewfinder and 3-inch touchscreen LCD simplifies the shooting in certain angles. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enables you to share images and operate the camera wirelessly.
- 20.3 Mega Pixel High-Sensitivity Live MOS sensor
- 5-axis POWER Optical Image Stabilizer
- 30 x zoom lens
- Compact and sturdy
- Fast autofocus system
- The LCD screen doesn’t tilt downwards
- Confusing touch screen controls
10. Sony DSC – RX100 VA
Mega Pixels: 20.1 MP
Sensor Size: Point and Shoot
Weight: 299g
Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA Digital Camera has a 20.1 MP CMOS sensor and Bionz processor. It can handle the challenges of shooting in different types of product photography. Sony’s BIONZ X processor can handle continuous shooting up to 24 fps and dual video recording. The autofocus system has 315 phase-detection points covering 65% of the image area of the sensor.
The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens comes with a zoom of 24-70mm and a f/1.8-2.8 aperture which makes it excel in low light conditions. It has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity to facilitate data sharing and remote operations through devices powered by iOS/Android.
- 20.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor & powerful BIONZ X Image Processor
- A Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
- A hybrid 315 phase-detection point autofocus system
- 2.36 million OLED Electronic View Finder
- Can handle Ultra HD 4K Video recording
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
- Low battery life
Best Camera for Product Photography Buyer’s Guide
Sensor size: The sensor size determines the quantity of light getting registered in the limited frame of time. The light-sensitive photo sites known as pixels absorb the light falling through the lens. If the sensor is large, more information gets stored, and you get better clarity. As it comes to shooting fixed objects which are smaller in size, the sensor size doesn’t have to be the largest. The sensor size is essential for certain types of photography. But there are cameras with smaller sensors that can do the job in most of the cases. It depends on the nature of the object you are shooting.
Auto/Manual focus: If you are capturing a moving subject, the autofocus plays a vital role in tracking the object. The number of focus points measures the reliability of the autofocus system in the camera. If you are shooting a fixed object, the manual modes can come in handy. A camera that has auto modes and allows manual customisation of settings can be a great piece of equipment for product photography.
ISO Performance: The ISO refers to the amplification of the details registered by the sensor. As light gets recorded, the built-in image processor can adjust the brightness of the image. It gets captured at the base ISO of the camera. During product photography, one may encounter less than ideal conditions. The higher range of ISO can compensate in terms of brightness and clarity during those circumstances. But the brightness comes at a price called as digital noise . It is necessary to find an optimal balance between the clarity of the image and the noise.
Interchangeable lens: Product photography can involve a broad range of products that come in different sizes. It is essential to choose a camera which can accommodate interchangeable lenses. While most of the cameras come with a particular mount system, which may not be interchangeable across brands and different types of camera. It is essential to look into the factor. The DSLR is familiar for its broad range of lenses available in the market. The recent technological developments in production have kept mirrorless cameras catching up in pace with DSLR.
Image stabilization: Shooting with cameras being handheld could lead to a motion blur. It could be due to vibration in the camera lens. The cameras have a dual image stabilization system. Either the lens or the sensor is adjusted to counter the effects of vibration. Unless you aren’t shooting a moving object or you don’t mind packing a tripod. The IS (Image stabilization) plays a vital role in getting clarity photographs.
Picking The Best Camera For Product Photography
Choosing the best camera for product photography depends on the product and the environment. Sony and Canon have some great cameras that can work in different lighting conditions and can handle multiple weather conditions. If product shooting is going to be indoors, and the products are small in size, cameras with APS-C or micro four-thirds sensors are suitable. Canon – PowerShot G7 X Mark II is one of the best models if you are working around budget constraints. Sony A7III and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV are the versatile cameras which can suit different styles of product photography.
Read Next:
Best Lens For Product Photography
Last update on 2021-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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