The 4 Best Cameras For Product Photography - Winter 2023 Reviews

If you're not a professional, the Nikon Z 5 is one of the best cameras for product photography that you can get. It's a fantastic camera, especially if you're primarily interested in photography. With an excellent full-frame sensor, you'll get high-quality images out of this camera, even if you're just working with natural light. While a fast autofocus system isn't necessary for product photography the same way it is for sports or wildlife, this camera has a solid AF system that can reliably nail focus on static objects.

That said, while this is a steal of a camera body for amateur photographers, it is a full-frame camera, and the cost of full-frame lenses can quickly add up. A high-end APS-C option like the Fujifilm X-T4 or the more affordable Fujifilm X-S10 are great alternatives. Fujifilm cameras are also known for their amazing color science straight out of the camera, so your images will pop without doing much processing. All of these cameras also have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which can help you get steady shots at slower shutter speeds when you have less available light to work with.

If the Nikon Z 5 sounds like too much camera for you, going with a mid-range APS-C model is a great way to save some money and get a more lightweight and affordable kit overall. The Sony α6400 is one of the best mid-range options we've tested for product photography. While it doesn't have IBIS like the cameras mentioned above, its high-resolution APS-C sensor can capture excellent-quality images, and its autofocus is very reliable.

Though it uses Sony's older, less-than-intuitive menu system and has somewhat cramped ergonomics, it benefits from the company's extensive lens selection. Sony is one of the few brands with substantial third-party lens support, so there are a wide range of options to choose from if you find the kit lens isn't cutting it. Overall, it's a very capable camera for the price.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a fantastic starter DSLR, but any older DSLR will get the job done if you're on a tight budget. As mentioned above, it's the lighting and setup of your products that'll make a difference in your product photography. Still, the SL3 delivers great image quality straight out of the camera, along with great DSLR ergonomics. It's relatively portable and has a much longer battery life than the mirrorless options above.

Canon's DSLR lineup also includes plenty of affordable lens options, with a very wide selection. You can easily upgrade down the line as your skills grow. A budget mirrorless camera like the Canon EOS M50 Mark II could also be a good option, but it's soon to be replaced by the Canon EOS R50, and lens options for the EF-M mount are much more limited than what you get for Canon Rebel models. That said, the real best budget option is whatever is most easily available to you, whether a used older model or your smartphone.

If you prefer the simplicity and portability of a point-and-shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is one of the best point-and-shoots for product photos. It'll get the job done and won't break the bank while still offering some premium features like a tilting screen and quick burst shooting. Unlike most smartphones and cheaper compact cameras, it uses a slightly larger 1-inch sensor, so image quality is good overall.

While it isn't as versatile as interchangeable lenses, the built-in lens on this little compact has a bit of zoom range, so you have some flexibility for framing and composition. Of course, it's also remarkably portable, making this a great choice for those who don't want a bulky, heavy kit. Just know that its compact size does come at the cost of battery life and more cramped ergonomics.