Not all cameras are created equal. When it comes to finding a good camera for product photography, what’s best for other types of photography isn’t necessarily the best camera for product photography. So, if you’re planning to invest any amount on equipment, you should know what specs you should focus on and which specs aren’t that important.
Before you shoot your next product shoot idea, you should already have an idea of which camera for taking product photos you should get. The most expensive camera isn’t always the best solution or the most feasible investment for all photographers. With that in mind, here are some options for you to consider as the best camera for product photography for different types of budgets.
What Specs Am I Looking for in a Product Photo Camera?
If you’re interested in product photography, you should know what specs to look for and what specs don’t really matter when browsing different types of product photography cameras. Price is always a deciding factor, but it doesn’t always mean the most expensive camera is always the best camera for taking product photos. If you’re a beginner with limited budget, you shouldn’t force yourself to invest in a camera that’s outside your means. You can find plenty of mid-range options that can help you grow your craft before investing in high-end cameras.
The first thing you should consider is the image quality, which is why you’ll want a camera with at least 12 megapixels. Anything less, and you won’t have the crystal-clear results that translate to vivid images. But at the same time, cameras with more than 12 megapixels can have larger image files that can affect your online catalog or website loading time if these images aren’t optimized.
Since most product photography photos have a static model, features like anti-blur motion are unnecessary while shutter speed becomes less important if you already have a well-lit studio. However, there are some types of product photography that uses motion (for example, water splashing used in ads for beverages), so you may want the added feature if you want more flexibility to explore more creative shots. Also, anti-blur motion wouldn’t be an issue if you’re setting your camera on a tripod, but anti-blur motion can give you more flexibility to explore different shots.
Smartphone Cameras
Price online: If you have one of the latest smartphone models, you might not have to invest in a professional camera. However, the latest smartphones with high-quality cameras can start at Php 40,000 upwards.
Some of the latest smartphone models are equipped with high-end cameras that rival the quality of low-end camera models. With at least 12 megapixels, it has the level of quality that can take photos of different types of products. This is the best budget-friendly choice for beginners and those learning photography on their own.
The iPhone 13, for example, comes in presets and features to adjust your exposure and brightness settings on the go. Its Portrait Mode also provides a number of lighting features such as natural light, studio light, contour light, and other settings that can help you adjust the lighting and focus.
If you don’t really have the budget for a quality camera, it might be better to start out with a smartphone camera rather than settling for a professional camera with less features and lower quality. However, keep in mind that even high-end smartphone cameras may not have all the features a high-end DSLR camera can provide, so you might be limiting yourself in features that can be found in professional types of product photography cameras.
Canon EOS Rebel T7
Price online: Around Php 27,000.
A step above a smartphone camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is an ideal entry-level camera for photographers starting out their craft. One of the most useful features of this camera for new photographers is that it’s essentially a point-and-shoot camera that adjusts its settings accordingly. While you can make some adjustments to your camera settings, most of its features takes the guesswork out of creating stunning and vibrant images.
Much more lightweight than the average DSLR, it’s fairly basic in terms of what you can do. If you’re starting out with product photography in more basic shots, it’s a good place to start while you learn. However, for those who are already experienced, you might find this camera a bit lacking.
Nikon D850
Price online: Php 128,000 for the body alone, or Php 141,000 including the kit
On the other end of the price spectrum, you have professional-level DSLR cameras that are a top choice for various types of photography. The Nikon D850 is a powerful camera for taking product photos as it has the features, versatility, and adaptability for photographers to explore their style and limits for product photography.
With a 45.7-megapixel resolution, the Nikon D850 is ideal for product photography that’s used in larger formats like banners – though keep in mind that image files should be converted properly to minimize its effects on website and loading times. It features plenty of tools and automatic capabilities that make it easy for photographers to capture that perfect shot.
If you can get past its high price tag, DSLRs like the Nikon D850 may be the best investment for your career in product photography. But because of its powerful features, this isn’t recommended for product photographers who focus on more simple and static product photography. You get your money’s worth from the camera’s flexibility and versatility to explore different photoshoot ideas. Otherwise, you’re better off working with another good camera for product photography that’s less extravagant for more basic and understated shots.
Sony A6400
Price online: Php 53,000 for the body and around Php 59,000 with the lens.
A model that’s in the mid-range for DSLRs, the Sony A6400 is a good investment for starters who want to benefit from Sony’s automatic features before going on to models that offer more flexible manual adjustments. While considered a DSLR, a lot of its features are automatic, making it a very powerful point-and-shoot camera. It’s able to adjust on its own, providing you with more stable images even if you decide to shoot without a tripod.
Although smaller than the average camera, this model has plenty of features you’ll want to find in a camera for product photography. With 24 megapixels, it also offers a lot in terms of quality, ensuring that you have plenty of options and versatility when you work with this camera. However, one of its downsides is that it’s only compatible with Sony E lenses, so you can’t really explore other types of lenses for product photography if it’s not within the series.
Zoom Into Your Product Photography with Paper Boat Creative
Working with a good product photography camera can increase the quality of your image and deliver results that showcase the natural colors and features of your product. You don’t necessarily have to spend a huge amount on your camera – as long as you have the skills and a quality camera, you can take images that impress your clients.
But photography is just one part of creating stunning product photography. With image enhancement services, you can deliver flawless images that are sure to go beyond your clients’ expectations. Get in touch with Paper Boat Creative today to learn more about our high-end image manipulation services and how we can help your studio with your product photography.