One of the main focuses of eating outside is taking pictures of the delicious and fun-looking food you eat and posting it on social media. Food photography has become one of the greatest joys of Gen Z.
Now, what tool do you need to become a noticeable food photographer? A good quality camera, of course! Preferably the best camera you can find on the market.
In this article, we will inform you of all the hyped and best cameras for food photography. This way, you won't have to keep on searching the market for good quality food cameras. You can get all your recommendations right here.
We have something in all price ranges so that all of you can get a camera for your food pictures.
Table of Contents
TL;DR – Top 3 Cameras for Food Photography
BEST CHOICE
Sony Alpha a6400
BEST VALUE
Nikon D3500
PREMIUM PICK
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Can’t seem to find the best food photography camera in the market that fits your needs? We’ve got you covered. Check out our best food photography camera options and select the one you like.
1. Nikon D3500
One of the reasons this Nikon D3500 camera is on our list is its user-friendly nature. This camera has all that you need to make it the best food photography camera in town.
Firstly, to make things easier, there is no dedicated ISO button. This feature is automated in the camera, making food photography a lot easier for you.
Secondly, there are no touchscreens on the camera. Although touchscreen might seem like a fun and advanced feature, this makes the camera less-durable and requires relatively high maintenance. So if you're looking for a food photography camera that will last a long time, this is the camera to get.
Bluetooth snap bridge connectivity is one of the other features that we like about this camera. This feature on the Nikon D3400 allows you to connect the camera to lots of accessories with ease.
For ease of connectivity, this food photography camera also comes with wifi connectivity features. It makes transferring pictures, no matter the file size, easier for you.
Made with sturdy polycarbonate, this camera is also scratch-resistant. This camera won't get stains or damage easily, making it the best one for food photography. The ISO sensor on this camera is also quite remarkable. It comes with long battery life, making it perfect for carrying around.
When it comes to the camera's photo quality, it is a 24.2-megapixel camera with no optical pass filter. So every picture you take comes out vibrant and clear.
Nikon D3500
Pros
Cons
2. Canon EOS 6D
Canon is a brand that is quite well known in the photography community. So this camera is going to be an excellent option for taking high-quality pictures.
This camera comes with a 20.2 megapixel, which is more than enough for taking great quality photos of food. You get clear images that capture the true essence of the picture.
Canon cameras are best known for their durability. A Canon camera will last you ages before giving up. You might need to adjust the lenses or the other accessories of the camera, but Canon will last you a long time before needing replacement.
The ISO features of this camera are also quite remarkable. Balanced and straight pictures grab more attention on social media. On top of that, these cameras also come with 4.5 frames per second speed with a continuous shooting feature.
If you are looking for Canon cameras for videography, this is the camera to get. Not only can these cameras take the best photos, but they also make the best videos. To be more specific, you can take 1080p videos on these Canon cameras with ease.
There is a 3 inch LCD screen on the camera that helps you monitor the features and functions. It does not get in the way of your photography.
Any file size can be transferred to a computer or phone using the cables provided. All the tools and accessories you will need to operate a Canon camera are included in the purchase. It’s a great deal for the price points!
Canon EOS 6D
Pros
Cons
3. Sony Alpha a6400
Every photographer loves a good quality 50mm DSLR camera for any kind of photography. So we knew we had to suggest a few cameras like this on our list. 50mm lenses are the best for taking photos of food. They can capture every detail quite effortlessly.
On top of that, these cameras come with a special enhanced subject capture. Wide 425 phase and the 425 contrast rate makes every photo look professional. The ISO sensor balances the photos perfectly to give you straight and better pictures.
When it comes to speed, there is an 11 fps continuous shooting capability. So you don’t have to hold on to these cameras for too long. Just a click, and the photo is saved. For a higher megapixel, for up to 24.2 MP, you can shoot raw for better and crisper photos.
Videography is also easier with these cameras. You can make slow-motion, time-lapse, and quick motion videos using the same camera.
The screen on these Sony cameras can be tilted, which is an excellent feature for bloggers or professional food photography. This way, you can see the frame even when the camera is turned to you.
Batteries, all the cables, and storage bags are included with the purchase in this kit. Eye cap cups, shoulder straps, cleaning cloths are also added with the set.
Sony Alpha a6400
Pros
Cons
4. Fujifilm X-T1
Need a camera that is affordable but will get the job done? Check out this Fujifilm X-T1 camera. It is perfect for people who are just getting into food photography or giving it a shot.
Fujifilm X-T1 is a 16-megapixel camera. So you can get medium quality pictures with the camera that are postable on social media and can also be entered into competitions or some magazines.
The feature that we like the most about this camera is the durability. You can use this camera at -10 degrees as well. The camera is water-resistant and dust-resistant. So it will last you a very long time before needing replacement.
An OLED display makes using the camera a lot more fun and practical. The lens can zoom in quite deep. It has a magnification ratio of 0.77 x real-time viewfinder.
The electronic shutter is very high speed as well. It is 1/32000, to be specific. Given that this is available at such a low price, this feature is worth noting. If you do not have that much money to spare for a high-end option, these Fujifilm cameras are a great buy.
You can change the lens on this thing as per your desire. There is no limitation. So you can have fun and get creative with the type of lens to use without having to worry about compatibility.
Fujifilm X-T1
Pros
Cons
5. Nikon D810
Looking for cameras with high megapixel for professional food photography? Check out this Nikon D810 FX.
It has 36.3 megapixels, enough to capture every detail of the food you are trying to photograph. These cameras also have a low optical pass filter, which makes your photos even better looking. This is a tool that you need if you are a professional.
These cameras are 30 percent faster than normal ones in the market. It has a shutter speed of 1/8000 to 30 sec. High-speed cameras are great for food photography, especially if you are recording video.
If you want more vibrant pictures, these Nikon cameras come with a 3D color matrix and 51 point AF system. The quality of the pictures is fantastic. You won't have to do much editing afterward anyway; the raw photo looks fabulous on its own. The ISO range on this product is 6412,800 but can be expanded to 51200.
Now, if you love the features of this but find it a bit too large, you can try out their smaller option. This model also comes with a megapixel of 16 mp.
Transferring these pictures into a computer is also much easier through wi-fi, your email address, or even Bluetooth.
Although it might not look like it, these cameras have professional video and audio quality. You can record 1080p videos on cameras like these with ease. So you won’t struggle with professionalism when using this tool.
Nikon D810
Pros
Cons
6. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
We don’t have to inform you about the quality and standards that Canon mark iv serves; surely you already know that. When you're buying cameras from Canon, they are here to stay, and the same goes for this Canon EOS 5D mark iv.
The all-black construction is a durable, water-resistant, and dustproof structure. So you can travel with it with ease. No need to worry about weather conditions causing any damage.
30.4-megapixel camera is great for food photography. These kinds of cameras are typically used in professional settings for advertisements or magazines. So this product is of quality.
A full-frame CMOS sensor allows you to take pictures in any setting—no need to worry about the lighting. You get an ISO range of 100-32000, which you can then expand to 50-102400. For videography, this tool is qualified to take 4K motion JPEG videos. You can also select full HD, 120p, or 60p.
It has a full touch screen interface along with a few hard buttons. This Canon mark iv construction does not become less durable due to these buttons, thanks to the durability of the Canon.
The continuous shooting speed on this camera is 7.0 fps. It also comes with a processor of DIGIC 6, which helps boost its performance. You can even turn this into a webcam for high-quality video conferences or live shows; this is done easily with the help of Canon eos utility webcam beta software.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Pros
Cons
7. Nikon D850
We’re ending our list with a banger. Nikon cameras have always been a favorite amongst all photographers alongside Canon. Check this cam out if you want a professional-grade tool as well.
This unit has no optical pass filter, which boosts the quality and feel of the pictures you take. A whopping 47.5 megapixels also helps make the photos clearer and more pristine. You’ll get pictures that have more color and depth, perfect for posting on social media.
Use this to shoot 4k quality time-lapse videos with ease. This tool is qualified for professional-grade photography, not only for foods. So having this at hand will surely come in handy quite often.
You can use this for fashion or nature photography to get depth and color like no other. Slow-motion videos and time-lapse videos can also be recorded at 1080p.
With the help of a touchscreen, you operate this tool. The touchscreen can be rotated to face your direction so that it’s easier to vlog.
You will never run out of battery when using this product. That is why we recommend this for professional shoots, as they can take quite some time to end. The charging time is also quick and short. So you don’t need to wait for the camera to charge for too long.
Nikon D850
Pros
Cons
What to Look for Before Buying
To buy good quality food cameras, you need to keep a few features in mind. These features should be the focal point when selecting your camera. So check out these tips if you want the best quality camera in your hand.
Lens
One of the best tips that we can give you while buying the best food photography camera is: focus on the lens. The lenses of a camera say a lot about its quality. Do not limit yourself to products that come with one fixed lens.
Always try and get cameras that allow you to add more lenses if you need them; this will give you the freedom to play around with food photography with different kinds of lenses.
Megapixel
Another thing you need to keep in mind when buying a food photography camera is the megapixels it offers. For food bloggers, having a food photography camera with high megapixels is a must.
The print quality of the camera should meet the standards. High megapixel cameras are also great for making alterations to pictures.
Sensor Size
The sensor size depends on your budget. If you have a little bit more money to spend, try investing in a camera with a full-frame sensor size. This is a necessity and one of the best options for a food photographer. If you do not have the budget, you can also buy a camera with a crop factor sensor.
ISO Range
When taking food pictures, food photographers usually use a tripod. DSLR cameras especially need tripods to be balanced on. But in some situations, you cannot pull out a tripod for your camera. Therefore it is best to get a food camera that can work with a lot of noise and shakiness.
Number of Focus Points
Food Photographers use the automatic focus point feature quite seldom when taking photos with their cameras. This is because photos usually come out better and more in character if the focus is played around manually. So a camera with more than five focus points is an excellent option for food photographers.
Settings
Food photography is not as simple of a task as it sounds. Your tool needs to have as many settings options as it can offer to be the best of the best. A camera that gives you a more customizable setting is the best camera for taking food photographs.
DSRL cameras also have an auto feature that you can use if you are a beginner. But professional food photography is done best with manual settings.
Size
One of the other features that you need to keep in mind while buying a food camera is the size.
You will surely be carrying your camera around for food photography in different locations; it could be restaurants, events, hosted festivals, and many other places. So you need a camera that is easy to carry. Cameras with detachable lenses are the best for food photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re sure you might have some questions to ask about the food photography camera you are about to purchase. Here we have a list of the most commonly asked questions about food photography cameras answered for you.
What settings should I adjust to get the best food photos?
For the best photos, you could adjust your camera to the AV mode. This mode selects an appropriate shutter speed to give you the best crisp photo photos.
Is a 50mm lens good enough for food photography?
50mm lenses are a staple for every food photographer. This lens is best at capturing the details of the element, making your food photography catch the eye. Not only is this lens great for food photography, but it is also best for traditional photography.
What do I need for food photography apart from a camera?
This is a question that every food photography novice has. Different kinds of lenses, lighting, ring light, reflectors, tripods, and scrim fabric are only a few things that you will need as a photographer for food photography apart from your camera.
Are ring lights good for food photography?
Food photographers usually always have a ring light in their bags. While this light could help out the features of some food photography, it might be too harsh on some. It is also not the easiest to carry around.
How to take photos of food in low light?
The first thing you need to do for food photography in low light is to turn your camera's brightness up. You might also need to adjust the shadows and contrast to get the best photos.
In lower light settings, do not go for low ISO traps; this is a tip that works great in both low light and nighttime food photography.
Final Words
Qualifying purchases for the best camera for food photography can also be accomplished on a budget. Just follow the tips we have suggested, and you shall do fine.
Focus on the kind of lens, ISO range, zoom lens, and the proper tools, and your food photography will certainly be eye-catching.
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