While the mania for food photography may be quite recent, it has become more popular thanks to Instagram and other social media sites. Presenting food in an appealing style is key for food photographers, as the average person is constantly being inundated with images of food (many of which are low-quality images). But if you want to capture beautiful and mouth-watering food images, you’ll definitely need a solid camera.
Luckily, we’ve listed down some of the best cameras for food photography to help you take more technically skilled shots.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camera for Food Photography
Whether you’re a beginner or pro, knowing which camera and lens you should buy for food photography can be hard. Here are some factors that you should consider before getting your very own food camera:
- Sensor size: This boils down to whether you’re purchasing one with a cropped sensor or a full-frame model. Cameras with cropped sensors will let you capture great food photos, but the resulting images will look different from those taken with full-frame models. On the other hand, full-frame cameras have a bigger sensor size (24mm x 35mm) than those with cropped sensors.
- File size: Most digital cameras today feature big file sizes. Cameras with large file sizes are ideal for those who want to write cookbooks or license their images. You should pick a model that can capture RAW files as well.
- ISO level: ISO is an extremely crucial factor when shooting handheld. In this case, a camera that can handle relatively high noise is your best bet.
- Number of focus points: You might not get a focus point to a necessary area if your camera has fewer focus points. That’s why it’s important to choose one with many focus points.
The Best Cameras for Food Photography
Sony a7III ()
The first best camera for food photography on our list is a full-frame model with a standard ISO 100-51200 (ISO 50-204800 for still images) range. It also features 16-bit image signal processing for smoother, more natural gradation and a 14-bit RAW output in silent or continuous shooting. The Sony a7III even has a 24.2-megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor and the BIONZ X image processing engine for two times faster data readout.
This Sony camera lets you achieve greater focus, as well, with its autofocus features. It has 693 phase-detection AF points that cover around 93% of the image area. The a7III enhances focus using 425 contrast-detection AF points. Additionally, professional food photographers will appreciate the fact that there are individual AF points in every inch of the camera’s screen.
Key Specifications:
- 24.2 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 24.2 MP Photos / UHD 4K Video at 30p
- ISO 100-51200 (ISO 50-204800) Range
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 10fps in RAW format
- 3.0” 922k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Nikon D810 ()
Deemed as a versatile camera for versatile shooters, the D810 boasts a 36.3-megapixel FX-format sensor without a no-pass optical filter. This feature lets it resolve remarkable details, making it suitable for macro and wedding cake photography. The sensor also achieves perfect detail retention alongside Nikon’s EXPEED 4 image processing engine. The EXPEED 4 engine offers you low noise throughout an ISO 64-12800 range and 25% faster frame rates.
If you want to capture more detailed food images, the camera lets you shoot in full resolution or any of its crop modes at multiple frame rates. These frame rates range from 5fps to 7fps in DX-crop mode. The D810 features an Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor as well. It has 51 focus points and 15 cross-type sensors for sharper focus on your subject.
Key Specifications:
- 36.3 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 4 Image Processing Engine
- 36.3 MP Images / Full HD 1080p Video up to 60fps
- ISO 64-12800 (ISO 32-51200) Range
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 5fps
- 3.2” 1,229k-Dot LCD Monitor
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV ()
Photographers worldwide deem the EOS 5D Mark IV as one of the most common food cameras, and it’s not hard to see why. This camera presents stunning image quality, performance, and versatility enhancements all in one package. It features a 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor that gives you fine image quality. An enhanced 61-point AF system is also present for enhanced focus accuracy while you shoot.
The 5D Mark IV’s full-frame sensor delivers incredibly high resolution, making the camera perfect for various uses. It even delivers high light sensitivity through an enhanced S/N ratio and noise processing algorithm. Additionally, this Canon camera is ideal for low-light photography as it offers an ISO 100-32000 range.
Key Specifications:
- 30.4 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 6+ Image Processor
- 30.4 MP Images / DCI 4K Video at 30fps
- ISO 100-32000 (ISO 50-102400) Range
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 7fps
- 3.2” 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
Canon EOS 80D ()
Known as Canon’s leading prosumer camera, the EOS 80D boasts a powerful 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that delivers improved camera performance. It also has a 1.6x crop factor to ensure that you won’t have to use the super wide end of your lens as you shoot food photos. The camera even offers a field of view that’s similar to an 80mm lens when you use a 50mm prime lens for food photography.
But the 80D’s APS-C sensor and crop factor are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to features. This Canon camera offers you a clear view and comprehensive image data through its Intelligent Viewfinder. The feature covers around 100% of the camera’s image area. And to top it all off, the 80D also supports built-in Wi-Fi and Full HD 60p videos.
Key Specifications:
- 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 6 Image Processor
- 24.2 MP Images / Full HD 1080p Video at 60fps
- ISO 100-16000 (ISO 100-25600) Range
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 7fps in RAW Format
- 3.0” 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
Sony a6300 ()
With the Sony a6300, autofocusing, imaging speed and performance have reached amazing new heights. The camera boasts the world’s fastest autofocus and the most number of phase-detection AF points for greater focus. It densely positions 425 AF points throughout the image’s full area, ensuring that your subject doesn’t escape the camera’s attention.
The a6300 also boasts an Exmor CMOS sensor and the BIONZ X image processing algorithm, just like the a7III. You can shoot high-quality images using a broad ISO range with both features. The camera’s sensitivity levels can reach up to ISO 51200.
Key Specifications:
- 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 24.2 MP Images / UHD 4k30 & 1080p120 Videos
- ISO 100-25600 (ISO 100-51200) Range
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 11fps in RAW Format
- 3.0” 921k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
Canon EOS 6D Mark II ()
The EOS 6D Mark II offers stunning results with its 26.2-megapixel full-frame sensor. That’s why it’s an excellent choice for challenging low-light conditions and other photography niches. The camera even gives you greater focus through 45 cross-type AF points on its viewfinder.
For crisp and detailed food images in almost any lighting situation, the 6D Mark II has a broad ISO 100-40000 range. It also features the DIGIC 7 image processor, which helps produce high-quality images. The processor boosts camera operation as well.
Key Specifications:
- 26.2 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 26.2 MP Images / Full HD Video at 60fps
- ISO 100-40000 (ISO 50-102400) Range
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 6.5fps
- 3” 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
Canon EOS 5DS ()
If you want to capture detailed food photos, the 5DS might just be the perfect camera for you. This Canon EOS camera delivers greater resolution and sharpness to help you capture more detailed images. It boasts a 50.6-megapixel full-frame sensor — the highest resolution in the EOS series. This results in realistic photos that are ideal for commercial printing, especially food photography.
The 5DS is also perfect for low-light shooting as it features a wide ISO range up to ISO 6400. It even offers an expanded ISO 50-12800 range. 61 AF points are featured in the camera, ensuring quick, accurate AF and sophisticated tracking performance.
Key Specifications:
- 50.6 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors
- 50.6 MP Images / Full HD 1080p Video at 30fps
- ISO 100-64000 (ISO 50-12800) Range
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 5fps
- 3.2” 1.04m-Dot ClearView II LCD Monitor
Nikon D850 ()
For good food close-ups, the D850’s 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor gives you enough cropping space for your photos. It even lets you play with your photos during editing, since you’ll get plenty of space. The sensor achieves remarkable image quality, more efficient light gathering, quicker data readout, and truer color without possible moire.
Additionally, you can get lower noise, wider dynamic range, and subtle tones and textures with the D850’s EXPEED 5 image processor. It helps deliver a 9fps continuous shooting rate as well. Lastly, the camera features ISO 64, the lowest base ISO that a DSLR can have. This can reach ISO 32 when it expands.
Key Specifications:
- 45.7 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 5 Image Processor
- 45.7 MP Images / UHD 4K Video at 30fps
- ISO 64-256000 (ISO 32-102400) Range
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 7fps in RAW Format
- 3.2” 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II ()
The PowerShot G9 Mark II may be the last camera on this list, but many food photographers love it for the functionality that it offers. This stylish and lightweight compact camera features a large 20.1-megapixel sensor that produces photos with DSLR-like image quality. It also uses Canon’s DIGIC 7 image processor to capture images with less noise in low light. These images include indoor shots and night streetscapes.
The G9 Mark II produces excellent food photos through its 31-point autofocus and contrast-detection system. You can even get quick, precise AF and release the camera’s shutter by touching your subject on its LCD screen. Lastly, it boasts a 3x optical zoom that starts from a 28mm wide-angle end.
Key Specifications:
- 20.1 MP 1” CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 20.1 MP Stills / Full HD 1080p Video at 60fps
- ISO 125-6400 (ISO 125-12800) Range
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 8.2fps in RAW Format
- 3.0” 1.04m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
Feature photo by Szabo Viktor on Unsplash
