If you’ve decided that portraiture is your favorite out of all the types of photography, you’ve come to the right place. The best way to start is to know what it takes to become a portrait photographer. After that, you can freely choose the right camera for you.
Whether you’re planning to become a freelancer or a full-time professional, in portraiture or any other type of photography, know that there is no “best” camera for portrait photography. It would always depend on your personal preference, experience level, and budget. We’ll help you find your main piece of gear by offering you a wide range of camera recommendations—from DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to premium point-and-shoots.
And if you want to learn more about lenses, check out our guide to DSLR portrait lenses.
Is DSLR or mirrorless better for portraits?
Deciding between a mirrorless vs DSLR camera is individual to every photographer, and neither choice is better than the other. DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a variety of different pros and cons, and your choice of camera boils down to your personal preference. Decide what features are important to you, and select your camera based on these particular features. Both types of cameras will capture great portraits for all kinds of different photographers.
Are mirrorless cameras good for portrait photography?
Mirrorless cameras have seen great advancements over the years, and new features have allowed them to be powerful contenders for the best cameras for portraits. Mirrorless cameras often tout small sizes and high resolutions, which can help you take amazing portraits. In the last few years, mirrorless cameras have really come to compete with DSLRs and are now just as common. Picking out a camera comes down to choosing one with specs that meet your personal needs.
What should I look for in a portrait camera?
When shopping for a camera that will take great portraits, a few special considerations should be made.
Autofocus
The first feature to look for in a portrait camera is the auto-focus feature. A great portrait camera will not only have many different focus points (250+), but it will also have eye-detection autofocus. This kind of auto-focus uses AI technology to select the eye of your subject, for perfect focus every time.
Autofocus is one of the most important features of a portrait camera. When you can trust that the camera will get the focus just right every time, you can spend less time worrying about the focus, and more time composing great compositions of your model.
Low-light capabilities
Another important feature of a portrait camera is its low-light capabilities. If you take many portraits, you undoubtedly will end up in a low-light situation. When you hear low-light capabilities, this means two different things. First, you want the camera to have the ability to focus quickly and accurately in these situations. Second, you want to have a sensor that can still take great images when you have to turn up the ISO. If you are using a camera that doesn’t perform well in low light, you’ll see a lot of noise or grain in your images once you go to edit them on the computer.
Buffer speed
Lastly, consider the buffer speed of the camera. If you like to shoot in rapid fire when you’re taking portraits, the buffer speed is very important. The buffer controls how many photos you can continuously take before the camera won’t let you shoot any more until it has time to process the photos. Usually, higher-end cameras have a larger buffer, but if they have a high resolution, the buffer may be smaller. Look at the specs, and decide how much buffer you need for the way you like to shoot.
How to Choose the Best Camera For Portraits
By Gavin Hoey
You’d think portrait photographers would be a very specific market and, therefore, easy to please. It’s all about photographing people, right? Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that portrait photography is a term that covers a wide range of photographers who all have a unique set of requirements. With camera manufacturers aiming to attract as many customers as possible, a single camera body specifically aimed at portrait photographers doesn’t exist. Let’s look at some features that should be on your radar when upgrading your portrait camera.
DSLR or Mirrorless
For years, the DLSR camera has been the best choice for portrait photography. The technology was tried, trusted, and refined to the point that there wasn’t any need to consider mirrorless cameras. The DSLR also has real advantages over mirrorless, especially for studio-based portrait photographers, and it all starts with the viewfinder. With nothing but air separating your eyes and the scene, a DSLR’s viewfinder will never suffer from being totally dark or super grainy when you turn the room lights down. Also, the mechanical sound of the mirror flipping up when you press the shutter lets your model know when a photo is taken, allowing them to switch poses.
However, as good as DSLRs are, almost all new cameras have been mirrorless for the past few years. You’ll find the latest and greatest tech in the newest mirrorless cameras, such as the Nikon Z8. Electronic viewfinders (or EVFs for short) have come a long way and are no longer dark and grainy. You also don’t need to use them. Shooting only with the rear LCD allows a portrait photographer to communicate far better with their models as they no longer have a camera covering their faces.
Sensor Size
Ask most portrait photographers what sensor size is best for portrait photography, and they almost always say the same thing: Full-frame sensors are what you need. Technically, all sensors record the “full frame” regardless of their size, but does size make a difference? Well, yes and no.
Medium Format
At the top of the size scale is the medium format. It’s the biggest sensor in physical size and potentially in price, too. Big sensors mean big camera bodies, big lenses, and big file sizes. This is not a big issue in the studio but something to consider if you work on location. Take the Hasselblad X2D 100C; it can record images at over 100 megapixels. If ultimate detail is your goal, here’s where to look.
Full Frame
The sensor size we call “full frame” roughly equates to the old 35mm film size and is the sweet spot for many portrait photographers. There are dozens of full frame cameras and a wide range of price points. You’ll also find many camera manufacturers use this sensor size in their flagship models, such as the Sony A9 III.
APS-C
The APS-C sensor is slightly smaller, but don’t let size fool you. The small sensor size can mean smaller camera bodies and potentially lighter lenses. An APC-C sensor doesn’t always lose to full frame in pixel count. The Fujifilm X-T5 can capture 40 million pixel images, and if you shoot portraits with flash, the slightly higher ISO noise of a smaller sensor is irrelevant as the flash is super bright, so your ISO will stay low.
Micro FourThirds
Micro FourThirds is the smallest sensor size, but if you can look beyond the popular misconception that bigger is always better, you’ll be in for a treat. Lightweight bodies and lenses are great when you’re shooting all day. With images of around 20 million pixels, you won’t even have to invest in extra storage. The OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II is about as good as it gets in this sensor size.
Sensor size is important to portrait photographers, but there are other important things. As I mentioned at the start, portrait photographers each have a unique set of needs. Often, a feature other than pixel count makes a camera perfect.
Image Stabilization
One innovation that came along with mirrorless cameras is the movable sensor. IBIS, short for In Body Image Stabilization, is a feature that reduces camera shake by moving the sensor. The advantage to portrait photographers is the same as any other kind of photography because less camera shake means sharper photos. But what about photographers who use flash to freeze their subjects? They still win because IBIS works even when you don’t fully press the shutter, so you can frame up your shot shake-free.
ISO
If you work with LED or natural light, then a camera’s ISO range and quality are going to be high on your list of essential info. The general rule is that bigger sensors perform better at higher ISOs than smaller sensors. But look a little closer, and you’ll find it’s just a little more subtle than that. Cameras like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II have relatively low pixel counts, but as a result, those pixels are relatively large. The upshot of larger pixels is they’re able to gather more light. Look for low pixel density if high ISO performance is important to you.
Auto Focus
As every portrait photographer knows, getting tack-sharp eyes is essential. Autofocus makes this a lot easier and is something you might take for granted, but not all autofocus systems are equal. A camera with phase detect AF is going to focus faster than a contrast-detect AF camera. Similarly, more AF points are a good thing but double-check how much of the viewfinder they actually cover. Lastly, there’s face and eye tracking AF. This feature will quickly become an essential tool for any portrait photographer, especially for those really shallow depth-of-field portraits.
Other Features
Modern cameras are awash with buttons; some are essentially the same on all cameras, such as Menu, Playback, Delete, and the shutter button, whereas others buttons are very much more unique. Sometimes, you might not need a particular button, so having the option to re-map unused buttons or, better still, having custom buttons is a real bonus. There’s also the risk of accidentally pressing a button mid-shoot, which messes with the camera functions; trust me, I’ve been there many times, so check if unwanted buttons can be permanently disabled.
Tethered capture is a great way to review your portraits on a large screen and keep everyone on set up to speed. If this is something you wish to do, then perhaps a camera with built-in wi-fi tethering is required. USB tethering is far more common, but not every camera supports it. Don’t assume a camera can tether just because it has a USB port. Then there’s the software. Does your old software support the latest and greatest camera? Actually, this doesn’t just apply to tethering; it also applies to RAW file conversion.
Choosing the perfect portrait camera is something that’s always going to be a very personal choice but having a list of what’s important to your photography can really help narrow down the options. The one thing you can be sure of is that your portrait photography will evolve over time, so don’t dismiss a camera that has features that you currently don’t need, you never know where your photography will take you next!
Best Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography
Nikon Z 7II
The Nikon Z 7II Mirrorless Camera offers an ultra-high resolution of 45.7MP, combined with two card slots, and precision eye detect AF modes. The Z 7II boasts 3.5x the buffer capacity of the original Z 7, so you can keep shooting photos without having to worry about the buffer.
This camera also functions great in low-light, meaning that you can continue to take portraits when the sun goes down, or in dark indoor environments. The autofocus in such situations is much improved from the previous Z 7 model, so you don’t have to worry about the autofocus in these low-light situations. No wonder it also makes our list of overall best mirrorless cameras for professionals.
Why Is the Nikon Z 7II Good for Portraits?
The AF system covers 90% of the frame, meaning that it will quickly, and accurately select your subject. The eye-detection feature is better than ever and works for humans, dogs, and cats to make sure that the eye is sharp in your portraits.
Key Specifications:
- 45.7MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 6 Image Processor
- 46MP Photos / UHD 4K Videos at 30fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 64-25,600 (32-102400)
- 493-Point Phase Detection AF System
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 10fps for 50 frames
- 3.2” 2.1m-dot Tilting Touchscreen Monitor
- Weighs 615g (21.7 oz.)
Canon EOS R5
With a brand-new 45 MP full-frame CMOS sensor, this mirrorless camera is a brilliant choice for any portrait photographer. Get ready for fantastic detail, great performance in low light, and an ultra-fast DIGIC X image processor that makes every shoot a joy with the Canon EOS R5.
The EOS R5 also features 1,053 automatic autofocus zones which can be designated as auto-focus focal points. This allows for lightning-fast focus on the desired AF point, including when using the Eye Detection AF.
This camera also features a 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization, which means that you can shoot even slower shutter speeds and still come out with sharp images. Even in low-light situations, the AF will continue to work effectively in light as dim as EV -6. Lastly, the R5 has dual card slots to ensure that you’ll never run out of storage in the middle of a shoot.
Why Is the Canon EOS R5 Good for Portraits?
Portrait photographers know that tack-sharp focus and high resolution are a must for professional-quality images, and the R5 delivers. Shoot up to 20fps with a completely silent shutter and one of the most impressive autofocus systems on the market. The Eye Detection AF will make sure that the eye is selected and sharp in your images, even in very low light. Dual card slots mean that you can have tons of storage in the camera, so you never need to worry about switching memory cards in the middle of a shoot.
Check out portrait and fashion photographer Lindsay Adler’s hands-on review of the Canon EOS R5 for more info.
Key Specifications:
- 45 MP CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC X image processor
- 45MP Photos / 8K Videos at 30fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-51,200 (100-102,400)
- Burst Shooting Rate of up to 20fps with electronic shutter
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization for up to 8 extra stops of light
- 5.76m-dot Live View Finder
- 3.15″ 2.1 MP Vari-angle touchscreen Rear LCD Screen
- Weighs 1.62 lbs (738g)
Sony Alpha a7R IV
Expanding on its popular a7 series, Sony launched the a7R IV with a 62-megapixel sensor, capable of shooting up to 10fps. The a7R IV has 567 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast AF points. For times when silent shooting is necessary, this camera contains a vibration-free shutter to maximize the resolution for crisp and clear images.
With increasing buffer speeds, you can shoot up to 68 images in a burst before reaching maximum buffer in full-frame shooting. Sony also uses AI-aided technology to provide real-time eye AF.
Why Is the Sony Alpha a7R IV Good for Portraits?
Real-time eye AF makes it possible for the photographer to focus on the composition, rather than the focus point. A best-in-class 62-megapixel means that cropping your image in post-processing won’t be detrimental to the resolution of the photo. Lastly, the Sony has a 5-axis in-body image stabilization, so when shooting at slower shutter speeds, it is still possible to maintain a crisp image.
Check out photographer Mahesh Thapa’s review of the Sony a7R IV for a more detailed look.
Key Specifications:
- 62.5MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 62.5MP Photos / UHD 4K Videos at 30p
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-32000 (50-102400)
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 10fps for up to 68 frames
- 425-Point Contrast Detection AF System, 567-Point Phase Detection AF System
- 3” 2.3m-dot Tilting LCD Touchscreen Monitor
- Weighs 665g (23.36 oz)
Nikon Z 6II
The Nikon Z 6II is a versatile, full-frame mirrorless hybrid that has a 24.5MP sensor. 14 FPS will make this camera a suitable choice for any fast action or video recording. The Z 6II had Wide-Area (L) Mode, which allows you to set boundaries for eye detection. This is perfect for busy scenes or group shots for ultra-fast focusing.
The AF system covers 90% of the frame, so you can compose your subject nearly anywhere in the image. A total of 273 focus points will make sure that your subject is selected quickly, and effectively. For the first time in a Nikon camera, two EXPEED 6 processing engines were used for faster image processing and more overall speed.
Why Is the Nikon Z 6II Good for Portraits?
With the better-than-ever eye-detection system combined with the Wide-Area (L) mode to set the boundaries for eye detection, focusing is faster and more accurate than ever on the Nikon Z 6II. Dual card slots also have you covered for shoots where you’ll be taking many images.
Key Specifications:
- 24.5MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- Two EXPEED 6 Image Processor
- 24MP Photos / UHD 4K Videos at 30fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-51200 (50-204800)
- 273-Point Phase Detection AF System
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 14fps for 124 frames
- 3.2” 2.1m-dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD Monitor
- Weighs 615g (21.7 oz.)
Fujifilm GFX 100S
Large-format photos and videos have never been easier. This 102MP large format camera has built-in In-Body Image Stabilization and phase detection AF. Best of all, it comes in a weather-resistant body that is hardly larger than most DSLRs. The Fujifilm GFX 100S can autofocus as fast as 0.16 seconds, in light as low as -5.5EV. The autofocus points cover nearly 100% of the frame and include responsive tracking and reliable Face and Eye Detection, even in low-contrast situations.
For those who like to give their photos a film look, this Fujifilm camera has a choice of 19 exclusive FUJIFILM Film Simulation modes to help you achieve fantastic color straight out of the camera.
Why Is the Fujifilm GFX 100S Good for Portraits?
Boasting over 100 megapixels means that you’ll be able to aggressively crop your photos without running into resolution problems. Previously, large format cameras have been too large and bulky to carry around for portraits, but the GFX 100S allows you to receive all of the benefits of a large format camera in a much smaller and more manageable body.
Check out photographer Ab Sesay’s hands-on review of the Fujifilm GFX 100S for a more detailed look.
Key Specifications:
- 102MP Bayer Array Sensor
- X-Processor 4 Image Processor
- 102MP Photos / 4K Videos at 30fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-12800 (50-102400)
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 5fps
- 3.2” 2.36m-dot Tilt-Type Touchscreen Monitor
- Weighs 900g (31.75 oz.)
Fujifilm X-T5
The Fujifilm X-T5 is a compact yet robust mirrorless camera that has earned its spot in many professional photographers’ camera bags. With a 40 MP sensor and an impressive collection of available lenses, it’s a solid choice for any portrait photographer who needs flexibility and reliability for their shoots.
Why Is the Fujifilm X-T5 Good for Portraits?
Stability is a key consideration for the X-T5. With up to 7 stops of internal image stabilization, photographers can feel confident that they’ll capture shots without blur in any lighting situation.
Key Specifications:
- 40 Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI Imaging Sensor
- 15 frames per second in mechanical shutter
- Up to 7 stops of Internal Body Image Stabilization
- 6.2k video recording in 4:2:2 10-bit color
- 160-megapixel pixel shift multishot
- 1/180000 max shutter speed
- Approximate weight: 557g
- Comparable in size to the X-T1
- 50g lighter than its predecessor
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II
The revolutionary Panasonic Lumix GH5 II offers many of the features portrait photographers have come to expect in a mirrorless camera with one notable addition: live streaming capability. Grant behind-the-scenes access to your followers using the LUMIX Sync Smartphone app, and broadcast your shoots in style.
Why Is the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Good for Portraits
With a 20.33 MP sensor, powerful in-body 5-axis image stabilization, a rugged body intended for punishing constant use, and impressive dynamic range, you’ll be ready for any shoot, in any condition, at any location.
Check out this hands-on review of the GH5 II with Rob Adams to see it in action.
Key Specifications:
- 20.33 MP Life MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor
- 20.33 MP Photos / 4K Video at 60fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-25,600
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 12fps
- 3.68m-dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 3” Free angle 1.84m-dot LCD monitor with static touch control
- Weighs 1.43 lbs (647g.)
Best DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography
Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 boasts a large, full-frame 45.7-megapixel sensor that provides high-resolution images for large printing and digital cropping. Paired with the EXPEED 5 image processor, you get a native ISO range of 64-25,600 (can be extended to 32-102400), a pretty impressive continuous shooting range of up to 9 frames per second, as well as 46-megapixel images, and UHD 4K videos at 30 frames per second.
The specs may be a little advanced for just portraiture, but as one of the most capable and versatile DSLR cameras on the market today, the Nikon D850 excels in a variety of photography styles so there won’t be any real need to buy an extra camera.
Why Is the Nikon D850 Good for Portraits?
The specs may be a little advanced for just portraiture, but as one of the most capable and versatile DSLR cameras on the market today, the Nikon D850 excels in a variety of photography styles so there won’t be any real need to buy an extra camera.
Check out photographer Seth Miranda’s capture special effects portraits with the Nikon D850.
Key Specifications:
- 45.7MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 5 Image Processor
- 46MP Photos / UHD 4K Videos at 30fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 64-25,600 (32-102400)
- 153-Point (9 Cross-Type) Dynamic AF System
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 9fps
- 3.2” 2.35m-dot Tilting Touchscreen Monitor
- Weighs 915g (32.3 oz.)
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The 5D Mark IV is a highly-regarded full-frame camera and is considered by some to be the best Canon camera for portraits. This high-grade DSLR features a large 30.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6+ image processor, which gives the camera an ISO range of 100–32000 (can be extended to 50–102400). Easily capture extremely sharp 30-megapixel stills and even cinema-grade 4K videos at 30 frames per second with this excellent Canon portrait camera.
Its advanced 61-point AF system is great for taking portraits and many other types of photos as it’s easier to focus on any part of your frame. Plus, it performs well in low-light conditions. The 5D Mark IV has a better weather-sealed body compared to its predecessor, so you can freely shoot in harsh environments.
Why Is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Good for Portraits?
Its advanced 61-point AF system is great for taking portraits and many other types of photos as it’s easier to focus on any part of your frame. Plus, it performs well in low-light conditions. The 5D Mark IV has a better weather-sealed body compared to its predecessor, so you can freely shoot in harsh environments.
Key Specifications:
- 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 6+ Image Processor
- 30MP Photos / DCI 4K Videos at 30fps
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 7fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100–32000 (50–102400)
- 61-Point (41 Cross-Type) AF System
- 3.19″ 1.62m-dot Clear View LCD II Touchscreen Monitor
- Weighs 800g (28.22 oz)
Best Digital Point & Shoot Cameras for Portrait Photography
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC RX1R II
Although not a DSLR or mirrorless camera, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC RX1R II is known to be an exceptional point-and-shoot system for portraiture. For such an unassuming “touristy” digital camera, it features a 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, Sony’s very own BIONZ X image processor, and even an extended ISO range of 100-102400 to ensure that image quality is not compromised.
Making the DSC RX1R II even more beginner-friendly despite its professional-quality features is the fact that it already has a built-in lens—a Zeiss Sensor T* f2 full-frame lens, no less — and a 3-inch 1.23m-dot tiltable TFT LCD monitor for easy live view shooting. It’s no wonder that seasoned shooters are now also turning to point-and-shoots for their pro-level portraiture needs.
Why Is the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC RX1R II Good for Portraits?
Making the DSC RX1R II even more beginner-friendly despite its professional-quality features is the fact that it already has a built-in lens—a Zeiss Sensor T* f2 full-frame lens, no less — and a 3-inch 1.23m-dot tiltable TFT LCD monitor for easy live view shooting. It’s no wonder that seasoned shooters are now also turning to point-and-shoots for their pro-level portraiture needs.
Key Specifications:
- 42.4MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- Zeiss Sensor T* F2 Full-Frame Lens
- 1x Optical, 8x Digital Zoom
- 42MP Photos / Full HD Videos at 60p
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-102400
- Continuous Shooting Rate of up to 5fps
- 399-Point Phase-Detection AF System
- 0.39” 2.40m-dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 3” 1.23m-dot Tiltable TFT LCD
- Weighs 480g (16.93 oz)
Best Camera Phones for Portraits
For on-the-go portrait photography, no camera is better than the one you have with you! Cell phone camera technology is better than ever today. Features like image stabilization, portrait mode, shutter speed adjustment, and more allow influencers, families, and just about anyone else to create memorable portrait shots in any situation.
- Samsung offers stellar cameras in both their Galaxy Note 10+ and their Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The Note 10 features a 16 MP rear camera with image stabilization. Meanwhile, the S21 Ultra 5G boasts a quad camera setup on the rear of the phone, capable of shooting in ultra-high resolution.
- Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max both offer a triple-lens configuration with wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, and telephoto lenses, so you’re covered no matter what type of photo you want to take.
- Google’s Pixel 6 Pro has an impressive camera, while the Google Pixel 5 features an improved lens for reduced lens flare and better contrast processing.
Many cell phone manufacturers focus on competitive camera options, so regardless of which brand you choose, you’ll be ready to take high-quality photos on the go.
Feature photo by Darwin Vegher on Unsplash
