13 Best Cameras for Portrait Photography [December 2023]
- By Sebastiaan van 't Hoog
- Updated 8 december 2023
We all want to photograph portraits that have an impact. But before you can capture beautiful portraits you need a good camera and of course a great lens.
With years of experience as a professional photographer, I have owned countless cameras, so I know exactly what to look for if you want to buy the best camera for portraits.
In this article, I will tell you exactly what the best camera for portrait photography is, and not only that, I will also give you the best price. This way you can capture unique people as quickly as possible.
The best cameras listed
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. You can support me without any additional fees. I used some of the products mentioned, not all.
What is the best camera for portraits?
When I first started photography I really didn’t know where to start, I also didn’t know what to look for in a camera. Now, with years of experience, I know exactly what the important points are for portrait photography.
My goal is for you to buy the right camera for portraits, which does not necessarily mean the newest or most expensive camera. I don’t want you to buy the wrong camera that has too many unnecessary features or lacks certain ones.
I didn’t choose just any camera to put on the list, I looked at aspects such as sensor and resolution, as a 24 MP sensor is already good for portraits. Here is a list of all the points that are important.
A camera alone won’t get you very far, we all know that. That’s why I recommend a few good lenses for every camera, so you can find everything here.
Let’s get straight to the first camera!
Best camera for portraits
Canon R6 II
Sebas' take
I know that for portrait photography you need good autofocus, resolution, and burst mode, and the Canon R6 II is exactly that.
With a good sensor that delivers quality and good tracking, you can take beautiful photos.
Now I do have a few comments about this camera, just like with all other cameras.
All in all, I think the Canon R6 II is the best camera for portraits.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Canon R6 Mark II!
Outstanding features
- 24MP sensor
- 4K60p video
- Built-in stabilization
- 40 fps burst mode (or 12 fps)
- Deep learning autofocus
- Recognizes eyes and faces
What I like/dislike about the Canon R6 II
Like
- To start with, the autofocus is very reliable, when I was taking portrait photos the eye AF worked well. Sometimes it struggles to choose between eyes, but you can adjust that with the joystick.
- The camera felt good in my hand, it was not too small or heavy. Furthermore, it does not feel cheap or plasticky.
- The colors and skin tones look very natural, the photos are easy and flexible to edit.
- Despite the higher resolution, the R6 II does have a better dynamic range than the original R6. That sounds illogical, but it is true.
Dislike
- Well, there are some downsides, such as you have a lower dynamic range when you photograph with the electronic shutter. I noticed that especially in the shadows, you see more noise.
- The buffer is also quite small, I almost never shot with the 40fps mode, but with my tests, I was able to take about 70 photos, after which you have to wait until the buffer is empty again.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait portrait lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Canon RF 85mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 24-70mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little bit less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon R6 II Review & Tests
Best Sony camera for portraits
Sony A7 IV
Sebas' take
As for the second camera, I recommend the Sony A7 IV, this is a competitor of the R6 II and in some respects, I think the A7 IV is better. With the resolution as the first point, with the 33 MP sensor, I had no problem cropping.
The ergonomics are also very good, the buttons are in the right place and the grip feels good in the hand. It really feels like an A1 or A7R V, so a very professional model.
All in all, I think the Sony A7 IV is the best Sony camera for portraits.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Sony A7 IV!
Outstanding features
- 33 MP full-frame sensor
- 4K60p video
- 10fps burst mode
- Eye tracking autofocus
- Good battery
What I like/dislike about the Sony A7 IV
Like
- First I would like to mention the image quality because this is where the A7 IV stands out. With the 33 MP sensor, I was able to crop images while the quality remained good. You are much more flexible than with the R6 II.
- In addition, the autofocus is also very reliable, the eye-tracking mode works without any problems and it is as if the focus is glued to the subject. The eyes are always sharp, even in the dark.
- The dynamic range is also good, with about 14 stops I was able to push the shadows and highlights far, while the colors remained natural. Speaking of colors, they are very good and I did not experience a magenta tint like with the previous A7 models.
- Finally, the battery is very good, I could easily take 1000 photos with the battery still at 30%. It is always useful to take an extra battery with you, but it is not a problem if you forget it.
Dislike
- When you focus in tracking mode, the viewfinder resolution decreases, which you will notice while photographing. If you have it at ‘normal’ resolution by default, you won’t notice it.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 is also fantastic. This lens is a little bit less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
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Best budget camera for portrait photography
Canon R8
Canon’s new EOS R8 is the best budget camera for portrait photography. You have a brand new focus system and a fast burst mode, all functions that help you take the most beautiful picture.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Canon R8!
- 24-megapixel
- Fast burst mode
- Great noise performance
- No built-in stabilization
- Poor battery life
Focus mechanism
Focusing is one of the most important factors in portrait photography. You have to be able to focus quickly and accurately to take the best picture, after all, you don’t have much time. Fortunately, the Canon R8 is excellent at this.
Canon’s R8 has an extensive new autofocus system that we also see in the Canon R6 II and the R3. This system is called Dual Pixel AF II and focuses using deep learning. The Canon R8 can recognize people (including eyes), animals, and vehicles on its own. Quite useful for portrait sessions, right?
Video features
Canon’s R8 is excellent for shooting videos. You can film 4K60p, so you can still slow down the image with this frame rate. You can also shoot oversampled videos produced from 6K videos. This ensures better sharpness.
Slow motion is also very good on the Canon R8, you can film FHD at 180 fps. This way you can slow down the videos up to 7.5 times. Something we haven’t seen much in this list. This makes the Canon R8 the perfect camera if you also want to shoot some videos.
Burst mode
The burst mode also has a lot of added value for us as portrait photographers. The Canon R8 has an impressive burst mode because you can shoot up to 6 fps with the mechanical shutter. That is quickly increased to 40 fps if you use the electronic shutter.
Canon’s R8 is very similar to the Canon R6 II, also new, in this respect. It can also shoot 40 fps. In addition to this impressive specification, the Canon R8 also has the pre-shooting mode that the Canon R6 II also has. This allows the camera to take 15 photos before you press the shutter button. So you will capture all the moments.
Iso performance
One of the most important aspects that we measure with a camera is the noise performance, fortunately, with the Canon R8, you don’t have to worry that you will quickly notice the noise at a higher ISO.
Canon’s new processor and a brand new full-frame sensor ensure excellent performance in dark conditions. The Canon R8 has a DxO score of 3295. This means that you can set the ISO to 3295 without observing disturbing noise. Read more about the calculation of this score.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait portrait lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Canon RF 85mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 24-70mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little bit less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
If you want the best budget camera for portraits, the Canon R8 is perfect.
You have a pre-shooting mode, 40 fps burst mode, and an excellent autofocus mechanism, making the Canon R8 a great fit, according to me.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon EOS R8 Review, Tests & Comparisons
Today's best deal
Best affordable camera for portrait photography
Panasonic S5 II
The latest Panasonic S5 II has a 24 MP sensor that will provide the most beautiful images through fast autofocus. You can also capture 30 images per second. You don’t miss a moment anymore.
Holidays: Get $300 off your Panasonic S5 II!
- 24-megapixel
- Built-in stabilization
- High quality video
- Relatively heavy
- Poor battery life
Focus mechanism
The Panasonic S5 II is equipped with an extensive AF system that recognizes people and animals. This ensures that you can still focus excellently while taking photos in burst mode. The camera automatically detects the subjects and focuses on them. You can even focus on the eyes of humans and animals. Incredibly handy for portraits if you ask me.
The Panasonic S5 II is the first Panasonic camera to use phase detection. This ensures that you can focus very well in dark conditions and backlight. This is possible with a total of 779 focus points, which can focus over the entire sensor.
Video features
The Panasonic S5 II has the option to shoot video in 6K quality. It allows you to create stunning videos in professional quality. You can film 6K in a maximum of 30 fps and 4K in a maximum of 60 fps.
The Panasonic S5 Mark 2 has in-body image stabilization. This absorbs unwanted movements and is no longer visible in the end result.
The Panasonic S5 II X is the same as the S5 II in every way, however the S5 II X can record 5.8K Apple ProRes recordings to SSD via HDMI or USB. The Panasonic S5 II is truly one of the best hybrid cameras for portraits.
burst mode
The burst mode of the Panasonic S5 II is amazingly good. With the mechanical shutter, you can shoot up to 9 frames per second. The electronic shutter goes up to an impressive 30 frames per second. This allows you to capture all the action without missing a single moment.
Thanks to the new processor, the camera can write files extra quickly and the buffer is very large. You can shoot up to 300 photos in a row.
The fast burst mode is not the only advantage of the electronic shutter, because the Panasonic S5 Mark II has a ‘silent mode’, in which the camera makes no sound. A really handy feature for portrait photography.
ISO performance
The latest processor from Panasonic provides even better noise performance. The full-frame sensor body will perform better in low-light conditions than older Panasonic cameras. This way you can even go out in the dark without any worries. The Panasonic S5 Mark II is the most advanced portrait photography camera that Panasonic has brought to the market.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait lenses, especially for Panasonic cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Panasonic S 50mm f/1.4, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Panasonic S 24-70mm is also fantastic. This lens is a zoom lens, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Panasonic S 50mm f/1.8 is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
The fast burst mode, a good buffer, and high resolution make the Panasonic S5 II the best affordable camera for portrait photography. And we haven’t even mentioned the video specs yet.
Truly a unique camera, especially for the ‘low’ price.
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Best camera for portrait photography beginners
Canon R50
A beginner’s camera with professional functions, that is the Canon R50. You have a fast burst mode, fast autofocus and you can mount the latest lenses. Overall, the best camera for portrait photography beginners.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Canon R50!
- 24-megapixel
- Great burst mode
- Fast autofocus
- Small grip
- Poor noise performance
Focus mechanism
Just like with the Canon R8, focusing is getting easier and easier. We never actually see a professional system that is put in a beginner’s camera, but Canon does.
Canon’s new system, called Dual Pixel AF II, can automatically detect subjects, such as the eyes of people and animals. We also see this system in the more expensive Canon R8, Canon R5, and Canon R3. Focusing can be hard for beginners, so that is something of the past now. This feature alone makes the Canon R50 the best beginner camera for portraits.
Video features
When we look at the video specifications of the Canon R50, we see a lot of possibilities. You can record 4K videos at 30 fps. In addition, you can record 4K30p produced from 6K oversampled material. This ensures ultimate sharpness.
Slow motion is also very good on the Canon R50, you can film FHD at 120 fps. This way you can slow down the videos up to 5 times. Something that we have not seen much in beginners’ cameras in this list. This makes the Canon R50 the perfect portrait photography camera if you also want to shoot some videos.
Burst mode
You can shoot 12 images per second with the mechanical shutter, this number goes up with the electronic shutter. Then you can shoot 15 frames per second. The advantage of the electronic shutter over the mechanical shutter is silent shooting.
You can also use the burst for a long period of time. The Canon R50’s buffer is 42 JPEG and 7 RAW if you use 12fps, just enough to get that perfect shot.
Iso Performance
The DxO sensor score of the Canon R50 has not yet been performed, so we don’t know the exact numbers. However, the Sony A6600 has a very similar sensor and we make a few assumptions based on this.
Due to the APS-C sensor, the ISO performance will not be as good as the full-frame counterparts, but the performance is breathtaking. The DxO score of the Sony A6600, a comparable camera, is 1479. This means that you can set the ISO to 1479 without seeing very disturbing noise. Read more about the calculation of this score.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait portrait lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Canon RF 85mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 24-70mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little bit less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
Canon’s latest camera is therefore quite good. You have a fast burst mode, high-quality photos and videos, and a professional autofocus system that we also see in the R6 II.
This makes the Canon R50 the best beginner camera for portrait photography.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon EOS R50 Review, Tests & Comparisons
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Best hybrid camera for portrait photography
Fujifilm X-S20
Fujifilm’s newest camera is the Fujifilm X-S20. A fantastic camera with good specs. Both the video and photo sides of the X-S20 make it the best camera for portrait video.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Fujifilm X-S20!
- 26-megapixel
- 240p slow-motion
- Built-in stabilization
- Not as many lenses available
- Moderate noise performance
Focus mechanism
The Fujifilm X-S20 is fantastic at focusing. You have up to 425 focus points, with which the camera can recognize eyes across the entire image. You can focus even in low light. Up to -7 EV. The X-S20 uses AI to focus on multiple subjects. For example, the X-S20 can recognize people, animals, drones, cars, and much more. The former is of course useful for us as portrait photographers.
Video features
The Fujifilm X-S20 has excellent video capabilities. You can record up to 6K30p video. The slow motion mode even goes up to FHD240p. That is a unique specification in this list, and this may be the reason to purchase the X-S20. Of course, you can also shoot 4K60p and everything below.
Thanks to the built-in image stabilization, you don’t have to worry about unintentional movements, as these are captured by the sensor.
Burst mode
Fujifilm’s X-S20 is excellent for capturing many moments. By means of the mechanical shutter, you can shoot up to 8 images per second. In addition, you can shoot up to 30 fps when using the electronic shutter.
This is very fast, especially when we look at the price and compare it to the competition. Then the burst mode is one of the specifications that stands out.
Iso performance
The Fujifilm X-S20 has a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor. With this, each pixel will not receive as much light as the larger full-frame sensors. Still, that’s not a big problem, because the built-in stabilization allows you to make the shutter speed longer and lower the ISO. You can easily set the ISO up to 1600 without observing disturbing noise.
In COnclusion
Overall, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a good hybrid camera. Both the photo and video sides are pretty good. The autofocus is phenomenal, especially for us portrait photographers.
The Fujifilm X-S20 simply cannot be beaten and is the best camera for portrait video.
Today's best deal
Best Canon camera for portraits
Canon R5
The best Canon camera for portrait photography is the Canon R5. From high resolution and fast burst mode to accurate autofocus and high quality video.
Holidays: Get $900 off your Canon R5!
- 45-megapixel
- AI tracking focus
- High quality video
- Expensive
- Poor battery life
Focus mechanism
Canon is the leader when it comes to focusing. Since the arrival of the Canon R5, Canon has introduced a new system called Dual Pixel AF II. In this way, the camera, in this case, the Canon R5, can focus through deep learning. He can subdue himself like people and animals.
The first is of course the most important for us as portrait photographers. The Canon R3 can even recognize human eyes. You just need to focus on the more important aspects.
Video features
Due to the high-resolution sensor, Canon has chosen to bring the 8K video resolution to the R5. You can film 8K30p in RAW format. This has its advantages, such as digital zooming without loss of quality, excellent color grading, and determining the white balance afterward. The disadvantage is the extremely large file sizes and the overheating that the R5 suffers from.
You can also make 4K videos at up to 120 frames per second. For a camera in this segment and for this price, this is exceptional. The Canon R5 has in-body image stabilization. This absorbs unwanted movements and is no longer visible in the end result. The Canon EOS R5 is perhaps the best portrait photography camera with which you can also shoot beautiful cinematic videos.
burst mode
Capturing important moments is made easy with the Canon EOS R5. With the mechanical shutter, you can shoot up to 12 frames per second. By means of the electronic shutter, you can even capture up to 20 frames per second.
The advantage of the electronic shutter over the mechanical shutter is silent shooting. Very useful during portrait sessions where you need to interact with models.
Iso Performance
You would expect relatively poor noise performance from a camera that has a high resolution of 45 MP, but that is not true. Canon’s latest processor provides even better noise performance. The full-frame sensor body will perform better in low-light conditions than older Canon cameras. This way you can even go out in the dark without any worries.
The Canon R5 is the most advanced camera that Canon has brought to the market in the context of the combination of video and photo. The DxO ISO score with the Canon R5 is 3042. This means that you can set the ISO up to 3042 without seeing very disturbing noise. Read more about the calculation of this score.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait portrait lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Canon RF 85mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 24-70mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little bit less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
All in all, the Canon R5 appears to be a very capable camera. You can take 45 MP photos, even up to 20 times per second. You can also shoot 8K RAW videos, but not for too long. The noise performance is fantastic, making the EOS R5 one of the best cameras for portrait photography Canon.
Best Sony camera for portrait photography
Sony A7R V
Sony’s A7R V has a 61-megapixel sensor, you can capture a lot of detail with this. That, in combination with fast autofocus and good video, makes the A7R V a great camera for portrait photography.
- 61-megapixel
- Fast autofocus
- 8K video quality
- Expensive
- Slow burst for its price
Focus mechanism
This Sony camera is very similar to the Canon R6 II with focusing. You can focus quickly through extensive algorithms. For example, the Sony A7R V can recognize subjects such as people, animals, and cars. The first is of course the most important, for us as portrait photographers.
As I mentioned before, you have to think about a lot of aspects at the same time during portrait photography, of which focusing is one. The A7R V helps you to unburden yourself with this. You will work more efficiently.
Video features
The A7R V has almost the highest resolution we’ve seen in a camera. You can take 61 MP photos. That is not the only remarkable thing, because you can also shoot 8K24p videos. A function that not everyone will use, but you can zoom in without losing quality. Very handy for some detail shots.
Of course, you can also film slow-motion and shoot oversampled videos. This way you have 4K60p oversampled video with extra sharpness and less noise.
burst mode
Just like the A7 IV, the Sony A7R V has a maximum burst mode of 10 fps. This is very low for this camera segment. The Canon EOS R5 and R6 II are well above this.
With the mechanical and electronic shutter, you can shoot up to 10 frames per second. The advantage of the electronic shutter over the mechanical shutter is silent shooting. Don’t worry: you can also make the camera sound, so you don’t accidentally take thousands of photos without realizing it.
Iso Performance
Due to the high resolution sensor you will think that the noise performance is not very good, in fact the opposite is true. The new processor from Sony ensures good noise performance.
This way you can even go out in the dark without any worries. The DxO ISO score with the Sony A7R V will be around 3400. This means that you can set the ISO up to 3400 without seeing very disturbing noise. Read more about the calculation of this score.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 is also fantastic. This lens is a little bit less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
The high-resolution sensor, a fast burst mode, very high-quality video and a state-of-the-art autofocus system that can recognize people’s eyes make the Sony A7R V one of the best portrait photography cameras in 2023. You literally have everything you need.
Nikon's best camera for portrait photography
Nikon Z7 II
The full-frame Nikon Z7 II has a 46-megapixel sensor. This allows you to capture all details razor sharp. This makes it Nikon’s best camera for portrait photography.
Holidays: Get $700 off your Nikon Z7 II!
- 46-megapixel
- AI tracking focus
- High quality video
- Expensive
- Poor battery life
Focus mechanism
Just like the Sony A7R V, the Nikon Z7 II can recognize subjects. We see this option in more and more cameras and it is very useful for portrait photography. Nikon’s Z9 is the fastest-focusing Nikon to date, but it is not on the list because the Z7 II is sufficient for almost every portrait photographer.
The second best is the Nikon Z7 II, just like the Z9 you have algorithms that help you focus on people’s eyes. A useful function as a portrait photographer.
Video features
High-quality video to take the sharpest images during weddings, that’s what the Nikon Z7 II has. You can record up to 4K60p. You also have the option to film slow motion at 120 fps, which is always handy.
The Z7 II does not have oversampled video, which makes Sony a leader in this. That’s not to say the Z7 II is bad. Just like the other cameras, you have built-in image stabilization.
Burst mode
The Nikon Z7 II is very similar to the Sony cameras. The burst mode of the Nikon Z7 II is relatively good. With the mechanical shutter, you can shoot up to 10 frames per second. This allows you to capture a lot of important moments, without missing a single moment. Sometimes, you just have to shoot as much as possible, in those moments, the Nikon Z7 II will be a great camera for portraits.
Thanks to the double processor, the camera can write files extra quickly and the buffer is very large. You can shoot up to 50 RAW photos or 200 JPGs in succession.
Iso Performance
Nikon’s latest processor provides even better noise performance. The full frame sensor body will perform better in low light conditions than older Nikon cameras. This way you can even go out in the dark without any worries.
The DxO ISO score with the Nikon Z7 II is 2841. This means that you can set the ISO up to 2841 without seeing very disturbing noise. Read more about the calculation of this score.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait lenses, especially for Nikon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Nikon Z 24-70mm is also fantastic. This lens is a zoom lens, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
The Nikon Z7 II is an excellent camera for portraits. The unique point of the Z7 II is the 46 MP sensor, which produces razor-sharp images. In addition, you can shoot 10 frames per second and shoot high-quality video with built-in stabilization. This makes the Z7 II one of the best cameras for portrait photography.
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Best medium format camera for portraits
Fujifilm GFX 100S
Fujifilm’s best medium format camera for portraits is the GFX 100S. A 102-megapixel monster that delivers extremely good image quality. It is on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for.
- 102-megapixel
- Built-in stabilization
- Superior image quality
- Heavy
- Expensive
Focus mechanism
Just like the Sony and Nikon cameras, the Fujifilm GFX 100S has an extensive autofocus system that recognizes both people and animals. This ability in combination with the high-resolution sensor alone make the GFX 100S one of the best cameras for portraits.
The Fujifilm GFX 100S is a camera that uses phase detection. This ensures that you can focus very well in dark conditions and backlight. This is possible with a total of 425 focus points, which can focus over the entire sensor.
Video features
Although the Fujifilm GFX 100S has a 102 MP sensor, the video capabilities are not the most impressive. With the Sony A7R V, we see 8K video and oversampled 4K video, unfortunately, Fujifilm does not have these options. You can record up to 4K30p without external equipment. If you use a recorder, you can record 4K 12-bit 4:2:2 for excellent flexibility when editing.
Fortunately, the Fujifilm GFX 100S does have built-in stabilization, with which you can compensate for up to 6 stops of movement. So you will make beautiful images during weddings.
Burst mode
The GFX 100S is a camera that is not so much intended for fast action because you can shoot ‘only’ 5 images per second. This is still enough for most situations. You probably don’t want more than this speed anyway, because of the file size that the GFX 100S produces.
ISO Performance
Fujifilm’s latest processor provides even better noise performance. The resolution of the medium format sensor is relatively high. However, each pixel can absorb a large amount of light. This gives you a very wide dynamic range and you can photograph well in dark conditions.
In conclusion
For the best image quality, you should use the Fujifilm GFX 100S. Thanks to the 102 MP medium-format sensor, you can take photos with a new level of detail. You will also never miss a moment thanks to the new autofocus system. This makes the GFX 100S the best medium format camera for portrait photography.
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Best APS-C camera for portraits
Canon R7
From elaborate algorithms to a fast burst, the Canon R7 has it all. With the 33 MP sensor you can take sharp photos and shoot high-quality video. Overall, the best APS-C camera for portrait photography.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Canon R7!
- 33-megapixel
- Built-in stabilization
- Fast burst mode
- Relatively expensive
- Moderate noise performance
Focus mechanism
An APS-C camera that has just as extensive autofocus performance as professional full-frame cameras. You heard that right, the Canon R7 also has the new Dual Pixel AF II system. This allows you to focus on subjects such as people, animals, and vehicles. Handy during a portrait session, because as a portrait photographer, you already have enough other things on your mind. Canon’s R7 relieves you of focus problems.
Video features
The Canon R7 has the option to shoot 4K 60 fps video internally. This is without a maximum of 30 minutes per video. You can also make beautiful full-HD videos up to 120 frames per second. For a camera in this segment and for this price, this is exceptional. The R7 can record 4K 30fps video from oversampled 7K video. This ensures better sharpness and less noise.
The Canon R7 has in-body image stabilization. With this, unwanted movements are taken care of and can no longer be seen in the end result. This is an exceptional characteristic that the competitor, Canon EOS R10, does not have.
burst mode
The burst mode of the Canon R7 is amazingly good. With the mechanical shutter, you can shoot up to 15 frames per second. By means of the electronic shutter, you can even capture up to 30 images per second.
The advantage of the electronic shutter over the mechanical shutter is silent shooting. Don’t worry: you can also make the camera sound, so you don’t accidentally take thousands of photos without realizing it.
ISO performance
DxO Mark has not yet tested the Canon R7, so we do not know the exact figures. However, we can look at the competition to get an expectation of performance. The Sony A6600 is a bit older, but it does have a 24 MP sensor, compared to the 33 MP of the Canon R7.
As a result, we expect the scores of these cameras to be awfully close. This means that you can use at least an ISO of 1400 with the Canon R7 without observing disturbing noise.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait portrait lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Canon RF 85mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 24-70mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little bit less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
The fast burst mode, high resolution for both photos and videos, and the latest focusing system make the Canon R7 the best crop sensor camera for portrait photography. It also has built-in stabilization, so you can use slower shutter speeds by hand.
Best entry-level camera for portraits
Sony A6600
The Sony A6600 released in 2019 has many features that compete with the latest cameras. Built-in stabilization is a unique feature of this, which not many other cameras have.
- 24-megapixel
- Built-in stabilization
- Quick autofocus
- Non-optimal ergonomics
- Moderate noise performance
Focus mechanism
Older cameras from Sony have recently been updated to meet the latest requirements. So is the Sony A6600, which was released in 2019. Despite this fact, he uses intelligent software to recognize the eyes of humans and animals. An option that almost every portrait photographer will use.
Video features
With the ability to record 4K 30p (UHD) video, this might be the perfect camera for taking videos and photos. The in-body image stabilization helps you get rid of some camera shake when taking photos or videos.
Burst mode
The burst mode of the Sony A6600 is good enough for most situations, but it doesn’t necessarily stand out when we look at the competition. You can shoot up to 11 frames per second with the mechanical shutter and up to 8 fps with the electronic shutter.
Then you will wonder why you should use the electronic shutter and not the faster mechanical shutter. That’s because the electronic shutter makes no sound during shooting, so you won’t have any disturbing noise during a portrait session. Useful!
Iso Performance
The Sony A6600 has the same sensor size as the Canon R7. It includes an APS-C sensor, so its ISO performance won’t be the best in the field. When shooting in low light, the noise will be noticed quite quickly. The DxO score of the A6600 is 1497. This means that you can set the ISO up to 1497 without seeing disturbing noise.
The camera has built-in image stabilization, so you can use a longer exposure time in dark conditions without any problem. As a result, you don’t have to set the ISO that high. This allows you to take razor-sharp photos even in the dark.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 is also fantastic. This lens is a little bit less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In COnclusion
All in all, the Sony A6600 is the best entry-level camera for portrait photography. You can shoot 11 frames per second, take 24 MP photos, and film 4K with stabilization. All this makes the Sony A6600 the best entry-level camera for portrait photography.
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Best budget camera for portraits
Nikon Z50
Nikon’s best budget camera for portraits is the Nikon Z50. An APS-C sensor camera, with 21-megapixels. You also have plenty of choice of lenses, so what are you waiting for?
Holidays: Get $100 off your Nikon Z50!
- 21-megapixel
- 4K video
- Fast burst mode
- No built-in stabilization
- Moderate noise performance
Focus mechanism
The Nikon Z50 is equipped with an extensive AF system that recognizes people and animals. This ensures that you can still focus excellently while taking photos in burst mode. The camera automatically detects the subjects and focuses on them. You can even focus on the eyes of humans and animals. This alone makes it the Z50 one of the best beginner cameras for portraits.
Video features
The Nikon Z50 has the option to film in 4K quality. This can be up to 30 frames per second. You can film up to 120 fps in FHD quality. It allows you to create beautiful videos, for professional purposes. It is a great hybrid camera, but the competition is also great.
burst mode
The burst mode of the Nikon Z50 is amazingly good. With the mechanical shutter, you can shoot up to 11 frames per second. This allows you to capture all the action without missing a single moment. You can put the Z50 in silent mode so that the attention is not drawn to you. The result will be more successful photos, and that with a camera that is very affordable.
ISO performance
Nikon’s latest processor provides even better noise performance. The APS-C sensor body will perform better in poor lighting conditions than older Nikon cameras. This way you can even go out in the dark without any worries. We don’t know the real numbers, because the sensor of the Nikon Z50 has not yet been tested.
The best lenses for portrait photography
I made a selection of the best portrait lenses, especially for Nikon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for portrait photography is the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Nikon Z 24-70mm is also fantastic. This lens is a zoom lens, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
If you’re eager to get into photography, the Nikon Z50 is very good.
You have a 21 MP sensor, 4K video, 11 fps burst mode, and an AI focus mechanism. This makes the Z50 the best budget camera for portrait photography beginner.
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what should you look for in a camera for portrait photography?
Image quality & resolution
If there’s one thing that matters in portrait photography, it’s image quality. Many photographers think that the resolution is the only thing that determines the image quality, but that is certainly not the case.
The resolution is of course not entirely unimportant, a higher resolution provides more flexibility afterwards and allows you to see more details.
The sensor size is also very important, because there is a big difference between a full-frame sensor and a crop sensor. Full-frame sensors are preferred for portraits, as the noise performance is better and the dynamic range is generally wider.
Finally, lens choice is important. After all, this is what the light comes through. A cheap lens can quickly result in less quality, so be warned. Invest in good lenses at the start and then you can use them for years.
Full-frame or APS-C sensor
I just said that a full-frame sensor is preferable for portrait photography, not just because of the image quality.
A full-frame sensor has no crop factor so 50mm is really 50mm. This allows you to get closer to your subject and the background is even blurrier than with a crop sensor with the same lens.
An APS-C sensor camera is often cheaper than a full-frame body, which is why many novice photographers opt for this. These are also often simpler so you can learn a lot as a beginner.
Both cameras have their pros and cons, so consider both and then decide for yourself.
Focusing & Eye detection
Actually, all new cameras do have tracking functions, namely face detection and eye detection. We all know that the eyes have to be sharp in portrait photography, so a camera that does not have eye detection is already a lot less attractive.
The most expensive and newest cameras even have pupil detection, such as the Nikon Z8. That is a useful function, but the eye detection of most cameras is more than good enough.
ISO performance
If you take photos at sunset or in the dark, the noise performance is often very important. A camera with poor performance causes more noise, less contrast, and a less colorful photo.
Full-frame cameras can usually see up to ISO 3200 without disturbing noise, while APS-C cameras should not be set higher than ISO 1600, in my opinion.
Image stabilization
As portrait photographers, we often deal with long focal lengths and prime lenses. I’ll talk about lens choice for portraits in a moment. If you have long focal lengths without stabilization, it can cause motion blur.
Then you can of course increase the ISO and set a faster shutter, but that also has disadvantages. With built-in stabilization, every lens is stabilized and you can use a slower shutter speed.
If you are currently still skeptical about the built-in stabilization, I can tell you one thing, it really makes a world of difference. I have shot without stabilization for years and recently with IBIS. It’s really very handy.
Flexibility in lenses
Finally, we have a very important topic, which lenses are best for portrait photography? The prime lenses are the most popular among portrait photographers, not without reason.
If you want sharpness, brightness, and bokeh (blurred background), prime lenses are your go-to option. These lenses are often also lighter than zoom lenses.
If you want to make the subject stand out, I recommend a telephoto lens, an 85mm or 105mm is perfect for distinguishing the subject from the background.
Best portrait photography camera FAQ
What is the best mirrorless camera for portrait photography?
The best mirrorless camera for portraits is the Canon R6 II. This camera is very popular and for good reason. The image quality is superb and you have top-of-the-line autofocus, the best of them all. All of that makes the Canon R6 II the best portrait camera.
What is the best beginner camera for portrait photography?
The best beginner camera for portrait photography is the Canon R50. This camera has only just been released, but there are already a lot of positive experiences. Just like the R6 II, the Canon R50 AI has autofocus which you can use to focus on eyes. Handy for us as portrait photographers.
What is the best DSLR camera for portrait photography?
The best DSLR camera for portrait photography is the Nikon D850. You can take 46 MP photos with this and you have a good autofocus system. In addition, there are many lenses, including second-hand, available for the Nikon D850. In short, a great portrait camera.
What is the best compact camera for portrait photography?
The best compact camera for portrait photography is the Sony RX10 IV. It is not without reason that it is one of the best-selling compact cameras. With a zoom range of 24-600mm, you can take photos in all situations. A blurry background shouldn’t be a problem either. The RX10 IV is clearly the best compact camera for portrait photography.
What is the best lens for portrait photography?
The best lens for portrait photography is often one with an open aperture. With this, you have a lot of depth of field and the background is therefore very blurry. The 50mm F1.2 is a commonly used lens for portrait photography, but the 85mm is also one of the favorites for us portrait photographers.
In conclusion
Now that you have seen al the portrait photography cameras, you can make a choice. If you want to take it seriously and take portraits professionally, a professional portrait photography camera is the best for you. But if you want to do it as a hobby, just want to experiment or anything else, then a amateur or beginner camera will do.
Who is Sebastiaan?
Hi! I am Sebastiaan, the writer of this blog. With years of experience as a professional photographer, I want to share my expertise with you. From recommending cameras and lenses to giving tips that make a world of difference, that’s what I enjoy doing most.
There are tons of different cameras you can buy for under $1500. Full-frame cameras from Canon and Nikon, as well as mirrorless cameras from Sony and Fujifilm, are among the preferred options of professional photographers...