Best Camera for Wedding Photography 2023: 11 Top Picks
- By Sebastiaan van 't Hoog
- Updated 8 december 2023
Weddings are often the most beautiful moment of someone’s life, so it is not surprising that you need a good and reliable camera as a wedding photographer. If you use the wrong camera, things can turn out very badly.
With years of experience as a professional photographer, I have owned a lot of cameras and therefore I know exactly what to look for if you want to buy the best camera for wedding photography.
In this article, I will tell you exactly what the best camera for wedding photography is, and not only that, I will also give you the best price. This way you can photograph at weddings again as soon as possible without worries.
Best wedding 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 wedding photography?
When I first started photography I had no idea what I was doing, I had to buy a camera without any knowledge. Now, with years of experience, I know exactly what to look for in a wedding camera.
My goal is for you to buy the best wedding camera, which doesn’t mean the most expensive or newest camera. I don’t want you to have a camera that falls short in certain areas or has unnecessary functions.
During the selection, I looked at aspects such as resolution and sensor, but autofocus, burst mode, and handling are also important. This is a list I paid attention to while selecting.
Of course, you can’t get that far with just a camera, that would be very difficult. That’s why I recommend a few lenses for each camera so that you can find everything here.
Let’s get straight to the first camera!
Best mirrorless camera for wedding photography
Canon R6 II
Sebas' take
A reliable camera is a necessity for weddings, that’s a common fact. The Canon R6 II sure is reliable and feels great in the hand. I’ve used it for quite a bit and there are many great things I can point out.
Besides the resolution of 24 MP and video features, the camera is incredible in speed and responsiveness. The button layout is perfect and I can change any setting in a heartbeat.
I do have a few flaws about the R6 II, but overall, I think it’s the best mirrorless camera for wedding photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Canon R6 Mark II!
Outstanding features
- 24 MP sensor
- 4K60p video
- 40 fps burst mode (or 12 fps)
- Deeplearning autofocus
- Double storage slots
- In-body stabilization
What I like/dislike about the Canon R6 II
Like
- The autofocus of the R6 II is incredibly fast, accurate and reliable. It tracks faces like nothing else, you can even switch between the eyes when shooting (using the joystick). If a person turns around, the R6 II keeps tracking.
- The grip feels very comfortable in my hand, even though my hands are big. I never had the feeling of it slipping out of my hand whatsoever. Ergonomically wise, the R6 II is perfect for me, I can reach all the buttons without hassle.
- I have to tell you about the image quality, it’s 2023, so all cameras have great quality. The dynamic range is better than the R6, although it has a higher resolution. Colors and skintones look naturel, both in JPEG and RAW. You can even push images that are underexposed and in dark sceneries.
- I have heard some people complain about the battery, but in my experience, I can shoot 1500 photos with just a single charge. Just bring a second battery with you, just in case.
Dislike
- There are some downsides, like I said. First of all, the dynamic range does deteriorate when shooting with electronic shutter. I have about 2 stops less DR, you can easily see it when you bump up the shadows.
- The screen sometimes is a bit too dark, especially when shooting with a bright sun. Sometimes, I am forced to use the viewfinder, which is not my preferred way of shooting.
- The buffer is not too big, about 70 images with the 40fps mode in RAW. I don’t recommend using this mode in general, as it provides 12-bit RAW’s instead of 14-bit RAW’s (mechanical).
- You cannot lock the ‘mode’ dial, which is a bummer for me. Sometimes, I accidentally switch from mode while shooting. Using a piece of tape has helped me fix this problem.
The best lenses for wedding photography
I’ve used quite a lot of lenses, so I do have a few recommendations for the Canon cameras. Make sure to get quality glass, as weddings are a one-time thing for most people.
The best lens for wedding photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. To complement the first lens, the Canon RF 70-200mm is perfect. The combination of these two is all you need. 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 Nikon wedding photography camera
Nikon Z8
Sebas' take
Let me introduce you to the Nikon Z8, an incredible camera as it’s the best Nikon camera on the market. It has a 46 MP sensor, which is the highest of all cameras on the list. Although it’s a bit bigger than the R6 II, I might like the Z8 more.
It feels comfortable in my hand and although it’s heavy, you would be able to handle it. The Z8 also shoots 8K videos, quite impressive, isn’t it?
All in all, the Z8 is the best Nikon camera for wedding photography.
Holidays: Get $300 off your Nikon Z8!
Outstanding features
- 46 MP stacked sensor
- 8K60p RAW video
- 30fps burst (JPEG)
- Quite big and bulky
- Fast autofocus
- Dual card slots
What I like/dislike about the Nikon Z8
Like
- Where should I start? I mean, there is so much I could talk about. Let’s start with the sensor, because that is the most important, right? It’s a 46 MP stacked sensor, which provides the best image quality. Colors look natural, like you would expect, and crispy.
- Handling is also an important aspect, as you have to switch settings almost every few minutes. It’s big, so it feels comfortable and my entire hand can hold the Z8. The buttons are well-placed and easily accessible.
- The burst mode is somewhat complicated, as you can shoot 20fps RAW, 30fps JPEG, and 120fps (11 MP) JPEG. Quite a lot to remember, but there’s a shooting mode for every situation.
- Autofocus-wise, it’s the best Nikon has ever released. It is much better than the Z7 II, a similar camera but not perfect for weddings in my opinion. It tracks subjects flawlessly and doesn’t let go.
Dislike
- I had to think for a while before I could stumble upon a dislikeable thing about the Z8. I think the card slots should have been dual CF Express, like the Nikon Z9. The Z8 is almost identical but differs on this point. It’s not a dealbreaker, just something to keep in mind.
The best lenses for wedding photography
I made a selection of the best wedding photography lenses, especially for Nikon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wedding photography is the Nikon Z 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. To complement the first lens, the Nikon Z 70-200mm is perfect. The combination of these two is all you need. Finally, the Nikon Z 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
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Best budget camera for wedding photography
Canon R8
Sebas' take
The two cameras I mentioned before are quite expensive, and I know you might be on a budget. No worries, I got you covered with the Canon R8. On paper, it’s almost identical to the Canon R6 II.
In reality, it is handled quite differently. The R8 is a much smaller camera, in fact, it’s the smallest full-frame Canon camera. There are many things I like, but some minor aspects to keep in mind when buying the R8.
All in all, the R8 is the best budget camera for wedding photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Canon R8!
Outstanding features
- 24 MP full-frame sensor
- 4K60p video (no crop)
- 40fps burst mode
- Same autofocus as R6 II
- Single SD cars slot
What I like/dislike about the Canon R8
Like
- Let me begin with the positive aspects of the R8, namely, the image quality. It has roughly the same sensor as the R6 II, just without the stabilization. The images look sharp and crispy, with lots of color to play with in post-processing.
- Autofocus-wise, it’s the same as other professional cameras. Some people like the autofocus of the R8 more than the Z8, which is quite remarkable. It can recognize enough subjects to cover a wedding and track them without hassle.
- As for the handling, you have fewer buttons than the R6 II, logically, but I don’t think it’s too much of a turn-off. It’s small, so you can use it for 8 hours, as most weddings take that long.
- For video, you can grab the R8 as well. It has the same specs as the R6 II, with the 4K60p without crop and so forth. The rolling shutter is minimal, with 14ms, it’s one of the best non-stacked performers.
Dislike
- There are a few things I didn’t like about the R8, so read them carefully. First, I don’t like the grip too much. It’s too small for my big hands as my pinky doesn’t hold the camera. With big lenses, like the 24-70mm, my wrist has a lot to endure.
- Next, the R8 has only one card slot, I think 2 cards would be mandatory for wedding photography, so you might want to consider the R6 II above the R8.
The best lenses for wedding photography
I’ve used quite a lot of lenses, so I do have a few recommendations for the Canon cameras. Make sure to get quality glass, as weddings are a one-time thing for most people.
The best lens for wedding photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. To complement the first lens, the Canon RF 70-200mm is perfect. The combination of these two is all you need. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon EOS R8 Review, Tests & Comparisons
Today's best deal
Best Sony camera for wedding photography
Sony A7 IV
Sebas' take
Next up, I recommend the Sony A7 IV. Perhaps I like this camera more than the R6 II, in some aspects. The resolution is a bit higher, so I didn’t have any problem with cropping images.
Handling-wise, the A7 IV is almost perfect. I like the extra dial on top, which you can set to any function you’d like. I do have a few things I don’t like, so keep on reading.
All in all, I think the Sony A7 IV is the best Sony camera for wedding photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Sony A7 IV!
Outstanding features
- 33 MP full-frame sensor
- 4K60p (1.5x crop) or 4K oversampled
- 10fps burst mode
- 1000+ shot buffer
- Accurate tracking
What I like/dislike about the Sony A7 IV
Like
- So let me begin with the autofocus, which is one of the best I’ve seen to date. It tracks the eyes without any problem and even if someone turns around, sticks like glue. Even when shooting at F1.2 I hardly had out-of-focus photos.
- The RAW files are easy to edit, and the dynamic range is great, about 14 stops. I shoot images at -3 exposure and have no problem getting details out of shadows. I don’t recommend shooting at -3 EV with higher ISOs, you will see some noise.
- The extra dial on top is handy, you can assign many functions to it. I recommend the ISO, aperture, or shutter, so you can easily change that setting. This makes me a lot more confident while shooting.
- You shouldn’t worry about battery life, I shot more than a day with just one battery and it still wasn’t empty. Just take a few with you, you never know what’s going to happen.
- You can set the screen to ‘sunny weather‘ mode, which does make a big difference as I almost always use the screen when shooting.
Dislike
- I don’t like the fact that the rolling shutter is bad on the A7 IV. When shooting with the electronic shutter you can have some weird artifacts with fast-moving subjects. I just don’t recommend using the silent shutter, if you do want it, I recommend the Sony A1. It’s also very much present while shooting video!
The best lenses for wedding photography
I made a selection of the best wedding photography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wedding photography is the Sony FE 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. To complement the first lens, the Sony FE 70-200mm is perfect. The combination of these two is all you need. Finally, the Sony FE 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best hybrid camera for wedding photography
Fujifilm X-T5
Sebas' take
Fujifilm wasn’t that popular for wedding photography, besides the GFX series. A more affordable option is the Fujifilm X-T5. It is strong at both photo and video aspects, thus it’s a great hybrid option.
Fujifilm knew they needed to change, and so they did. The X-T5 is an incredible camera, although it has an APS-C sensor. It does have one major flaw, so read on.
All in all, the X-T5 is the best hybrid camera for wedding photography and video.
Outstanding features
- 40 MP APS-C sensor
- 6.2K30p video
- Deep learning AF
- Stabilization
- Dual card slots
What I like/dislike about the Fujifilm X-T5
Like
- I originally wanted to recommend the XS20, as it is much more affordable and has great specs. The X-T5 has some major advantages, as it has a 40 MP sensor. I think it’s the highest-resolution APS-C camera on the market, and surprisingly, the dynamic range is quite good.
- As the X-T5 is a hybrid option, I will talk about video specs. It can shoot 6.2K30p video, which is the same as the XS20. With F-Log2, you will have a great dynamic range and a lot of editing options. Just like any camera with log profiles.
- The aspect that made me choose the X-T5 is the dual card slots, which the XS20 doesn’t have. I think it’s essential for wedding photography, as you don’t want to lose any photos or videos.
- Autofocus-wise, it has the new AI autofocus from Fujifilm. It works perfectly for wedding photography and detects the eyes without any problems. I prefer the autofocus of Canon or Sony, but it performs well.
Dislike
- The thing I don’t like about the X-T5 is the resolution on such a small sensor. A 40 MP resolution on an APS-C sensor means that every pixel is small, so when shooting at higher ISOs, you will have considerably more noise.
The best lenses for wedding photography
I made a selection of the best lenses for wedding photography, especially for Fujifilm cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wedding photography is the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little cheaper, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Fujifilm XF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
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Best beginner camera for wedding photography
Canon R50
Sebas' take
Next up, a completely different kind of camera. This is one I don’t recommend for everyone, as it is solely made for beginners. I’m of course talking about the Canon R50, which is small and compact.
It has a 24 MP sensor, one that looks like the EOS R10 sensor. It has great image quality, but ergonomically it’s not perfect. It also has one card slot, which isn’t optimal for wedding photography.
All in all, the R50 is the best beginner camera for wedding photography.
Outstanding features
- 24 MP APS-C sensor
- 4K30p video
- Same autofocus as R8
- 15fps burst
- Small and compact
What I like/dislike about the Canon R50
Like
- Starting with the size and weight, the R50 is a small camera. I think it’s even the smallest Canon RF camera, which is a pro. If you’re starting out you don’t want to deal with a big weight, especially on weddings.
- It has a beginner-oriented user interface, which shows you how certain settings can change the outcome of the images. You can learn on the go if you would like to. I wish my first camera had that option.
- The autofocus is something else because that stands out. Canon is practically the only camera manufacturer that puts its best autofocus in a beginner camera. It is fast, accurate, and has deep learning technology.
- You can shoot with a 15fps burst mode, which is fast enough for most situations. I don’t think of any situation in which this burst wouldn’t be fast enough.
Dislike
- There are a few downsides, like the size. It’s small, and for most people that would be a positive. For me, someone with large hands, it is too small. My pinky cannot hold the R50 comfortably and if you use big lenses, it feels out of balance.
- Last but not least, the buffer is extremely small. You can shoot about 7 RAW images in one single burst, which is not nearly enough for the important moment of wedding ceremonies.
The best lenses for wedding photography
I’ve used quite a lot of lenses, so I do have a few recommendations for the Canon cameras. Make sure to get quality glass, as weddings are a one-time thing for most people.
The best lens for wedding photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. To complement the first lens, the Canon RF 70-200mm is perfect. The combination of these two is all you need. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best DSLR camera for wedding photography
Nikon D850
Sebas' take
DSLRs seem to be old news, for many people. I understand why you would want an old-fashioned DSLR camera, they feel more comfortable in my hand and, the Nikon D850 in special, is more affordable.
With a 46 MP sensor, the D850 looks a lot like the Z8. It’s called the D850 predecessor, for about half the price. The video specs are less extensive, but for weddings, it’s just right.
All in all, the D850 is the best DSLR camera for wedding photography.
Outstanding features
- 46 MP full-frame sensor
- 4K30p video
- 7fps burst mode
- Great autofocus
- Two card slots
What I like/dislike about the Nikon D850
Like
- Let me start with the image quality, which is perhaps the best of all DSLR cameras. It has a 46 MP sensor, which is the same resolution as the Z8. It doesn’t have a stacked sensor, but I don’t think that’s mandatory, as you’re always using the mechanical shutter.
- The autofocus is great, although it’s an older technology. It does not track eyes or anything fancy like that, but with 153 autofocus points, I think you can get away with it. It is fast and works perfectly in dark conditions.
- Although the burst isn’t too fast, namely 7fps, you don’t need much faster for weddings. It’s not an action-oriented camera, so 7fps is quite fast, considering the 46 MP resolution. The buffer is also big, with 51 photos, you can shoot for 7 seconds.
- It’s a big camera, just like the Z8. I like the fact that my hands can comfortably hold the camera and it even feels well-balanced with large lenses, like the ones below.
Dislike
- Because mirrorless cameras are more advanced and have certain advantages over DSLRs, it is no different with the D850. It does not have a fast burst or intelligent autofocus. You will have some out-of-focus shots, the camera isn’t doing anything for you.
The best lenses for wedding photography
The Nikon D850 needs other lenses than the mirrorless cameras, these are much more affordable, so take a look at the best DSLR lenses for wedding photography.
The very best lens for wedding photography is the Nikon 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. To complement the first lens, the Nikon 70-200mm is perfect. The combination of these two is all you need. Finally, the Nikon 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
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Best Canon camera for wedding photography
Canon R5
Sebas' take
The Canon R5 is one camera I just couldn’t leave out of the list. I mean, it’s so immensely popular and not without reason. It has a 45 MP sensor and incredible video features.
It is the right size, not too small or big and I think it’s the perfect combination in both design, photo and video features.
All in all, the R5 is the best Canon camera for wedding photography.
Holidays: Get $900 off your Canon R5!
Outstanding features
- 45 MP full-frame sensor
- 8K RAW video
- 20fps burst mode
- AI autofocus
- Dual card slots
What I like/dislike about the Canon R5
Like
- Just look at the spec list I made, what could you possibly want more of in a camera? It has the best image quality of any Canon camera. It’s the only high-resolution RF camera, so of course I had to include it.
- The R5 can shoot 20 photos a second, although that is with the electronic shutter. With the mechanical shutter, you can shoot up to 12fps, which is plenty enough for most situations. I mainly use the 12fps above the 20fps, I think 20fps is unnecessary.
- Autofocus-wise, we all know Canon is the market leader. It doesn’t have the newest features, but you can track the eyes, cars, and animals. You don’t need any other subject to detect for weddings.
Dislike
- If you plan on shooting video with the R5, keep in mind that the camera overheats quite quickly with the 4K60p and 8K recording modes. Either get yourself an EOS R5 C or deal with the overheating.
The best lenses for wedding photography
I’ve used quite a lot of lenses, so I do have a few recommendations for the Canon cameras. Make sure to get quality glass, as weddings are a one-time thing for most people.
The best lens for wedding photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. To complement the first lens, the Canon RF 70-200mm is perfect. The combination of these two is all you need. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Best camcorder for weddings
Sony AX53
Sebas' take
The next camera I would like to recommend is the Sony AX53. It is a camcorder, and not specifically made for wedding photography. Although you can take photos with it, the focus is mainly on videography.
It can record 4K30p videos and has a 20x optical zoom, as well as intelligent autofocus and stabilization. What more could you wish for in a camcorder?
All in all, the AX53 is the best camcorder for wedding videography.
Outstanding features
- 4K30/24p video recording
- Zeiss lens
- 20x optical zoom
- Internal microphone
- Hotshoe
What I like/dislike about the Sony AX53
Like
- I’ve got a lot of great things to say about the AX53, first the design. It is a small camera that fits in any bag that you take with you. The grip is comfortable and there doesn’t seem to be any problem with that.
- The rolling shutter doesn’t seem to be aparent, I could hardly notice any. I think that’s important for a video-centric camera like this.
- Battery is also important, as that can be a dealbreaker for you. The AX53 can record for up to 1.5 hours on a single charge. That is quite a long time, but for weddings, I recommend taking a second battery with you.
- Last but not least, the recordings look clean and crisp. There seems to be a lot of color and the images look natural. You can also take photos, which is quite unusual for a camcorder. The photos also look great!
Dislike
- As has a small sensor, the image quality in darker situations won’t be too crisp. When you cramp up the ISO, you will see noise fairly quickly, which is a bummer if you ask me.
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Best APS-C camera for wedding photography
Canon R7
Sebas' take
One of the last cameras I will recommend is the Canon R7. It has an APS-C sensor, which many would consider not good for weddings. It is the best APS-C camera on the market, with a 33 MP sensor and 4K uncropped video options.
It is bigger than the R50, so that’s something I like a lot. The R7 also has dual card slots, an essential aspect of a wedding camera.
All in all, the R7 is the best APS-C camera for wedding photography.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Canon R7!
Outstanding features
- 33 MP APS-C sensor
- 4K60p (uncropped)
- 30fps burst mode
- AI autofocus
- Dual card slots
What I like/dislike about the Canon R7
Like
- With so many great points I had to be specific about what I am going to say, let me start with the image quality. It has a 33 MP sensor, which is a lot more than the other competitors in the APS-C market. You have 50% more pixels than a 24 MP sensor so that quality will be much higher.
- You can take up to 30fps with the electronic shutter or 15fps with the mechanical. I would only use the mechanical shutter, as the rolling shutter won’t be seen and 15fps is more than enough for weddings.
- Just like the other Canon cameras on the list, the R7 has intelligent autofocus algorithms to track the eyes of people. You won’t have any out-of-focus photos with the R7.
- Last but not least, the R7 is bigger than the R50 or R10. I like the more professional feel of a camera, and the R7 serves me well in that aspect.
Dislike
- I don’t think I’ve got many things to dislike about the R7, I mean, it has dual card slots, great video specs, and a high-resolution sensor. If there would be one thing, it would be the noise at higher ISOs, but that is to be expected with any APS-C camera.
The best lenses for wedding photography
I’ve used quite a lot of lenses, so I do have a few recommendations for the Canon cameras. Make sure to get quality glass, as weddings are a one-time thing for most people.
The best lens for wedding photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. To complement the first lens, the Canon RF 70-200mm is perfect. The combination of these two is all you need. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Best drone for wedding photography
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Sebas' take
The last piece of technology I would like to recommend is a drone. You might be thinking, a drone for weddings? But yes, I think a drone is perfect for wedding photography as you can get unique shots.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is an incredible drone with loads of features. It has 3 lenses, one is wide, the others are zoomed in. All shots you want to take will be possible with the Mavic 3 Pro.
All in all, the Mavic 3 Pro is the best drone for wedding photography.
Outstanding features
- 20 MP camera (5.1K/50p or 4K/120p)
- 48 MP telephoto (4K/60p)
- 7x optical zoom camera (4K/60P)
- 43 minutes fly time (1 battery)
- Weighs less than 1 KG
What I like/dislike about the DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Like
- Where should I start? Let’s take it easy. The image quality looks great, especially when the lighting is perfect. If you’re shooting in dark conditions, you may get some less crispy footage, but overall the videos and photos look amazing.
- It has 3 lenses and sensors, which means you can take any shot that you can think of. A 24mm, 70mm, or 166mm equivalent. I have seen the footage from three lenses, and the possibilities are endless. They are all bright lenses, only the last 7x lens is an F3.4 lens. The others are F2.8, meaning they will perform better in low light.
- With a drone with this weight, I would think the battery would be terrible. Nothing is less true, because one battery will last for 43 minutes. That is much longer than any other DJI drone, like the Mini 4 Pro.
Dislike
- As this is a professional heavy drone, you need some papers before you can start shooting. You can read all about that here.
- The only high-resolution camera is the 3x zoom, with a 48 MP sensor. The other cameras are either 20 MP (1x) or 12 MP (7x). For wedding photography, I would mainly use the 70mm lens with the highest resolution.
What should you look for in a camera for wedding photography?
Image quality & resolution
The image quality is extremely important at weddings, you want to deliver the highest quality and a few aspects are therefore important. Image quality is not just the resolution of a camera.
The resolution of a camera is of course important, a higher resolution allows you to zoom digitally without much loss of quality. A 45 MP resolution will be preferable to 24 MP.
In addition, it is important whether the camera is full-frame or APS-C. A full-frame camera generally offers better image quality, due to the larger sensor.
Finally, the choice of lens is not unimportant, because that is where the light that hits the sensor comes through. Look for good lenses and don’t go too cheap. Good lenses last for years and it is worth the investment anyway.
ISO performance
After the bridal ceremony, there is often a party that is given in the evening. If you also have to photograph here, you often have to deal with high ISO values. A camera that does not cause too much noise is therefore nice.
Full-frame cameras are superior here because the larger sensor allows each pixel to capture more light and provides better light sensitivity.
Crop-sensor cameras can usually go up to ISO 1600 until it gets annoying, and full-frame cameras can usually go up to ISO 4000 or higher without annoying noise.
Speed & burst mode
Because you have to capture every moment, you need speed. The perfect picture is worth a lot, a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the bride and groom. You don’t want to miss this moment because you’re not paying attention or because your buffer is full.
Therefore, choose a camera that can shoot at least 10 photos per second and has a buffer of at least 75 photos. This way you reduce the chance of the camera blocking while photographing a wedding.
Image stabilization
It’s a nightmare when you get home and all the photos are blurry due to motion blur. We often have a 70-200 lens with us, and built-in image stabilization allows you to choose a slower shutter speed.
Coming home with blurry photos can therefore go down in the history books and that will not happen again, unless you use shutter speeds that are seconds long during weddings. Seems strong to me!
Flexibility in lenses
I just talked about lenses, because which lens is good for wedding photography? A combination of 24-70mm and 70-200mm is most commonly used during weddings. This gives you a good range to capture everything.
A second camera is therefore also nice, suppose you are changing the lens at the most important moment. I’ve seen videos where that happens, and then you don’t get hired anymore I can tell you.
Ergonomics & portability
Speed is important, not only the burst mode must be fast, but you must also be able to act quickly. It is essential that you can quickly access all settings because the situation sometimes changes.
In fact, most professional cameras have three dials to adjust the exposure triangle. This way you don’t have to undergo multiple steps to adjust the ISO.
The cheaper cameras, mainly APS-C, only have 1 or 2, which makes it a lot more difficult to act quickly. So keep this in mind when choosing a wedding camera.
Durability & reliability
Finally, the reliability of a camera is very important. Overheating is something you should really avoid. You don’t want to have a camera that fails at the most memorable moment.
A camera that is too small and cheap is more likely to get warm because the heat has nowhere to go. These cameras are also not optimal when it comes to the buffer. All important aspects that you have to take into account as a wedding photographer.
Best cameras for wedding photography FAQ
Do you need a full-frame camera for weddings?
No, you don’t need a full-frame camera for wedding photography. There are other types of sensors that perform just as well, if not better than full-frame sensors. Medium format is one of those, that is a bigger sensor giving even better image quality.
It is true that full-frame cameras are the standard for wedding photography, they are the best-performing and affordable cameras for wedding photographers. They have great low-light performance and create beautiful bokeh.
What camera lens is best for weddings?
As for camera lenses, there are a few wedding lenses you need for wedding photography. First, the most versatile lens is the 24-70mm (F2.8 preferably). You can take wide-angle shots with this lens and even zoomed-in portraits.
Next, the 70-200mm lens is a great addition to the 24-70mm. If you buy both lenses, you will have the best of both worlds, in terms of quality and range. Last, a fast prime lens, like the 85mm F1.2 (or F1.4) will create the best portraits.
How many megapixels do you need for wedding photography?
There is not one standard amount of megapixels for wedding photography, but any camera that is higher than 24 MP should be good for wedding photography. More megapixels only mean you can crop later on and adjust the composition, as well as being able to deliver higher-quality prints.
There are a few cameras, like the Nikon Z8 and Canon R5, which have 45+ MP sensors. These are usually the best cameras for wedding photography and are widely used among professional photographers.
Do wedding photographers need two cameras?
No, a wedding photographer doesn’t need two cameras. Most professional photographers use two cameras at the same time, as it can be beneficial for certain scenarios. I said the best lenses are the 24-70mm and 70-200mm, you can’t use them simultaneously so you need two cameras for that.
If you are shooting weddings with one camera, you might need a very versatile lens or you will have to switch lenses when the wedding ceremony is going on.
If you’re using two camera bodies, a harness might help you carry the cameras. The standard straps are not my preference for wedding photography.
Is a mirrorless camera better dan DSLR for wedding photography?
In today’s day and age, mirrorless cameras are better than DSLRs for wedding photography. They are better in almost every aspect. Mirrorless cameras are smaller, lighter, have faster autofocus and advanced technologies, and offer better quality glass.
Now, a DSLR camera can be just as good, if you know how to use it properly. DSLR cameras don’t have advanced tracking options and can’t recognize subjects.
Besides that, you can view the images and see the exposure through the viewfinder on a mirrorless camera, something that’s not possible, making mirrorless cameras better than DSLRs for weddings.
Can I shoot a wedding with an APS-C camera?
Yes, you can shoot weddings with APS-C cameras. In fact, there are even a few I recommend in this article. The Canon R7, for example, is a great camera although it has an APS-C sensor. APS-C sensors are great, because of the 1.6x crop factor.
You are closer to the subject with the same lens, meaning you can stand further away. A perfect combination would be one full-frame and one APS-C sensor camera.
APS-C cameras are worse in low light, due to the smaller pixels, therefore, I wouldn’t recommend a crop-sensor camera for those situations.
What burst mode is best for wedding photography?
A burst mode of 10 frames a second is perfect for wedding photography. I think you don’t need anything faster than that. Some cameras have a burst mode of 30 frames a second, and while that can be useful for certain scenarios, you don’t need a burst speed that fast.
Do I need dual card slots for wedding photography?
Yes, I recommend a camera that has two card slots for wedding photography. I haven’t had a problem ever with a card crashing, but I have heard numerous cases where people have lost all of their photos because their card crashed.
A wedding is a special day that cannot be redone, and you are dependent on your camera. If your card fails you, there’s little you can do. You might try some recovery programs, but that doesn’t work too well most of the time.
Make sure to buy high-quality cards, as the brand is also of great importance.
What is the best Canon lens for wedding photography?
The best Canon lens for wedding photography is the Canon 24-70mm F/2.8. This lens is somewhat expensive, but the sharpness is just unbeatable. Of course, a prime lens will be sharper, but for wedding photography, a zoom lens might be the better option. having the wide-angle and telephoto zoom range is perfect if you ask me. The 24-70mm is one of the best lenses for wedding photography overall.
What is the best camera for wedding photography under $1500 dollars?
The best wedding photography camera under $1500 dollars is the Canon R8. Having a professional autofocus mechanism with a high-quality sensor, it is unbeatable for the price. It basically is a Canon R6 II, but it’s smaller, lighter, and doesn’t have in-body stabilization. All in all, one of the best wedding cameras under $1500 dollars.
What is the best camera for wedding photography under $1000 dollars?
The best wedding photography camera under $1000 dollars is the Canon R10. It also has amazing features and looks a lot like the Canon R7. It can shoot 23 photos a second but doesn’t have in-body image stabilization. It truly is one of the best cameras for wedding photography under $1000 dollars.
What is the best camera for wedding photography under $500 dollars?
The best camera for wedding photography under $500 dollars is the Canon R100. It is brand new and is for the absolute beginner. Having autofocus without AI is unfortunate, but you can use it. It looks a lot like the Canon R50 but with fewer features.
In conclusion
Now it’s your turn to make the choice. There are many cameras for wedding photography that you can choose from. Now that you know the pros and cons of each camera, you can make the choice.
Important factors to consider are the focus system, the bust mode, the ISO performance and of course the amount of megapixels.
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...
There are tons of different cameras you can buy for under $1000. APS-C cameras from Canon and Nikon, as well as mirrorless cameras from Sony and Panasonic, are among the preferred options of budding photographers...