Wedding photographers need to be skillful because wedding photography needs patience and talent. However, to capture those candid, happy as well as glorious wedding images of the groom and the bride on their memorable day, a wedding photographer needs to possess the best camera for wedding photography.
This will surely make the event more unforgettable.
Our Top Camera for Wedding Photography Reviews
Wedding photography is indeed a high-pressure trade to be in. A lot of photographers spend decades learning this craft as weddings combine many moving parts, which include action, portraits as well as emotion. So, it is vital to have the best camera to support you during the long days of shooting. So, here are the best cameras for wedding photography available today.
Best Overall Camera for Wedding Photography: Nikon D850 Camera
This is a must-have camera for wedding photographers. This is also considered the most impressive camera because it comes with remarkable advancements in specs, resolution, sensor design, battery life, dynamic range, and fast reading. What is more, this camera also has that unique appeal regarding shooting features, price, etc.
The Nikon D850 comes with 47.5 MP resolution and a full-frame image sensor. We are talking about a high-level resolution that allows post-production editing that many photographers are having issues with. It has an expandable ISO range of 64 up to 25600 that enables improved versatility and sensitivity for a broad array of lighting conditions, ideal for generating uncompromised photo and high-quality video even in low-light environments like reception ceremonies and churches. It has a 99 cross-type point Auto Focus system, which provides 7 FPS Continuous shooting.
Nikon D850 makes it effective to get precise shots fast, even if capturing moving or fast paces moments like the first kiss, throwing flowers, dance and etc. Silent shooting is a vital feature that made this DSLT stands out from the rest. Weddings are serene and sacred; you do not want a DSLR that disturbs such serenity of the ceremony with each click. With this camera’s Silent Photography feature, you are able to take pictures with no mechanical vibration or sound. It also comes with a tilting touchscreen LCD.
The vale can only do much justice to the state-of-the-art specs this DSLR can offer, which is perhaps the main reason why this is the best overall camera for wedding photography. So, if you’re a wedding photographer who believes that you need to upgrade your tool for the next project, this one is the best choice.
Pros
- Long battery life (1800 plus shots)
- 45.7 MP full frame sensor
- 7-9 FPS Continuous Shooting
Cons
- Inconsistent built in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Expensive
- A bit too large
- Nikon D850 45.7MP Full-Frame FX-Format DSLR Digital Camera (Body Only) - (Black)
- PERFECT COMBINATION: 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor and EXPEED 5 Processor - Ability to shoot continuously at 7 fps for up to 51 consecutive frames
- HQ VIDEO RECORDING: 4K UHD Video Recording and 8K Time-Lapse - Scene Recognition System and Exposure Metering - 3.2" 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- HIGH-QUALITY AUTOFOCUS: 153-Point Multi-CAM 20K Autofocus System with Group-Area AF - 99 cross-type sensors for improved subject recognition in all lighting
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Nikon D850 DSLR Digital Camera (Body Only) | EN-EL15a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery | MH-25A Battery Charger | UC-E22 USB Cable | HDMI/USB Cable Clip | AN-DC18 Strap | BF-1B Body Cap | DK-17F Fluorine-Coated Finder Eyepiece
Best Camera for Wedding Photography for the Money: Canon Eos 5D Mark IV
For wedding photographers out there who pursue superior portraits and shots, this one is the best choice. This camera is very close to Nikon D850 that it would make you think how a simple device provided superb quality, versatility as well as performance.
State-of-the-art Canon EOS 5D is the best camera for the money as it provides high-resolution quality stills. It also has a 4K video system, which allows picture grabbing from recording, ideal for shooting naturally happening moments. It is equipped with a 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a 62 point AF that provides EV-3 in the viewfinder as well as EV-4 in live view mode, which makes it simple to see a tweet and unforgettable scenes. The dual-pixel enables AF fine-tuning during post-production.
Even if this DSLR comes with a bit lower resolution, it is super lightweight so that you can shoot dynamically during wedding events and gigs. There is no need to worry about bringing this DSLR the whole day during the event.
It also has 100 to 32000 ISO ranges combined with improved noise processing algorithms to boost shooting in different lighting situations. Improved light performance shooting is a vital feature for cameras for wedding photography. The low noise and low-speed AF at higher ISO make this more appealing for photographers.
Pros
- 61 point AF system
- Easy to carry all through the day
- 30.4MP CMOS sensor
Cons
- Expensive
- Low resolution
- New 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range 100-32000; expandable up to 50-102400 (equivalent ISO).
- 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in- camera still frame grab of 4K 8.8-Megapixel images; multiple video options include Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.
- Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or live view shooting; LCD monitor has a full touchscreen interface, including selection of AF area.
- Excellent performance - up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting speed with high-performance DIGIC 6+ Image Processor for improved speed and excellent image quality.
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
Best Cheap Camera for Wedding Photography: Sony A7 III Camera
One reason why this camera is included in the list is its low price without compromising the quality. Not only should a wedding photographer benefits from the weight and size of the DSLR but, they must also search for cheaper ones that are filled with the greatest and newest technology. This camera from Sony is armed with a full frame sensor, standard ISO range, image stabilization, long-life battery, incredible AutoFocus system, and dual card slots. Aside from being reasonable, it is also lightweight and compact.
The Sony A7 III mirrorless camera comes with 24.2MP full-frame sensor with five-axis image stabilization. Also, it features a considerably big phase-detection AF system covering about 93 percent of the picture area to boost focus. It is able to track objects almost in the whole frame, allowing you to flawlessly capture dynamic as well as moving during the celebration and event.
Pros
- Affordable
- Long battery life and compact
- Silent shutter
Cons
- No built in flash
- The screen is not var-angle
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI full frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed.Aspect Ratio - 3:2, Headphone Terminal : Yes (3.5 mm Stereo minijack), Mic Terminal : Yes (3.5 mm Stereo minijack). Brightness Control (Viewfinder) : Auto/Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2).
- 15 stop dynamic range, 14 bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800. Compatible with Sony E mount lenses. Can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring (as of the date of release)- Android (Android 5.0 or later, Bluetooth 4.0 or later), iOS (Bluetooth 4.0 or later)
- Up to 10fps silent or mechanical shutter with AE/AF tracking. Battery life (Still Images): Approx. 610 shots (Viewfinder) / approx. 710 shots (LCD monitor), battery life (Movie, continuous recording): Approx. 200 min (Viewfinder) / Approx. 210 min (LCD monitor)
- 693 phase detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93 percent image coverage. Focus sensor: Exmor R CMOS sensor
- In the box: Rechargeable battery (NP FZ100), AC adapter (AC UUD12), shoulder strap, body cap, Accessory shoe cap, Eyepiece cup, Micro USB cable. Metering type: 1200 zone evaluative metering
Additional Best Camera for Wedding Photography
Nikon D750
Nikon D750 is considered one of the preferred full-frame cameras by newbies and skilled wedding photographers alike. Equipped with state-of-the-art features in a very compact body, this camera is a perfect companion for wedding photographers who shoot in varied conditions.
It has a full frame 24.3MP sensor. One thing we like about this camera is the tilting screen to assist in playing with angles as well as composition during wedding photoshoots. Even if it weighs less and it has low resolution, it still provides uncompromised performance. It has EXPEED 4 image-processing engine and has the capability to record 1080p/60p.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Affordable
- 24.3 MP CMOS sensor
Cons
- Low resolution
- Limited shutter speed
- Full frame 243 megapixel CMOS image sensor and expeed 4 image processor
- Full HD 60/50/30/25/24p video
- Built in Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the WT 5a plus UT 1 communication unit
- Shoot up to 65 fps at full resolution frame size (pixels): 1920 x 1080
- Pro video feature set including: Simultaneously record uncompressed and compressed, manually control ISO, shutter speed and aperture while recording even use power aperture control for smooth iris transitions and auto ISO for smooth exposure transitions
Features of the Best Camera for Wedding Photography
With regards to choosing the best wedding photography camera, there are definite desirable features you would search for in the camera. To help you in the task of finding the best one, we have broken down the features that you must consider. Here are the main features to search for in a wedding photography camera.
- Sensor
- Extra Features
- ISO Range
- Resolution
- Auto Focus
- Eye Tracking
- Ease of Use
- Accessories
- Weight
Sensor
A professional wedding photographer agrees that this must be the main priority when searching for a wedding photography camera. The size of the sensor determines the quality of the shoot, making it of utmost importance. When it comes to the sensor, wedding photographers opt to full frame models than crop sensor cameras. Of course, you will want to look at the megapixels, design, and size of the sensor to know if it is the best.
Always remember that the bigger the sensor, the camera will capture more light. This is why full frame or larger sensors are vital for shooting in dark wedding venues, especially inside the church. However, a smaller sensor is cheaper and has cheap zoom lenses. If you run out of budget, then this might be the best choice.
But, a full frame camera is the best for a wedding although it comes with a high price. However, you don’t need to begin with full frame cameras. A lot of wedding experts swear by their crop sensor cameras and the affordability which comes with them. Always remember that a full frame camera will not function on a crop sensor lens and vice versa.
Additional Features
Lists of additional features can go on and depend on the body of the camera. However, some things to consider include battery life, 4k video, SD card slot, Wi-Fi, full HD, and live view. Even more, it is ideal if the camera functions with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens that is amongst the popular for wedding photography.
ISO Range
Camera for wedding photography use by professionals typically comes with a high ISO range. Think of dim reception venues and dimly lit churches. A wedding photographer needs to be able to pump up his or her ISO higher and still have noise reduction. There’s no reason for photo quality to suffer as in recent days, DSLR cameras have accelerated in shooting low-light settings. If you have five years old camera, then it is time to make an upgrade.
Resolution
A lot of newbie photographers out there get wrapped in the concept of MP or megapixels. Yes. This feature is vital but not as essential as the size of the sensor. If you like cropping your pictures often in post-production, the resolution will be more vital. If the megapixels of the camera are higher, the more flexibility you need to crop afterward. Also, this plays a vital role in capturing low light settings. Resolution is vital for printing bigger pictures such as wall-sized canvas.
Auto Focus
In today’s world, cameras for wedding photography have upped the AF game. One reason this feature is vital is that wedding photographers capture flowers or bouquets flying in the air, first dance, and quickly moving glasses of wine. Nothing is worse than missing an important scene like the final kiss at the wedding ceremony because of the blurry picture.
A lot of wedding events are moving; therefore, a precise AF or Auto Focus tracking technology is vital when picking the best cameras for wedding photography. You need to look at the camera’s tech specs for how it focuses in low-light settings. AF with ranges that begins at 3 EV is ideal for low light.
Eye Tracking
It is imperative for wedding photographers that the camera has superb eye tracking. This refers to the AF of the camera being able to track or sensor and keeps the focus on a subject’s eye. This allows wedding photographers to obtain headshots.
User Friendly
Always bear in mind that you’ll be holding the camera for 4 to 5 hours. Chasing the newlywed around the hotel or chapel is stressful. Keeping this thing in mind, you will need a camera for wedding photography that is lighter and easy to hold.
Prior to making a procurement, you can visit the nearest and try to hold and touch the unit you are planning to purchase. Feel the grip; is it comfortable? Consider the neck and hand straps you will utilize. If you’re a bit rough with gear, think of a sturdier heavier camera to keep up with the use. In case you have problems with your neck and back, then opt to a mirrorless camera.
Available Accessories
Think of what lenses you already have or want to purchase while buying the best camera for wedding photography. The body of the camera is an expensive investment, and of course, you do not want to pick the wrong model to go with your wedding lenses.
Camera lenses are very personal; it depends on the style of the photographer. However, there are some best picks that you may consider to match with the camera body. It would be best if you considered this when buying the best camera for photography.
Low-Light Performance
As wedding photographers, chances are they will be taking pictures with little to no natural light, and the receptions may not be properly lit. The fact that you cannot predict this, it is vital to have a unit that has powerful low light performance.
So, meaning the DSLR you have must come with a sensor with a low noise threshold. In short, it must be capable of producing good pictures even at high ISOs. You want a sensor that is able to generate clean and high quality pictures.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The complete list of the best wedding photography cameras, and we hope you’re not better armed to pick the best DSLR to capture the best wedding pictures. If you are still puzzled and confused, you can learn more about the best lenses ideal for weddings. You can also ask for advice from experts in this field regarding the best cameras for wedding photography. If you are a beginner, ensure, to begin with, a camera intended for newbie wedding photographers like you.