Whether you’re a photographer with years of experience or a friend or family member that has been tasked with taking the photos of the bride and groom’s big day, wedding photography takes great skill and plenty of patience. You also need the right camera.
While you may have skill, talent, and patience in abundance, you’re going to struggle to capture the happy moments, emotion, and details of the day without a high-quality, versatile camera.
The best camera for wedding photography should at least have fast autofocus capabilities, great low light performance, and a silent shooting mode. A lot of cameras have these features but with such an over saturated market, finding them can be difficult. That’s where we come in!
To help, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best wedding photography cameras, put together a useful buyer’s guide, and even answered some frequently asked questions.
If you’re looking for the best camera for wedding photography, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive straight in!
Nikon D850 FX-Format DSLR
The first camera offering great performance in the wedding industry is the Nikon D850 DSLR. While it may be unsuitable for inexperienced photographers due to its high cost, if you’re a serious, experienced photographer with a business, this camera could be your best choice.
The ultimate wedding camera and an all-around impressive DSLR camera, the Nikon D850 comes with top-of-the-range advancements when it comes to sensor design, fast reading, resolution, battery life, autofocus, and dynamic range.
When we took a look at this Nikon camera, we found that it also has great appeal when it comes to style, and price considering everything you get in return.
In terms of what you can expect from the camera, it features a great full-frame image sensor with an awesome 47.5-megapixel resolution.
This high-level resolution gives you more control and freedom over your images in post-production. It also has an ISO range of 64 to 25600. This offers great versatility and sensitivity in a huge range of lighting scenarios.
With a 153-point, 99 cross-type point autofocus system, coming with 7 frames per second (FPS), you can also get shots quickly and efficiently. This comes in handy when trying to catch the first kiss.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, this DSLR is completed with a silent shooting mode.
Pros
- Perfect for weddings – The Nikon D850 has all the features you need for the best wedding photography.
- Great battery life – The battery life on this camera will last long enough to take almost 2,000 photographs.
- Good ISO range – Take photos in a dark chapel with ease.
Cons
- Poor Wi-Fi connectivity – The Wi-Fi connectivity on this camera could be better.
- Pricey – This DSLR requires a big budget.
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Sony A7 III Mirrorless Camera With 28-70 mm Lens
The Sony A7 III Mirrorless camera is on this list because it offers wedding photographers a lightweight, well-sized camera at a reasonable price, whilst also still being equipped with the best and latest camera technology.
Not too much different from most DSLR cameras, this mirrorless full-frame camera has great image stabilization, a good ISO range, dual card slots, super-fast AF (Auto Focus), and a long battery life.
The main difference between the two styles of camera though is that you get all of these features in a lightweight, compact camera. This comes in very useful during longer events where you could be carrying your camera for up to 10 hours.
When we took a closer look at the Sony A7 III, we were very pleased with what we found. The full-frame sensor has 24.2 megapixels and 5-axis image stabilization. This matched with an AF system that covers 93% of the image lets you capture the best shots effortlessly.
The autofocus on the camera was so impressive that we would recommend it to anybody taking photos of a group. The Eye AF tracker easily tracks subjects on the move ensuring you capture every memorable moment possible.
The silent shooting mode lets you do this without disturbing any special moments.
Pros
- Good value for money – While this camera may seem expensive, for what you get it represents good value for money.
- Good battery life – This camera can last all day and into the next.
- Silent shutter – Take photos without disturbing any emotional moments.
Cons
- No built-in flash – The Sony A7 III doesn’t have an in-body flash.
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
The next camera on our list is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. A DSLR camera, the Canon EOS 6D is perfect if you’re looking for a camera that performs well but costs a lot less.
Almost half the price of other camera bodies on this list, this DSLR still comes with great features that help you capture the best shots of the bride and groom’s big day.
In regards to wedding photography, this camera’s best feature is arguably its incredible ISO range. With an ISO range of up to 40,000 ISO, we can capture great shots in extremely low-light scenarios. This can come in useful during a nighttime reception.
Other features that make this camera a great choice include the new 26.2 megapixel full-frame sensors, a 45-point all cross-type AF system, touchscreen controls, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and a DIG C 7 processor.
Together, these features assist the photographer when taking any style of wedding photography. Whether it be taking sharp shots of the first dance, or focusing on a large group photo, this camera will have you covered.
When we reviewed the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, we must admit, it was the incredibly fast AF system that impressed us most. Thanks to the subject tracking system, we could easily snap clear shots of people on the move or dancing.
Pros
- Touchscreen control – Switch between settings easily with the easy-to-use touchscreen.
- Impressive autofocus – The 45-point AF system on this DSLR lets us take great photos easily.
- Good price – The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a lot cheaper than other cameras on the market.
Cons
- Limited video capabilities – If you need to film footage of the big day, this camera isn’t the best choice. It can only film in 1080p.
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera
Another great wedding camera option from Canon is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera. Suitable for wedding photographers who seek high-quality portraits and crisp shots, this full-frame camera is one of the best on the market.
Up there with the very best, this DSLR will surprise you, making you wonder how a compact, lightweight camera can produce such impressive photographs and perform so well, offering excellent versatility and a variety of functions.
From all the cameras on this list, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV offers the best resolution when it comes to stills taken from video footage. The camera is capable of recording footage in 4K.
It features a 30.4-megapixel full-frame, CMOS sensor, 61-point AF system, and an ISO range between 100-32000 giving you the opportunity to take fantastic shots of the night event or in a darker ceremony setting.
It was the ISO features on this DSLR that impressed us most with the camera. While the range of 100-32000 ISO is already amazing, the camera is also designed with noise-enhanced algorithms.
This helps reduce the negative impact noise can have on a photograph making it even easier to shoot incredible photographs in varying lighting conditions.
Pros
- Amazing ISO features – Shooting in low-light scenarios couldn’t be any easier.
- Great AF systems – The 61-point AF system built into this DSLR makes it super easy to capture crisp shots.
- Shoot footage in 4K – Grab stills from sharp, clear footage to capture rawer moments.
Cons
- Pricey – This is another expensive DSLR.
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Sony Alpha A7R IV
The final camera on our list is the Sony Alpha A7R IV from Sony. If you need to shoot photos with large file sizes and flexibility when it comes to cropping, and editing in post-production, this mirrorless camera could be the best option for you.
With a whopping 61-megapixels, the Sony Alpha A7R IV is actually a world record-breaker. There is no other camera on the market that offers such an impressive resolution. This makes it great for us because we can use the camera to take the clearest, sharpest, and most colorful shots possible. With a fast burst speed of 10 FPS, we can capture said photos quickly too, capturing any special moments as they happen. You’ll never miss the first kiss again.
The only downside with the camera is that because of these impressive features it is also incredibly expensive, costing almost $1,000 more than other cameras on our list. However, we must say, it is an impressive camera with a fair value.
When we took a look at this mirrorless camera from Sony, we loved the photographing capabilities the device has, however, we also loved the overall feel and appearance of the camera. Light in weight and soft to hold, this camera has a more traditional, almost retro appearance. This makes it a very enjoyable camera to take photos with.
Pros
- Record-breaking resolution – The Sony Alpha A7R IV has the best resolution of any camera on the market.
- Fast shooting – You can shoot at a rate of 10 FPS with this camera.
- Stylish – This camera looks and feels amazing to take photos with.
Cons
- Very expensive – Your budget will have to be very high if you want to buy this camera.
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Buyer’s Guide
Before making a decision and potentially buying a camera you later regret purchasing, there are a few things to consider. We have listed some of these things below. By considering the following things, you will find it easier to choose the right camera for your wedding photography style.
The Size Of The Sensor
Sensor size is one of the most important things to consider when buying any type of camera. The sensor size determines the quality of an image-making it crucial.
With this in mind, we recommend looking for a full-frame sensor because this will let you take higher quality, large images with more detail and editing capabilities. Smaller sensors will produce photos of lower quality that are harder to edit in post-production.
As well as looking at the sensor a camera has, you should also take into consideration its overall design and megapixels because these factors will also affect image quality.
Megapixels
Generally speaking, the more megapixels a camera has, the better. The photos taken on a camera with more megapixels will be more detailed and have a better resolution.
However, they are also more likely to cost you more. Bearing this in mind, it is important to try and find the right balance between megapixels and price.
While some cameras might have more megapixels, their price might not represent good value for money. A camera with slightly fewer megapixels with more features might be just as good for you and cost a lot less.
Take your time and have a good think about it.
ISO Range
For wedding photography, the ISO range on your camera is vital. Most, if not all wedding cameras will have a high ISO range. This is exactly what you should be looking out for.
You need to be able to pump the ISO up into the thousands and still be left with an image that isn’t too noisy. The reason for this is that weddings tend to run all day and night in varying light conditions.
One minute you could be taking shots in the sun, the next, you could be inside taking photographs of the first dance on a darker dance floor. To get the best shots, you have to have versatility when it comes to changing the ISO to suit.
Impressive Autofocus
You need to consider how good your chosen camera is at autofocusing. Luckily for you, every camera on our list is very good at it. Autofocusing is important in wedding photography because there are so many moments and scenarios that need to be captured, for example, the first kiss.
If your camera doesn’t have impressive autofocus capabilities, you could fail to capture the moment by taking a blurry photo.
To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, look for a camera that has a high number of focus points, Eye AF, and tracking autofocus. These features provide photographers with much more reliable autofocus that captures sharper photos more consistently.
Budget
Of course, you also need to take your budget into account. Cameras vary massively in price, some costing $1,000, others costing $3,000. As a result of this, you seriously need to think about how much you have to spend.
By working out how much money you have to spend, you can avoid spending too much money that you don’t have and save time by avoiding any cameras you can’t afford.
We recommend setting a budget before you even start looking for a wedding camera. That way you can easily avoid the temptation of spending too much money and save time by heading straight to the cameras you know you can afford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Camera Is The Best For Wedding Photography?
In all honesty, the answer to this question ultimately comes down to personal preference.
While we can provide you with everything you need to know about the different features a camera has and what it can offer you, in the end, it all comes down to how you like to take photos, what your style is, and what you feel comfortable with.
Having said that, we can give you our favorite wedding camera. For us, the best camera is the Nikon D850.
This camera has every feature we need to take the photos we want whilst also feeling comfortable to use and having a great battery life. No matter what wedding event we take photos at, this camera is our go-to.
What Type Of Photography Is Best For Weddings?
While the type of wedding photography is decided by the bride and groom, usually, traditional photography captures wedding events the best.
Capturing the moment just the way it was helps produce a beautiful, candid photo collection that the bride and groom can look back on in the future and remember clearly.
Traditional photography also makes it easier to capture natural reactions and draw on emotions and feelings through the photo. Unless a couple asks for something different, this is definitely the style of photo we would go for.
Why Are Cameras So Expensive?
Cameras are so expensive simply because of the technical research and development that goes into making them.
When the camera is finally designed, we are left with a highly technical piece of equipment containing incredible technical components and features that cost time and money to make.
Another reason some cameras are so expensive is that the brands can charge that much. Big camera brands have developed strong reputations for producing the best high-quality cameras.
As a result of their strong reputations, they can sell their cameras for a higher cost knowing people will buy them.
Final Thoughts
Wedding photography requires plenty of skill, patience, and talent, but you also have to have a high-quality camera. A camera suitable for wedding photography should be able to shoot quickly, focus effectively, shoot well in low light, and have good battery life.
In this article, we have shown you 5 of the best cameras suitable for wedding photography that are on the market right now.
While they all differ slightly in terms of what they offer, each camera on this list has features that make taking excellent wedding photos a lot easier. Some are better at operating in low light, while others are better at auto-focusing on a subject.
Now you’ve seen our list and have our buyer’s guide at your disposal, it’s time to do your own research. Take some time to narrow down your options or maybe even find other cameras that suit your photography needs and styles.
By doing this, you should be able to find a camera that you can use to take the very best wedding photos.
