Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Capturing cars in all their glory can be difficult, especially if you don’t have the right camera—that’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of the 13 best cameras for car photography, perfect for any photographer. From entry-level DSLRs to high-end mirrorless cameras, we’ve got you covered.
With such a wide variety of cameras, how do you know which one is right for you? Don’t worry—we’re here to help! We’ll walk you through the different features and benefits of each so that you can make an informed decision.
Best DSLR cameras for car Photography
Best Overall DSLR Camera for Car Photography
Nikon D780
The Nikon D780 is a high-end full-frame DSLR camera for both enthusiasts and professionals:
- It features a 24.3-megapixel sensor, 5fps continuous shooting, and 4K video recording.
- The camera has a tilting touchscreen display, dual SD card slots, and an advanced autofocus system with 153 focus points.
- It also has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity.
The Nikon D780 is a great camera for car photography. The 24.3-megapixel sensor produces excellent image quality, and its advanced autofocus system ensures accurate focusing. The camera’s tilting touchscreen display makes it easy to compose shots, and its dual SD card slots provide plenty of storage capacity. Thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity, the D780 connects easily to a computer or smartphone for quickly sharing photos and videos.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon D780
Like:
- Plenty of direct access controls
- Tilting touch-sensitive screen
- Dual card slots
- Fast live-view focusing
- Great battery life
Dislike:
- Big and heavy
- Expensive
What Consumers Are Saying
“The Nikon D780 is a great camera for car photography. Its 24.3-megapixel sensor produces excellent image quality, and its advanced autofocus system ensures accurate focusing.”
“The camera’s tilting touchscreen display makes it easy to compose shots, and its dual SD card slots provide plenty of storage.”
“And thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity, you can easily connect the D780 to a computer or smartphone for quick sharing of photos and videos.”
Best budget DSLR Camera for Car Photography
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a great budget camera for car photography. It has a 24.2-megapixel sensor and can shoot up to 5 frames per second. It also has a built-in flash and a 3-inch LCD screen. The Rebel SL3 is a good camera for beginner photographers, and it’s also small and lightweight, which makes it easy to take with you on the road.
The camera has a 24.2-megapixel sensor, which is more than enough resolution for car photography. It also has an APS-C sensor, which offers many flexible shooting options. The camera is also very affordable, making it an excellent option for budget-minded photographers. Overall, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is an excellent camera for car photography, and it’s well worth considering if you’re looking for a new camera to use for this type of photography.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS Rebel SL3
Like:
- Very light and compact for a DSLR
- Great Live View autofocus response
- Vari-angle touchscreen
- Simple but effective controls
Dislike:
- 9 AF points in viewfinder shooting
What Consumers Are Saying
“The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a great budget camera for car photography. It has a 24.2-megapixel sensor and can shoot up to 5 frames per second.”
“The Rebel SL3 is a good camera for beginner photographers, and it’s also small and lightweight, which makes it easy to take with you on the road.”
“Overall, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is an excellent camera for car photography, and it’s well worth considering if you’re looking for a new camera to use for this type of photography.”
Runner Up
Canon 90D
The Canon 90D is an excellent camera for car photography because of its powerful autofocus system. With 45 focus points, the camera can quickly lock onto a subject no matter where it is in the frame. This makes it easy to take photos of moving cars without worrying about missed shots.
Overall, the Canon 90D is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take high-quality car photos. It has a newly developed 32.5-megapixel CMOS sensor that captures stunning images, and the DIGIC 8 image processor ensures fast performance and excellent image quality.
The camera also has an ISO range of 100-25600, allowing you to shoot in low light conditions, and it features 4K video recording capabilities. The 90D has built-in wireless connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon 90D
Like:
- High-resolution image sensor
- Uncropped 4K/30p video
- Ergonomic grip
Dislike:
- No image stabilization
What Consumers Are Saying
“This is an upgrade to a 60D, and the addition of the touch screen adds many conveniences.”
“The autofocus is excellent, and the image quality is great.”
“The 90D is a great camera for anyone looking to take high-quality car photos.”
Honorable Mentions
Nikon D7500
The Nikon D7500 is an excellent camera for car photography because it has many features that are perfect for this type of photography. For example, it has a fast autofocus system that makes it easy to capture moving cars and a built-in flash that you can use to create dramatic lighting effects. Additionally, the D7500 can capture high-resolution images, so you can create large prints of your photos if you want.
The Nikon D7500 is a midrange DSLR camera with various features that make it an excellent option for amateur and professional photographers. It has a 20.9-megapixel sensor and an EXPEED 5 image processor, which helps to ensure high-quality photos and videos. The camera also has a 51-point autofocus system and a 3.2-inch touchscreen display, making it easy to take great photos and videos. The D7500 can shoot eight frames per second and has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon D7500
Like:
- 20.9-megapixel sensor
- 3.2-inch touchscreen display
- Eight frames per second shooting speed
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Dislike:
- No image stabilization
- Only one card slot
- No battery grip provision
What Consumers Are Saying
“Only having a couple of weeks, I am enjoying the D7500. The pictures are better than my old D5500. Still learning all the options, but that is half the fun!”
“The D7500 is a great camera for anyone who wants to take high-quality photos and videos. It’s easy to use and has various features that make it perfect for car photography.”
“I recommend the Nikon D7500 to anyone looking for a great all-around camera.”
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is an excellent camera for car photography because its large sensor allows for more detail in the images. It also has excellent low-light performance, which is essential when shooting cars in the evening or early morning. The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, and its battery life is excellent. Overall, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is an excellent choice for car photography.
The camera has a 30.4 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 6+ image processor. It can shoot continuously at up to 7 frames per second, has a 61-point autofocus system, and uses a 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor. It can record video in 4K resolution at up to 30 frames per second and supports both Canon’s Log and HDR modes. The 5D Mark IV also has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS modules.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.
Like:
- Solid build and handling
- 30MP sensor a step ahead of 24MP rivals
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for live view and video
- 7fps shooting
Dislike:
- Expensive
- No touch screen
- Fixed rear screen
What Consumers Are Saying
“There is nothing to dislike on this camera. I also have the 7D and 7D Mk ll.”
“This camera is excellent for car photography. The autofocus system is high-speed and accurate, and the low-light performance is great.”
“The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the best camera I’ve ever used for car photography. It’s simply amazing.”
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is an excellent camera for car photography because it has a fast autofocus system. It can lock onto a car’s moving subject quickly and accurately, which is essential for capturing the perfect shot. The camera also has outstanding low-light performance, which is essential when shooting in dark environments. Lastly, the 7D Mark II has a durable construction that can withstand the harsh conditions of car photography.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a digital single-lens reflex camera. The EOS 7D Mark II is the successor to the EOS 7D, featuring a new 20.2-megapixel sensor and dual Digic 6 processors.
The camera can shoot up to 10 frames per second with continuous autofocus. It also has a 65-point cross-type autofocus system, ten times the number of points on the original 7D.
The camera also features a new 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor and can calculate composite exposure values up to 252,000. The EOS 7D Mark II is weatherproof and has a magnesium alloy body.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Like:
- Weatherproof construction
- 65 cross-type AF points
- 10fps continuous shooting
- GPS built-in
Dislike:
- Fixed rear screen
- 1080p video only
What Consumers Are Saying
“I am a novice photographer who primarily takes birds and scenery pictures. I have been learning to use my camera for all it’s worth. Friends and family have admired my camera and have been envious after having just taken a few pictures with it.”
“I am pleased with this camera, which is a step up from the EOS 60D I used for the past four years.”
“The GPS function has been an invaluable tool in helping me identify towns, areas, restaurants, and attractions that I have been to.”
Best Mirrorless Cameras for Car Photography
Best Overall Mirrorless Cameras for Car Photography
Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS R5 is a good camera for car photography because it has a fast autofocus system that can quickly lock onto a subject. It also has a large buffer that can store many photos, which is essential when shooting in high-speed situations. The camera’s low-light performance is also impressive, allowing you to take photos in dark environments without a flash.
The Canon EOS R5 has a 45MP full-frame sensor. It will also have an 8K video recording option, a 5.5″ touchscreen display, and a 3.2″ top LCD. The camera can shoot up to 12 frames per second with continuous autofocus and up to 20 frames per second in raw mode, making it the perfect mirrorless camera for car photography.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS R5
Like:
- Tried-and-tested form factor
- Incredible autofocus skills
- Improved battery life
- Solid IBIS system
Dislike:
- Dual memory cards
- Recording limits
- Expensive
What Consumers Are Saying
“There is nothing left to be desired with this camera. I use it to shoot photo and video content for some of the largest corporations in the world as well as very high-end weddings.”
“The color science from Canon is unmatched, in my opinion. Nuff said there.”
“The eye detection autofocus is so good that I don’t even have to look at my camera because I know it will nail the shot almost every time.”
Best Budget Mirrorless Cameras for Car Photography
Canon EOS M200
The Canon EOS M200 is a great budget mirrorless camera for car photography. It has a powerful 24.1-megapixel sensor and a fast DIGIC 8 processor that makes it perfect for capturing high-quality images and videos. It also has a tilting touchscreen display that makes it easy to take pictures or videos from difficult angles. And best of all, it’s relatively affordable compared to other mirrorless cameras on the market. So if you’re looking for an affordable camera that can handle car photography, the Canon EOS M200 is an excellent option.
Canon EOS M200 is a good budget mirrorless camera for car photography. It has a great autofocus system that can keep up with fast-paced action, making it perfect for photographing cars. It also has a powerful built-in flash that can quickly light up a dark car interior. And finally, its compact size makes it easy to take with you on the go.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS M200
Like:
- Compact
- Affordable
- Shoots 4K video
Dislike:
- No microphone input
- No viewfinder
What Consumers Are Saying
“I purchased this camera with little to no knowledge of this camera. And when I got it. I love the camera! So simple, but yet excellent quality to utilize it.”
“I took this camera on a trip to the Smokey Mountains and was so happy with how it performed. Low light, action shots, landscapes, you name it.”
“I would recommend this camera to anyone. It is so easy to use, and the results are amazing.”
Runner Up
Canon EOS R6
The Canon EOS R6 is an excellent camera for photographing cars. Its fast autofocus system ensures that you can capture the action shots you need, while its robust build quality means that it can withstand the rigors of shooting in a car. And with its large sensor, the EOS R6 gives you plenty of detail and resolution to work with, allowing you to create stunning car photos.
The Canon EOS R6 is a high-end digital camera with excellent features and performance. It has a 20-megapixel sensor, a fast autofocus system, and a 4K video recording. The EOS R6 is also very versatile, with various shooting modes and settings.
These features make it an excellent choice for photographers who want a powerful and versatile camera.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS R6
Like:
- Best-in-class autofocus
- Excellent full-frame IBIS
- HEIF file support
Dislike:
- 4K video recording limitations
What Consumers Are Saying
“Professionally, all my cameras before the R6 were just tools I used to create images for my clients. I thought the R6 would be just another tool, but as it turns out, it’s so much more.”
“I’m not a professional photographer, but this camera has made me look like one. The photos and videos I’ve taken with it are incredible.”
“I originally bought this camera for video, but the photos I’ve been able to take with it have blown me away. It’s an amazing camera.”
Honorable Mentions
Sony A7IV
The Sony A7IV is an excellent camera for car photography because it has a fast autofocus system that can quickly lock onto a subject. It also has a suitable burst shooting mode that can quickly capture multiple images. Additionally, the A7IV has a built-in stabilizer that helps to reduce the amount of blur caused by camera shake, which can be a problem when shooting handheld photos of cars.
There are many great reasons to use the Sony A7IV for car photography. Its full-frame sensor ensures excellent image quality with minimal noise and distortion, even in low light conditions. Secondly, its fast and accurate autofocus system makes it easy to track moving cars. And finally, its variety of shooting modes and features allow you to capture stunning photos and videos of cars in any situation.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony A7IV
Like:
- Stabilized full-frame imaging and video
- 33MP resolution leaves room to crop
- 4K60 video with 10-bit color sampling
- Tracks subjects at up to 10fps
Dislike:
- Shorter battery life with mirrorless cameras
What Consumers Are Saying
“Overall, I like this camera body a lot, but it wasn’t as huge a jump from a7iii as that camera was up from a7ii. It is worth it if you are eyeing the a7iii but don’t mind spending a bit more for nice features.”
“Loving this camera. I’m a Sony user, so the transition wasn’t too difficult. The ergonomics are great, and it feels solid in hand.”
“I’m a professional photographer, and I have to say that this is one of the best cameras I’ve ever used. The image quality is incredible, and the autofocus is fast and accurate.”
Fujifilm X-E4
There are a few reasons why the Fujifilm X-E4 is a good camera for car photography. First, the camera has a fast autofocus system that can quickly lock onto moving subjects. This is important when photographing cars as they often move quickly around the track. The X-E4’s autofocus system also produces accurate results, ensuring that you will focus your photos no matter what.
Second, the X-E4 has a large sensor that captures excellent detail. This is important when photographing cars as you’ll want to capture all the car’s details, from the engine to the wheels. The large sensor also allows you to capture photos with a shallow depth of field, which can add some drama to your photos.
Lastly, the X-E4 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you to car races. This is important as you’ll often need to be able to react quickly and take photos while the cars are moving. The X-E4’s small size makes it easy to store when not in use.
What We Like/Dislike About the Fujifilm X-E4
Like:
- Slim, rangefinder-style body
- Tilting touch LCD
- OLED viewfinder
- Tactile dial-based control
- Fast hybrid autofocus
Dislike:
- Single UHS-I card slot
What Consumers Are Saying
“The X-E4 with small prime lenses allows me portability, stealth, and creativity.”
“I’m pleased with my purchase. The camera is small, light, and easy to use. The image quality is excellent.”
“I bought this camera for street photography, and I have to say it’s one of the best cameras I’ve ever used. It’s small, light, and takes amazing pictures.”
Nikon Z7 II
Nikon Z7 II is an excellent camera for car photography because it has a fast frame rate and an outstanding autofocus system. It can shoot up to 9 frames per second, which is great for capturing action shots. And its autofocus system is highly accurate and fast, which makes it ideal for photographing cars.
The Nikon Z7 II is a high-end full-frame mirrorless camera with excellent features and performance. It has a 45.7MP sensor, 5-axis image stabilization, up to 9fps continuous shooting, and a 4K video recording. The camera also features a tilting touchscreen display, an electronic viewfinder, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Nikon Z7 II is an excellent choice for photographers who want a high-quality mirrorless camera with advanced features.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon Z7 II
Like:
- Excellent handling
- Solid photo and video features
- Eye AF is quick and reliable
Dislike:
- Rivals have superior AF for action
- Better image stabilization on rivals
What Consumers Are Saying
“This camera has it all. This camera is all about image quality. Its ISO of 64-25,600 provides high dynamic range resolution and ultra-high resolution.”
“I’m a professional photographer, and I have to say that this is one of the best cameras I’ve ever used. The image quality is incredible, and the autofocus is fast and accurate.”
“I bought this camera for my car photography business, and I have to say it’s one of the best cameras I’ve ever used. It’s fast, accurate, and takes amazing pictures.”
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6 is a high-end digital camera that offers a variety of features and specs that are sure to appeal to photographers of all levels. Some of the highlights include a 20.3-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and 6.5 stops of image stabilization. The GH6 is also one of the first cameras to offer both 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi support, which makes it easy to transfer photos and videos to your computer or mobile device. The GH6 is an excellent camera with plenty of options for capturing great photos and videos.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6 is an excellent camera for car photography because it has a weather-sealed body that can resist dust and moisture, making it ideal for shooting in outdoor environments. It also has a fast AF system that can lock onto moving targets quickly and a large buffer that can store dozens of RAW images before writing to the card. And its high-resolution OLED display provides a clear view of the scene, even in bright sunlight.
What We Like/Dislike About the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6
Like:
- 25MP stills with 100MP multi-shot option
- Magnesium is built with dust and splash protection
- Subject recognition for people and animals
Dislike:
- Requires pricey CFexpress cards
- DFD Contrast autofocus is not ideal for action photography
What Consumers Are Saying
“First off, I love this camera. I love that Lumix goes above and beyond regarding features and usability. I noticed that the colors coming from the GH6 was upgraded and enhanced in certain photo styles.”
“I’m a beginner, and I like this camera. It’s easy to use, and the quality of the pictures is excellent.”
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for an excellent camera for car photography, then any of the options on this list would be a great choice. Each camera offers something unique that makes it well-suited for capturing amazing photos and videos of cars. So, whether you’re looking for a high-end option with advanced features or a more budget-friendly option that’s still capable of taking great pictures, there’s sure to be a camera on this list that’s perfect for you.
FAQ
What are some tips for taking great photos of cars?
Some tips for taking great photos of cars include finding exciting angles, using leading lines to create depth, and using a long lens to compress the scene. Also, clean your lens beforehand so that you don’t get any fingerprints or smudges on your photos.
How can I make my car photos look more professional?
Some ways to make your car photos look more professional include using a tripod, shooting in RAW format, and post-processing your photos.
Also, avoid shooting in direct sunlight as this can create harsh shadows and highlights. Instead, look for locations that offer diffused light, such as under a tree or next to a building.
What lens is suitable for car photography?
You can use several lenses for car photography, but some of the most popular options include wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the entire car in your photo, while You can use telephoto lenses to compress the scene and create more dramatic photos. Additionally, these types of lenses can be used to create leading lines and depth in your photos.
What aperture is best for car photography?
The best aperture for car photography depends on the look you’re going for. If you want to capture the entire car in your photo, then a narrow aperture, such as f/8 or f/11, is best.
However, if you want to create more of a shallow depth of field and make the car stand out from the background, then a wider aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/4, is best.
Ultimately, it’s best to experiment with different apertures to see which one gives you the results you’re looking for.