Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Taking good pictures of your cat can be challenging, especially if they need to get used to being in front of the camera.
Most people take terrible pictures of their cats because they need the right equipment. Even if you have a fine camera, the wrong lens or settings will result in blurry, unappealing photos.
We’ve compiled a list of the five best cat photography cameras based on our experience and customer feedback. With the perfect camera and some helpful tips, you’ll be taking amazing pictures of your furry friend in no time!
Overall Best Camera for Cat Photography
Canon EOS Rebel T7i
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a camera for cat photography is the autofocus system. The Canon EOS Rebel T7i has an excellent autofocus system that can quickly and accurately lock onto a cat’s face, even if they’re moving around. This is essential for getting sharp photos of cats, especially in motion.
In addition to having an outstanding autofocus system, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i also has a vari-angle touchscreen LCD. This feature lets you see your subjects from different angles and helps you capture those hard-to-get shots. It’s also great for recording videos of cats, as you can move the LCD around to get the perfect angle.
Another vital factor to consider when choosing a camera for cat photography is image quality. The Canon EOS Rebel T7i produces superb images, thanks partly to its 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor. This sensor enables the camera to capture a wealth of detail, which is essential for getting good photos of cats.
The Canon EOS Rebel T7i also has an excellent ISO range, essential for getting good photos of cats in low light conditions. With an ISO range of 100-25600, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i can handle just about any lighting situation you throw.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS Rebel T7i
Like:
- 24MP APS-C image sensor
- The 45-point cross-type autofocus system
- 6fps burst shooting
- Dual Pixel AF in Live View
- Vari-angle touch LCD
- WiFi
Dislike:
- Video limited to 1080p
- Pentamirror viewfinder
What Consumers Are Saying
“I won’t say that everyone needs to get this particular camera because everyone’s wants/needs in a camera vary, but this T7i has been my dream come true!”
“I purchased the T7i to replace the Rebel 300D I have. It still worked; I needed an upgrade. This one is lighter even with the kit lens or a telephoto lens on it.”
“Best camera I’ve purchased.”
Best Budget Camera for Cat Photography
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
If you’re looking for a great budget camera format photography, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 is an excellent option. The G7 is smaller and lighter than many DSLR cameras, making it more convenient to carry around. And since cats can be skittish creatures, a smaller camera will help you avoid startling them.
The G7’s image stabilization system helps to reduce blurriness in your photos, even if your cat is moving around a lot. This feature is beneficial if you need a handy tripod.
The G7 can record video in 4K resolution, providing beautiful, high-quality footage of your feline friend. And since 4K video is becoming increasingly popular, this feature will future-proof your videos so you can enjoy them for years.
Cats can be quick little creatures, so it’s essential to have a camera to keep up with them. The G7’s autofocus system is one of the fastest on the market, meaning you won’t miss a moment of your cat’s cuteness.
What We Like/Dislike About the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
Like:
- 4K video
- Built-in EVF
- Vari-angle touch LCD
- Dual control dials
- Speedy performance
- Built-in flash
Dislike:
- Tracking focus slows burst rate
- Not available as a body only
- Plastic build
What Consumers Are Saying
“I have always been faithful to Canon, but this little camera has made me change my ways.”
“This camera delivers crisp images and true color, even when on it.”
“High-quality video including 4K – decent in low light- excellent price – interchangeable lenses”
Runner Up Best Camera for Cat Photography
Sony a6000
If you’re looking for a camera to help you take amazing photos of your feline friend, look no further than the Sony A6000. One of the essential features to consider when choosing a camera for cat photography is autofocus. After all, cats are notoriously quick and unpredictable, so you’ll need a camera that can keep up! The Sony A6000 boasts one of the fastest autofocus systems on the market, making it an excellent choice for capturing those perfect shots of your feline friend.
In addition to superior autofocus, another critical feature to consider when choosing a camera for cat photography is high-speed continuous shooting. This feature allows you to take multiple pictures quickly, giving you a better chance of capturing that perfect moment. The Sony A6000 has a high-speed continuous shooting mode that allows you to take up to 11 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing those hard-to-get shots of your feline friend.
Another great feature of the Sony A6000 is its convenient wireless connectivity. This feature allows you to quickly and easily transfer your photos from your camera to your computer or other devices for storage or editing. This can be extremely helpful when you’re trying to take photos of your feline friend and want to ensure your computer runs smoothly!
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony a6000
Like:
- Fast autofocus
- 11.1fps
- High ISO image quality
- Sharp OLED EVF
- Tilting rear display
- In-body flash and multi-function hot shoe
- WiFi with NFC
Dislike:
- Slow start-up
- EVF lags in very dim light
- Lacks analog mic input
What Consumers Are Saying
“Great camera…fantastic photos even with the kit lens… the perfect companion to my RX10 m4”
“The best mirrorless camera for the money, especially for video. Highly recommended.”
“It has an amazing battery life and takes great photos with minimal fuss.”
Honorable Mentions
Olympus OM-D E-M10 III
The first thing you’ll notice about the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III is its large 3″ LCD screen. This gives you a clear view of your subject matter, making it easy to compose your shots. The camera also features a 16-megapixel sensor, which is more than enough to capture your furry friend’s details. Plus, with 4K video recording capabilities, you can even capture your cat’s cuteness in motion.
One of the best features of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III for cat photography is its eight fps shooting speed. This allows you to take multiple pictures quickly, ensuring that you don’t miss a moment of your cat’s cuteness. And if your cat moves around a lot, don’t worry – the camera’s autofocus system is up to the task, tracking your subject matter and keeping it in sharp focus even when it’s on the move.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II
Like:
- Compact
- Built-in EVF and flash
- Tilting touch LCD
- 8.8fps
- In-body stabilization
- WiFi.
Dislike:
- Smaller 16MP sensor
- No Bluetooth or NFC
What Consumers Are Saying
“I chose the om-d e-m10. It was an excellent choice. I am well pleased with its operation. I highly recommend this camp to anyone.”
“The Olympus is a great camera, and I have been pleased with the pictures that it takes. It’s easy to use, and the image quality is fantastic.”
“This is my first mirrorless camera, and I’m very impressed with it. The images are of excellent quality, and its quick autofocus system makes taking pictures easy.”
Nikon D5600
The D5600 has a 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, which is the ideal size for cat photography. The sensor allows you to capture all the nuances of your cat’s fur, whether long and fluffy or short and sleek. Plus, with a resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels, you’ll be able to print your photos in large format without losing any detail.
The D5600 has an ISO range of 100-25600, which means it can handle just about any lighting situation. Whether you’re photographing your cat in bright daylight or low light, this camera will perform admirably. Plus, if you decide to do any post-processing, the D5600’s noise levels are shallow, so you won’t have to worry about introducing artifacts into your image.
The D5600 comes with Nikon’s Multi-CAM 4800DX autofocus system, which includes 39 focus points. This makes it easy to keep your cat in focus, even if it’s moving around a lot. Plus, the autofocus system is sensitive down to -3 EV, so that you can take photos in dimly lit rooms without any problem.
The D5600 can record full HD video up to 60 frames per second. This allows you to capture fast-moving cats in crystal precise detail. Plus, with Nikon’s EXPEED 4 image processor, you’ll be able to record video for extended periods without worrying about overheating.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon D5600
Like:
- 24MP image sensor
- Excellent image quality
- 39-point AF system
- 5fps
- WiFi and Bluetooth
- External mic jack
Dislike:
- Cramped controls
- Pentamirror viewfinder
What Consumers Are Saying
“I love everything about it has been working well”
“This camera is easy to use, and the picture quality is great. I love that it has built-in WiFi for quicker sharing of my shots.”
“I’m pleased with my D5600. It’s fast and reliable, and the image quality is amazing. Highly recommend!”
Conclusion
Overall, these best cameras for cat photography provide excellent features and performance for capturing your pet’s best moments. Are you looking for an affordable option with a kit lens? Or how about a professional-level camera with all the bells and whistles? There’s something to fit your needs. With any of these cameras, you’ll be able to capture beautiful images of your feline companion that you’ll treasure for years to come.
FAQ
How do I keep my cat in focus when taking pictures?
When taking pictures of cats, you can do a few things to help keep your feline friend in focus. First, try to choose a setting with minimal distractions. A solid-colored background will help make your cat stand out, and a well-lit room will prevent your camera from struggling to find a clear image. Once you have the perfect setting, it’s time to get your cat’s attention. Since cats can be notoriously tricky to photograph, it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Try making a loud noise or waving a toy around; anything that will get your cat’s attention and keep them still for a few seconds. You’ll surely capture fantastic shots of your furry friend with patience and practice.
Will I need additional lenses for cat photography?
If you want to capture your pet in different scenarios, additional lenses would be helpful. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing expansive vistas with your cat as the subject, while telephoto lenses can help bring distant cats up close. However, a kit lens should suffice if you’re mainly photographing cats indoors or in studio settings.
Are there any tips and tricks for taking pictures of cats?
Yes! The best way to capture cats is to be patient and wait for them to show their personality. Be sure to get down on the same level as your pet, which will help create more intimate photos. Also, ensure you have plenty of treats handy, so your cat will cooperate with you! Finally, remember to use a fast shutter speed if you want sharp images of your fast-moving feline friend.