Last updated on December 7th, 2023
You want to take amazing pictures of your food, but you need to know which camera is right for you.
With so many cameras on the market, deciding which is right for you can take time. Do you need a DSLR? What about a mirrorless camera? And what’s the difference between a point-and-shoot and a bridge camera?
We’ve done the research for you and created a list of the 11 best cameras for food photography. Whether you’re just starting or looking for an upgrade, we have the perfect camera.
Overall Best Camera for Food Photography
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a high-end digital single-lens reflex camera that delivers stunning photos and videos. It has a 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor and can shoot up to 7 frames per second. This camera is perfect for food photography because it has very low noise levels, which results in clear and sharp images. It also has many ISO settings to capture fantastic photos in low-light conditions. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is one of the best cameras for food photographers who want the best image quality.
The camera’s high-resolution sensor and powerful autofocus system create stunning photos that can make your stomach growl. In addition, the 5D Mark IV’s tilt-screen LCD monitor makes it easy to take pictures from unique angles. And its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity lets you share your photos with friends and family quickly and easily. So if you’re looking for a camera to help capture stunning food photos, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a great choice.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Like:
- Excellent Image Quality
- 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor
- Seven fps
- 4K video recording
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Low-light AF is a bit disappointing with low-contrast subjects
- 29:59 continuous video recording limit
- 1.64x crops 4K video
What Consumers Are Saying
“This camera is a dream for food photography. The image quality is incredible, and the autofocus is fast and accurate. I also love the tilt-screen LCD monitor, which makes it easy to take pictures from all angles.”
“It has the great image quality and low noise levels. The only downside is that it’s a bit expensive.”
“This is the best camera I’ve ever used for food photography. The image quality is amazing, and the autofocus is fast and accurate. I highly recommend it.”
Best Budget Camera for Food Photography
Nikon D3300
The Nikon D3300 is a great entry-level DSLR camera perfect for food photography because of its high-resolution sensor and ability to capture natural colors. The 24.2-megapixel sensor ensures that your photos will be sharp and clear, and the EXPEED 4 image processor ensures that your photos will have accurate colors. The Nikon D3300 can also capture stunning low-light photos, which is perfect for photographing food in a dimly lit restaurant.
The D3300’s wide ISO range also lets you shoot in low-light situations, so you can capture amazing shots of your food even after the sun goes down. Additionally, the camera’s five fps continuous shooting mode ensures you won’t miss a moment while photographing your culinary masterpiece.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon D3300
Like:
- 24MP sensor with no low-pass filter
- Excellent Guide Mode
- Very easy to use
- Great value for money
Dislike:
- Fixed LCD screen
- Screen not touch-sensitive
- Few direct controls
- Limited connectivity options
What Consumers Are Saying
“The Nikon D3300 is a great entry-level DSLR camera.””
“The image quality is excellent, especially for an entry-level DSLR.”
“The autofocus is fast and accurate, and the camera is easy to use.”
“The battery life is perfect, and the camera is lightweight and portable.”
Runner Up Best Camera for Food Photography
Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 is a full-frame camera with features ideal for food photography. For starters, it has an impressive 45.7-megapixel sensor, which allows you to capture stunning details and textures. It also has an ISO range of 64-25600, which means you can use it in various lighting conditions. The camera’s advanced autofocus system ensures that your shots are always in focus, even when you’re shooting at fast speeds. And finally, the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to share your photos with others easily.
Overall, the Nikon D850 is an excellent option for food photography. Its combination of features and capabilities makes it easy to capture beautiful images no matter what the shooting conditions are like. Suppose you’re looking for a camera to help you take your food photography skills to the next level. In that case, the Nikon D850 is worth considering.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon D850
Like:
- Spectacular levels of detail
- 7fps, 9fps with grip
- 4K full-frame video
- User-friendly and features an intuitive menu system
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Heavy and Bulky
- 4K Video Requires an External Recorder
- Slow autofocus in live view mode
What Consumers Are Saying
“The best DSLR on the market. Perfect for food photography.”
“I love this camera! The detail and quality of the photos are incredible.”
“The Nikon D850 is an amazing camera.”
Best Mirrorless Camera for Food Photography
Sony Alpha a7R II
The Sony Alpha a7R II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that is perfect for food photography. It has a 42.4-megapixel sensor captures stunning detail, and its 5-axis image stabilization ensures clear blur-free photos. The camera’s fast autofocus system makes capturing sharp images of food easy. And its wide range of shooting modes allows you to tailor the photo experience to your needs. The Sony Alpha a7R II is also capable of recording 4K videos so that you can create beautiful videos of your culinary creations. Overall, the Sony Alpha a7R II is an excellent choice for food photography enthusiasts of all levels.
The camera also has excellent low-light performance, so you can take photos of food even in challenging lighting conditions. The autofocus system is fast and accurate, and the tilt screen makes it easy to take shots from creative angles. Overall, the Sony Alpha a7R II is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their food photography skills.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony Alpha a7R II
Like:
- 42.4-megapixel sensor
- 5-axis image stabilization
- Fast autofocus system
- Tilt screen
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Battery Life
- Requires Fast Memory Cards
What Consumers Are Saying
“The best camera I have ever owned. The image quality is incredible.”
“I highly recommend this camera to anyone looking to take their photography to the next level.”
“The Sony a7R II is an excellent camera for photography. It takes stunning pictures and videos.”
Honorable Mentions
Nikon Z7 II
The Nikon Z7 II is a great camera for food photography. It has a 45.7-megapixel sensor, which is more than enough resolution to capture stunning images of your culinary creations. The camera also has in-body stabilization, which helps keep your photos sharp and focused, even when you’re hand-holding the camera. And the Z7 II’s fast burst rate means you can capture shots of your food as it’s cooking without worrying about missing the perfect moment.
The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, and its low-light performance is excellent. The Nikon Z7 II is also weatherproof, which makes it ideal for shooting in challenging environments. Overall, the Nikon Z7 II is an excellent choice for food photographers.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon Z7 II
Like:
- Fast autofocus
- Dual card slots
- Improved battery life
- 4K 60p video recording
- Built-in image stabilization
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Slow Buffer Clearing
- 4K Video Has Crop Factor
- Expensive Lenses
What Consumers Are Saying
“The Nikon Z7 II is an excellent camera for photography. It has a 45.7-megapixel sensor, which is more than enough resolution to capture stunning images.”
“The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, and its low-light performance is excellent.”
“The Nikon Z7 II is also weatherproof, which makes it ideal for shooting in all environments.”
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a high-end digital camera designed for professional photographers. It has a 20.4-megapixel sensor and a TruePic VIII image processor, which allows you to capture stunning photos and videos. The camera also features 5-axis image stabilization, which helps to reduce blur caused by camera shake. This is particularly useful when shooting in low light or using a telephoto lens. The camera has a fast autofocus system that can lock onto your subject in just 0.05 seconds. This makes it the perfect camera for capturing action shots like flipping a burger.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II also has a vari-angle LCD touchscreen, making it easy to take photos from creative angles. And the camera’s 4K video recording capabilities allow you to create beautiful videos of your culinary creations. Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is an excellent choice for professional food photographers.
What We Like/Dislike About the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Like:
- 20.4 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
- 5-Axis Image Stabilization
- Fast Hybrid AF System
- 4K Video Recording
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Complicated Menu System
- Heavy Weight and Size
- Limited Lens Selection
What Consumers Are Saying
“The best camera I’ve ever used. Takes stunning photos and videos.”
“I find the menu system very confusing and complicated.”
“It’s a bit on the heavy side, but it’s worth it for the quality of photos and videos.”
Nikon D810
The Nikon D810 has a 36.3-megapixel sensor, which means it can capture stunning detail in photos of food. This level of detail allows photographers to capture even the most subtle textures and colors in food dishes. The camera’s high dynamic range also ensures that photos of food look natural and realistic rather than washed out or overexposed.
The Nikon D810 is also a very versatile camera. It can be used for stills and videos, making it perfect for recording food preparation or plating shots. The camera’s fast autofocus system ensures that videos are smooth and free from distortion. Its ability to shoot in low light makes it possible to capture clear images even in dark restaurants.
Overall, the Nikon D810 is an excellent camera for food photography. Its high resolution and dynamic range ensure outstanding image quality, while its versatility makes it perfect for any shooting situation. If you’re looking for a top-quality camera for shooting dishes, the Nikon D810 is worth considering.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon D810
Like:
- Excellent Image Quality
- Fast Performance
- 4K Video Recording
- Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Heavy and Bulky
- Small buffer when shooting in RAW and S-RAW
What Consumers Are Saying
“I’m a professional photographer, and the D810 is my go-to camera. It produces stunning images, and its low-light performance is incredible.”
“The D810 is an amazing camera. I’ve been using it as my main camera, and the results are stunning. The colors are accurate, and the detail is incredible.”
“I love my D810! It takes stunning photos, and the autofocus is amazing. I highly recommend this camera.”
Panasonic Lumix GH5
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 has a 20.3-megapixel sensor that produces gorgeous images with rich colors and sharp details. It also has 4K video capabilities to shoot high-quality videos of your food creations and still photos.
But what sets the GH5 apart from other cameras is its autofocus system. The GH5 uses Depth From Defocus (DFD) technology to calculate the distance between the camera and the subject, which results in incredibly accurate autofocus. This is a huge advantage when taking a picture of a moving target, like a plate of food!
The GH5 also has an articulating LCD screen, which means you can see what you’re shooting even if the camera isn’t in front of your face. This is really helpful when you’re trying to get creative with your shots and want to see how they’re turning out without having to stop and check the LCD screen after every photo.
What We Like/Dislike About the Panasonic Lumix GH5
Like:
- Excellent video
- The image quality is outstanding
- In-body stabilization
- 4K and 6K photo modes
- Sturdy all-weather build
- Dual UHS-II card slots
Dislike:
- Focus tracking slows the shooting rate
- Pricey
- No built-in flash
What Consumers Are Saying
“I am a professional photographer, and this is my new go-to camera. The image quality is outstanding, and the autofocus is fast and accurate. I also love the articulating LCD screen, which makes it easy to take creative shots.”
“The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is an amazing camera. It takes great photos and videos, and the autofocus is incredibly accurate. The only downside is the price, but it’s worth it for a camera this good.”
“I love this camera! The image quality is amazing, and the autofocus system is incredible. I’ve always been fine with getting sharp photos, even when the subject is moving around. The only downside is the price, but it’s worth it for a camera this good.”
Fujifilm X-T2
Fujifilm’s X Series of cameras are well known for their exceptional image quality, and the X-T2 is no exception. The 26.1-megapixel APS-C sensor produces stunning photos with accurate colors and plenty of detail. The X-T2 also has an impressive autofocus system with 325 phase-detection points, making it easy to get sharp photos, even when your subject is moving around quickly.
Interchangeable lenses are another big selling point of mirrorless cameras like the Fujifilm X-T2. This is especially true for food photographers who often need to change lenses to get the right shot. The Fujifilm X mount gives you access to a wide range of high-quality Fujinon lenses, including macro lenses that are perfect for close-up food shots.
When shooting in a kitchen, it’s essential to have a camera that can withstand bumps and bruises. The Fujifilm X-T2 has a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and water-resistant, making it ideal for use in less-than-ideal conditions.
What We Like/Dislike About the Fujifilm X-T2
Like:
- 24MP APS-C X-Trans III image sensor
- 8fps shooting rate with focus tracking
- Optional grip improves speed to 11fps
- Large, crisp EVF
- Two UHS-II SD slots
Dislike:
- Omits touch screen and in-body stabilization
- Raw buffer could be larger
- No in-camera flash
What Consumers Are Saying
“Pure joy… I prefer it over the X-T20 and even my Nikon D750! Get the Body + 35mm f/2 lens!”
“I am very pleased with the X-T2 camera. I bought this as an upgrade to my Fujifilm X-T10 camera I’d owned for a couple of years and will keep it as a backup.”
“I have been a professional photographer for almost 40 years, and this is easily the best mirrorless camera I have ever used.”
Canon EOS Rebel T6i
The Canon EOS Rebel T6i is an excellent camera for food photography because of its features and capabilities. With its 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, the camera can capture stunning images with incredible detail. The camera also has an ISO range of 100-12800, which allows you to capture clear images in low-light conditions. The camera has a 3.0-inch LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots of resolution, making it easy to frame and review your shots. With the Rebel T6i, you can easily share your photos with others through Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.
The Canon EOS Rebel T6i also includes a number of pre-installed Creative Filters that can help take your food photography to new heights. These filters include “Food Mode,” which enhances colors and saturation levels to make food look more appetizing. “Soft Focus” creates a dreamy effect, and “Grainy B/W” gives photos a vintage feel. With so many different options at your disposal, you’ll be able to find the perfect filter for any given situation.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS Rebel T6i
Like:
- 19-point cross-type AF system
- 5fps continuous shooting
- 24-megapixel image sensor
- Vari-angle touch LCD
- Smooth video autofocus
Dislike:
- Limited buffer when shooting Raw.
- Full HD video tops out at 30fps.
What Consumers Are Saying
“This is a perfect camera for the price. I use it professionally for real estate photography and studio headshots.”
“Great camera; however, its lens is standard. ”
“I am thrilled with the purchase of my Canon EOS Rebel T6i. It takes amazing pictures.”
Sony Alpha a6000
If you’re looking for a camera that can handle all the challenges of food photography, look no further than the Sony Alpha a6000. When it comes to image quality, the Sony Alpha a6000 doesn’t disappoint. It has a 24.3 megapixel Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine, which combine to produce stunningly sharp and detailed photos. It also has an ISO range of 100-25600, so you can shoot in low light conditions without worrying about image noise.
And finally, one thing that makes the Sony Alpha a6000 such an excellent camera for food photography is its fast autofocus system. With 179 phase-detection AF points and 11 fps continuous shooting, you’ll never miss a shot again. Whether you’re shooting a close-up of a juicy burger or a wide shot of a busy kitchen, the Sony Alpha a6000 will help you get the perfect photo every time.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony Alpha a6000
Like:
- Excellent Image Quality
- Small size
- Great EVF
- Built-in Wi-Fi & NFC
Dislike:
- No touchscreen
- The screen is not fully articulated
What Consumers Are Saying
“The Sony a6000 is one of the best mirrorless cameras you can buy. It has great image quality, fast autofocus, and a host of features that make it a joy to use.”
“A great little camera that takes excellent photos and videos. The autofocus is fast and accurate, and the image quality is superb.”
“The Sony a6000 is a great choice for a high-quality mirrorless camera. It’s got everything you need to take amazing photos and videos, and it’s small enough to take with you wherever you go.”
Conclusion
So there you have it! These are just a few of the best cameras for food photography currently on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, any of these cameras would be an excellent addition to your photography arsenal. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start taking some mouth-watering photos!
FAQ
What are some tips for taking good food photos?
Lighting is critical when taking good food photos. Avoid using flash, as it can often create harsh shadows and glare. Instead, try to take advantage of natural light whenever possible. Another important tip is to get close to your subject. This will help you capture all the details and textures of the food. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and compositions. Sometimes the best photos are the ones that are a little out of the ordinary.
How can I make my food photos look more professional?
If you want your food photos to look more professional, there are a few things you can do:
- Invest in a good-quality camera. This will make a big difference in the quality of your photos.
- Take the time to learn about composition and lighting. These two elements are essential for taking great photos.
- Practice, practice, practice!
The more you shoot, the better you’ll become at capturing those perfect food photos.
What are some common mistakes people make when taking food photos?
One of the most common mistakes people make when taking food photos is using the wrong camera settings. Be sure to take the time to learn about your camera and how to use it properly. Another mistake is not paying attention to the lighting. Remember, lighting can make or break a photo. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes the best photos are the ones that are a little out of the ordinary.
