Capturing those early moments with your newborn can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with photography equipment.
It’s hard to know which camera is best for newborn photography because there are so many options on the market. And if you don’t have the time to do all the research yourself, it can be even harder to decide.
We’ve done all the research for you and compiled a list of 9 of the best cameras for newborn photography. Whether you’re looking for a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, we’ve got you covered.
Overall Best Camera for Newborn Photography
Sony a7 IV
The 33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS BSI sensor allows photographers to capture high-resolution images with rich detail and color accuracy. This type of sensor is especially beneficial when taking newborn photos because it produces clear, crisp images that won’t be marred by noise or graininess — even in low light conditions. Additionally, the wide dynamic range ensures that all elements of your image will be visible no matter how bright or dark the setting may be.
The Sony A7 IV features a 759-point fast hybrid autofocus system that tracks subjects across the frame quickly and accurately. This makes capturing even the most fleeting expressions on a newborn’s face easy as they move around and explore their world. The real-time eye autofocus technology further increases accuracy by automatically detecting and focusing on a subject’s eyes — perfect for getting those beautiful baby portraits!
The 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization technology helps reduce camera shake from vertical and horizontal movement, making handheld shots more effortless! Combined with the 120 fps refresh rate EVF, you can quickly line up shots precisely without worrying about motion blur caused by shaky hands or unsteady movements. This system also ensures that your photos will be sharp no matter what kind of camera movement you encounter during your shoot.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony a7 IV
Like:
- High-resolution sensor
- Fast autofocus system
- Good low-light performance
- Excellent video capabilities
Dislike:
- Expensive compared to other cameras in its class
- Limited battery life
- No built-in flash
What Consumers Are Saying
“This is, of course, a fantastic camera that can easily replace many other Sony models. It is good enough for 99.9% of amateur and professional users.”
“The best part of the A7 IV is its autofocus system. It’s lightning fast, accurate, and can track subjects easily.”
“The best thing about the A7 IV is its low-light performance. It can produce great images even in dark settings with minimal noise or graininess.”
Best Budget Camera for Newborn Photography
Canon EOS Rebel T8i
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i has a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 8 Image Processor, offering breathtakingly sharp images and stunning color accuracy. It also has a 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen, which makes shooting at any angle easy while giving you complete control over your settings and functions. For video recording, it can capture UHD 4K24p footage and vertical videos, perfect for those creative shoots with newborns!
You can also use its 45-Point All Cross-Type Phase-Detect AF system and Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection for quick focusing, even on fidgety babies. The ISO range of 100-25600 gives you lots of flexibility when shooting in low light conditions, and up to 7 fps shooting means you won’t miss a moment! Finally, the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing your photos or videos easy.
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is great for amateur photographers looking to start taking professional quality shots without breaking the bank. Its combination of features provides reliable performance while giving you enough room to grow as your skills develop. From its impressive autofocus system to its 4K video capabilities, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is the perfect camera for capturing those special moments with newborns!
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS Rebel T8i
Like:
- Compatibility with Canon lenses and flashes
- 24MP photos
- Quick autofocus for stills and video
- Good battery life
- Built-in flash
Dislike:
- Limited low-light performance
- No in-body image stabilization
- Limited 4K video capabilities
What Consumers Are Saying
“I’m so excited about my new camera upgrade from the T4i! Its sensor has way more megapixels, and I can’t wait to take it out for a spin. Canon knows what they’re doing regarding cameras and lenses – they’re the best!”
“The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a fantastic camera for beginners and advanced photographers, with its intuitive controls and impressive image quality.”
“The best thing about the T8i is its quick autofocus system. You can be sure that any shot you take with this camera will appear pin-sharp and clear!”
Runner Up Best Camera for Newborn Photography
Fujifilm X-T4
The Fujifilm X-T4 has a 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 sensor. This sensor is great for newborn photography because it produces images with excellent detail and color reproduction. The X-Processor 4 image processor is also perfect for newborn photography because it helps to reduce noise and improve image quality. In addition, the 5-axis in-body image stabilization system ensures that your images are sharp and blur-free.
The DCI/UHD 4K at 60 fps and Full HD at 240 fps recording capabilities of the Fujifilm X-T4 is also great for newborn photographers. This means you can capture high-quality video footage of your newborn without worrying about dropped frames or low resolution. In addition, the 425-point hybrid AF system ensures that your images are always in focus, even when your subject is moving around.
Finally, the 3.69m-Dot 0.75x OLED EVF and 3.0″ 1.62m-Dot vari-angle touchscreen make composing and reviewing your images easy. The ISO 160-12800, up to 15-fps shooting speed, means you can capture fast action shots without worrying about missing a moment. And the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity allow you to share your images with friends and family members easily.
What We Like/Dislike About the Fujifilm X-T4
Like:
- Excellent image quality
- In-body image stabilization
- Fast autofocus
- Versatile video capabilities
- Solid build quality
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Limited battery life
- No built-in flash
- The menu system can be overwhelming
What Consumers Are Saying
“I love this camera. It has a lot of buttons or physical controls in its design which is worth it because they work for their purpose. You have a full and fast rule of all the camera features, especially when taking a shoot, making this camera completely functional with a sleek but bold design.”
“The Fujifilm X-T4 is a game-changer for serious photographers and videographers, offering exceptional image quality and advanced features in a compact and stylish package.”
“For anyone looking for a high-performance mirrorless camera that delivers both form and function, the Fujifilm X-T4 is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.”
Honorable Mentions
Nikon D7500
The D7500’s 20.9MP sensor produces stunningly sharp images with a wide dynamic range. This is perfect for newborn photography, as it allows you to capture all the details of your subject while still getting beautiful photos with accurate colors. The EXPEED 5 image processor provides fast shooting speeds and excellent image quality. Combined with the D7500’s low-light capabilities, it is easy to get great photos of newborns, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
The Multi-CAM 3500FX II 51-point AF system provides fast and accurate autofocusing, making it easy to get sharp photos of even the most active newborns. This system lets you capture those split-second moments without missing a beat. The D7500’s native ISO 51200 allows you to shoot in very low light conditions without sacrificing image quality. And if you need even more light sensitivity, the camera’s expanded ISO 1,640,000 mode allows you to push the limits further.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon D7500
Like:
- 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor
- 51 AF points
- Shoots at up to 8 frames per second
- Tilting touchscreen LCD
- Robust weather-sealed body
Dislike:
- Limited buffer capacity
- No built-in flash
- Battery life could be better
What Consumers Are Saying
“I am delighted with the Nikon D7500. As someone who previously used the D7000 to shoot high school basketball games, I noticed a significant improvement in the number of in-focus shots with the D7500.”
“I’m blown away by the image quality of the Nikon D7500. The 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor delivers stunning detail and clarity in every shot.”
“If you’re looking for a camera that can handle tough shooting conditions, look no further than the Nikon D7500.”
Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50 uses a 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor to capture images with outstanding resolution, low noise, and a tonal range suitable for creative applications like newborn photography. It also has a wide dynamic range that allows you to capture subtle skin tones and expressions without sacrificing any detail in the shadows or highlights of your image.
The EXPEED 6 image processor built into the Nikon Z50 is designed to deliver fast processing speeds while maintaining excellent image quality. This means you can take multiple shots quickly without worrying about noise or blur in your pictures—perfect for capturing those fleeting moments when photographing newborns! The processor also helps reduce power consumption so you can stay out shooting longer with fewer battery changes.
The ISO range on the Nikon Z50 is incredibly versatile, spanning from ISO 100 to 51200—that’s over five times more than most cameras on the market! This means you can shoot in low-light environments without worrying about noise or graininess in your images, allowing you to capture those special moments even when lighting conditions aren’t perfect.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon Z50
Like:
- Compact and lightweight design
- 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder
- Flip-down touchscreen LCD
Dislike:
- Limited battery life
- Only one memory card slot
- No built-in image stabilization
- A limited selection of native Z-mount lenses
What Consumers Are Saying
“Nice small, lightweight camera to compliment my D800e and D850. Great for carrying around when I don’t feel like lugging the big boy’s around.”
“The Nikon Z50 takes great pictures, and the 20.9MP APS-C sensor does a fine job capturing details in both shadows and highlights.”
“I’m very pleased with the performance of the Nikon Z50. It’s fast, reliable, and produces excellent images even in low light conditions.”
Canon EOS 90D
The Canon EOS 90D packs a 32.5MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and an updated DIGIC 8 Image Processor into its body, making it one of the most powerful cameras on the market today. This combination ensures the sharp and accurate rendering of images with vivid colors and low noise levels, even in low-light situations. It also allows up to 10 frames per second of shooting, which is great for capturing fast-moving babies!
This camera’s 45-point all-cross-type autofocus system gives you precise focus control over both stills and videos, making it easy to nail down those difficult shots of squirming little ones! In addition, Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 5481 AF points provides smooth, accurate focusing performance with nearly 100% coverage across the frame–essential for capturing clear shots of newborns from any angle.
The Canon EOS 90D also includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can quickly transfer photos to your computer without hassle. It also has an impressive ISO range (100-25600), allowing you to shoot in low light conditions without worrying about image noise or quality loss due to poor lighting conditions. Finally, its 220,000-pixel AE metering sensor helps ensure that every shot is adequately exposed–essential when dealing with such small subjects!
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS 90D
Like:
- 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor
- Five cross-type AF points
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
Dislike:
- No in-body image stabilization
- No headphone jack
- the body is relatively heavy
What Consumers Are Saying
“Love this camera. My family pictures were beautiful, and the detail was clear and perfect.”
“The Canon EOS 90D is a great all-around camera for people looking to take excellent pictures of even the smallest subjects.”
“I’m extremely pleased with this purchase. The image quality, autofocus, and low-light performance are all outstanding. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to photograph babies or young children!”
Sony a6600
The Sony a6600 has a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, making it perfect for capturing all the details of newborns in high resolution. The sensor also captures more light than other cameras, making it perfect for those low-light shots that often occur when taking photos of babies in their sleep or dimly lit rooms. That extra light ensures you can capture clear, crisp shots without worrying about blurring due to motion or poor lighting conditions.
The BIONZ X Image Processor in the Sony a6600 provides high-speed image processing speed, allowing you to capture multiple shots quickly and efficiently. This is perfect for those moments when your subject moves just as you press the shutter button or you need to take multiple shots of the same scene at different angles and exposures. With this processor, you won’t miss out on any special moments!
The 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization allows you to capture steady shots even when shooting handheld—perfect for capturing those intimate moments between parents and their newborn baby without worrying about blur from tiny movements or shakes from holding the camera too long. Plus, with up to 11-fps shooting and ISO 100-32000 capabilities, you can rest assured that your photos will be sharp and clear no matter what time of day it is or what type of lighting conditions there may be!
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony a6600
Like:
- 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor
- 425 phase-detection AF points
- In-body image stabilization
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder
- Flip-down touchscreen LCD
Dislike:
- Slower UHS-I card slot.
- No focus joystick or front dial
- No in-camera flash
- No headphone jack
What Consumers Are Saying
“As expected, this camera has even more features than its predecessors. I bought it mainly for its built-in Steady Shot option, as not all of my lenses are optically stabilized.”
“The image quality is amazing, and I’m impressed with the autofocus speed. The best part is that every shot comes out sharp and clear no matter the time of day.”
“I highly recommend this camera to anyone looking for a powerful yet compact camera.”
Canon EOS M50 II
The 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor offers excellent details and sharpness in images. The DIGIC 8 processor allows for faster autofocus and improved noise reduction when shooting in low-light conditions—necessary when photographing newborns often sleeping or in dimly lit rooms. This combination also provides excellent color accuracy, essential when photographing precious little ones!
The Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology ensures that you always have a sharp focus on your subject’s eyes, so you don’t miss out on any of those sweet expressions! It also has Eye Detect AF, which automatically focuses on your subject’s eyes—great for quickly capturing shots of wiggly babies! The 10fps shooting speed allows you to capture even the fastest-moving subjects without missing a beat.
The extended ISO 51200 allows you to capture shots even in the darkest environments while producing precise images with great colors and detail. The combination of 5-axis image stabilization helps keep your shots stable even if you don’t have access to a tripod—perfect for quickly grabbing a shot!
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS M50 II
Like:
- 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Ten frames per second in burst mode
Dislike:
- No in-body image stabilization
- No weather sealing
- A limited selection of native EF-M lenses
What Consumers Are Saying
“I purchased the mirrorless EOS M50 Mark II camera for the lighter weight and ease of traveling.”
“The best thing about this camera is the dual pixel autofocus which is incredibly accurate.”
“I highly recommend it for anyone looking to upgrade their current camera or purchase a new one.”
Canon EOS R
The Canon EOS R has a 30.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 8 Image Processor, creating stunningly detailed photos with excellent color accuracy and dynamic range. This combination also allows for fast shooting performance, with up to 8 fps burst shooting possible. Additionally, you can adjust your ISO settings from 50-102400 to get great shots in any light condition, even in low light conditions like at night or indoors, where many newborn photo shoots take place.
The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system on the Canon EOS R delivers exceptional autofocus performance with 5655 AF points covering nearly all of the frame. This means that when you take photos of your baby, you don’t have to worry about them being out of focus as it will lock onto their face quickly and accurately every time.
Additionally, this system also offers Eye Detection AF, which automatically focuses on your subject’s eyes, making sure they are always sharp and in focus regardless of how they move around! This feature alone makes the Canon EOS R ideal for capturing those special moments with your newborn baby.
The connectivity features on the Canon EOS R make it easy to transfer photos directly from your camera to your computer or mobile device without using a cable or card reader. You can connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, offering quick and easy file transfers to share those special memories with family and friends quickly and easily. An SD UHS-II Card Slot also supports high-speed memory cards, allowing for faster file transfers when needed.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS R
Like:
- Excellent 30MP sensor
- Excellent AF
- Eight frames per second in burst mode
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
Dislike:
- No AF joystick
- Single SD card slot
- No in-body image stabilization
What Consumers Are Saying
“The Canon EOS R is a versatile and powerful camera that delivers excellent image quality and advanced features for photographers of all levels.”
“The Canon EOS R is a game-changer for photographers looking to step up their game in the mirrorless world.”
“The Canon EOS R is a powerful tool for any creative photographer who wants to push the boundaries of what’s possible with mirrorless technology.”
Conclusion: Best Cameras for Taking Newborn Photos
In conclusion, the best camera for newborn photography is the one that meets your individual needs and budget. While each of the nine cameras profiled is an excellent option to capture those precious newborn moments, they all have unique features and benefits. It’s worth looking around and considering which features work best for you and your shooting style, whether compactness, portability, weatherproof capabilities, or discretion – whatever your needs may be. All the cameras come with some optics system which will ensure you get the highest quality images with good depth of field and bokeh. With so much technology today, it can be challenging to determine which option is best. Still, considering all these factors, you should have no problem investing in a newborn Photography camera that will last you many years!
FAQ
What cameras do newborn photographers use?
Newborn photographers typically use cameras with higher megapixel counts, sound autofocus systems, and low-light performance, such as the Canon EOS R, Nikon Z6, Sony Alpha A7 IV, or Fujifilm X-T4. These cameras offer excellent image quality and feature to help create those perfect shots.
How do you take professional newborn pictures at home?
Taking professional newborn pictures at home can be a rewarding experience and is achievable with the right tools and techniques. It is best to use natural lighting as much as possible to get started since artificial light can create harsh shadows. It is also essential to have a comfortable and warm environment for the newborn to feel safe. Choosing age-appropriate and soft props will help add interest and texture to the photos. Giving yourself plenty of time when taking pictures is essential since babies need breaks throughout the process. For more tips on how to take professional newborn pictures at home, check out our help article.
Which lens to use for newborn photography?
When it comes to newborn photography, choosing the right lens is essential. You need a lens that can capture the minute details of the baby’s face and provide enough depth of field for a pleasing composition. A 50mm or 85mm prime lens is typically recommended for portraits with an extensive aperture range, such as f/1.4 – f/2.8, which will allow you to get creative with your depth of field by creating beautiful bokeh in the background. For full body shots, look for zoom lenses such as 24-70mm or 70-200mm that offer sharpness, clarity, and a wide range of focal lengths. Invest in good quality glass to ensure crisp images even in low light settings. A bonus would be if you could find lenses with image stabilization technology which reduce camera shake when taking handheld shots. Lastly, take some time to practice using the new lens before your session to familiarise yourself with its capabilities and features so that you can make the most of it during your shoot.
