Wedding photography is a type of photography which everybody loves! It is one of those types in which you can notice every emotion, and capturing those emotions in pictures is the best thing to do!
In this article, you will find a list of professional cameras, and based on them, you can choose the best camera for wedding photography!
A Quick Look at My Favorite Wedding Cameras
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best for Beginners  | 10 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Portable  | 8.6 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best for Image Stabilization  | 8.5 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Runner-Up  | 8.8 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Overall  | 8.6 | Check Price On Amazon |
Key Takeaways
- One of the most significant days in your life is your wedding day, so why not use the most incredible camera to record the most memorable moments of your life?
- The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, the most remarkable overall and will make your wedding images appear genuinely exceptional, is an excellent camera for such a memorable day.
- If you’re looking for a fantastic and flexible camera for your wedding photographs, the Nikon D850 would also be a wonderful choice.
- There are numerous moments to photograph at a wedding, but family portraits and some candid images are the most significant ones.
The Top 5 Best Cameras for Wedding Photography
5. OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III – Best for Beginners
What I Like
- Strong in-body stabilization
- Electronic shutter at up to 60fps
- Swing out touch LCD
What I Don’t Like
- No the latest and greatest EVF
The first camera that does the opening in this article is the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III and just as listed it is one of the first choices by the beginners that just started a career in wedding photography. OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a great compact camera that owns many features.
The full body of this camera measures 5.3 x 2.7 x 3.6 inches and it weighs 3 pounds. It may sound heavy and in fact, it is, but still, it won’t cause any problem when it comes to the portability part. The camera is made of magnesium alloy and it has an IPX1 rating of dust and water resistance. What deserves to be mentioned is that the camera is also freeze-proof, so it can be used outdoors easily in any kind of weather condition. It’s a pretty good weather sealed camera.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III owns a 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor and it is combined with the TruePic IX image processor. This combination brings you great image quality and the colors in the pictures are better than you can think of. When it comes to videos, in case you want to record, it allows you to record at 4K and also, at a resolution of 2460p.
The focus of this camera for wedding photography is very fast and silent, and it has a priority which is the face and the eyes, so you won’t have a problem capturing pictures of the bride and the groom while they are in movement. It also uses an Image Stabilization feature, which fully reduces the blur, that may be caused by shaky hands. It works both in pictures and videos. Both are features that all wedding photography cameras should have.
The battery that this camera for wedding photography uses is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and when using either the camera’s 3 inches LCD screen or the viewfinder you will be able to capture 400-420 shots. It’s definitely one of the best olympus cameras out there.
Why should you buy it?
If you are just starting a career as a wedding photographer, an Olympus camera is the greatest one to use. It is affordable as well as easy to be used.
4. Fujifilm X-T4 – Best Portable
What I Like
- Excellent EVF
- Dust and splash protection
- Improved battery
- Stabilized image sensor
What I Don’t Like
- Omits standard headphone jack
Fujifilm is a very well-known name in the industry of mirrorless cameras, and the Fujifilm X-T4 is one of the best cameras that this brand has brought to the market. It is an amazing mirrorless camera that can accompany you wherever you may go, portability is at its highest level.
The Fujifilm X-T4 has an interesting vintage look, so if you love old-looking mirrorless cameras, the Fuji has one of the greatest choices. This camera measures 3.65 x 5.3 x 2.51 inches and weighs 1.34 pounds. It is one of the greatest portable cameras that you can ever find, and of course, that is based on its small body. The Fujifilm X-T4 is also a weather-sealed camera that can withstand dust, moisture, and different degrees of temperature.
This camera for wedding photography features a fourth-generation 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, and the image processor that you find on this one is the X-Processor 4. While capturing pictures with this camera you will notice that they have amazing clarity and color accuracy. As for the video part, you can record videos at 4K resolution as well as Full HD videos.
A field in which this camera performs greatly is the focusing part. The focus is super accurate and super fast in both light and dark environments. It is also a focus that is on track of faces. This camera can not miss image stabilization, right? Well, don’t worry! It owns a 5-axis image stabilization, and it minimizes the blur in the best way possible.
Just as in the Olympus camera mentioned above, Fujifilm X-T4 has a 3 inches big touchscreen, and when in use to take pictures, it allows you to capture around 500 shots, meanwhile, when used with the viewfinder, you can shoot up to 600 pictures. All the congratulations go to the rechargeable lithium-ion battery that this camera owns.
Why should you buy it?
Weddings are held in different places, and if you are worried about how you will carry your camera around, the Fujifilm X-T4 will not let you think about that. It is the best portable camera on the market.
3. Sony a7 III – Best For Image Stabilization
What I Like
- 24MP full-frame BSI sensor
- 5-axis stabilization
- 4K HDR video
- Silent shooting available
What I Don’t Like
- No in-body flash
Nobody can mention a professional camera of any kind without mentioning a Sony camera! Sony as a brand brings to people many different things, and everything that they do, especially the mirrorless cameras that they bring are used by many photographers worldwide. This one is the greatest when it comes to stabilization and not only!
Just as the camera that I mentioned above, being mirrorless, the Sony a7 III is a small camera that measures 5 x 3.88 x 3 inches while its weight is 1.44 pounds. Now, differing a bit, this mirrorless camera doesn’t own an overall weather-sealed construction, but it is dust and moisture resistant, so you don’t have to worry about that. Especially if you are shooting wedding pictures indoors.
The Sony a7 III works with a super-advanced 24.2MP BSI Full-Frame Sensor, and the image processor that works with it is the BIONZ X which is one of the most powerful processors in mirrorless cameras. Every picture that you will take with this mirrorless camera will be shown in the highest quality ever, and also, it has a perfect dynamic range of colors. For video, it works at 2460p firstly, but also, it can record 4K videos without any problem.
The focus in this mirrorless camera is driven by an Exmor R CMOS sensor and it captures everything. It works perfectly even if the subject of the picture is in a lot of movement, for example, it performs greatly if the couple is dancing. There’s the image stabilization feature that makes this mirrorless camera totally shine! It works with a 5-axis SteadyShot stabilization which is definitely one of the best stabilizers that one can find in a camera.
Sony a7 III also works with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and when it is fully charged, it holds up shooting 600 shots when you use the viewfinder, and if you use the camera’s LCD screen, then you can take up to 700 shots. It’s one of my favorite wedding photography cameras for sure!
Why should you buy it?
Image stabilization is the best feature a camera can own, and the Sony A7 III has it in the perfect way possible. You will never change it for anything else!
2. Nikon D850 – Best Runner-Up
What I Like
- Full-frame 45.7MP image sensor
- 7fps burst shooting
- 4K video
- Large optical viewfinder
What I Don’t Like
- Omits built-in flash
The next camera that appears on the list of the best camera for wedding photography is the Nikon D850. It definitely deserves a place in this article, and it deserves one of the highest places because that’s what Nikon does best: They bring the best cameras! This one is a super professional DSLR camera.
Now, this camera can be considered an ergonomic one because it has an amazing super comfortable grip that doesn’t bother or tire you in any way even if you use the camera all day long. The measurements of this mirrorless camera are 5.8 x 3.1 x 4.9 inches, and its weight is around 2.02 pounds. It is made again of magnesium alloy, and it is quite durable because it is weather and dust-sealed.
Nikon D850 is featured with an impressive 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor, and the image processor is the well-known EXPEED version 5. Based on the sensor, you can already guess what will the pictures look like! More than marvelous! Every scene that you will capture at a wedding will be shot in the best way possible since this camera brings lifelike photos.
The videos are super detailed as well since it records at 4K. We all know that 4K is an amazing resolution for videos, but what if I say that this mirrorless camera is able to record at 8K? A bit shocked, right? Well, same! Imagine the clarity in 8K videos.
Nikon says that the focus of this mirrorless camera keeps up with whatever you may capture, and it is more than true! It is an amazing tracking autofocus system that is built-in.
There is also a lithium-ion battery that works amazingly, and when it comes to the battery life, Nikon D850 allows you to take on up to 1840 shots of pictures on just a single charge.
Why should you buy it?
Nikon cameras like the D850 are mostly found in professional photographers’ hands as they include great features. If you want to use Nikon’s impressive sensor and the capacity of 4K recording, take a look at Nikon D50!
1. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – Best Overall
What I Like
- 30MP full-frame image sensor
- Unlimited JPG shooting buffer
- Pro-grade build
What I Don’t Like
- Cropped 4K video
The best overall camera of this article, regarding the best wedding cameras is the amazing Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. It is one of the first choices when it comes to wedding photography, and also worth mentioning is that the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is one of the first choices when one is searching for a DSLR camera as well.
This mirrorless camera is made of magnesium alloy too, but on this one Canon added the polycarbonate material as well. Just like all the cameras mentioned above, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is also a very durable camera, and it has a dust and weather-sealed body of any kind. When it comes to the measurements, the size of this wedding photography camera is 3 x 5.9 x 4.6 inches while its weight is 1.76 pounds.
Moving on, the sensor that is added to this mirrorless camera is the amazing 30.4 MP Full-Frame CMOS sensor, and you definitely have heard about the DIGIC 6 Plus image processor. It is one of the most commonly used image processors in different Canon cameras, and the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is no exception. Both wedding pictures, and if you want wedding videos will be shown perfectly clear and sharp with amazing color accuracy. The videos are shot at a 4K resolution, and it also includes HD and Full HD.
The focus of this wedding photography camera is definitely extraordinary! It is the famous Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus, that works better than you can think of! It has excellent tracking, and it is the fastest and the smoothest you can ever find.
Working with an amazing rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this camera offers usage for around 900 shots on just a single charge, and it doesn’t matter if you use the LCD monitor or the viewfinder.
Why should you buy it?
Canon EOS series of cameras is a perfect series, and its EOS 5D Mark IV will help you capture the most extraordinary wedding photographs. The image quality is perfect!
Choosing the Best Camera for Wedding Photography – Buyer’s Guide
It’s crucial to have a camera that can capture amazing images in a variety of lighting conditions while taking wedding photos, but a buying guide for cameras for wedding photography is definitely something to cheeck out.
The following qualities of a camera will make it an excellent option for wedding photography:
Full-Frame Sensor
Compared to most common cameras, the full-frame sensor is larger and it enables improved low-light photography and greater control over the amount of focus.
Points of Autofocus
If a camera has more autofocus points, easier it is for the photographer to quickly focus on significant wedding attendees, including the bride and groom.
Continuous Shooting Speed
This continuous shooting speed allows the camera to instantly shoot multiple photographs in a row, therefore it works well for catching unscripted moments during the ceremony, the reception, or the dancing.
ISO Setting
The ISO setting regulates the camera’s light sensitivity and the ability to snap images in various lighting situations is made possible by a camera with a wide range of ISO settings.
Battery Life
Weddings can last a long time, so it’s important to have a camera with good battery life so you don’t have to change batteries frequently.
Durability and Reliability
It’s crucial to get a reliable camera that offers reliability in different situations as well as durability because a camera that is likely to break or malfunction could result in missed shots and disappointment.
Other Camera Specifications on Wedding Photography
Besides the ones mentioned above, there are some other aspects that make a camerra better when looking for one to use for wedding photography.
Clear and realistic images are produced by cameras that own high resolution and good image processing.
A broader range of brightnes and colors can be captured in one photograph thanks to the high dynamic range (HDR).
The main subject can be made to stand out from the backdrop with the use of a camera with a fast lens, particularly one with a wide aperture.
It’s important to have the option of shooting in RAW format because it allows you additional editing options after the fact.
Brands that Offer the Greatest Cameras for Wedding Photography
Having a nice camera is essential while capturing wedding photos although there are many various camera manufacturers to choose from such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus.
These manufacturers bring high-quality cameras with a variety of functions that can assist you in capturing the ideal image, however, it’s important to keep in mind that taking amazing images requires more than just a good camera.
The final result is influenced by the lens that is used, the photographer, and even the lighting, and it’s a good idea to do some research and evaluate different possibilities within a brand when shopping for a camera to use at a wedding.
Choosing the Best Wedding Photographer – Finding the Right One for Your Wedding
Choosing the perfect wedding photographer might be difficult because the photos’ quality will be important in capturing your memories of one of the most significant days of your life.
To make sure you have the greatest experience possible when choosing a wedding photographer, keep these things in mind:
- Style: Different photographers shoot in different ways, such as portraiture, classic photography, or fine art photography; you should make sure the photographer’s style fits your preferences by checking out their portfolio.
- Experience: It’s important to choose a photographer with experience because they will be equipped to handle the special dificulties that come with the job. Ask to see their collection of previously captured weddings/portfolios.
- Equipment: A professional-grade camera, lenses, and lighting setup are required of a wedding photographer, which is why you should ask about the equipment they use and if there is backup equipment available in case of technical issues.
- Personality: Since your photographer will be by your side the whole wedding day, it’s essential to pick someone whose temperament complements your own. To make sure you are comfortable with the photographer, arrange a meeting in person.
- Cost: Since wedding photography can be pricey, it’s importantt to establish a budget and hire a photographer whose charges are in line with it. Make sure to ask about all associated charges, including transportation and extra prints.
- Reviews: Check out the feedback for the photographers you are thinking about hiring. Seek references from previous customers and get in touch with them to learn more about their experiences.
- Turnaround time: Inquire about the turnaround time for the finished photos; it’s critical to know when you’ll be able to view and share the final product with your loved ones.
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to speak about the photographer’s method, equipment, or experience. A good photographer will be more than delighted to respond to all of your concerns and provide you with all the details you require to make a good decision.
In conclusion, it’s critical to take into account a wedding photographer’s style, experience, equipment, personality, cost, reviews, and turnaround time. To ensure that you have the greatest possible experience and that the memories of your big day are perfectly captured, take your time to do research, examine portfolios, and ask questions.
Should I Hire a Professional Photographer for my Wedding? – Is it Worth It?
Yes, hiring a professional wedding photographer is worth it for many reasons.
First of all, wedding photography is a specialist industry, and a professional photographer has the training and know-how to document the important moments of your day in a manner that a beginner or family member would not be able to.
A professional photographer will also have the proper tools and the understanding to use them to get the best pictures on your wedding day.
Thirdly, they will be able to help you organize the photo session and guide you in selecting the ideal poses, backgrounds, and lighting to ensure that your pictures come out beautifully.
Last but not least, skilled photographers can edit and retouch the photos, which can significantly improve the final result.
In conclusion, it is worthwhile to hire a professional wedding photographer since they will assist you in obtaining stunning, high-quality photographs that will help you remember your special day for years to come.
What Should a Wedding Photographer Capture?
A wedding is basically a celebration of two people that are getting married and as advice from me to you would be to definitely hire a photographer for that day! A wedding photographer and pictures in general help you memorize the special days forever and a wedding day is definitely a special one. However, if you are a wedding photographer but are not pretty sure what pictures can you capture besides the ones of the couple, there are some things that I would like to mention:
- Family Pictures – Don’t forget to take pictures of the family members of both the bride and the groom. There wouldn’t be any specialty without family!
- Place/Decor – Many couples choose interesting and cool places to get married and they decorate the whole thing. You better take pictures of that place, especially if there is no one (before the ceremony starts).
- Candid Shots – Candid photography is the type of photography in which the photographer captures the best natural pictures of anyone. Weddings tend to get emotional and being able to capture those emotions as fast as a bolt of lightning is a perfect thing that a photographer can do!
If you have no idea what a candid photo is, you can check out my article on Candid Photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a beginner camera for wedding photography?
Many cameras are easy to be used by beginners in the field of photography, but still, there are mirrorless cameras mostly known to you. A mirrorless camera doesn’t have as many settings as the others, and beginners seem to love them.
Do I need a tripod for wedding photography?
Tripods do ease out jo as photographers when we use one. Still, when it comes to wedding photography, we don’t really need that! A tripod kind of stops our movement, and during weddings, there are a lot of things that you should capture pictures of, and you should be moving around.
What is the best ISO for wedding photography?
Wedding photography can take place indoors and outdoors; the ISO can change from inside to outside. However, when I shoot wedding photography, I make sure to adjust my camera’s ISO to 400, as it is more versatile.
Do I need a speedlight for wedding photography?
It all depends on where and what you are taking pictures of. If you are taking pictures indoors and there is not enough light, and the camera flash can’t do the best job, you can easily use a speedlight. Also, you can use one while outdoors when harsh shadows are destroying your photographs.
Final Words
Here it is! The best wedding photography cameras and what is special is that there is not only one camera! There are five of them and based on what they are listed the best for, I assure you that they do a great job for wedding photography in general. Now, when it comes to the features that the cameras that I mentioned own, you can notice that they are pretty similar but still you can notice that there are some slight differences.
I surveyed many different wedding photographers, and the results were similar to the ones i listed in this article.
Anyways, the cameras that I mentioned cannot disappoint you in any way and I really hope that this article will help you choose the best one
Further Reading
If you really like what you read in this article, I have other things that I would like to mention! Other articles!
Hey, I know that just like wedding photography, engagement photographs are important for a couple too, and that’s why I would advise you to check out some amazing lenses for engagement pictures.
The wedding has been finished two weeks ago but you still didn’t get your pictures? Well, I think that you should have a look at the article in which I added some important information that you need to know about Wedding Photos.
Have fun!
Photographer & Writer
I specialize in landscape, street and portrait photography and I have been featured in various galleries and publications. I believe that photography is a way to tell stories!
