This guide is here to help you find the best camera for portraits. Creating stunning pictures of people is a richly rewarding art, but there are a few things you need to factor in when buying kit for it. A good portrait camera and lens combination will have different qualities than one for, say, landscapes, architecture, motorsport racing or wildlife.
Pros:
- Stunning 61MP back-illuminated sensor
- Subject-detection autofocus
- Huge range of sharp FE primes
Cons:
- No resolution upgrade over A7R IVA
- Sensor demands the very best lenses
The latest in Sony’s high-resolution A7R mirrorless series, the Sony A7R V gives you 61 megapixels to play with on a back-illuminated full-frame sensor. Now, granted, this was also true of the previous camera in the series, the Sony A7R IVA, so what’s new with this edition?
Sony has outfitted this newer mirrorless camera with new processing engines that make its operation faster and more powerful than ever. Crucially, these enable the use of the hot-ticket camera feature of the last couple of years – AI-powered subject-detect focusing and exposure systems. The A7R V can recognise human shapes, faces and eyes with incredible reliability, and track humans in a variety of poses and positions. It can find eyes even when they’re barely visible, and you can dial into the settings to focus on eyes and nothing else, if you want.
For portraiture, the Sony A7R V is a dream – as was the A7R IVA. So if you can live without next-gen autofocus and want to save some cash, the older camera is definitely worth consideration too.
Pros:
- Class-leading image quality
- Sophisticated in-body image stabilisation
- Huge range of EF and RF lenses
Cons:
- Not many for stills…
- … though video is limited
The Canon EOS R5 is still arguably the finest stills camera the firm has yet produced. Its full-frame 45MP sensor produces dazzling images, full of detail and punching with rich colours. Powered by a processor inherited from the pro-spec EOS 1D X Mark III DSLR, the EOS R5 delivers fast speeds and excellent autofocusing in a variety of situations – the Eye AF in particular will be of interest to portrait photographers, and it is impressively accurate and tenacious.
The EOS R5 also introduced an effective in-body image stabilisation system to the world of Canon full-frame, and it provides highly effective compensation for slow shutter speeds when light levels get low. It can work in tandem with both RF and EF lenses (the latter via an adapter) to enhance the effect still further. For stills, there are very few reasons not to love the EOS R5 – but if you’re also planning to shoot video, you may want to take its infamous recording time limits into account.
Pros:
- Sublime JPEG quality
- Excellent portrait lens options
- Top-class handling
Cons:
- You’ll get a shallower depth of field on full-frame
- … that’s about it!
The Fujifilm X-T5 is a class-act all-around, and an ideal choice for portrait photography. Its considerable resolution bump to 40MP, compared to 26.1MP on the X-T4, makes it a compelling choice for portrait photographers, and it’s a wonderful camera to use thanks to the system’s resolutely analogue-style handling. Dials on the top plate and aperture rings on the lenses? Yes please.
Images from the X-T5 look absolutely gorgeous. You get exceptional quality in RAW at most settings, of course, though if you prefer to shoot in JPEG and take advantage of the creative Film Simulation modes, the X-T5 is great for that too. Its autofocus system is an AI-powered subject-detect system, and while it’s not as powerful as those you’ll find on the likes of Sony and Canon, it’s more than enough for portrait shooting.
There aren’t many flaws to this camera as far as portraits are concerned. Full-frame sensors will give you shallower depth of field, but let’s not get carried away– APS-C gives you plenty, and the superb selection of large-aperture lenses for X-mount more than makes up for it.
Pros:
- Terrific image quality and detail
- Extended battery life
- In-camera batch RAW processing
Cons:
- Quite big and heavy
- AF suffers in Live View
Best DSLR ever made? You could find no shortage of photographers who’d argue that case. The Nikon D850 is a workhorse camera that just shoots and shoots, and does so in glorious 45.7MP detail thanks to its full-frame back-illuminated sensor. All the classic advantages of DSLRs are present and correct – the D850 has a weather-sealed body, enviable battery life and a big, beautiful viewfinder. There are plenty of other useful features too, including dual card slots – one for XQD/CFExpress, one for SD UHS-II. But more than that, it’s a camera that just feels great to use – one you can trust to nail the shot, time and again. Being able to batch-process RAW files in-camera is handy too.
It’s not a light camera, and if you’re using it handheld for an extended shoot, you’ll be keenly aware of the weight. Also, be aware that the AF speed does suffer if you’re using Live View with the LCD rather than composing in the viewfinder.
Pros:
- New standard of 100MP imaging
- Near-perfect ergonomics
- 1TB of built-in storage
Cons:
- No video
A brand new release that has turned plenty of heads, the Hasselblad X2D 100C is a class-leading medium format camera. That “100” in the name refers to its 100MP sensor, just as it does in the Fujifilm GFX series, and having all that detail at your disposal makes you feel, frankly, godlike. You have to crop into images to an absurd degree before noticing any pixelation at all, and this gives you enormous compositional flexibility. The autofocus is excellent, with 896 phase-detection points at your disposal, and you’ll probably find yourself engaging with the stabilisation system quite frequently if you shoot hand-held. Suddenly, slower shutter speeds become possible, and you don’t have to worry quite so much about all those pixels.
The ergonomics of the camera are just right – it feels fantastic to use. Plus, while 100MP files will eat through data, it provides 1TB of internal storage as well as the CFExpress card slot, giving you a bit more breathing room.
Pros:
- Effective 5-axis stabilisation
- Loads of Micro Four Thirds lenses
- Quick, precise autofocus
Cons:
- Small MFT sensor
- A little plasticky
Portrait photography isn’t just for those with deep pockets. While we’ve seen plenty of high-end professional portrait cameras in this guide, there are also plenty of options for those who have comparatively little to spend – and you don’t just have to restrict yourself to point-and-shoots. Since lens choice is so important in portrait photography, we’ve picked this as it will produce stunning portraits without breaking the bank.
One of the best beginner mirrorless cameras around, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a clever and stylish little camera that ticks a lot of boxes for portrait shooters. For one, it is part of the Micro Four Thirds system, meaning you have absolutely loads of lenses to choose from, including plenty of fantastic large-aperture short telephotos that hit the portraiture sweet spot. What’s more, the E-M10 Mark IV has a stellar stabilisation system that makes it easier to use slower shutter speeds without incurring image blur.
Of course, the Micro Four Thirds system does also mean a smaller sensor than full-frame or APS-C. This does impact depth of field in images, as well as dynamic range, and can be restrictive in low light. It’s certainly not a deal-breaker – plenty of photographers have created dazzling portraits with Micro Four Thirds. You just have to be aware of what you’re working with, and get to know the camera.
While all the cameras we’ve listed here can all be bought new, we’d also recommend checking out our constantly changing selection of Used cameras, as this is the best way to pick up a professional-spec camera without having to pay professional prices.
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Here are the key things you’ll need to think about when choosing a camera for portraits.
Sensor size - Larger sensors have many advantages in terms of image quality, delivering better dynamic range and high-ISO performance. What’s especially interesting for portrait shooters though is that a larger sensor allows for a narrower depth of field, meaning you can more effectively isolate a pin-sharp subject against a blurred background. However, larger sensors also come in more expensive cameras, so it’s a matter of weighing your needs against your budget.
Resolution - Quite simply the number of pixels on a sensor. Ideally, for portraiture you want a fair few megapixels to play with, particularly if part of your process or business is going to be offering prints of your images. Big megapixel counts deliver more detailed images, but also require your focusing to be dead-on, and your lenses to be as sharp as possible. Speaking of which…
Lens selection - Getting the right lens is of critical importance in portrait shooting, as you need a generous maximum aperture to create an image with a sharp main subject and an artfully blurred background. This means you generally need to opt for an interchangeable-lens camera, as compacts won’t have big enough apertures, and also means you need to think carefully about the lens options you’ll have available, which we’ve kept in mind when making our choices for this guide. You can see our dedicated guide to the best lenses for portraiture here [link].
Eye AF - In portraiture, focusing sharply on the eyes is critical for successful pictures. Your autofocus and burst rates don’t need to be as mind-blowingly fast as they do for wildlife and sports photography, but with that said, having a camera that can accurately pick out and keep focus on a person’s eyes will make your life a lot easier.
FAQs
What is portrait photography?
Portrait photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing images of individuals or groups of people. It can be shot in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional, formal poses to more candid, spontaneous shots.
What equipment do I need for portrait photography?
A camera and a wide aperture lens. This combination will help you capture a shallow depth of field that is essential for portrait photography. A tripod and lighting equipment, such as soft boxes, reflectors, and strobes, can also greatly enhance the quality of your portraits.
What is the best time of day to shoot portraits?
The best time to shoot portraits is during the “golden hour”, which is the hour before sunset or the hour after sunrise. During this time, the light is warm, soft, and diffused, which creates a flattering and natural-looking environment for your subjects.
How do I pose my subjects?
Posing your subjects depends on their comfort level, the mood you want to convey, and the setting. A good starting point is to have them stand or sit with their shoulders back, chin slightly raised, and eyes looking directly into the camera. From there, you can have them lean, turn, or move in different directions to create variety and interest.
Do I need lighting to take portraits?
While it can be beneficial, you can take excellent portraits without it. However, if you do use lights, the key is to find the right balance of light and shadow to create depth and texture. You can use a single light source, such as a strobe, to create a dramatic look, or multiple light sources, such as soft boxes and reflectors, to create a more balanced and natural look.
What are the most common mistakes in portrait photography?
The most common mistakes in portrait photography include shooting with too much contrast, using too much flash, or not paying attention to the background. It’s also important to effectively communicate with your subjects, otherwise, it can lead to unflattering and unnatural-looking portraits.
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography experts, store staff and partners all work collaboratively to pour over our guides and tips articles. We also consider emerging trends and customer feedback to make sure our guides are always up-to-date and reflective of what people are truly looking for. By curating only the best products, our guides provide trustworthy recommendations, making it easier for customers to make informed choices with confidence.
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