The 7 Best Cameras for Car Photography to Capture Stunning Shots

Car photography is one of the most challenging types of photography and to capture stunning images of different cars, you need the right equipment.

The good thing is that there are plenty of options for those on a budget. When choosing the ideal camera for car photography, you need to consider the features and most importantly the capabilities it offers.

Top Camera Recommendations for Car Photography

1. Sony Alpha 7R – Best Overall
2. Canon’s EOS R8 – Editor’s Choice
3. Panasonic Lumix DMC -S5 II – Full-frame Vlogging camera for cars
4. The Nikon Z 6II is the best Nikon Camera
5. Nikon D850 is the Best Professional Camera for Videography
6. Panasonic Lumix G7k – Best stabilization
7. Panasonic Lumix FZ80 – Good Autofocus

The Sony Alpha 7R – Best Overall

1. Sensor: 61.0 MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor
2. Processor: BIONZ XR image processor
3. Autofocus: Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, real-time tracking
4. Video: 8K video recording at 30fps, 4K recording at 120fps
5. Display: 3.0-inch tilting LCD touchscreen
6. Viewfinder: 9.44M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
7. Stabilization: 5-axis in-body image stabilization
8. Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, HDMI

The Sony Alpha 7R is one of the best cameras for car photography. It features stunning capabilities that will enable you to easily take photos.

An incredible feature that makes this Camera stand out is its resolution. It comes with an impressive 42.4 megapixels which enables it to capture clear and detailed shots of the car.

Additionally, it has a wide ISO range, making it great for car photography. What this means is that no matter the lighting, you are able to capture the perfect shot from low light to bright sunlight. In a nutshell, you can take pictures in a variety of lighting conditions without worrying about the quality being interfered with.

This digital camera also has a fast autofocus system which is great for shooting vehicles in motion.
Regardless of the speed of the car, you are assured of taking sharp shots and in focus. Additionally, its compactness and lightweight nature make it convenient and easy to carry around.

Canon’s EOS R8 – Editor’s Choice

1. Sensor: 24.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor
2. Processor: DIGIC X
3. Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
4. Video: 4K video recording at up to 60fps
5. ISO Range: 100-102400
6. Screen: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD
7. Viewfinder: 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
8. Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
9. Build: Lightweight and compact body.

This mirrorless camera merges the convenience of a DSLR-sized camera with the image quality of a full-frame mirrorless camera.

It has a 24.2-megapixel resolution and 4K video capabilities that make it a powerful tool for both still photography and video production.

Additionally, Canon’s EOS R8 features a 30.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and a dual-pixel CMOS AF system.

The Canon’s EOS R8 will capture the details of a car’s exterior curves and lines with ease. This is because of its high resolution, up to 30.3 megapixels.

Its fast autofocus system means you can quickly lock onto a car and take a shot without missing anything.

Canon’s EOS R8 has a wide dynamic range that allows you to capture shots with great contrast and detail of a car’s paint job including the reflections in the windows and chrome.

Advanced image stabilization mechanisms minimize camera shake when taking motion shots thus maintaining clarity.

A DIGIC 8 processor plus 4k video recording capabilities also helps with capturing stunning videos of cars in motion.

Panasonic Lumix DMC -S5 II – Full-frame Vlogging camera for cars

1. Lens: LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX 24-75mm lens with F1.7-2.8
2. Sensor: Large 4/3-inch MOS sensor with 17 megapixels
3. Video: 4K video recording
4. Viewfinder: High-resolution (2764k-dot) viewfinder
5. Screen: 3-inch touch screen
6. Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: Connectivity for easy sharing
7. Control: Manual control rings for aperture, shutter speed, and focus
8. Zoom: 3.1x optical zoom
9. Design: Compact and lightweight body.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that boasts an impressive 24.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor, and 4K video recording capabilities. Furthermore, it has the latest Venus Engine processor thus making it a powerful tool for stunning car shots.

With its advanced features and functions such as dual image stabilization, face/eye detection, a focus stacking mode, and an array of creative filters, it’s an ideal choice for car photography.

This is why the Panasonic Lumix S5 II should be your first choice camera for car photography.

First, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II has a 24.2 MP full frame and a wide ISO range that ensures stunning images are captured even in the most challenging lighting conditions. What this means is that no matter the environment you can count on this digital camera to deliver quality images.

When shooting from a moving car or in a windy environment, its flawless 5-axis stabilization capability ensures the images remain sharp and clear. To showcase your car, this camera comes with 4K video recording to capture stunning videos.

In the shortest time possible, the camera makes it easy to get the perfect shot due to its fast autofocus system. The Panasonic Lumix S5 II also has a wide range of lenses thus making it easy to choose the perfect lens for your car photography. It has a built-in Wi-Fi feature to transfer your images to your devices easily.

The Nikon Z 6II is the best Nikon camera

1. Sensor: 24.5MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
2. Processor: Dual EXPEED 6 image processors
3. Autofocus: 273-point hybrid AF system
4. Video: 4K UHD video recording at 30fps
5. ISO Range: 100-51200 (expandable to 204800)
6. Screen: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD
7. Viewfinder: 3.69M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
8. Stabilization: 5-axis in-body image stabilization
9. Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, HDMI.

The Nikon Z 6II is a full-frame mirrorless camera. It features 4k video recording capability and has a wide range of lens options making it ideal for car photography.

Additionally, it offers excellent image quality and is ideal for both stills and video shooters. A robust weather-sealed ergonomic body makes it possible to shoot in non-friendly conditions.

For car photography enthusiasts, this camera is well known for its ability to capture detailed, high-resolution images and its wide dynamic range.

It allows best quality shots for both the interior and exterior of a car with profound clarity. This is why this camera should be considered for car photography.

To capture shots in low light conditions without compromising on image quality, the Nikon Z 6II comes with a wide ISO range.

It has a 24-megapixel sensor that helps capture detailed images of the car’s interior and exterior.
Creativity is fully provided by the range of creative modes when photographing cars. With its ability to create time-lapse videos and HDR photos, this helps photographers bring out the best in their images.

Furthermore, it has a very advanced autofocus system that ensures your pictures are always sharp and focused. This system is fast and reliable thus ensuring you do not miss any potential photo opportunity. 

The Nikon Z 6II has a very impressive 4K video recording enabling car photographers to capture more detail, movement, and vibrant colors than ever before. Equipped with a touchscreen display, any photographer can adjust settings quickly and easily thus capturing the perfect shot.

Nikon D850 is the best Professional Camera with a full-frame sensor

1. Sensor: 46 MP Full-frame Sensor
2. No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
3. ISO Range: ISO 64 – 25600 expandable up to 32 – 102400
4. Touch screen: 3.20 inches with Tilting Screen System
5. Resolution: 4K at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
6. Optical viewfinder
7. Continuous shooting: 7.0 fps
8. Connectivity: Wireless
9. Product Dimensions:  146 x 124 x 79 mm
10. Product Weight: 1015 g

If you are looking for a professional-level camera with 4K resolution capability and a Full frame sensor, then the Nikon D850 is your best pick.

First, this DSLR camera will provide very high-quality output for your wedding and event recordings. This is thanks to its high 4K video recording at 30 frames per second and full HD at 60 frames per second video capability.

Whether you are covering events or shooting in nature, this camera has an impressive 153-point autofocus system and a full-frame sensor at 45.4 MP. 

For image previewing you will have a fully tillable touchscreen interface and a dual card slot system to provide more storage.

When it comes to connectivity, this camera supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to allow file transfer with ease. 

You will be shooting many 4K videos so it is important to match up this camera with a good professional Nikon Lens. Overall this is a perfect professional-level pick that will surely not disappoint.

Panasonic Lumix G7k – Best stabilization

1. Sensor: 16 MP 
2. ISO Range: ISO 100 – 25600
3. Touch Screen: 3.00 Inches Screen
4. Product Dimensions: 125 x 86 x 77 mm
5. Weight: 410g
6. Resolution: 4K at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording 
7. Connectivity: Wireless
8. Continuous shooting: 7.0fps 

The Panasonic Lumix G7k offers perfect image stabilization with a great viewfinder. Additionally, this camera provides perfect 4K resolution for both Photos and videos.

Although you have a nice touch-sensitive 3-inch LCD screen, the preview is not the best because of the low resolution caused by EFV technology. It is however fast and free of lags.

This camera has a good and effective Autofocus system and great image quality capabilities all packed in a small lightweight and easily portable device.

Unfortunately, the user interface may be a little complicated for beginners but after a while, you easily get used to it and you are off creating great videos.

Additionally, the price is a little high but for beginners, it is a perfect fit as you start. It can also be a great option as a backup camera for pros who need a backup camera for additional shoots.

Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Good Autofocus

1. Sensor: 18MP and 1/2.3  CMOS Sensor
2. ISO Range: ISO 80 – 3200 expandable to 6400
3. Zoom Lens: 20-1200 mm 
4. Touch Screen: 3.00 inches Fixed Screen
5. Resolution: 4K at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
6. Continuous shooting: 10.0fps 
7. Product Dimensions: 130 x 94 x 119 mm
8. Product Weight: 616g

If you are shooting in low light conditions, we recommend the Panasonic Lumix FZ80. Although not the best Pro-level camera, you will still be able to produce quality shots.

Its stand-out feature is its Long Range zoom at 60X zoom capability. This will allow you to zoom in on far-off objects and shoot with ease.

The sensor is small compared to other cameras discussed in this article. It however has an integrated image stabilization system for images and videos that is ok but not the best.

Overall this camera will provide good performance but for the best experience with it, we recommend you invest in a tripod stand to assist in video and image stabilization. You will thank me later.

Camera Features for Car Photography

There are a number of factors that you need to consider when choosing the best car Photography cameras. I found the below to be the most important among them.

1. Image Quality
2. Video Capabilities and Camera Performance
3. Price
4. Lenses

Image Quality

The type of sensor and image resolution you go for will determine your overall image quality. Choose a camera with a high-resolution sensor. For example, the 61.0 MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor on the Sony Alpha 7R V Full-Frame. For high contrast, you will also need a camera with a Wide dynamic range.

Camera Performance and Video Capabilities

For action shots like moving cars, you need to choose a camera with fast autofocus and inbuilt image stabilization. Additionally, if you are shooting in the evenings or in any low light conditions, make sure to choose a camera capable of shooting in dim light. Preferably a camera with high  ISO performance.

Inbuilt slow-motion shooting will be an added advantage and save you editing time for your videos. A high 4K resolution will be perfect for professional-looking shots.

Price and Lenses

When buying your camera, make sure to clearly understand the compatible lenses and their prices. Sometimes you can buy a cheap camera only to find the lenses compatible with your camera to be unfordable. This can greatly limit your growth. Keenly consider the pricing and availability of relevant lenses for your camera.

Best Accessories for Car Photography

Including common accessories for you Photography will help improve your work flow and quality of work. Below are some top accessories that you can include in your work.

To both carry and protect your camera from damage, we recommend buying a camera bag for your device. Bags will come in different sizes depending on the camera you choose.

A strong tripod is important to help stabilize your camera. It will help prevent camera shakes and accidental movements. When you buy a camera, a tripod will not be included. You have to buy them separately. For the best experience, we recommend the Benro Tablepod Flex Kit.

You will need a Wide-angle and Telephoto lenses. The Wide-angle lens should be approximately 24 mm or wider while the Telephoto lens should be 70-200mm . This ensures you capture the entire car in high detail and on one shot.

Finally yo can invest in a camera timer or Remote shutter release. It ensures a sharp image by preventing irregular camera shakes.

Top Picks for Car Photography Cameras

Frequently Asked Questions