7 Best Cameras for Product Photography [Sharp Shots]

As a seller or a professional photographer, the one thing you need from a product photography camera is impeccable image quality.

More often than not, you’re also going to be working from a studio, so tethering features and a high flash sync speed will not go unnoticed.

Since it’s a very technical and demanding niche, it requires a great deal of investment.

Hence, picking up the best camera for product photography isn’t that simple. Your investment also needs to extend beyond the camera and to a good studio as well.

Drawing on my own experience as a camera reviewer for years and that of other professionals in the field, I’ve compiled a list of top-rated cameras for product photography in different price ranges.

These devices are also flexible and will easily adapt to your shooting style.

7 Best cameras for Product Photography in 2023

The devices featured in this list range from modern mirrorless ILCs to some very capable Point & Shoots and even old-school DSLRs.

This variety has specifically been chosen to cater to all budgets and all levels of photographers.

Whether you’re a seller looking for a suitable camera for selling online, clothing photography, Etsy, or eBay listings, this article has you covered.

Let’s find the perfect match for your needs!

1. Best Overall: Canon EOS RP

The EOS RP is one of the cheapest full-frame mirrorless cameras you can get today, and for a product photographer, that’s a big deal.

Canon EOS RP does use an older sensor and struggles a bit with video, but it’s hard to argue with that price tag especially when products shots are so good.

Sensor & Capabilities 

The EOS RP uses a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor with a 4,779-pt DPAF system and eye-AF.

It can shoot a 5 FPS burst and has a 1/180s flash sync speed.

For studio work, the burst doesn’t matter, but what does matter is that it supports tethering.

Image quality is very nice, but the EOS RP lacks dynamic range compared to its pricier rivals.

That said, JPEG image quality is excellent and very pleasing to the eye.

This makes the RP an excellent, beginner-friendly digital camera for product photography.

Design & Build

This is one of the smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless bodies you can get today.

It measures 5.24 x 3.35 x 2.76 inches and weighs a mere 1.07 lb.

The trade-off is fewer buttons and dials, allowing for less manual control than some pros would like, but surprisingly, the ergonomics are good.

On top of that, the composite plastic/metal body is weather sealed.

Video Features

The RP is no video camera, by modern standards anyway.

It can shoot decent 1080p product explainer videos using the full width of the sensor and DPAF, but 4K forces a heavy 1.7x crop and disables DPAF for a slower, less-reliable CDAF system.

Connectivity & Lens Compatibility

There is a USB-C port, but it’s only rated at USB 2.0 speeds, so you’ll want a fast SD card reader to transfer data.

You also get 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, micro HDMI output that supports external recorders, and dedicated ports for a mic and headphones.

The RP is one of the first systems to use Canon’s latest RF lens mount, which is great for future-proofing.

You can use older EF glass if you have it, but you’ll need to invest in an adapter, which is an option I wouldn’t recommend if this is your first camera.

Battery Life

As with most first-gen full-frame mirrorless bodies, battery life is rated at just 250 shots per CIPA.

The RP does use the familiar LP-E6N battery, which Canon DSLR shooters should have plenty of.

USB charging is supported.

While on the lower end of the spectrum, do note that a product photographer usually shoots with the camera tethered and in a studio.

Battery life isn’t an issue.

Also, CIPA ratings are notoriously harsh, and you can expect the device to last a full day of casual use.

Should you really buy it?

On the surface, the Canon EOS RP doesn’t appear to have any cutting-edge features or the best image quality when compared to its competition.

However, what it does offer is the power of a full-frame sensor in one of the cheapest and lightest bodies around.

It’s the best product photography camera if the video isn’t a priority.

2. Best Still Photo Camera: Nikon Z FC

This is one of the first APS-C Z-mount systems from Nikon and a very good one at that.

The retro aesthetic of Nikon Z FC is meant to appeal to a younger audience, but rest assured that the device itself is great for taking eBay pictures or product photography, in general.

Sensor & Capabilities 

Featuring a 20.9 MP CMOS sensor backed by an Expeed 6 processor, the Z Fc shoots an 11 FPS burst and has a 209-pt PDAF system.

There is no IBIS or built-in flash, but there is a hot-shoe where you can mount an external unit or sync module.

This sensor is particularly good for product photos because it appears to lack an AA filter, which improves sharpness and perceived resolution.

The sensor is also ISO invariant, allowing you more leeway in the edit.

Design & Build

The magnesium alloy build is so light at just 0.98 lbs that you might mistake the body for a plastic one.

It’s a ruggedly built body with dust and drip resistance and features solid aluminum dials.

The body is very small and measures 5.31 x 3.7 x 1.73 inches.

You’ll find a 3” 1 MDOT fully-articulated LCD on the rear and a 2.36 MDOT 1.02x EVF.

The retro aesthetic looks good, and the dials are welcome, but the body isn’t very comfortable to hold, and you will want an external grip attachment.

This isn’t a problem if you use a tripod.

Video Features

Video features are quite good, with the Nikon S FC offering up to 4K 30 capture using the full width of the sensor.

You can also shoot slo-mo footage at 1080p.

Overall image quality is pleasing and quite sharp, though some rivals do offer better video options.

Connectivity & Lens Compatibility

Nikon has endowed the Z FC well as far as connectivity is concerned.

You’re getting 5 Gbps USB-C, a UHS-I class SDXC card slot, micro HDMI, and mic input. Wi-Fi is also fast since you’re getting 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) support and Bluetooth for easy pairing.

The device uses Nikon’s Z mount system.

Battery Life

A 300-shot battery life rating isn’t bad for the size of the body, but this isn’t really an issue in the studio.

In addition to that, it supports USB-C charging and uses EN-EL25 batteries.

For outdoor use, I’d recommend a spare battery if you tend to take a lot of product pictures.

Should you really buy it?

The Z FC isn’t the most comfortable body, but product photographers are primarily going to use it in a studio and mounted on a tripod.

The actual photos are really good, and the lack of an AA filter is a bonus.

Overall, it’s a great Nikon camera for product photos.

3. Best Camera for eBay Pictures: Fujifilm X-T30 II

The X-T30 II is a welcome and much-needed update to the X-T30.

You now get Fuji’s fantastic X-Trans IV sensor, a faster processor with better video support, and the AF system from the X-T4.

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is now the APS-C camera to beat.

Sensor & Capabilities 

Fuji’s X-Trans sensors have always been spectacular.

Since they don’t use a Bayer Filter for color, the images they capture are extremely sharp and very low on noise, which is exactly what makes it the best camera for selling online.

The X-T30 II uses a 26 MP BSI-CMOS sensor with no AA filter or IBIS.

The 425-pt PDAF system isn’t as effective as Canon’s DPAF or Sony’s real-time tracking AF, but it is very good and more than adequate for product shoots.

There is a built-in flash, and it’s surprisingly capable as a fill light.

Design & Build

The X-T30 II features a small and lightweight body that’s made from a combination of plastic and metal.

Measuring 4.65 x 3.27 x 1.85 inches, it is compact but has a small grip that aids handling.

More importantly, it features a ton of buttons and dials that make setup a breeze.

On the rear, you’ll find a 3” tilting LCD and a nice 2.36 OLED EVF with 0.93x magnification.

The complete package weighs 0.84 lbs.

Video Features

Video quality from the X-T30 II is exceptional.

It’s one of the few systems that can capture 10-bit 4:2:0 footage internally and can shoot DCI-4K footage at up to 30 FPS.

If you want to shoot slo-mo, you can shoot 120 FPS footage at 1080p.

Connectivity & Lens Compatibility

Connectivity includes a 5 Gbps USB-C port, micro HDMI, a mic input, and 802.11n Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.2.

The X-T30 II uses Fujifilm’s X mount lens system, which, while limited in variety, offers the very best APS-C glass money can buy.

Battery Life

Battery life is rated at an impressive 380 shots for stills, and you should manage about 40-70 minutes of video depending on the settings you use.

The NP-W126S battery in here is small, but the body is efficient.

Data is stored on a single UHS-I class SDXC card.

You will need a battery grip or spare batteries if you’re shooting product videos or using the performance mode (which I’d recommend).

The device also supports USB-C charging via USB-PD compatible chargers.

Should you really buy it?

Fuji’s ecosystem is a niche, but its X-Trans sensor and lenses are phenomenal.

If you’re looking for a lightweight camera for eCommerce photography, you just can’t go wrong with an X-T30 II.

4. Best Camera for Clothing Photography: Canon Rebel SL3

The EOS Rebel SL3, a.k.a. EOS 250D, is an excellent entry-level DSLR with a superb sensor.

Canon Rebel SL3 only a couple of years old but is a very capable entry-level option that can even challenge some of the more modern mirrorless bodies out there.

Sensor & Capabilities 

The SL3 uses the same internals as Canon’s mirrorless line, especially the EOS M50.

This gives it excellent JPEG image quality and a fast processor.

The sensor is a 24 MP APS-C CMOS unit with a 9-pt PDAF system for focus.

Unlike most SLRs, the PDAF system works in live view as well, which is very useful when shooting with the LCD.

The Digic 8 processor allows for a 5 FPS first-rate and a flash sync speed of 1/200 sec.

Design & Build

DSLRs tend to be larger and thus more ergonomic than their mirrorless counterparts.

The SL3 is no exception.

It’s well built (albeit not weather sealed) and has a comfortable and deep grip.

The overall dimensions come in at 4.65 x 3.27 x 1.85 inches.

It is mostly made of plastic, so it only weighs 0.99 lb, but the frame is metal and quite sturdy.

You don’t get many buttons and dials, but you do get a 3” 1 MDOT fully-articulated LCD and a pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage.

Video Features

The SL3’s video quality is decent but only useful in a pinch.

Primarily, it shoots 1080p video at up to 60 FPS using the full width of the sensor and DPAF.

It does support a 4K mode, but with an additional 1.7x crop and no DPAF, making focus unreliable in this mode.

Connectivity & Lens Compatibility

The SL3 is a relatively new DSLR and comes with some decent connectivity options.

USB is only rated at 480 MBps and not useful, but you get 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Images can be stored on a UHS-I class SDXC card.

The Rebel SL3 uses the EF/EF-S mounting system for lenses.

It’s now been replaced by RF but is still very relevant, and you’ll literally find hundreds of lens options for your camera.

RF mount cameras are compatible with the EF system via an adapter.

Battery Life

If there’s one thing, you needn’t worry about its battery life.

The SL3 lasts for an incredible 1070 shots when using the optical viewfinder (320 in live view).

That’s either a full day of heavy shooting or several days of casual use.

Should you really buy it?

I’d normally recommend that you pick up a new mirrorless system instead of a DSLR.

However, in its price bracket, the SL3 offers some distinct advantages, such as ergonomics and battery life, that no mirrorless body in that category can manage.

For those reasons, it’s worth buying.

5. Best Camera for Close-Up Product Shots: Sony ZV-1

Are you a seller or a professional who manages the inventory and product photography of a brand or a small business? In search of the best camera for website photos? Sony ZV-1 can be your companion then. Read on to know if it suits your shooting style!

The ZV-1 is an extraordinary point-n-shoot option that single-handedly redefined the segment.

Sony ZV-1 using a small sensor coupled with Sony’s best tech to make for one of the fastest focusing and better-performing system in its class.

Sensor & Capabilities 

The ZV-1 captures images on a 20 MP 1” type sensor that’s tiny by mirrorless standards but much larger than what you’ll get on most smartphones.

This is paired with a fast F1.8-2.8, 3x zoom lens with a 24-70 mm equivalent focal length.

Of course, you’ll find Sony’s unmatched real-time AF system.

Especially useful for product photographers is the built-in product photography mode that automatically blurs the background when possible and in both stills and video.

Design & Build

The ZV-1 is tiny, measuring​ 4.13 x 2.36 x 1.73 inches, and weighs a mere 0.65 lb.

This impacts ergonomics and handling, but because of its low weight and small lens, you’ll still be fine using it with one hand.

The body is made of a mix of metal and plastic and feels good to use, despite the size.

It’s not weather-sealed but is splash resistant.

Buttons are limited, but you do get a touch screen and an articulated LCD.

Video Features

The device also shoots excellent 4K video at 30 FPS and without record limits.

It can overheat in about 40 minutes, though, so do bear that in mind.

The product showcase mode is useful if you need blurry backgrounds for product videos, and the real-time tracking AF works just as well in the video as it does in stills.

Connectivity & Lens Compatibility

The ZV-1 offers a micro USB port that’s rated for USB 2.0 speeds.

For data transfer, you’ll want to use the faster 802.11n Wi-Fi and SDXC card.

You needn’t worry about the mic, for the camera features a very capable digital stereo mic up top.

Battery Life

Battery life is rated at 260 shots, which is low but acceptable in a body this small.

This is good enough for a day on the road, but it won’t hurt to carry a spare battery or USB power bank.

For video, the NP-BX1 battery lasts around 75 min.

Should you really buy it?

The ZV-1 might not at first seem like the ideal camera for product photography, but it is for a certain kind of audience.

If you need to shoot when on location, especially for social media, there’s nothing better.

6. Best Budget Camera for Product Photography: Panasonic LUMIX FZ80

This is a budget superzoom camera that offers decent 4K video and good image quality from a tiny sensor and massive lens.

For product photography, Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 offers an excellent zoom range and a macro mode that can help with composition, and the sensor can output a better image than many smartphones when used in good lighting.

Sensor & Capabilities 

Panasonic has equipped FZ80 with a 1/2.3” 18.1 MP BSI-CMOS sensor.

This is paired with a 20-1200 mm equivalent zoom with an F2.8-5.9 aperture and supports OIS.

The AF system is contrast-based and not very fast, but for product photography, it’ll get the job done.

Design & Build

The LUMIX FZ80 is built like an SLR, which translates to a good in-hand feel and great handling when shooting at the tele end of the lens.

It features a large body that measures​​ 5.12 x 3.7 x 4.69 inches, and weighs 1.36 lb, thanks to the plastic build and that massive lens.

A 3” touchscreen LCD on the rear is used for navigation and monitoring, with a handful of buttons as well.

There is a built-in flash, which is useful if you can’t use an external one.

Video Features

The FZ80 can shoot 4K 30 video and FHD 60 FPS if you need to slow things down.

Video quality is usable when shot in good lighting, but because of that CDAF system, I’d recommend only shooting in manual focus mode.

Connectivity & Lens Compatibility

This is an old body, so the ports are limited.

You get a micro USB port rated at 2.0 speeds, micro HDMI, no audio input or output, and 802.11n Wi-Fi.

Data is captured on a single UHS-I class SD card.

Battery Life

For a system this size, the 330-shot battery life is a little low.

However, this device was released in the early days of mirrorless development, and it’s understandable that its processor and LCD aren’t that efficient.

Should you really buy it?

Pick up the FZ80 if and only if you need that lens and 60x zoom range.

For general use-cases, your smartphone will suffice, but when you need better framing or a longer zoom, the FZ80 is a good affordable camera for product photography.

7. Best Camera for Etsy Photos: Nikon D3200

Despite being a decade old, the Nikon D3200 still remains a darling of the camera world.

Perhaps for nostalgic reasons.

Regardless, the camera can now be had for very little money, and for the capability and image quality you get, Nikon D3200 is still a steal.

Sensor & Capabilities 

At the time it launched, the 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor in the D3200 was considered to be one of the best.

It’s still good today, and in a studio set up with bright lights and massive softboxes, it’ll still take excellent images.

It uses an 11-pt PDAF system when using the optical viewfinder, but only a contrast-based one in LiveView mode.

This is fine for studio use, but I wouldn’t recommend live view for use outdoors.

Design & Build

The D3200 is a large, old-school DSLR with a massive optical viewfinder up top.

This gives it great ergonomics and handling.

The body is made mostly of plastic and isn’t weather-sealed, but it is rugged enough to take a fall or two. A fixed, 3”, 940k dot LCD can be used for Live View.

When measured, the dimensions come to 4.13 x 2.36 x 1.73 inches, and you get a weight of 1.11lb without the lens.

Video Features

Bearing in mind that this product was released in 2012, video quality is lackluster.

It can shoot 1080p 30 FPS video internally, but only when using Live View and, thus, only with a slow, unreliable CDAF system for focusing.

Connectivity & Lens Compatibility

Connectivity options are the bare minimum.

You get a micro USB (2.0), mini HDMI, and mic input. Images are captured to a single UHS-I class SDXC card.

There is no built-in Wi-Fi either, but you can get a WU-1a adapter to wirelessly transfer files to a phone or PC.

The D3200 uses Nikon’s now phased-out F mount system.

It’s an old system, but there are still plenty of lenses to be found, and some can be adapted to the newer Z mount.

Do note that the body has no AF motor, so you’ll need lenses with AF motors.

Battery Life

A battery life rating of 540 shots is exceptional in 2023 but about average by DSLR standards.

There’s no USB charging, and the device uses EN-EL14 batteries, which used to be quite popular.

Should you really buy it?

The D3200 isn’t a great camera for commercial photography work, but if you’re looking to learn or perhaps teach someone the basics, D3200 is an excellent, pocket-friendly option.

Buying Guide

Before getting into cameras for product photography, the first thing you need to think about is whether you’re shooting on the move or in the studio.

For the studio, get a device with excellent low ISO performance and resolution.

Factors like AF speed and burst rate hardly matter.

Camera Features to Consider

A resolution of at least 24 MP on an APS-C sensor will help with framing and cropping.

Obviously, the higher, the better.

Frame rates don’t matter because your subjects are usually stationary, and the same applies to AF.

In fact, you’ll have to rely on manual focus a lot more than you would on AF.

A good zoom range for your lens or a handful of fast primes are also very useful.

The differing field of view changes the shape of the subject, and a longer zoom helps with background compression and separation.

Compatible Accessories

Your studio setup is more important than anything else, which means lighting and background.

Most cameras will shoot excellent images in good lighting, so put the bulk of your budget towards good lights.

I can’t stress this enough: a handful of high CRI lights — lights with excellent natural color output — will do more for your image than a $5000 camera in terrible lighting.

Backdrops are another area of concern.

Invest in some good paper or cloth, and learn how to use tables and flags to set up your shot and manage lighting.

You also need a good tripod, something with a good height, and preferably, a boom arm for overhead shots.

The tripod will also need to be very stable as some cameras can suffer from shutter slap.

Camera Design

As far as design go, get something big and heavy for studio use.

The weight and size make your shots more stable, especially with longer and heavier lenses.

Build quality and features like weather sealing aren’t critical here.

A tilting LCD will help with framing, but I’d recommend investing in an external monitor that supports waveforms.

On-camera LCDs tend to be blurry and lack color accuracy.

Budget

Your budget should be dictated by your clients.

For learning or personal use, don’t spend more than $1200 or so on a camera and lighting.

For print or billboards, go all out and get the best gear you can afford, with, again, the bulk of your money going towards lighting.

For social media use, focus on a device that’s fun and easy to use, something with good low light performance and a large aperture for those blurry backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

If you want my pick for the best product photography equipment, I’d go with the Canon EOS RP.

It’s a fast, modern mirrorless system with an exceptional sensor and even more exceptional color science.

It’s a powerful tool when used right.

Other options include:

• I’d advise Nikon users to go for the Nikon Z FC. It’s an APS-C mirrorless ILC and boasts excellent image quality and support for Nikon’s new Z mount system.
• If you don’t care about the full-frame, go for the Fujifilm X-T30 II. It’s an exceptionally capable system with image quality that will put more expensive full-frame options to shame.
• Lastly, if you’re on a budget, get the Canon Rebel SL3 or Nikon D3200. They’re both old options but they both offer the power and flexibility of an SLR at a low price.

I hope at least one of these product photography cameras catches your fancy and gets you started on your journey.

Happy shooting, and the best of luck with your new venture!

Suggested Reads:

• Best Cameras for Jewelery Photography
• Best Cameras for eBay Listings