Car photography is an exciting genre that requires a great deal of technical skill and creativity to capture the perfect shot. Whether you are a professional or an enthusiast, having the right camera is essential to produce high-quality images that showcase the beauty and power of cars.
With so many cameras available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we will explore the top cameras for car photography and their features, helping you make an informed decision on which camera to use to capture the beauty and power of these magnificent machines and which to invest in.
List of best cameras for car photography
So without further ado, let’s get straight to it. We’ll review the cameras based on the activity type we looking to photograph
Canon EOS R6
Best suited for Track Days
If you’re looking for a camera that can capture the intricate details of a car, the Canon EOS 5DS is a great option to consider. With a whopping 50.6 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, this camera delivers incredible resolution that allows you to capture every little detail of your subject. This makes it perfect for car photography, where you want to capture the sleek curves and intricate details of a car’s design.
In addition to its impressive resolution, the EOS 5DS also delivers excellent image and video quality to capture sharp and clear images of moving cars, which is essential in the world of car photography. It has a durable magnesium alloy body and is sealed against dust and water, which makes it an ideal camera for outdoor shoots.
One of its best features is its customizable buttons and dials to your liking, which makes it easy to adjust interface settings on the fly. This makes the need for shooting fast-moving subjects like cars easy for quick adjustments to capture the perfect shot.
| Pros |
|---|
| Excellent autofocus system for tracking moving subjects |
| Impressive image stabilization system |
| Fast and accurate burst shooting at up to 12 frames per second |
| Good low light performance |
| Cons |
|---|
| Limited battery life |
| Limited dynamic range compared to some competitors |
| Limited buffer depth |
| No option for dual card slots |
Overall, the Canon EOS 5DS is an excellent camera for car photography. While it may be a bit on the expensive side, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious car photographers who want the best quality images and video.
Sony A7 III
Best suited for Car Shows
The Sony a7 III is a top contender for the best camera for car photography. Its most impressive feature is its full-frame 24.2-megapixel resolution, which produces sharp and detailed images. This camera also has an excellent autofocus system with 693 phase-detection points that cover 93% of the frame, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving cars.
Its high ISO range allows for great low-light performance, while its dynamic range ensures that even the most challenging lighting conditions are handled with ease. Its weather-sealed body and its ergonomics make it easy to handle and use for extended periods. Its battery life allows for extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
| Pros |
|---|
| Great image quality and dynamic range |
| Excellent autofocus system with Eye AF and animal detection |
| Good low light performance |
| In-body image stabilization system |
| Cons |
|---|
| Limited touchscreen functionality |
| Limited battery life |
| Limited video capabilities compared to some competitors |
| Slow buffer clearing |
Overall, the Sony a7 III is an outstanding camera for car photography, thanks to its impressive resolution, autofocus system, and image and video quality. While some users may find the menu system complicated, the Sony a7 III’s strengths more than make up for any minor drawbacks.
Nikon D850
Best suited for Racing
The Nikon D850 is a top-of-the-line DSLR camera that excels in several areas, making it a great choice for car photography. One of the best features of the camera is its 45.7-megapixel resolution, which produces stunningly sharp and detailed images that capture every aspect of a car’s design.
The D850 also boasts excellent image and video quality, thanks to its advanced autofocus system, high ISO sensitivity range, and 4K video capabilities.
This camera can capture fast-moving subjects with ease and produce high-quality footage for promotional videos or social media content. The camera’s rugged construction and weather-sealed body can withstand the demands of shooting in outdoor environments, such as racetracks or off-road trails.
The large, tilting touchscreen display is easy to use and provides a clear view of the subject, even in bright sunlight. One potential downside of the Nikon D850 is its high price tag, which may make it less accessible to some photographers. Additionally, the camera’s large size and weight can make it cumbersome to carry around for extended periods of time.
| Pros |
|---|
| Impressive image resolution and detail |
| Wide dynamic range |
| Fast and accurate autofocus system |
| Dual card slots for added storage and backup |
| Cons |
|---|
| No built-in image stabilization |
| Heavy and bulky |
| Limited buffer depth |
| Limited video capabilities compared to some competitors |
Overall, the Nikon D850 is a highly capable camera that delivers exceptional image quality and performance, making it a great choice for professional car photographers looking for a reliable and versatile camera.
Fujifilm X-T4
Best suited for Street Photography
When it comes to car photography, the Fujifilm X-T4 is a great option for capturing stunning shots of vehicles. One of its best features is its 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, which provides excellent resolution and image quality. Additionally, the X-T4 offers up to 15 frames per second continuous shooting with AF, making it a great choice for capturing fast-moving vehicles.
The X-T4 offers 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, with 10-bit 4:2:0 color depth and 10-bit 4:2:2 via the HDMI port. has in-body image stabilization, which can be particularly useful for shooting video while in motion.
It has a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, making it durable enough to withstand challenging shooting conditions. The camera also has a fully articulating LCD screen, which can be useful for getting low-angle shots or for vlogging.
| Pros |
|---|
| Impressive image and video quality |
| Excellent autofocus system |
| In-body image stabilization system |
| Good low light performance |
| Cons |
|---|
| Limited battery life |
| No built-in ND filter |
| Limited buffer depth |
| No option for dual card slots |
Overall, the Fujifilm X-T4 is a versatile camera making it well-suited for car photography. Its design and build also make it a durable option for shooting in a variety of conditions. However, the camera’s relatively high price point may be a consideration for some photographers.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Best suited for Road Trips
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a mirrorless camera that is well-suited for car photography due to its impressive features and capabilities. One of its best features is its excellent image stabilization, which can produce sharp and clear photos even in low light situations. It also has a fast autofocus system that helps capture moving cars without blur.
the E-M1 Mark III has a 20.4-megapixel sensor which is slightly low but still delivers high-quality images with accurate colours and good detail.
the ability to shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and Full HD at up to 120 frames per second. The camera also has a built-in microphone and headphone jack for audio recording.
The E-M1 Mark III is rugged and durable, with weather-sealing that protects it from dust, moisture, and cold temperatures. It has a comfortable grip and a range of customizable buttons that allow for easy control and access to settings. The camera also has a tilting LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder for composition and framing.
| Pros |
|---|
| Impressive image stabilization system |
| Compact and lightweight |
| Weather-sealed design |
| Good battery life |
| Cons |
|---|
| Limited autofocus points |
| Smaller sensor |
| Limited video capabilities |
| Limited dynamic range |
Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a great camera for car photography, especially for those who prioritize portability and durability. Its image stabilization, autofocus, and versatile ISO range make it a solid choice for capturing sharp and clear images of moving cars, while its rugged build makes it well-suited for outdoor shooting.
