When you take portraits, you aim to capture your subject’s personality and essence. More often than not, you’ll find yourself working with a plain backdrop and a seated subject. It’s up to you, the photographer, to make this photo stand out.
You can learn the necessary skills, such as those found in our Portrait Photography 101, but your work will not be completely successful without a great camera. So, whether you’re a new or a professional photographer, having the right tool is vital. To help you succeed in portrait photography, we have gathered a list of the 10 best cameras for taking portrait photos.
How to Choose the Right Camera for Portrait Photography
While you can take portrait photos with any camera in the market, the right type of portrait photography camera can take your photos to another level. Here are the main things you should consider when choosing a camera for portraits:
Resolution
The megapixel count tells you how much detail the camera can capture. For portrait photography, you want a camera that can capture small details about a person, but not too much that it shows even small flaws.
Ergonomics and Portability
Ergonomics and portability are important if you plan on taking outdoor and active portrait photos since you’ll be carrying the camera for a long time. You should be able to easily navigate and master its controls so you can focus on taking photos.
ISO Sensitivity
ISO Sensitivity determines the amount of light your camera will amplify in the photo. You can avoid noisy backgrounds in your portraits with a lower ISO sensitivity.
The Best Cameras for Portrait Photography in 2023
As a professional portrait photography service, we have held our fair share of cameras. Here are the top portrait photography cameras to choose from:
Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is a mirrorless camera that’s ideal for the seasoned portrait photographer. This camera has features that can be used for different types of portrait photography, such as action and handheld portraits.
This camera ensures that each image is sharp with its 45 megapixels, 1053 AF zone, and autofocus technology. The 8 stops of shake correction lets you shoot even in less-than-ideal situations.
This camera is convenient to use, too. You can conveniently back up images with dual memory card slots, as well as use it worry-free in any weather.
Other Key Features:
- Full frame
- 1053 autofocus points
- 12 fps (with mechanical shutter) and 20 fps (with electric shutter)
- 8 stops of shake correction
- Dual memory card slots
- 51,200 maximum ISO sensitivity
- Weather-, drip-, and dust-proof.
Sony α7 IV
Both photography enthusiasts and professionals will get their money’s worth with the Sony α7 IV. This is a full-frame mirrorless camera that is customizable and ergonomic.
This Sony camera has a pretty high resolution of 33 megapixels, which is paired with the BIONX XR image processing engine. Its high-precision stabilization and autofocus churn out amazingly sharp photos, even in low light.
With this mid-range camera, you’ll also have access to Creative Look presets. This feature lets you set the mood of your photos before you shoot, which minimizes the need for post-prod touch-ups.
Other Key Features:
- Up to 10 fps continuous shooting
- 100 to 51,200 maximum ISO sensitivity
- 5-axis image stabilization
- Single memory card slot
- Flip-out 3-inch screen
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV may look identical to its predecessor but it has significant upgrades. This dynamic camera is best for professionals and seasoned photographers.
This camera features a higher resolution of 30.4 megapixels, dual-pixel autofocus, and contains 61 AF points with up to 24 percent expanded vertical coverage that makes it a good camera for portrait photography.
However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is also capable in landscape, sports, and wildlife photography.
You’re also sure to get all the shots you need for the perfect portrait because this camera’s battery can last up to 900 shots.
Other Key Features:
- Full frame
- 32,000 maximum ISO sensitivity (expandable up to 102,400)
- 7 fps continuous shooting
- 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor
- 4K video shooting
- 3.2” touchscreen monitor
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Weather sealing
Nikon D850
Deemed one of the most versatile DSLR cameras upon its release, the Nikon D850 is another great choice for portrait photography.
The Nikon D850 has an impressive 45.7 megapixels and a 153-point autofocus system. You can shoot sharp action portraits with 7 fps of continuous shooting, which you can increase to 9 fps with a battery grip.
Apart from high-quality photos, the Nikon D850 offers convenience. The camera supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, so you can easily copy photos and videos from your camera to your laptop or phone.
Other Key Features:
- 64 to 25,600 ISO sensitivity (expandable to 32 to 102,400)
- 1/8000 sec shutter speed
- Silent shutter
- Single memory card slot
- Wireless Speedlight Control
- Tilting touchscreen monitor
- Improved weather sealing
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a great choice for those interested in action and outdoor portrait photography. This portrait photography camera accommodates a wide range of users.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a micro four thirds camera, which means that it’s compact and lightweight. It’s portable but still offers advanced features comparable to larger systems.
While it has only 20 megapixels, the High-Resolution mode can capture up to 80 megapixels for RAW files. Plus, with its 6.5 stops of stabilization, it will be easier to get sharper portraits.
You can also customize your camera with lenses from different brands.
Other key features:
- 121-point hybrid autofocus system
- 10 fps burst shooting with AF-C
- Touchscreen monitor
- In-camera USB charging
- Weather sealing
Fujifilm X-T4
The Fujifilm C-T4 is another camera suitable for beginners and experts. It’s a powerful camera with an intuitive design.
This APS-C mirrorless camera features 26 megapixels, improved autofocus, and in-body 6.5 stops of stabilization. This model also has a longer battery life compared to older models—up to 500 shots per charge.
With these features, users can enjoy smooth shooting and high-quality images, which are important must-haves in portrait photo cameras.
Other Key Features:
- 20 fps shooting with AF
- 160 to 12,800 ISO sensitivity (expandable to 80 to 51,200)
- 4K Video
- Fully-articulated touchscreen monitor
- Dual memory card slots
- USB-C type connector for in-camera charging
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
Sony Alpha 6400
Sony’s Alpha 6400 is somewhat dated but it’s arguably still one of the best choices for portraiture photography. This camera features Sony’s “Real-Time Tracking” autofocus so it’s great for action portraits.
The camera has 24 megapixels with an APS-C sensor, which produces amazing portrait photos. You can also enjoy numerous features that make taking photos much easier, such as its tiling screen.
Other Key Features:
- 11 fps burst shooting (8 fps with silent shutter)
- 425-point phase-detection AF system
- 100 to 32,000 ISO sensitivity
- 4K/30p video
- Interval shooting option
- Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth enabled
Panasonic LUMIX G9
The Panasonic LUMIX G9 is another compact micro four thirds camera that offers high-resolution photos and videos. With this camera, you can tap into your creativity and produce amazing portraits, regardless of your skill level.
This high-performing camera offers fast shooting and detailed photos. It has 20.3 megapixels, which offers a competitive resolution. However, this can still go up to 80 megapixels in high-res shot mode. This feature is complemented by the improved image stabilization control, so you can get sharp photos even without a tripod.
Other Key Features:
- 225 autofocus points
- 200 to 25,600 ISO sensitivity
- 1.05M-dot 3-inch articulating touchscreen monitor
- 20 fps burst with continuous AD (with electric shutter)
- AF joystick
- Dust- and weather-sealed
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
Nikon Z50
Another worthy portrait shoot camera is the Nikon Z50, which is a mirrorless camera boasting 21 megapixels. This camera is great for those who want to explore portrait photography as a hobby but may also be interested in videography.
Taking portrait photos will be smoother with Nikon Z50’s tilting display monitor. And not only that, but you can also manipulate the outcome of each image before you shoot with Nikon’s Picture Control. Choose between Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Black and White, and Flat.
Other Key Features:
- 209 autofocus points
- 100 to 51,200 ISO sensitivity
- Twin control dial interface
- 4K video up to 3p
- Tilting touchscreen monitor
- Single memory card slot
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
- Picture Control
Fujifilm X-T5
This mirrorless camera caters specifically to still photography. It offers a balance between quality and fun. For this reason, this camera may be a good choice for experienced hobbyists.
Enjoy impressively detailed images with its 40.2-megapixel sensor and its improved autofocus and subject-detection systems.
The camera also comes with the full set of Film Simulation modes, which could give your portraits a classic film feel.
Other Key Features:
- 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS
- 3” tilting touch-sensitive monitor
- 125 ISO sensitivity
- Supports HEIF image format
- Battery lasts up to 760 shots
- Weather sealing
Let Stellar Studios Improve Your Portraits
We have narrowed down your choice to 10 of the best portrait photography cameras in the market today. However, the best camera, ultimately depends on you and the kinds of portraits you plan to shoot. We suggest trying out your top options in person—see how they feel in your hand—before sealing the deal.
Take your pick from the best cameras for portrait photography and start your journey in portrait photography. While you polish your skills in portrait photography, Stellar Studios can assist you in taking amazing portrait photos for you or your family.