As a freelance photographer, it’s important to have the best camera gear to capture amazing photos and videos. In this blog post, we will recommend some of the best cameras for freelance photography, based on our experience and research. So if you’re in the market for a new camera, read on for our top picks!
What to look for when buying a camera?
When looking at different cameras, there are many considerations to make. The 3 most important things you should consider when purchasing a new camera are: 1) what you’ll be using it for, 2) the size of the sensor and 3) the dynamic range. In this blog post, we’ll focus on what kinds of photography each camera is best used for and we will also recommend some of our favorite models based on their price and specs. We hope that you find this blog post informative and helpful!
Best Camera For Freelance Photography: Action/Wildlife/Sports Photography
Best Professional Camera: Nikon D5 or Canon 1DX MK II
Canon 1DX MK II
- Fastest shooting EOS-1D, capable of up to 14 fps full-resolution RAW or JPEG, and up to 16 fps in Live View mode with new Dual DIGIC 6Plus Image Processors
- Achieves a maximum burst rate of up to 170 raws in continuous shooting at up to 16 fps, and 4K movies using CFast cards in the new CFast 2.0 slot
- Improved AF performance through 61-point, wide area AF system with 41 cross-type points, improved center point focusing sensitivity to -3 EV and compatibility down to f 8
- Turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam Learn more: Canon.us livestream
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI outp
Nikon D5
- 20.8MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 5 Image Processor
- 3.2 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
- 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps. CompactFlash (CF) (Type I, compliant with UDMA) XQD Type Memory
- Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System
- Native ISO 102400, Extend to ISO 3280000
- 12 fps Shooting for 200 Shots with AE/AF
- 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF
- 14-Bit Raw Files and 12-Bit Raw S Format
- Supplied With: EN-EL18a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-26a Battery Charger, USB Cable Clip, HDMI Cable Clip, UC-E22 USB Cable, AN-DC15 Strap, DK-27 Eyepiece Adapter, DK-17F Fluorine-Coated Finder Eyepiece, BF-1B Body Cap, BS-3 Accessory Shoe Cover, BL-6 Battery Chamber Cover, Warranty, Network Guide
- Supplied With: EN-EL18a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-26a Battery Charger, USB Cable Clip, HDMI Cable Clip, UC-E22 USB Cable, AN-DC15 Strap, DK-27 Eyepiece Adapter, DK-17F Fluorine-Coated Finder Eyepiece, BF-1B Body Cap, BS-3 Accessory Shoe Cover, BL-6 Battery Chamber Cover, Warranty, Network Guide
Best Lenses for Wildlife/Sports Photography:
Nikon : Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Telephoto Lens, or the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S Telephoto Zoom Lens.
Canon : Canon 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
1. Nikon D5 – The Nikon D5 is considered one of the best DSLR cameras by professionals and is at the top of our list of recommended cameras for freelance photography. Variants include a standard body only, and a twin-lens kit with the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S Telephoto Zoom Lens (price range $2400-$2000 depending on the used market). This beast of a camera has an ISO range that reaches 204,800! And it can shoot up to 12 frames per second (fps), which is definitely needed for professional wildlife photographers. The Nikon D4s was previously the best camera for wildlife photography but this model has been replaced by the newer D5 at the top of Nikon’s line.
2. Canon 1DX MK II – The Canon 1DX MK II comes at a close second for being one of the best cameras for freelance photography, while still being a very capable sports camera. A variant is the 1DX MK II twin lens kit that includes the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens (price range $4800-$4400 depending on used market). Where the Nikon D5 beats the Canon 1DX MK II is in its high ISO capabilities and frames per second rate.
How does sensor size affect your photos?
Sensor size plays an important role in determining how much light you can absorb into your photo, which will give you low noise images with more details even at high ISOs. The bigger the sensor’s surface area, the more light it can collect. Generally, full-frame sensors are better for low light photography. You can read more about sensor size here .
Best Camera For Freelance Photography: Portrait/Wedding Photography
1. Nikon D810 – The Nikon D810 is still considered one of the best DSLR cameras by professionals and is an all-around great camera. This model has been discontinued but it’s easy to find on the used market for around $2200 depending on how much use it has seen before you buy it. With 36 megapixels, this camera can capture beautiful wedding photos with exquisite details in both your beautiful bridal portraits and candid moments at the reception! There are also various other variants that include different lenses.
Best Camera For Freelance Photography: Product/Food Photography
1. Nikon D850 – The latest addition to the Nikon DSLR line, this new model is a great full-frame camera at a reasonable price of just under $3200. With 45.7 megapixels and a completely newly designed backside illuminated sensor, low noise images at high ISOs are a guarantee with this camera. This model also has 4K video capabilities so you can even shoot top quality product videos with it!
What kind of camera do you need for close up photography ? Generally, macro lenses are preferred if you want to take close up photos or shoot small products. For best results, you should buy lenses with a maximum focal length of at least 100mm.
Best Camera For Freelance Photography: Wildlife
1. Nikon D500 – The new and improved Nikon D500 is still an excellent choice for wildlife photography because it has a 20 megapixel CMOS sensor, 4K video capabilities, fast shooting speed at 10 frames per second, and low-light capabilities with high ISO ratings. This model can also shoot up to 200 RAW photos making it great for sports shooters as well!
Best Camera For Freelance Photography: Macro/Close Up
1. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM MACRO – If you’re looking for the best first lens for macro photography, this Canon product might fit your needs just right! With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this macro lens lets you photograph small objects up close and personal with crystal clear sharpness and amazing colors.
Best Camera For Freelance Photography: Street Photography
1. Olympus OM-D E-M5 – The perfect all rounder for street photography, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is an excellent choice if you want to venture out on the streets alone or with your friends while capturing beautiful moments in high quality without having to carry around heavy gear or expensive DSLR bodies. This camera’s compact size makes it easy to take along anywhere so you can practice your technique at any moment without having to worry about looking like a beginner!
Best Camera For Freelance Photography: Wedding Videography
1. Panasonic GH4 – With 4K video capabilities and image stabilization features, the Panasonic GH4 makes for an excellent DSLR camera for wedding videography. It is also compatible with all Micro Four Thirds lenses so it lets you choose your favorite set of lenses. Variants to this model include kit lens options or other Lumix cameras that can be used to supplement this main camera during weddings. Best Compact Digital Cameras
2. Sony RX100 V – The Sony RX100 V compact camera is one of the most popular choices for photographers who are looking for a powerful compact camera that is easy to carry around at all times. This model has 20 megapixels and can shoot 4K videos, which makes it an ideal choice for casual photography or video bloggers on the go!
Conclusion
There are many other cameras out there in the market but these are the best ones you should consider if you’re looking for fantastic quality images while staying within your budget! As said before, always do thorough research before committing to any purchase because buying the right camera will help maximize your shooting capabilities while saving you time and money in post-processing. If you have other recommendations on the best cameras for freelance photography, then let us know in the comments section below!