I have been in the wedding photography industry for nearly a decade and have had the opportunity to capture and edit photos using just about every camera on the market. Working with professionals who use every system, I’ve gathered feedback on what they like and dislike to provide you with this list of the best cameras for weddings in 2024. My reviews are based on my own extensive experience and that of fulltime professionals I've collaborated with over the years. I personally photograph over 40 weddings a year and am the highestreviewed photographer in my area.
While many people focus on specs and pixelpeeping, this article is crafted by professionals who actually work in the field, capturing hundreds of weddings a year. Contrary to popular belief, the best cameras for weddings are not always the “flagship” models but are often the midrange pro bodies. As a wedding photographer, there are three main things to consider when choosing a camera body: sensor size, resolution, and autofocus (specifically, subject tracking).
Sensor Size
When considering a camera for weddings, sensor size is of utmost importance. After years of capturing images in all kinds of conditions, I recommend purchasing cameras with fullframe sensors. Fullframe sensors are crucial because they allow the camera to capture crisp images with low noise in dark conditions, providing clients with the best possible image quality. Some photographers believe crop sensors are acceptable for weddings, but the difference in image quality is significant when compared side by side.
Resolution
Contrary to popular belief, the best cameras for weddings and low light are not those with the highest megapixel count. There are two main reasons for this. First, a high megapixel count creates large file sizes. Wedding photographers process and edit tens of thousands of images a year, and larger file sizes load and process much slower than smaller ones. Unless you have a highperformance computer or are willing to wait longer for photos to import and export, I recommend looking for a sensor size around 2030 MP. At this resolution, clients can still print large images (up to 40” x 60”) without noticeable pixelation, provided you get the framing right during the shoot and do not need to crop heavily during editing.
Lower resolution cameras often perform better in low light due to larger individual pixel sizes on the sensor, which allow more light to be processed per pixel, resulting in clearer images with less noise. For example, I own a Nikon Z7 II (45.7 MP) for landscapes but prefer my Z6 II’s (24.2 MP) for weddings. I have never wished for the higher resolution Z7 II in wedding situations.
Subject Tracking
I used to be slow to adopt new technology and was initially skeptical about the mirrorless trend. However, after trying a fellow photographer’s Nikon Z6, I quickly switched due to its superior subject tracking, especially eyetracking technology. If you are still using a DSLR, I recommend switching to mirrorless for this feature alone. It is revolutionary and results in significantly better images for your clients.
Before going mirrorless, I shot with the Nikon D850, which was considered to have the best autofocus in the DSLR market. However, after switching to the Z6, I found its autofocus in low light to be vastly superior, hitting focus 9 out of 10 times compared to the D850’s 1 out of 3. This improvement made capturing great photos during receptions much easier.
The Best Cameras for Wedding Photography by Brand
Nikon Z6 II
Price: $1,996.95 (Amazon)
Sensor: Mirrorless, Full Frame, 24.2 MP
Screen: 3.2inch tilting touchscreen
Max Burst Speed: 14 fps
If you own Nikon lenses or are looking to buy a Nikon camera for wedding photography, the Nikon Z6 II is the best option. I own four Z6 II’s and a Z7 II (my wife is also a fulltime professional photographer), and I never find myself wanting more camera. The resolution is perfect, and the low light performance is incredible.
Sony A7 IV
Price: $2,498.00 (Amazon)
Sensor: Mirrorless, Full Frame, 30.0 MP
Screen: 3inch fully articulating touchscreen
Max Burst Speed: 10 fps
The Sony A7 IV is a fantastic camera. If you plan to do any video professionally or already have Sony glass, I strongly recommend this camera. While there are upgrades like the Sony A7R V, I don’t think the higher price tag is worth it for wedding photography alone. The A7 IV is perfect for stills.
Canon EOS R6 II
Price: $2,499.00 (Amazon)
Sensor: Mirrorless, Full Frame, 24.2 MP
Screen: 3inch fully articulating touchscreen
Max Burst Speed: 30 fps
The Canon EOS R6 II is an amazing camera. I have used it on several occasions and have no complaints. If you are a Canon photographer, this is the camera for you. While the Canon EOS R5 offers higher resolution (45 MP) for a higher price ($3,499), I do not find it necessary for wedding photography.
Fuji XT4
Price: $1,549.00 (Amazon)
Sensor: Mirrorless, APSC, 26.1 MP
Screen: 3inch variangle touchscreen
Max Burst Speed: 15 fps
The Fuji XT4 is one of the few Fuji cameras I recommend for weddings. However, Fuji’s crop sensors are not ideal for weddings compared to fullframe options from Nikon, Sony, or Canon. I suggest choosing one of the big three brands unless you are committed to using Fuji.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has been useful. In today’s camera market, it is hard to go wrong with your camera purchase for wedding photography, as every camera listed above can capture stunning images. At the end of the day, the camera is only as good as the person using it. There really is no wrong choice, but these recommendations are based on extensive professional experience. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below!
If you would like to see more of the gear I use for weddings, be sure to check out the Complete List Of The Wedding Photography Gear I Use. For my outdoor landscapes and travel photography gear, check out What's In My Bag A Complete List Of The Landscape Photography Gear I Use.
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