5 Best Cameras for Car Photography

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Car photography is a growing trend in the photography industry that works well with other types of vehicles like motorcycles or airplanes. Because this area has become more popular over time, finding the perfect camera setup isn’t always easy when starting out. There are quite a few options on the market which makes choosing one even harder.

However, knowing what’s available and how they work will help make things easier if car photos interest you on an amateur or professional level.

The best cameras for car photography are an important consideration for any photographer. Whether you’re taking photos of vehicles, landscapes, or people, there’s no denying that the quality and type of camera can make a huge difference to your final result.

In this guide, experts will be looking at some of the best cameras for car photography as well as answering some common questions about what makes these models stand out from the crowd.

Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body – the Editor’s choice!

The fast 9 frames per second for continuous shooting and FX-format 45.7MP CMOS sensor with backside illumination design enables professional photographers to achieve sharp detailed images even in important low light situations – and extends your creativity with breathtaking sharpness, fine tonal gradations, and striking shadows.

It’s also loaded with innovative new features such as a tilting touchscreen that flips out 180° for live view monitoring or viewing photos on the fly along with 4K Ultra HD video recording at a 30p frame rate. Plus, its cutting-edge low noise ISO-certified technology captures amazing shots of any scene at up to 25600 ISO2 sensitivity settings.

The D850 resembles a dream come true for professional photographers, but it may also entice a wide range of amateur shooters given its low price. It does have a few drawbacks, but overall its resolution, continuous shooting rate, and 4K full-frame video are simply breathtaking.

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Canon EOS M50 Mark II + EF-M 15-45mm is STM Kit Black – the best for portability!

In spite of its compact design, the M50 has an electronic viewfinder for excellent daytime shooting. And you’ll get full Wi-Fi support so you can shoot from your smartphone or tablet.

The intuitive touchscreen interface will have you capturing top-quality shots in no time at all – perfect for snapshooters who don’t want complications setting up their shots!

The EOS M50 Mark II is a small, easy-to-use mirrorless camera with a 24MP APS-C sensor. It has only minor improvements over the original model, but it offers great ergonomics and excellent image quality at a reasonable price. The camera now features improvements such as autofocus refinements, vertical video recording, and the ability to live stream directly to YouTube if a strong enough Wi-Fi signal is available.

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Canon EOS M200 Mirrorless Digital Vlogging Camera Kit – the best for extra accessories!

The LCD touchscreen has an intuitive design so beginners can navigate through their camera settings effortlessly. This compact camera is the perfect balance between affordability and quality.

Apply the free EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (compatible with Mac and Windows OS) to turn this camera into a premium webcam so family members across the country can see what’s happening at home!

The Canon EOS M200 is a simple camera for smartphone photographers who wish to improve their technique, but the picture quality could be better. The EOS M200 is a good digital camera with some useful simple features for novices.

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OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera Body – the best for topside photographers!

Have the newest and best of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera Body with a stylish design that captures your every moment! Capture every new sunrise, sunset, snowboard leap, or snowman building with versatility. For amateur or professional photographers alike this will bring out the best in you.

From portraits to sports shooting, this moves quickly from one idea to another. With features such as 4K video recording at 100mbps for more detailed footage, if something catches your eye while filming then temporarily freeze it in time for a still shot while continuing to film on – all contained on one SD card slot which gives you a fair amount of storage space.

With 15fps RAW capture mode and live ND, you never miss a beat when capturing the moving cars.

The OM-D EM1 Mark III is a fantastic camera for topside photographers since it has many special features that were first introduced on the Olympus EM1X. The OM-D EM1 Mark III is, without a doubt, one of the finest Olympus cameras available.

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Pentax K-70 Weather-Sealed DSLR Camera Body – the best for outside shooting!

Well, how about the fact that this camera has tons of features and advanced options like pixel shift and AA filter simulation, and comes with an extensive range of customization — sure to make photography more fun than ever before. Plus, there’s even Wi-Fi connectivity right in your camera!

The K-70 can be the perfect DSLR camera to withstand all harsh weather conditions. The SR system assists with handheld sharpness and steady video performance, while twin dial controls make it easy to customize your options. With manual or automatic modes down to three seconds, you can take photos in any setting no matter how quickly!

The Pentax K-70 is a cost-effective SLR that comes with weather sealing, but its Live View focus system is mediocre.

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The Buyer’s Guide

Types

Mirrorless cameras

They are becoming more and more popular, these cameras offer great image quality with the compact size of DSLRs. Mirrorless cameras can be perfect for beginners who want to step up from their smartphone but don’t want to spend a lot of money on an expensive full-frame camera. Some mirrorless models have adapters that can be used with lenses from other systems such as Canon or Nikon.

However, they can be more challenging to shoot with as you don’t have the option to see through the lens as you do on a DSLR or SLT camera. You will need additional accessories such as external monitors that are connected via HDMI cable or using WiFi apps that allow control over your camera from another device (such as iPhone/iPad). The size of these cameras also restricts how close you can get up to objects without being seen by drivers behind their windshields.

Pros:

• Versatile;
• More durable than DSLRs;
• The cost of lenses is usually lower compared to equivalent quality on a DSLR camera;
• Fast-focusing capabilities in low light conditions;
• The ability to shoot in the RAW format gives you more leeway when editing your images;

Cons:

• Heavy;
• Expensive;
• They lack long-exposure abilities;
• Less weatherproof cameras;
• If a mirrorless camera is not equipped with an electronic or optical viewfinder, it will have poor performance in bright sunlight;

DSLR cameras

A few things make DSLRs perfect for car photography. One of them is the mirror that allows you to see exactly what your lens sees which makes it easier to frame and anticipate shots.

Another useful feature when shooting with these cameras is their ability to shoot in RAW format, allowing more room for post-processing without any loss of image quality.

In addition, larger sensors on high-end models enable better light sensitivity options such as longer exposure times or capturing images in low light conditions (most commonly used by street photographers).

Photographers who do not have enough time can also benefit from this because they don’t need to spend too much time setting up their equipment: just point and click! The speed of DSLR cameras is another advantage.

They have a large buffer memory so you can take several pictures in rapid succession without needing to wait between shots or for the camera to write the images on your card which makes them suitable for action photography including car photography.

In addition, some DSLRs have an optical stabilizer built into the body of the camera that allows slower shutter speeds with still capturing sharp and blur-free photos (perfect for shooting during nighttime).

Pros:

• The vast majority of popular lenses as Canon EF and Nikon F were originally made only to fit these types of cameras therefore there are more options available when it comes to purchasing additional equipment such as flashes, etc.;
• DSLRs will last longer than mirrorless models combined with the lower purchase price and cheaper lenses can make them a better choice for beginners;
• They are much more weatherproof than mirrorless cameras that makes it easier to use them in harsh conditions such as rain (however, they also need additional equipment like waterproof housings);

Cons:

• DSLRs require very expensive lenses that can be hard on your budget especially if you’re just starting out or planning an upgrade from older models;
• Although they have improved over time, DSLR viewfinders still lag significantly when compared to mirrorless cameras which might affect the accuracy of framing photos through optical viewfinder (usually less noticeable at low shutter speeds);
• The biggest drawback is their size and weight because these cameras were not designed to be carried around on a daily basis and using them for long periods might cause fatigue;
• They can’t capture images in RAW format without an additional battery pack (which is usually sold separately);

Point and shoot cameras

They are usually small and lightweight which makes them ideal for traveling or carrying around on a daily basis. On the other hand, they don’t have interchangeable lenses so you should think twice whether it’s worth paying more money to upgrade from an older model because you will only be able to use one lens (usually not as good quality). T

The majority of these cameras can take great photos but their capabilities do depend heavily on price range: cheaper models might feel underwhelming when compared with high-end ones that offer better performance in low light conditions etc.

Pros:

• Most point and shoot cameras come equipped with optical viewfinders allowing accurate framing without any lag or delays caused by live previewing your images on the LCD screen.
• They are usually small and lightweight, which makes them ideal for traveling or carrying around on a daily basis.
• They are usually equipped with a good quality lens that is already attached to the camera body which makes them an excellent choice if you’re looking for your first model and don’t want to spend too much time thinking about additional equipment;
• Although there is no perfect camera for car photography, having certain features like weatherproofing and an advanced autofocus system will make your life easier especially if you’re planning to take photos in harsh conditions such as rain or snow;
• They can be used by beginners thanks to intuitive controls and easy accessibility;
• Some cameras even have a built-in electronic viewfinder instead of using an LCD screen only making them extremely portable while still providing great performance during nighttime/low light conditions;

Cons:

• Many point and shoot cameras do not have interchangeable lenses so upgrading from older models might feel like a waste of money because you will only be able to use one lens (not as good quality);
• Cheaper point and shoot cameras might feel underwhelming when compared with high-end models that offer better performance in low light conditions, etc.;
• Their viewfinders lag significantly when compared to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras which might affect the accuracy of framing photos through optical viewfinder (usually less noticeable at low shutter speeds).
• Their lenses are usually not an as good quality when compared with DSLRs or mirrorless models;
• Most point and shoot cameras have very basic functionality in comparison to DSLRs or mirrorless models, limiting you in terms of post-processing options (usually only capable of taking JPEG images);
• In addition, they can’t take pictures at nighttime without an additional flash even if the camera has built-in LED light which can be useful when photographing cars during this time period;
• Furthermore, their image sensors might not provide enough resolution to capture fine details resulting in photos that appear slightly blurry unless taken from far away distances;
• In the majority of cases, these cameras are not well suited for action or sports photography because they don’t offer very good continuous shooting speed and their autofocus systems often struggle in low light conditions/when trying to capture moving subjects;

Given all these limitations it’s safe to say that point and shoot cameras are not the best choice for photographing cars. If you’re looking for a camera that can provide great image quality while being small enough to carry around with ease, mirrorless interchangeable lens models might be one of your best options especially if you have a bigger budget available since they usually come equipped with high-quality lenses providing better edge sharpness than most point and shoot cameras.

Main Features:

The size of the sensor

It is the most important factor in a camera’s image quality. The larger your sensor, the better it can capture light. A larger size also allows for different types of lenses to be used on one body. One common DSLR rule is that if you are shooting with something like a 50mm lens, then use an APS-C or full-frame camera since they have more coverage around this focal length range.

Another way to look at it is that you should use APS-C cameras for lenses shorter than 35mm and full-frame or medium format for longer focal lengths.

For example, the Canon EOS R can be used with a wide range of different lenses up to 800mm in comparison to its smaller counterparts such as those from Nikon or Sony [1].

The number of megapixels

There is no specific number of megapixels required for car photography. However, the higher the better when it comes to camera resolution because more pixels will give you a crisper picture with smoother details in your final image. The best cameras for car photography usually have at least 20-25 MP but can go up from there depending on how large or small of prints you want to make and whether they are going to be viewed online also. Keep in mind though that larger files take longer to store and process so if speed is important then a lower pixel count might work better for your needs.

The type of lenses on the camera

Another important feature to look for when shopping for cameras is the type of lenses on them. Lenses are typically divided into two types – prime and zoom.

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length with the most common being 50mm whereas many models come in 70-200mm or even longer if you want something more specialized like macro photography [2].

Zoom lenses enable you to change your field of view using either digital magnification (like your smartphone camera) or through actual lens elements inside it that shift back and forth relative to each other depending on how much zooming power they need.

Both are good but neither are ideal when shooting cars because having too narrow or wide an angle means missing out on details that might be only inches away from what you’re capturing – so a fixed lens is usually the best choice so you don’t have to worry about missing anything.

Speed and performance

Most modern cameras can take decent car photos and most of them will be more than adequate for your needs. However, some offer better performance when it comes to faster speeds or autofocus that is important if you want sharp pictures that don’t appear blurry in the final product. Look for a camera with at least a continuous shooting speed of at least 10-20 frames per second (fps) but preferably ten fps so even fast-moving cars won’t be missed by the shutter [3] .

Another feature related to capturing action shots is having manual settings on your camera such as aperture priority mode where you set one value manually while the camera automatically adjusts others like ISO and exposure time accordingly. This helps get good exposures in challenging lighting conditions since these two work together to determine the brightness of your final image.

Skillset

It’s critical to have strong picture-taking abilities if you want to use a camera. Cameras with interchangeable lenses provide more variety in pictures. It is up to the photographer to utilize his creative talents for excellent photos. Even if you have one of the top cameras for vehicle photography, it’s also important to know how to use it.

Suitable price range

The price of the camera is always an important factor to consider when buying a new one. However, many good cameras for car photography don’t cost an arm and leg. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to get excellent quality even if you’re on a budget. You can get a good camera for less than $500.

There are several other factors to consider when buying cameras such as size, weight, and storage capacity but these aren’t critical unless you’re going on an extended car photography trip without access to power or an external memory source.

The necessary accessories:

Memory card reader

If you are trying to save money by buying your camera’s memory card online, then make sure that it also comes with an SD/CF card reader. This is very useful if there isn’t already one available on the computer or laptop that you use. It can be really annoying having to transfer pictures onto the computer only to find out that they don’t fit!

Memory cards

Memory cards are an important part of the camera.

These days they range from 32GB-512 GB for cameras but make sure not to buy anything lower than 16GB as those won’t be enough in most cases (especially when recording high-definition videos).

You also need to pay attention to what speed class is required by your camera. Memory card speeds can vary between Class 0-Class 100+. If possible, always look for a higher number like 30+ Mb/s which means a minimum of 30 MB/s write speed [4] .

Class 0 cards are the slowest and Class 100 is one of the fastest in terms of memory card speeds, so always try to get a higher number when it comes to camera memory cards. Also, make sure your car’s USB port can read at least 30MB/s as that would be enough for recording high-definition videos from cameras.

In some cases even faster ones might not work well with your device if you have an older or cheap USB port though, but chances are you’ll know whether this will be an issue before making a purchase (if you want to record HD videos).

Extra batteries

If you shoot with a DSLR camera, extra batteries are an absolute must. If your battery dies and it is the only one that you have on hand to use, then there’s no chance of taking any more pictures until you’ve had time to charge up again. This means that if something were to happen – like a car going by or someone getting into their car – then they will miss out because your camera isn’t ready for them anymore!

Camera bag

If you want to carry more than just your camera and lenses, then a good quality bag is something that would come in really handy.

You don’t need anything too big or bulky – look for one with compartments so as to use it for other things like carrying books, clothes, etc. If possible, try out the backpacks before buying it online to see how well they fit onto their backs. Make sure there are comfortable straps available since this will be carried around all day long!

Cleaning accessories

There is nothing worse than taking beautiful pictures and when you go to look at them later on in the day, they are all covered up with spots.

Cleaning your lenses regularly will help protect you from this happening – even if it’s just a simple cloth that comes with most kits nowadays. You will be fine with such basic cleaning accessories for your camera:

• Air blower;
• Soft-bristled brushes;
• Microfiber cloth and cleaning wipes;
• Cleaning fluid;

Car photography tips for beginners:

Weather and timings for car photography

Even if you’re tempted to capture automobiles in the sun, remember that highly reflecting surfaces can be difficult to photograph. It’s not quite as big an issue with cars that have a matte finish or if you can arrange the vehicle so it blocks out any direct sunshine, but it’s still something to think about.

On an overcast day, cars may be photographed as the bright sky will serve as a giant softbox without the harsh light and shadows produced by the sun. It should not rain, but dramatic clouds can add drama to the background, and raindrops on a car’s surface or windscreen and windows may also be utilized to create an interesting effect.

Shooting at the golden hour (the hour or so just before sunset) can provide stunning results, much like many other types of photography. You get a golden glow while the sun is low enough in the sky to avoid creating harsh shadows.

Camera settings for car photography

The type of automobile photographs you want to take will determine the camera settings you employ for automotive photography.

If you want to shoot your automobile in a stationary position against an intriguing backdrop, keep the ISO as low as feasible, use a small aperture (f/8-f11), and have a fast shutter speed. For this sort of shot, it’s advisable to use aperture priority so that you can concentrate on the depth of field control. A tripod is essential for removing any concerns about hand-holding.

You may also want to snap some detailed shots of your vehicle. Shooting with a large aperture (for example, f/2.8) will nicely isolate the subject from the background when done correctly. If you can keep the ISO low, do it.

However, if you’re shooting an automobile’s interior, a tripod is less useful therefore don’t be afraid to raise the ISO a little to ensure sharp photos.

The perfect excuse to play around with panning is car photography. This shows the automobile in motion and takes some practice to master, but once you do, you’ll be able to capture dynamic action shots that show the vehicle in its natural environment.

Track days and events are ideal for this sort of photography since you can take it from a safe distance while keeping an eye on it [5] .

The size of the sensor

When it comes to automobile photography, there’s no such thing as a bad idea. However, there are certain classic composition concepts for photographing automobiles that will showcase your subject in its best light.

The rule of thirds is often used to create an appealing photograph. Assume that your frame is divided into three parts horizontally and vertically. To achieve the best results, compose so that the automobile appears where the lines intersect. After you’ve given it a shot, rip up the rule book and go off-piste by placing the car in the middle of the picture and disregarding them.

Shooting from a low perspective might yield a dramatic appearance that is particularly appropriate for strong or especially large automobiles. Use your camera with an articulating or tilting screen to shoot as low to the ground as possible.

Try to gather a variety of angles and crops to construct a portfolio, gallery, or montage of photographs of your automobile. Keep in mind to take both the interior and exterior shots – especially for antique automobiles with historical or antique attractions.

Also, keep an eye on what’s going on in the background of your shot – a tree that sticks out from the boot (for example), can significantly detract from an otherwise excellent photo.

Considerations When Choosing a Camera for Car Photography

When selecting a camera for car photography, there are various factors to consider to ensure you get the best shots. This table compares different considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Consideration	Description	Importance	Recommendation
Resolution	The number of megapixels the camera has	High	At least 20 megapixels
Lens	The quality of the lens and focal length	High	Wide-angle lens with at least 18-55mm focal length
ISO Range	The camera’s sensitivity to light	Medium	At least 1600, preferably up to 6400
Shutter Speed	The length of time the camera’s shutter stays open	High	At least 1/200 second or faster
Autofocus System	The camera’s ability to focus quickly and accurately	High	Dual Pixel AF or similar technology
Burst Mode	The camera’s ability to take multiple shots in rapid succession	Medium	At least 5 frames per second
Image Stabilization	The camera’s ability to reduce camera shake and blur	Medium	Optical or sensor-shift stabilization
Weight and Size	The camera’s portability and ease of use	Low	Depends on personal preference and shooting style
Price	The camera’s cost	Low	Depends on personal budget and needs

This table highlights the important factors to consider when choosing a camera for car photography. It is recommended to prioritize resolution, lens quality, and autofocus system for the best results. However, personal preference and budget should also be taken into account when making a final decision.

Read these guides to improve your photography skills:

• Why Are There White Spots On My Photos?
• How Long Does a Canon Battery Last?
• How to Clean a DSLR Mirror?

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FAQ

Do professionals use mirrorless cameras?

There are several well-known photographers who have made the switch to mirrorless photography. Trey Ratcliff, a travel photographer, was one of the first to do so. There are many pro-graded lenses available for mirrorless cameras, and image quality is not an issue [6] .

How do you take professional photos in a car?

You will need a tripod to take good pictures in your car. A sturdy, fixed position tripod with an adjustable angle head should be used for the best results. You will also need a remote trigger or shutter release option for timing shots.

Most experts also recommend using a prime lens with the camera as it is difficult to zoom in and out while taking pictures from inside your car.

What camera do travel photographers use?

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is one of the popular choices. Despite the fact that there are “better” cameras available, such as those designed for professional photographers, both Nikon and Canon’s top-rated cameras are generally acknowledged as the go-to workhorse cameras of photo enthusiasts of all types [7] .

Are mirrorless cameras better than DSLRs?

Mirrorless cameras are certainly not as popular as DSLRs, but they have been gaining in popularity over the past few years. Generally speaking, mirrorless cameras do offer advantages compared to their counterparts.

While many photographers still prefer using traditional DSLR models for pre-event shooting and even for live events such as weddings or concerts, there is no arguing that modern high-resolution camera phones can produce very good images these days.

What is a good lens for car photography?

There are many different kinds of automobile photography, just like there are many various makes and models of automobiles. You may shoot still cars or action shots while they race around the track with any sort of lens. What you’re photographing will determine what kind of lens is best for you.

The following are the top three lenses for automotive photography:

• 35mm f/1.4. If you’re just sitting there, the 35mm is the ideal lens. It gives you a wide-angle and distant background without forcing you to stand too far away. You can also use it to shoot at large apertures (low f-stops) to create a bokeh effect in the background because it’s a prime lens;
• 24-70mm f/2.8. The 24-70mm is a fantastic all-around car lens. With a single lens, you can shoot both close and wide angles. It’s great for shooting cars in motion since it’s a zoom lens with fast adjustments (although they may not be too far away);
• 70-200 f/2.8. If you’re shooting from a long distance, such as at a race track, a 70-200mm lens will allow you to zoom in on the action from a safe position. Just keep the shutter speed fast to minimize motion blur [8] ;

How do you photograph motorsport?

If you’re photographing a race, the most important thing is speed. To freeze motion and minimize distortion, use fast shutter speeds (to at least 500). You’ll also need to set your ISO as high as possible without introducing too much noise into your photo.

When shooting from inside the car with an open window or sunroof, sit upright in order to avoid lens flare and underexposure. It’s best to shoot facing forward if there is no obstruction between you and the track ahead of you.

What are the preferable aperture and ISO settings for car photography?

To soften the background, use a large aperture (f/5 or lower) to blur it out, or a small one (f/8 and up) to keep both the vehicle and background in focus. You should generally utilize a low ISO setting with a quick shutter speed [9] .

What is the focal length for car photography?

The lenses with a focal length of 35 mm to 85 mm are the best for automobile photography. They’re ideal for depicting natural curves, forms, and objects, and you won’t detect any image distortion. They may be used outside as well as inside your vehicle [10] .

How do you take interior pictures of your car?

Take photos from the bright side of the car, not the shady side. To utilize the flash to lighten dark areas and minimize glare, set your camera to force the flash. Take pictures of the automobile’s interior in addition to using the same flash setting [11] .

How do you light your car photos?

The best light for photography is between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. when there’s less light but it’s still bright enough to photograph without a flash. The low-angle sunshine adds warmth and texture to the shot, and the generally dimmer lighting makes balancing the picture components simpler [12] .

How do you photograph a car in the dark?

Place your camera in full manual mode, set the aperture to somewhere near the middle of your lens’ aperture range (around f/9 is good), ISO as low as possible (200-800 on most DSLRs and mirrorless). Then slow down your shutter speed until your camera tells you that the exposure is adequately balanced (for example, if the EV readout goes to 0 rather than -2, +2, etc.).

If you want a gloomy shot and don’t want it to like daylight, darken the exposure by perhaps 1 (-1 might be an option).

Set your camera’s self-timer for at least 3 seconds before you take the picture to reduce camera shake. If you don’t, your camera will wobble somewhat as soon as you press the shutter button, resulting in a blurry, soft photograph. The timer mode will help prevent this – this is the setting you’d use to begin a photo and run into it quickly so that you can be included in your family portrait [13] .

Useful Video: BEST Camera Settings For Car Photography!

Final thoughts

As a car photographer, your camera is one of the most important tools in your kit. Whether you’re shooting cars or landscapes, people, or anything else, the quality and type of camera can make all the difference to the final result. In this guide, a few photography experts looked at some top picks for the best cameras as well as answered some common questions about what makes these models stand out from competitors on the market.

Hopefully, this guide has been helpful, and making a decision is easier right now!

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References:

1. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4520802
2. https://photographylife.com/prime-vs-zoom-lenses
3. https://cameralic.com/best-cameras-for-car-photography/
4. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/computers/tips-and-solutions/numbers-your-memory-card
5. https://www.jessops.com/c/advice/our-photography-blog/car-photography
6. https://expertphotography.com/mirrorless-cameras/
7. https://independenttravelcats.com/best-dslr-cameras-for-travel-photography
8. https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/hub/guides/best-lens-for-car-photography.html
9. https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/hub/guides/camera-settings-car-photography.html
10. https://www.eksposure.com/best-lens-for-car-photography/
11. https://www.carfax.ca/resource-centre/articles/how-to-sell-your-car-with-great-photos