Are you a blogger looking for a camera? Here’s my personalized guide to the best cameras for bloggers, from a blogger!
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When I started my first hobby blog, I thought writing up a couple words and hitting publish was enough to flock thousands of readers to my site.
Obviously (and hopefully) I’ve come a long way since then. But once I started to blog more professionally, I quickly realized I was still missing something, photos, good photos, and lots of them.
If you’re anything like me, you blog because you love to write. But in 2021, you’ve probably noticed every blog is splattered with high-quality photos, and that’s because the future of blogging…is photography.
With ever-dwindling attention spans, you have a mere 8 seconds to catch your reader’s attention, and how do you do that? Through photos.
Studies show that…
- Blogs with images every 75-100 get twice the amount of shares
- Using your own photos over stock images is 35% more likely to convert
- Blog posts with images get read….wait for it…94% more times than those without
Point being, you need a camera for blogging.
Spoiler alert, after years of searching, the best cameras for blogging I found the Canon 5D Mark IV, and haven’t upgraded since. But whatever your niche, you’ll soon find investing in a quality camera is the first step to taking your blog to the next level.
Best Cameras for Bloggers: What Factors Should I Consider in a Camera for Blogging?
- Price – you should decide your budget before investing, but when it comes to cameras, a higher price point usually means higher quality
- Size– lightweight cameras are easier to carry about (especially when you’re traveling) but typically the bulkier the camera, the stronger the battery life
- Flip screen – if you ever plan to use your camera for vlogging, opt for a flip screen
- Low-lighting conditions – whether you’re shooting indoors or at night, your camera should be able to adjust
- Resolution – especially if you plan on shooting video, there’s a big difference between 1080p and 4k
- Autofocus – you should always look for a sharp autofocus in your camera, especially if someone else will be taking photos of you
- Megapixels – measures the detail in a shot, really important if you plan to print your photos
- Mirrorless or DSLR – the biggest difference between a mirrorless and DSLR is the size, as DSLR’s are notoriously bulkier
- Full frame vs crop sensor – full-frame cameras capture more light and a greater field of view while crop sensors essentially “crop” out the edges of the frame
It’s All About the Lens
I can’t begin to describe what a difference a good lens makes to a camera. It controls the shot, aperture, and sharpness of your photo, and as a professional blogger, a good lens should be top priority.
All cameras come with a standard kit lens, however I highly suggest you opt for a prime lens from the start.
You’ll get better shapes and compositions, plus it’ll force you to move with your camera to get the perfect shot instead of relying on zooming in or out.
I personally love 35mm and 50mm lenses. The 35mm is more or less how the world looks with a naked eye.
P.S – When you’re looking up camera lenses you’ll keep seeing “f/1.8, f/4, etc.” this refers to the ‘f -stop’ — it controls how much light goes through the camera lens, the easiest way to think of it is the higher the f -stop, the sharper the photo
The versatility means you can use it for anything from travel shots, to food photography and street style photos — a blogger’s dream!
But if you think you’ll be doing more portrait type shots, the 50mm will help you get those beautiful close up shots you’re looking for.
Both will give you that Bokeh effect (i.e a blurrier background) which in the blogger world usually seperates a good photo from a great photo.
Camera Equipment & Accessories for Blogging
Don’t forget your equipment! You can’t own a camera without investing in camera accessories from the start. Here’s what you’ll need:
Hard Drive | Check out the latest prices and more details
Camera Memory Card (at least 2) | Check out the latest prices and more details
Camera Batteries (check your camera brand first) | Check out the latest prices and more details
Camera Charger (check your camera brand first) | Check out the latest prices and more details
Camera Tripod |Check out the latest prices and more details
Camera Remote |Check out the latest prices and more details
Camera Bag | Check out the latest prices and more details
Camera Cleaning Kit and Lens Pen | Check out the latest prices and more details
Photo-Editing Software
Outside of investing in a camera investing in photo-editing software has changed my photos…dramatically.
I exclusively use Lightroom as I find it has everything I need to batch edit photos for my blog (you can even make your own presets!).
Of course, there’s a bit of a learning curve. But there’s some really free tutorials out there to get you started.
P.S – Click here to download Lightroom.
Best Cameras for Bloggers: Professional vs Mid-Range vs Entry-Level
I’ve broken the best cameras for bloggers into professional, mid-range, and entry-level, but first I want to tell you why and the difference between the three.
If you’re a hobby blogger, by all means, you do not need to invest thousands of dollars on professional equipment from the get-go. I would highly suggest investing in some entry-level equipment and working your way up.
Once you’ve learned all the features of your entry-level camera or if you’ve been a blogger for a bit, but aren’t super interested in learning to shoot manual or use your camera outside of your blog, I would go to mid-range.
This will give you the quality you’re looking for, without having to feel bad about not using your camera to its full capabilities.
But, if you truly want to take your blogging game to the next level, invest in a professional camera from the start. There’s something about using what the pros use that makes you eager to learn about photography, shooting in manual, and making the most of all the features.
I’ll admit, I still have a long way to go with my Canon 5D Mark IV, but the fact that I invested so much makes me 100% more committed to improving my photography every day. But in closing the main differences include:
Professional: Full-frame, sharper image quality, complex features
Mid-Range: Can be full-frame or crop sensor, more features, good low light capabilities
Entry-Level: Usually crop-sensored, plastic design, easy to use
Best Professional Cameras for Bloggers:
Canon 5D Mark IV
My baby! I won’t lie, a lot of my blogging confidence came from investing in this camera. With no fear of quality every photo I take turns out near perfect — before editing!
The Canon 5D Mark IV comes with a full-frame sensor, 4k video, a built-in GPS, and WiFi making it one of the best Canon cameras for blogging. Not to mention it’s weather-proof and works great in low light.
I tend to use it with the 16-35mm, but keep in mind this a particular taste. For everyday photos, I would opt for the 24-70mm lens for a wider range. Unlike many cameras, because of the quality, even a zoom lens produces stunning photos.
But because of the cost, it’s not worth it to get this camera unless you plan on learning to shoot manual, as you’ll definitely want to make use of all the features.
Check out the latest prices and more details for the Canon 5D Mark IV here.
Lens Recommendations:
Canon EF 16-35mm | Check out the latest prices and more details here
Canon EF 24-70mm |Check out the latest prices and more details here
Read the Canon 5D Mark IV specifications here.
Sony Alpha a7RII
The Sony Alpha a7RII was one of the first to combine mirrorless and full-frame, which means you still get a compact camera without sacrificing a quality photo!
The Sony Alpha a7RII takes in tons of light, meaning you can shoot night scenes and won’t have to worry about a bad photo. Similar models include the Mark IV and they have two memory cards so you won’t have to worry about your storage clogging up.
Although the price is steep, if you want a professional-level mirrorless camera for blogging, this is it!
Check out the latest prices and more details for the Sony Alpha a7RII here.
Lens Recommendations:
Sony 35mm F2.8 |Check out the latest prices and more details here
Sony FE 28mm | Check out the latest prices and more details here
Read the Sony a7R specifications here.
Sony A7 III
Another mirrorless Sony gem is the Sony A7 III.
Much like the Canon 5D it’s full-frame, weather-sealed, and comes with 4k. Particularly good for landscape photography — the Sony A7 III has been top choice for bloggers for the past couple of years thanks to its speedy sensors, fast focus, and range.
If you’re just learning to shoot manual but don’t want to invest in a DSLR, this is the camera for you.
Check out the latest prices and more details for the Sony Alpha A7 III here.
Lens Recommendations:
Sony FE 16-35mm |Check out the latest prices and more details here
Sony FE 28mm |Check out the latest prices and more details here
Read the Sony A7 III specifications here.
Best Mid-Range Cameras for Bloggers
Nikon D3500
If you want a reliable DSLR that’s straightforward to understand, choose the Nikon D3500.
With 24.2 Megapixels you’ll notice the quality is just as good as cameras twice the price point. Because it’s so beginner-friendly, you can start shooting manual on the Nikon D3500 (or the slightly newer Nikon D7500) then upgrade to its D850 counterparts once you’re comfortable. Oh, and the battery life is great!
Check out the latest prices and more details for the Nikon D7500 here.
Lens Recommendations:
Nikon AF-S 50mm | Check out the latest prices and more details here
Tokina ATX 11-16mm | Check out the latest prices and more details here
Read the Nikon D3500 specifications here.
Fuji X-T20
If you want a more trendy camera, opt for the Fuji X-T20.
Insanely lightweight with 4k video, remote control shooting, and touch screen capabilities it’s perfect if you’re not too keen on learning to shoot manual yet but still want great photos.
Check out the latest prices and more details for the Fuji X-T20 here.
Rokinon 12mm |Check out the latest prices and more details here
XF 35mm |Check out the latest prices and more details here
Read the Fuji X-T20 specifications here.
Canon EOS 70D
If you’re adding video to your blogging repertoire you may want to opt for a DSLR. The Canon EOS 70D still sits as the best camera for Youtube, especially vlogging.
Although it’s larger in size it still had a comfortable feel, and the kit comes with a Rode mic so you won’t have to worry about getting extra audio equipment!
So why does it rank so high for video? Well, the autofocus technology gives you 19 options to customization sensitivity, meaning you’re never out of focus. It’s also wireless so you can control the camera while you’re filming.
Check out the latest prices and more details for the Canon EOS 70D here.
Lens Recommendations:
Canon EF 50mm | Check out the latest prices and more details here
Tokina 11-16mm | Check out the latest prices and more details here
Read the Canon EOS 70D specifications here.
Best Entry Level Cameras for Blogging
Sony a6000
The first camera I bought when I decided to take my blog “legit” was the Sony a6000.
One of the best cameras for bloggers on a budget this mirrorless camera is lightweight, compact, perfect for photos on the go. It’s Wifi-enabled meaning you can edit your photos as soon as you take them which was a huge bonus for me. You can also connect it to your phone remotely to take photos solo.
Check out the latest prices and more details for the Sony a6000 here.
Lens Recommendations:
Sony Sonnar 35mm lens |Check out the latest prices and more details here
Sony FE 50mm |Check out the latest prices and more details here
Read the Sony a6000 specifications here.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
If you want a mirrorless camera that can do just about anything, grab the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II.
First things first, don’t let its size fool you. It shoots 20 megapixels and has a 180° tilting touchscreen (for selfie-taking of course) i.e just about everything you’d want for your first camera.
Check out the latest prices and more details for the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II here.
*can only attach filters or macros lenses*
Read the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II specifications here.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i
If you want to start your photographer journey with a DSLR, opt for the Canon EOS Rebel T7i.
This no-frills camera is one of the best places to start if you eventually want to upgrade to the Canon 5D Mark IV as you’ll have a chance to get used to manual shooting, and Canon cameras.
The battery life is excellent though, so you’ll never run out of time to shoot those awesome blogging photos of yours!
Check out the latest prices and more details for the Canon EOS Rebel T7i here.
Lens Recommendations:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 |Check out the latest prices and more details here
Sigma 18-35mm | Check out the latest prices and more details here
Read the Canon EOS Rebel T7i specifications here.
Recap of Best Cameras for Bloggers
Professional
Canon 5D Mark IV | Lenses: Canon EF 16-35mm,Canon EF 24-70mm
Sony Alpha a7RII| Lenses: Sony 35mm F2.8 , Sony FE 28mm
Sony A7 III| Lenses: Sony FE 16-35mm, Sony FE 28mm
Mid-Range
Nikon D3500| Lenses: Nikon AF-S 50mm , Tokina ATX 11-16mm
Fuji X-T20| Lenses: Rokinon 12mm, XF 35mm
Canon EOS 70D| Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Tokina 11-16mm
Entry-Level
Sony a6000| Lenses: Sony Sonnar 35mm lens, Sony FE 50mm
Canon EOS Rebel T7i| Lenses: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8, Sigma 18-35mm
Choosing the best camera is never an easy task for a blogger. But increasing your photo quality makes such a difference to your blog. So invest in yourself and never stop improving, you got this!
Happy shooting,
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