Best Cameras for Fashion Blogging in 2020
Hey, there! It’s time for more blogging tips. In addition to running a blog where my words are the meat of the story, pictures take center stage on other platforms such as Instagram. Since my initial jump into the blogging world back in 2016, I’ve already cycled through a lot of different cameras and lenses.
Pros and Cons: Hiring a Professional Photographer
When I am not hiring a professional photographer to work with me on a shoot, I am using my own camera equipment. There are pros and cons to hiring someone to take pictures for you.
When a professional is behind the lens, you can feel more at ease in front of the camera knowing that the images should turn out in focus, clear, and high-quality.
Image Shot By: Studio Magnolia
Working with a professional photographer has helped me create some of the best imagery for sponsored campaigns in the past. One of my favorite local Tampa Bay photographers to hire is Sara Magnolia from Studio Magnolia.
However, you have to account for paying a professional for the edited images at the end of a shoot day. Photographers deserve to receive payment for the hard work he or she did to create beautiful pictures. One of the downsides to hiring a professional instead of shooting on your own includes covering the fees for the job.
Pros and Cons: Shooting Content on My Own
If I am using my own camera equipment for a shoot, I can control virtually every single aspect of my content creating process. A lot of times (especially while stuck at home these past few months) I can prop my camera up and take timed photos of myself using my phone as a remote.
When I have all of the control at my fingertips it takes more time for me to set up my camera for the perfect shot, ensure that my body looks in focus, and edit the image to look the way I want it to.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by working solo and I enjoy the process of hiring professionals to help me accomplish my goals. It’s really up to you how you wish to create content as a blogger. It’s fun for me to feel more creative energy while working alongside a photographer to achieve beautiful end results for my social channels.
Best Cameras for Fashion Blogging in 2020
Now the main question is: what camera gear do I shoot with? Today I am going to share some of the best cameras for fashion blogging in 2020 as well as what my camera bag contains.
A couple of initial factors I considered when breaking down my list? Megapixels, full-frame sensors, body type, the overall weight of the camera, Wi-Fi connection capabilities, AF focus, low-light shooting, lens selection, and price.
These are my recommendations for fashion blogging cameras and my honest opinion on each model.
As you dive into exploring the world of portrait photography, at least the kind meant for fashion bloggers and Instagram influencers, it’s also important to consider investing in a camera that fits your lifestyle.
Are you going to want to lug around a heavier DSLR or would a smaller, more compact camera suit you? These days, both mirrorless and DSLR cameras are comparable to each other without sacrificing image quality.
Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
After spending a few years using a Canon D3200 as my main camera for fashion blogging in college, I made the switch to a Sony Alpha A6000.
Mirrorless cameras are fantastic for their lightweight and compact design. I brought my Sony A6000 with me on my trip abroad in 2019 to Europe and it served me very well!
A mirrorless digital camera looks similar to a DSLR. The perks of using a mirrorless digital camera are the electronic viewfinder for previewing images before the shutter goes off and the faster, more intuitative autofocus.
I’d highly recommend this Sony mirrorless camera as a more budget-friendly option for fashion blogging. More features to this Sony: a solid 24.3-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor and built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
When I used this camera on my Europe trip, I also attached a Sigma 30mm 1.4 Contemporary lens to it.
Especially if you plan on traveling a lot to capture outfit looks, a portable mirrorless option such as a Sony A6000 will perform well on the go.
Sony A7 iii Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera
Another Sony favorite of fashion bloggers: the newer Sony A7 iii Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera. Prior to buying my current camera for blogging last month, I contemplated buying this exact model.
I’ve been interested in this Sony camera because it has a full-frame sensor to shoot in low-light. A couple of months ago I wanted to upgrade my old Sony for a newer model. If you are in this same position, I’d suggest going with this newer Sony model for its high-speed continuous shooting.
One more great feature of the Sony A7 iii Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera is the AF tracking performance that revolutionizes portrait photography.
The AF tracking on the Sony A7 iii provides users with state of the art optimum focus on moving subjects.
The camera itself has an impressive 24.2-MP5 Exmor R CMOS sensor. Even Canon users have left positive reviews on this camera if you search for it on Amazon.
Once again, Sony cameras are great for traveling and packing away in your suitcase. Sonys are also nice to carry along in a purse for random shoot days. This mirrorless camera has Bluetooth technology to help you download your images to your smartphone with ease.
High-resolution images also experience less noise with the improvement of an expansive ISO range up to ISO 100-51200 to maintain details.
A few bloggers who use this camera are Laura Leigh from the blog Louella Reese and Chelsea from the Instagram Chelsea As of Late.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera
Well, friends. It’s time to introduce you to my current camera gear! Without further ado, let me introduce you to my latest investment: the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera. As with the Sony A7 iii, I’ve been eyeing the Canon EOS Mark IV all year long. It truly came down to those two models for my next upgrade choices.
Upon scrolling through a local Facebook marketplace for camera gear, I paused once I saw a photographer selling his second shooter camera. It was exactly what I wanted — the Canon EOS Mark IV!
It was midnight but I sent him a Facebook message to secure my spot to get this camera before anyone else offered him a better deal.
The very next morning we planned a meetup and in the afternoon I was a proud new owner of a brand new Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. I’d never been so happy!
I nervously contained my excitement on the way home while I drove my car with my new camera in the passenger seat.
Once I snapped on my 50mm portrait lens, I took some test shots on Chance and Simba and instantly saw the amazing quality after reviewing the images back.
I still pinch myself thinking that I own this camera because it’s been my dream camera for the last two years!
Key features that made me eager to add this camera model to my dream list: the 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor and AF Area Select Button.
This new Canon DSLR model has a performance boost across the board with an enhanced AF system, built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS. Right now the only lens I am shooting with is a standard Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed. In the future, I’ll be upgrading my lenses because I want to play around with a Canon EF 50MM F/1.2L Lens.
Shot with : Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
I’ve also heard really great things about the Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera and how its a “dupe” or similar to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV for less! This camera features an impressive 26.2 megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS image sensor and a touchscreen LCD screen to assist in taking epic high-resolution images.
For the price point, it’s also a great buy. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV runs upwards of $2,499 compared to the Canon EOS 6D Mark ii which runs under $1,200.
If you want to save money, I’d go with this Canon over the EOS 5D Mark IV at the moment.
It’s nearly identical to the more expensive one and also comes with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and enhanced low-light sensitivity.
Prior to upgrading my own camera gear to the Canon Mark IV, I shot with a Canon EOS 6D which is a step down from the Mark II.
This upgraded version has more megapixels so images are crisper and sharper.
Since you end up saving money on the body of this camera, I’d highly recommend checking out bundles that include a lens and some more accessories to make your camera buying process feel simple!
For example, this bundle offered at Walmart includes the camera body itself along with four other lenses, a tripod, memory cards, a camera bag, wireless remote, and so many other great accessories.
More Fashion Blogging/Influencer Approved Cameras To Check Out
Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Another mirrorless option that’s new on the market. It’s designed for a new series of lenses. It shares a comparable 30-megapixel sensor to the Canon Mark IV. Provides excellent Ultra HD 4K video recording technology if you are looking to recording YouTube videos, too. Canon’s first venture into developing full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Canon EOS M50
For under $600, this is the best camera to choose from! The Canon EOS M50 is a nice entry-level mirrorless camera to use for fashion photography. Most vloggers love this camera for the excellent 4K video recording capabilities.