We all love our pets because they do the sweetest things that we want to keep for the rest of our lives. In this post, we will discuss the best cameras dor pet photography.
We don’t have such sharp memories in our brains, so a compact camera is a perfect tool to capture those unforgettable moments.
How do you feel about that? For your cute little friends, here are some of the best pet cameras.
If you’re looking for the best camera for filming hunts, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, we’ll share our top picks for the best cameras for filming hunts, as well as some tips on how to get the most out of your camera.
No matter what kind of camera you’re looking for, I have it all!
- Best overall Sony: Sony a7 IV
- Best entry-level Sony: Sony Alpha a6400
- Best overall Nikon: Nikon Z 6 II
- Best entry-level Nikon: Nikon Z50
- Best overall Canon: Canon EOS R6
- Best entry-level Canon: Canon EOS R10
- Best Fuji: Fujifilm X-T30 II
- Best for adventures: GoPro Hero 10
We recommend these Best Cameras for Pet Photography:
1. Best overall Sony: Sony a7 IV
This camera makes the cut because of its incredibly fast autofocus, which will capture your pet accurately and quickly, no matter where they move within the frame. You can capture great videos of your pets with this hybrid camera as well.
Features include:
- For raw frames up to 828 frames per second or unlimited JPEG frames, you can shoot at 10 frames per second
- Full frame 33MP sensor
- 4K 60p is the maximum video quality
- 1.4 pounds in weight
Pros
- Animal eye AF is included in the exceptional autofocus
- Video and image quality are excellent
- Body that is lightweight
- Range of dynamic ranges
Cons
- 10 frames per second
Its popular A7 series has continued Sony’s trend of leading the way in autofocus capabilities with its fourth version.
The camera employs Sony’s Real-time Tracking AF system, which allows you to tap on the screen to lock on to your subject or half-press the shutter button to focus. As a result, the focus will remain on your subject regardless of where it appears within the frame.
A special Animal Eye AF features Sony’s autofocus, which automatically focuses on dog and cat eyes. It’s super easy to autofocus on pets and you can trust that your focus will stay on the right spot even when you’re shooting wide.
In the worlds of social media and marketing, video is becoming increasingly popular. It’s therefore important to be able to create attractive videos if you’re creating pet content.
Due to its full hybrid nature, the A7 IV has impressive video capabilities. 4K video can be shot at 60 frames per second, slow motion is impressive, and the camera features excellent image stabilization.
For lossless raw files, the A7 IV can only shoot at 6 frames per second. When you use compressed raws, you still get 10 frames per second, which provides plenty of dynamic range and information for recovering shadows and highlights.
Pet photography requires good burst shooting, but you don’t want to overshoot and give yourself a lot of photos to weed through and edit.
2. Best entry-level Sony: Sony Alpha a6400
We chose it because it delivers impressive image and video quality, as well as Sony’s impressive autofocus system.
Key features:
- Up to 116 JPEG frames or 46 raw frames per second at 11 fps
- APS-C sensor with 24.2MP
- Video quality maximum: 4K 30p
- 14 ounces in weight
Pros
- Animal eye AF provides impressive focus
- Lightweight and compact
- High-quality images
- A 120 fps slow motion video
Cons
- Choosing an autofocus option can be confusing
- There is no stabilization in the body
Sony’s a6400 is a great alternative to a full-frame camera if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on that. As a result of its fast autofocus, Sony claims that it can lock on to a subject in just 0.02 seconds.
Although real-world performance varies greatly, we can attest to the speed with which it focuses. Most pets can locate and focus on their owners instantly, even if they are moving.
The camera is compact and lightweight since it is an APS-C sensor. You can throw it in a small bag for trips since it’s just 4.7 x 2.6 x 2.4 inches. When on walks, you can even fit the whole setup in a jacket pocket with a pancake lens.
This small and affordable camera does not suffer from poor image or video quality, as some might expect. It performs well in low light conditions and offers excellent dynamic range.
Pet photos will look great even indoors. A truly outstanding video feature is available with this little camera. For slow-motion videos, it can record 1080p at up to 120 frames per second or 4K at 30 frames per second.
3. Best overall Nikon: Nikon Z6 II
Despite its small size, the Z6 II packs a powerful punch when it comes to image quality and resolution.
Key features:
- A maximum of 139 raw frames or 200 JPEG frames can be captured at 14 frames per second
- Full frame sensor with 24.5MP
- 4K 30p is the maximum video quality
- 1.4 pounds in weight
Pros
- Performance in low light
- Shoots bursts well
- Quality construction
- Stabilized in-body video
Cons
- There could be a better battery life
- Large shifts in autofocus
Although Nikon didn’t reinvent the wheel with the Z6 II, it made some welcome changes. Adding a second EXPEED 6 image processor, especially for pet photography, is the most notable change.
The dual image processors make it possible to shoot bursts of 14 frames per second, which is the best in its class. Getting action shots during playtime is particularly useful.
In Wide area AF mode, the dual processors added animal eye detection and improved low light focusing. Despite its autofocus shortcomings, Nikon still does a good job in action situations, if not quite as well as Canons or Sony. Low-light situations are also advantageous for Nikon. Additionally, the Z6 II is more affordable than the R6 and a7 IV.
Nikon’s rugged bodies and logical ergonomics have likely gained your appreciation if you are already a Nikon user. Continuing that trend, the Z6 II has a weather-sealed body. It still has a nice grip on it, even though it’s compact and lightweight.
Last but not least, even at higher ISOs, the Z6 II has really excellent image quality. Fast shutter speeds and higher ISO are often required to capture pets on the move. The camera is well-rounded and affordable compared to other models.
4. Best entry-level Nikon: Nikon Z50
For action shots of your pets, you can shoot 11 frames per second in JPEG files or 9 frames per second in raw files with this tiny but sturdy APS-C camera.
Key features:
- Up to 11 frames per second
- APS-C sensor with 20.9MP
- 4K 30p is the maximum video quality
- 13 ounces in weight
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- High-quality video
- Exceptional dynamic range
- Excellent image quality
Cons
- Slow autofocus
- Native lenses are limited
One of the first ASP-C mirrorless cameras from Nikon packs advanced features in an easy-to-use package. A Nikon DSLR user who wants to make the switch to mirrorless will find an adapter particularly useful since they will be able to use their existing lenses.
Nikon’s Z50 has great ergonomics, as do its other cameras. Featuring Nikon’s user interface, you can quickly adjust settings without having to sift through menus as it features simple-to-use interface.
Face and eye detection are included in the autofocus system for quick acquisition of focus. There is some lag with fast-moving subjects, so you won’t be able to photograph speedy pets with this camera, but it is more than fine for most other applications.
As for image quality, Nikon’s excellent color science results in very attractive images. You can also capture high-quality videos of your pets with the Z50 since it supports 4K video. Moreover, it can shoot JPEGs at 11 frames per second and raw files at 9 frames per second.
You can photograph your furry (or scaly) friends with excellent dynamic range and good low-light performance.
5. Best overall Canon: Canon EOS R6
We chose the R6 because it is a professional-level camera that is capable of shooting action photos at 20 frames per second.
Key features:
- Up to 20 frames per second for 1000 JPEGs or 240 raw frames with electronic shutter | 12 frames per second with mechanical shutter
- Full frame sensor: 20MP
- The maximum video quality is 4K 60p
- 1 pound in weight
Pros
- Shooting bursts with impressive speed
- A superb autofocus system
- Image stabilization in the body
- High-quality images
Cons
- Video recording tends to overheat
A good balance between image quality and speed can be found in the Canon R6, which doesn’t have the same 45-megapixel resolution as its big brother, the R5.
It is capable of shooting raw files at 240 frames per second or JPEGs at 1000 frames per second with its electronic shutter. With this camera, you won’t miss the perfect moment in any sequence because it’s faster than any other camera at this level.
There is no doubt that Canon is challenging Sony in the autofocus world with an impressive autofocus system that can compete with or even outperform Sony in some circumstances.
Beginners may find the eight AF modes confusing, but once you get used to them, it’s pretty foolproof. During action shots, you’ll get more in-focus images since the autofocus system keeps up with the speedy burst shooting. 100% of the frame can be focused on using 6,072 selectable points. As a result, you can focus on your subject wherever they are.
There is an in-body stabilization feature on this camera that is one of its most notable features. Inbody stabilization was the first feature on a Canon camera, and it worked right away.
As long as certain lenses are paired with the system, up to eight stops of stabilization can be achieved. You’ll be able to shoot better in low light if your subjects hold still, of course. You’ll also get smoother videos without a gimbal.
6. Best entry-level Canon: Canon EOS R10
The camera has both fast and intelligent autofocus, which can recognize and track animals, as well as an electronic shutter that can shoot at up to 23 frames per second for fast action bursts.
Key features:
- For up to 70 JPEGs or 21 raw frames, you can use the electronic shutter up to 23 fps. Using the mechanical shutter, you can use up to 15 fps for up to 460 JPEGs or 20 raw frames.
- It’s got a 24.2MP APS-C sensor
- Videos in 4K 30p and 4K 60p with crop
- It weighs 15.1 ounces
Pros
- Recognition of subjects well
- Autofocus is fast
- Ergonomics that work
- Shooting fast in bursts
Cons
- There is no weatherproofing
- Stabilization is not possible
This mirrorless camera is Canon’s follow-up to the popular Rebel series. It’s a powerful little package with some amazing features, even though it’s an entry-level camera. Burst mode is great for animal photographers.
You’ll get 23 frames per second using the electronic shutter. It’s only got 21 raw frames in the buffer, which isn’t a lot. You can get back to action quickly if you use a fast memory card.
Additionally, the autofocus is really impressive for pet photography. The Canon R10 has a much higher-end focusing system than most entry-level cameras. Detects animals’ eyes first, looking across the frame for them.
Even when foreground objects partially block the subject, it can find and focus on the eyes, which is really useful for subjects that won’t stay still. You can use the joystick to toggle between pets if you have more than one in the frame.
The price point means there aren’t a ton of high-end features. This camera isn’t weather-sealed. Even though it can handle everyday situations and a few water splashes, you should not use it in a downpour. It is also not equipped with sensor-based stabilization. This may lead you to consider purchasing a lens with stabilization.
7. Best Fuji: Fujifilm X-T30 II
This camera made the list because it offers one of the fastest burst speeds of any on our list, Fujifilm’s X-T30 II. During these bursts, the autofocus tracks subjects successfully.
Key features:
- In one shot, up to 29 JPEGs or 17 raw frames can be captured at a 1.25x crop with a mechanical shutter: 8fps | Electronic shutter: 30fps at a 1.25x crop
- APS-C sensor with 26.1MP
- 4K 30p is the maximum video quality
- It weighs 11.2 ounces
Pros
- Focus tracking and very fast burst shooting
- Profiles for film simulation built-in with high quality
- It is very light in weight
- Controls are easy to use
Cons
- Batteries have a limited lifespan
- There isn’t much buffer capacity
It’s hard to argue with the fact that the X-T30 II is one of the best options out there for APS-C mirrorless photography, despite its relatively low price. Camera design harkens back to film cameras, making it one of the most attractive.
This camera includes Fuji’s built-in film simulation profiles that produce beautiful images out of the box, including JPEGs. In other words, if you want something more exciting than a standard image but don’t want to deal with editing, this is the way to go.
We found that it shoots bursts at the fastest speed of any other camera on our list, at 30 frames per second. However, you will only get 20 fps at the full view, as it crops to 1.25x. There are only 17 raw files or 29 JPEGs, and its UHS-I memory card slot isn’t as fast as UHS-I.
Nevertheless, this is the clear winner when it comes to short bursts of action. A long burst is a nightmare to edit, later on, so you don’t want to shoot a lot of them.
X-T30 II’s autofocus is also excellent. It can track subjects successfully during those high-speed bursts, making action shots more useful. It also has a very fast focus pickup time (just 0.02 seconds according to Fuji), and it is extremely accurate. Low light focusing is excellent for those tricky lighting situations, and eye and face detection is available.
8. Best for adventures: GoPro Hero 10
There are many reasons the Hero 10 made the list: It’s waterproof to 33 feet without a housing, it has the world’s best image stabilization for video, and it shoots 23MP photos. Any adventure shot would be a winner with this one.
Key features:
- A 25-frame-per-second video
- 23-megapixel sensor
- 60p 5.3K video quality maximum
- It weighs 5.6 ounces
Pros
- Without a housing, it is waterproof to 33 feet
- Stabilization of exceptional quality
- Photos of high quality
- Filmed in slow motion, it is excellent
Cons
- It doesn’t perform well in low light
You can capture unique images with the GoPro Hero 10 if you enjoy adventures with your dog–or cat. No case is required for Hero 10. You can use it underwater to capture epic underwater shots of your dog since it is waterproof down to 33 feet. Your pooch can also enjoy cruising down ski slopes in it.
This little black box offers amazing stabilization for video creators. The footage will still be smooth even if your dog is running. The video looks sharp, vibrant, and professional at 5.3K at 60p. For goofy pictures of your pets playing or being dramatic, it can also shoot 8x slow motion at 2.7K.
The GoPro has a secondary capability for still photography, but the quality of the images has significantly improved. Raw images are shot both in a single shot and burst mode, giving you greater control over editing if you wish. The camera produces 23-megapixel images.
It’s voice-activated, so you can take epic selfies by yourself or your pet without holding the camera or having someone else take them. They even sell a dog mount so you can see things from your pet’s perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s hard to decide between the Canon R6 and the Sony A7 IV. Both cameras boast excellent image quality and animal-eye AF modes.
It is vital to have an AF system that is fast and predictive, and you should also have a good IBIS. A good burst rate of six frames per second or more is recommended if you are shooting fast-moving animals.
You may want to consider a longer telephoto lens to give yourself some distance from your animals. Pets are less likely to be aware that you are around when this happens.
The best thing you can do in 2023 is get a modern mirrorless ILC system.
Buying Guide
The first step you need to take as a pet photographer is to decide where and how you want to photograph your pets. Studio shoots don’t require AF performance or IBIS, but in the wild, you will. Pets do not pose at will, so you’ll want to capture every crucial moment at the right time. A fast burst rate is important regardless of how they pose.
Don’t worry about your budget. It is possible to get capable cameras for around $500 if you spend $2500 on the best systems.
Aspects to consider
Shooting in a studio doesn’t require sensor resolution. There is more than enough resolution for billboards on most cameras, which usually shoot at least 20MP stills. Consider a burst rate of at least 6 FPS, with 10+ being more appropriate for fast creatures.
For the best autofocus performance, purchase a newer camera with an animal eye AF mode if you can afford it.
As a final note, lenses are only a minor factor to consider. A wide range of lenses is supported by Canon, Nikon, and Sony, and you can find something to fit any budget. Choose a focal length that suits you and start shooting.
Design of cameras
If you travel frequently, you should also consider size and portability. In terms of comfort and stability, larger systems are obviously better, but lighter devices are more convenient to carry around, and you might prefer them if you travel by bike.
You should look for a sturdy device with preferably weather-sealing, regardless of size. The best way to photograph animals is outdoors, usually at beaches and parks, where they are having fun. It’s important to have a camera that won’t die if it’s splashed with water.
Life of a battery
There is no doubt that battery life is important, but it is not crucial. A full day’s shooting can be accomplished with most devices that support USB-C charging. Spare batteries should only be carried if you are going to be shooting a lot of bursts or stills.
Taking pictures of pets: Final thoughts
You can consistently get the shot even in tricky situations by using the best cameras for pet photography. The autofocus on your camera should be fast, reliable, and accurate, ideally with animal eye autofocus.
Turtles and other similar reptiles may be an exception. The camera should also have a fast burst mode with minimal buffer, as animals’ movements can be unpredictable and quick. Furthermore, those awkward moments in between can be the most entertaining of all.