In this article, we have reviewed 7 best cameras for family photography in the market along with a comparison table and a detailed buyer’s guide to help you choose the best camera possible for your needs.
We are so used to capturing the moments by our smartphones and the reason behind this is that the smartphone camera quality improved significantly in recent years. However, there are some moments where you will want a digital camera that can provide the best picture quality.
If you are going to start a family, want to upgrade the quality of your photographs or you’re in a family photography business, choosing a camera will be a better decision. We are providing you with a list of some of the best cameras for family photography and you can choose one by going through the detailed review below.
All of us want to capture the perfect moments and it’s no denying the fact that the first go-to for capturing the moments is our smartphone, it will be much better if the moments get captured by a professional-grade camera.
The quality of the pictures from these cameras will be top-notch and you will be able to get way more clear candid pictures. You will get a wide range of options from where you can choose and this review will be quite helpful to you in making the decision.
7 Best Cameras for Family Photography:
We are going to provide you with the handpicked options that are available in the market and these options come with a great set of features that will be helpful in capturing the best moment.
Now, without any further adieu, let’s dive deep into the review with the pros and cons so that you get a much better idea.
If you’re in a hurry, then take a look at the comparison table below to get an idea of the best cameras for family photography:
1. Pentax K-1 Camera
When it comes to getting the satisfaction of capturing the picture-perfect, this camera can easily come on the top. The company has also put its huge focus on the easy interface of the camera. The camera is loaded with features and you will find it quite helpful when it comes to focusing your subject.
Among all the features, the camera is also equipped with a full-frame sensor that will also provide you the clear and the best-in-class picture quality. Talking about the ergonomics, the camera is one of the best cameras for family photography as it will give you a very firm grip so that you get the sharpest shot possible.
The texture provided by Pentax on the camera is also pretty good and gives you a quite comfortable feel. Pentax K-1 also comes with some sort of IP ratings where you will get dust and moisture resistance.
The camera body is completely sealed and it will allow you to use it in below-freezing temperatures.
There is one thing that you should note and that’s it’s not suitable for the one who is just a beginner and doesn’t have any technical knowledge of the camera’s operation. There is a set of buttons that are made available on the top where you can set some functions to be able to quickly access them.
- The camera comes with a sensor size of 36.4 MP and you will get very detailed output.
- The camera sensor is also the full-frame one that will allow you to capture the full shot without any cropping.
- Pentax K-1 will come with 33-points AF spread across the sensor and you will also get a very responsive auto-focus.
- The camera is also equipped with 5-axis stabilization where the camera will try to give you the most stable shot possible.
- The video recording capabilities of the camera are restricted to 1080p60 which can be a deal-breaker at this price point.
2. Canon EOS 7D Mark II Camera
When it comes to photography, we can never forget brands like Canon, Nikon, FujiFilm, etc. These brands have already produced such an exceptional range of cameras and this one from Canon, EOS 7D Mark II is no exception.
This camera is not only one of the best cameras for family photography, but you will also be able to use it for high-end video requirements. Though it’s priced at almost half of the $2,000 mark, it is also easily added in the list of options to consider around the said price point.
For a photographer, there are certain points that matter a lot to get the full experience. The points include ergonomic design, easy interface, tactile buttons, shutter speed, etc. All of these points, including a lot more, will be made available on this Canon offering.
The material that is used in the construction of this camera provides it quite a sturdy build and it is one the features that make it stand out from the competitors in the same price segment.
If we talk about the weight, the camera has a body-only weight of 910 grams which is actually quite understandable and normal for the camera of this grade. The TFT display that you will get on this camera will be of size 3-inch and you will also be able to tilt it.
- The auto-focus tech provided on this camera is super-accurate and you will get 65-points across the sensor.
- The burst-shooting mode that is present on this EOS 7D Mark II is also quite good where you will be able to shoot 31 raw images at 10 FPS.
- The AF is also equipped with scene-detection where it will adapt according to the scene you are shooting.
- This Canon camera is also equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter that will allow you to transfer pictures and videos instantly.
- The screen that is present on this camera will not be touch-capacitive.
- The video recording is limited to 1080p60.
3. Nikon D750 Camera
This Nikon camera can easily be one of the best ones where you will get all the features that a photographer will ever need. The company focused primarily on providing the most sturdy build that you can think of.
The design and build of the camera resemble quite a lot from Nikon’s own D500. However, there are some very significant upgrades, such as it comes with a full-frame sensor now.
The reason behind its addition to the list of ‘Best Cameras for Family Photography’ is its monocoque build which is quite helpful in keeping the premium design and also not making it a lot heavy at the same time.
The camera is added in the top 3 due to various reasons and if you are worried about the controls, there is nothing to worry about and you will be able to use it quite easily. The buttons that are provided on this camera are also very intuitive and you will get tactile feedback which adds up to its premium design.
The screen that you will get on this will be a 3.2-inch unit with a much higher resolution.
The resolution that you will get on this TFT screen will be 1,229k dots. The 51 AF points will help you in getting the sharpest picture and video output. Here are some pros and cons that you can go through to get a clearer idea.
- The camera will come with a 24 MP sensor where you will get full-frame shots and it will also significantly lower down the lens distortion.
- The ISO that you will get on this camera will range between 100 and 12,800 which will be very much helpful in low-light shooting.
- The burst shooting mode that you will get on this Nikon camera will give you the FPS of 6.5 seconds.
- Thanks to the Wi-Fi compatibility, you will be able to transfer the captured photos and videos quite easily and instantly.
- Like the previous ones, this camera also doesn’t have the touchscreen to work with. The company should have provided it in regard with its pricing.
4. Canon EOS 80D Camera
When it comes to getting the best picture quality, Canon has never disappointed us and this one from the brand is also no exception. The camera comes with a 24.2 MP sensor that will help you shoot the sharpest and most detailed pictures.
On the connectivity front, the camera comes with Wi-Fi and near-field communication support.
These radios will allow you to transfer the files quite instantly to any of your smart devices without going through any hassle. Among various other reasons, the one which will attract beginners the most will be the pricing.
If we are to compare it with the previously mentioned ones, this one comes almost at the half of those cameras’ pricing. The auto-focusing on this camera will have a 45-point AF. Coming to the video aspect, the camera will come with the highest resolution of 1080p 60 FPS.
For the professionals out there, it needs a little tweaking and you will get some amazing sharp results. This camera is loved a lot for YouTube usage these days and the touchscreen provided on this camera will be touch-capacitive.
For a quick glance, you will get a second screen where your configuration will be displayed.
- When compared to its predecessor, the camera comes with enhanced performance and it will come with very precise AF.
- Though the camera is quite bulkier, it will provide a good amount of grip.
- Canon claims that the battery will last for about 960 shots where you will be able to get through the whole day.
- The package will include an 18-55mm lens that will help you in getting all kinds of shots.
- The EOS Webcam Utility software will allow you to use it as a high-quality webcam for your meeting or streaming.
- Some customers claimed that the camera isn’t able to capture true colours.
5. Nikon D3400 Camera
This camera can be the best option for all the camera enthusiasts who are just trying to start. Nikon D3400 can be considered as one of the best cameras for family photography because of its aggressive pricing. The camera can be the best one as you will get 2 lenses in the package.
The lenses will be 18-55mm and 70-300mm. These two lenses can get you through any scene and with a little knowledge of some tweaks here and there, you will be able to get the best possible shots.
The material used in the camera will make it pretty lightweight and you will be able to carry it around quite easily. You will also be able to use various lenses and can interchange quite easily. On the video front, just like the above ones, Nikon D3400 will give you the highest resolution up to 1080p60.
On this camera, you will get Bluetooth connectivity that will let you transfer pictures and videos very easily to your smart devices.
The battery life of this camera is said to last for 1200 shots and it will actually be more than enough to last the full day. The battery life will deteriorate in case you are shooting video.
- The continuous shooting or the burst mode that is present on this camera will give you the FPS of 5 seconds.
- The ISO can go all the way up to 25,600 which is quite good considering it will help in low-light photography.
- The LCD screen present on the camera will give you a quick view of the shot that you have captured.
- The 24 MP sensor paired with a 70-300mm lens will give you the best shots in case you want to shoot some wildlife or at a wedding.
- There is no optical low pass filter and it can give you false colours in over-exposed scenes.
6. Nikon D5500 Camera
The camera is an upgraded variant of D3400 where you will get almost a similar set of features but with enhanced functionality. Nikon D5500 is also known for its quick auto-focus, even in the burst mode.
The camera also comes with a very good weather-sealed construction and the image output that you will get will also be top-notch. The material used in the construction of the camera is a magnesium alloy where the weight will also not go very high.
The controls and the buttons that are provided on this camera are also very high quality and you will get a 3.2-inch TFT screen which is also touch-enabled.
All the settings are quite easy to use and if a beginner is willing to spend a little extra, this Nikon D5500 is a better option than D3400. The auto-focus on this camera comes with a whopping 153 AF points that give you the clearest and sharpest picture.
The burst mode that you will get on this Nikon D5500 will give you the speed of 10 FPS and the camera sensor that is present here is a 21 MP unit.
- The ISO on this camera will range from 100 to 51200 where it uses Expeed 5 to process the captured images.
- Nikon claims that the battery will last for about 1240 shots which are theoretical. It will reduce if you will shoot videos.
- The screen that you will get on this camera is a good one. However, it comes with a ‘but’, we will discuss it in the Cons section.
- The sealed ports and buttons on this camera will give you full protection from dust and moisture.
- The touch-screen that is provided on this camera isn’t very responsive and you will not be able to tilt it as well.
7. Sony A77II Camera
The DSLR series of Sony has come to a standstill after the brand introduced its exceptional series of mirrorless cameras. In recent times, this one from Sony, the A77II can be considered the best option you can choose from.
The Sony cameras weren’t quite popular among the users due to their limited options for accessories. Talking about the features, the camera comes with a very sensitive auto-focus system and you will not struggle even a bit in keeping your subject in focus.
The reason for its addition to the list of ‘Best camera for family photography’ is primarily its sturdy build alongside all the features. The construction of the camera is done in a way where it can be easily used in the below-freezing temperatures.
Here are some pros and cons for you to get a better idea and reach a decision.
- The image stabilization that you will get on this camera will be a very good one.
- The camera is capable of shooting at 12 FPS with subject tracking. This feature is way more helpful than it seems.
- Sony also has done some design tweaks where you will now be able to attach more accessories.
- The ISO range of this camera is between 100 and 51200 where you will get much better pictures in low light.
- Nothing worth mentioning.
Must-have features for the best cameras for family photography – A buyer’s guide
If you are landed here, there are high chances that you are in a search for a camera that you can buy to get the best family photography experience. Though we have provided you with a list of some of the best cameras for family photography, here are some features that must be made available on the camera that you are buying.
This short buyer’s guide will be of very much help if you are finding yourself in a dilemma to choose a camera for yourself.
Ease of Use
If the camera you are investing in comes with a very complicated interface, it will be quite difficult for you to actually use it when you need it.
For a camera that’s especially bought for family photography, it’s a must to get an easy interface. The complicated usage will not give you the ability to capture the moment and it will kill the purpose.
Quality
If you have finally decided to get a camera, it’s very important to find one that can give you the best picture quality. If it’s not able to do so, what’s the point in making the investment and getting an upgraded piece of equipment!
If you are looking for a camera to get above-average pictures, the crop-sensor options are the best ones to go for.
Wide Utilization
The camera that you are going for should provide you with a diverse range of features. You must be able to install a variety of lenses so that you are able to shoot multiple genres such as portrait, travel, indoor events, landscape sceneries, etc.
The starting point for a beginner can be the 35-50mm lens and then keep on adding different lenses.
Video Mode
We all love to watch the movies we used to shoot on our camcorders and the camera that you are investing in should come with basic video recording capability and can shoot at least full HD.
For the video capabilities, you can use the smartphone but if you want a better quality, a digital SLR will be the better option.
Conclusion with our Top Picks
As we are about to wrap up the review, you may still not be able to make a decision on getting the camera that can fulfill all the requirements. You may also be finding yourself in a dilemma to choose mirrorless or DSLR.
You should know that while choosing one of the best cameras for family photography, these things will not matter a lot. The only difference between the two is that in mirrorless cameras, the internal mirror which allows you to see through the lens in the viewfinder is removed and a small screen is provided in its place.
We are providing you with our top picks and you can get them without giving much thought.
The first one you can buy is the Sony A77II where you will get the best image quality. There are many USPs of the camera but the most significant one is the best-in-class AF.
The second one you will get on our recommendation is Nikon D750 where you will get a full-frame sensor. The carbon-fiber build of this camera gives you a sturdy construction and easy portability. We hope that we are able to clear the confusion and you get the best camera that you need.
FAQs to clear some thoughts
Is it necessary to have multiple lenses?
No, you can shoot almost anything with the lens that is provided in the package. As you get to build your skillset, you can invest in multiple lenses.
Is photography an expensive endeavor?
Yes and no. It’s because it depends on how much you are willing to spend. If you are a beginner, you can get your whole setup completed in under $1,000.
Which camera lens will we recommend?
We will recommend going for the 50 mm which will allow you a wide range of options to explore.
