Looking for the best cameras for designers and graphic design? Or some creative need, for that matter? Maybe you are filming for clients or maybe for your own portfolio?
Well, we’ve got you covered! We’ve listed the best designer cameras below for people working in a creative field, including the best cameras for graphic design, blogging, vlogging, video, Youtube, movie making, and more.
Table of Contents
Top 10 cameras for graphic designers and creatives in 2021
1. Sony A7 III (editor’s choice)
Best cameras for designers – Sony A7 III. Image Credit: Amazon
The best camera for graphic designers in general
Sensor size: full frame | Resolution: 24.2 MP | Viewfinder: 2,359K points | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 921,000 dots | Autofocus: 693-point AF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10 fps | Movies: 4K at 30p
Now in its third version, the camera line A7 Sony is finally starting to move things in the right direction by offering a great camera that stands out compared to many of its competitors in the full-frame mirrorless space. Along with a 10fps burst mode, the camera packs a 693-point hybrid AF system which is quite strong considering the camera comes with two card slots. You’ll get a great camera at a great price for the money you’ll spend on the camera.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Dual SD slots | ➖ Only one card slot is UHS-II |
| ➕ 10 fps with tracking | ➖ No flash on the body |
| ➕ 4K HDR video | ➖ Dense menu system |
| ➕ Silent shooting available | |
| ➕ Tilting touch LCD |
Sony A7 III review
Want to get a closer look at this excellent camera? Check out this Sony A7 III review video:
2. Nikon Z6
Best cameras for designers –
Nikon Z6. Image Credit: Nikon / Amazon
Best overall finalist camera
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: Full-frame CMOS | Resolution: 24.5 MP | Lens: Nikon Z mount | Viewfinder: EVF | Screen type: 3.2-inch, 2,100,000-dot tiltable touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12 fps | Movies: 4K
A fantastic all-round camera with incredible handling, there is no other camera on the market today that can beat versatility, affordability, and ease of use when it comes to shooting. Z6 from Nikon, combining great stills and 4K video quality with all the other features. which are essential for a full-frame mirrorless camera. The Z6 also comes with a responsive tilting touchscreen. All of this combined with its lightweight and compact body makes this the best overall camera on our list.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ High ISO performance | ➖ Single card slot |
| ➕ Eye detection AF for photos | ➖ The rear screen does not offer the flip function |
| ➕ Burst speeds of 12 fps | ➖ Colors can be a bit reddish |
| ➕ Fast cycle times | ➖ Limited selection of native lenses |
| ➕ Good damping depths | ➖ Synchronization speed x 1 / 200s |
| ➕ Focus peak 4K | |
| ➕ Robust build quality | |
| ➕ Organized menus |
3. Fujifilm X-T30
Best cameras for designers –
Fujifilm X-T30. Image Credit: Amazon / Fujifilm
Retro look with modern technology
Sensor size: APS-C | Resolution: 26.1 MP | Viewer: 2,360,000 points | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Autofocus: 425-point AF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 8 fps | Movies: 4K at 30p
The X-T30 it is a technological marvel. By packing a ton of tech into a smaller, cheaper digital camera, Fujifilm has made the X-T30 a camera that’s easy to recommend. A 26.1 megapixel resolution, excellent 4K video recording, and a hybrid AF system help the camera deliver a more refined presentation to a customer than other models in its stable. Improvements to overall speed and face / eye detection only add to the value of this camera. While many may point to the small magnification of the viewfinder, we think that’s not enough to prevent it from having a spot on our list.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great image quality | ➖ No stabilization in the body |
| ➕ Robust build quality | ➖ 0.62x electronic viewfinder magnification |
| ➕ 4K video | ➖ The grip is not ideal for larger lenses |
| ➕ 100% phase detection AF coverage |
4. Nikon D850
Best cameras for designers –
Nikon D850. Image Credit: Nikon / Amazon
The DSLR camera that always delivers
Type: DSLR | Sensor size: Full-frame CMOS | Resolution: 45.4 MP | Lens: Nikon F mount | Viewfinder: Optical | Screen type: 3.2-inch, 2,359,000-dot tilting touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7 fps | Movies: 4K
Many cameras on the top lists are mirrorless in today’s landscape, so you would think DSLR models have had their day in the sun, but the D850 Nikon keeps reminding people how good these cameras can be. A 45MP resolution is perfect for those looking for high resolution and 4K video recording, and a sturdy casing protects it from the elements. The only factor that sets it apart from its mirrorless competition is battery life. With a whopping 1800 frames per charge, the last thing you should worry about is running out of power.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Excellent dynamic range (14.8 EV) | ➖ When using an optical viewfinder, the coverage of the AF point is limited |
| ➕ High ISO performance | ➖ Video clip limit (30 min) |
| ➕ Improved JPEG image quality compared to predecessor | ➖ No built-in flash |
| ➕ Quick start | ➖ Electronic VR and Focus Peak are not compatible with 4K video |
| ➕ Low shutter lag | |
| ➕ Robust body | |
| ➕ 7fps burst mode |
5. Panasonic Lumix G95 / G90
Best cameras for designers –
Panasonic Lumix G95 / G90. Image Credit: Panasonic / Amazon
A great camera for vloggers
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 20.3 MP | Lens: Micro Four Thirds | Screen type: 3.0-inch, 1,040,000-dot vari-angle touchscreen | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 9 fps / 30 fps | Movies: 4K
Many vloggers who are looking for a new camera should consider the Lumix G95 . It’s a great option that’s just as good for recording videos as it is for taking pictures. The G95 manages to incorporate many features into its small design. Recording video is a breeze with 4K resolution and frame rates of 24p, 25p, and 30p, while you can record in FullHD up to 120fps in the camera’s high-speed video mode. The camera includes a microphone and head jack ports to help make video creation even easier.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Unlimited video recording | ➖ Short battery life |
| ➕ Dual IS system with 5-axis image stabilization | ➖ No USB Type-C connection |
| ➕ Improved white balance options |
6. Nikon Z50
Best cameras for designers –
Nikon Z50. Image Credit: Nikon
The perfect upgrade for former DSLR owners
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: APS-C | Resolution: 20.9 MP | Lens: Z mount | Screen type: 3.2-inch, 1,036,080-dot tilting touchscreen | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 11 fps | Movies: 4K
While the Z6 is the best camera on our list, its price might leave some on smaller budgets looking for another answer. Enter the Z50 , which is a great option if you are looking for a high quality mid-range APS-C camera and is an even better option if you are looking to switch from DSLR to mirrorless. With its deep grip, the Z50 prioritizes camera handling. An excellent viewfinder and tiltable touchscreen help you produce great photos that are especially useful when taking general or even travel photos, plus the autofocus system works extremely well on still subjects.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ 4K video continuous shooting at 11fps | ➖ Single UHS I SD card slot |
| ➕ Good image quality | ➖ No built-in image stabilization |
| ➖ 300 shots battery life |
7. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Best cameras for designers –
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Image Credit: Amazon
The best all-around camera
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: four thirds | Resolution: 20.4 MP | Lens: Micro Four Thirds | Viewfinder: 2.36 million dot OLED EVF | Screen type: 3-inch, 1,040,000-dot vari-angle touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30 fps | Movies: 4K
No matter how much money you spend on something, you may never get everything you hope for. This is true when it comes to cameras, although the Mark III Olympus certainly comes close. With a polycarbonate shell, the shell may seem like a step down from its predecessor, but the Mark III is lighter and incredible to handle. Not only does it look good, but the in-camera processor is powerful too, and the shooting modes and image stabilization will help any skill level. The combination of style, speed and versatility makes it one of the best all-around cameras available.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Stabilized image sensor | ➖ Plastic exterior |
| ➕ Includes external flash | ➖ … |