Finding the right camera for portrait photography will make a significant difference to your people pictures. True, smartphones are gaining increasingly sophisticated portrait modes that simulate shallow depth of field, but to produce professional-quality portraits with depth, a high-quality camera and lens are required. Portrait photography is a tricky art to master, but capturing the character and charisma of a human subject is an immensely rewarding challenge.
We’ve focused on interchangeable-lens cameras for this guide, as most compact (ie fixed-lens) cameras cannot give the magical portrait combination of a short telephoto lens for flattering features and a large maximum aperture for throwing out the background. See our guide to the best lenses for portrait photography for help here.
If you’re new to portrait photography and aren’t sure what the technical terms mean, scroll to the bottom of this page where we’ve compiled a helpful explainer all about how to choose a good portrait camera.
We’ve picked out camera options for a range of budgets, with affordable options as well as the top-end models. There will be a great portrait camera here for you, regardless of your skill level and budget.
Here are our top recommendations for the best cameras for portraits and portrait photography…
Best cameras for portrait photography at a glance:
| Specifications | Nikon Z8 | Canon EOS R10 | Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 | Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | Fujifilm X-T30 III | Nikon Z50 II | Sony A7R V | Canon EOS R5 II | Fujifilm X-T5 | Panasonic Lumix S1R II | Nikon D850 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 45.7MP | 24.2MP | 24.1MP | 20MP | 26.1MP | 20.9MP | 61MP | 45MP | 45MP | 44.3MP | 45.7MP |
| Video | 8K 30p | 4K 30p | Full HD video | 4K 30p | 4K 60p | 4K 30p | 8K 24p | 8K 60 | 6.2K 30p | 8K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Why choose it? | The more expensive Z9 may be more attractive to some, especially pro sports photographers, but for most potential buyers, the Z8’s all-rounder qualities on par with the Z9’s make it the obvious choice. | For owners of Canon’s entry-level DSLRs who already own a few EF and EF-S lenses, the EOS R10 could be a tempting option for a mirrorless upgrade. | There’s no doubt that the Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 is a solid enough entry-level camera if your budget simply won’t stretch that far. | Beginners should find it easy to use but its twin-dial design provides a significant advantage for those who’d like to take more control. It also provides access to a large range of small, light and relatively affordable lenses. | It may not technically be the “best”, but it’s arguably the most enjoyable to use while delivering the most consistently attractive photos. | The Nikon Z50II is a very capable little camera that offers the most advanced feature set in its class. Don’t be put off by the 20MP resolution, as that’s more than enough for most purposes. | When we tested its impressive AI-based real-time autofocus on a portrait shoot it accurately demonstrated how good it was at identifying a face within the frame and immediately locked onto the eyes. | It can do almost anything that even the most demanding of photographers might conceivably need. But I think Canon has done a good job of making its capabilities accessible. | You could perhaps buy a full-frame camera for the same price, but it’ll be old and under-specified in comparison, and not as nice to use. | It offers an impressive combination of high resolution stills (and video) and blistering speed, in a compact and robust body that handles exceptionally well. | Professionals, semi-professionals and serious enthusiasts will be thunderstruck, even now, by the performance of its 45.7MP full-frame sensor, particularly its low-light capabilities at high ISO. |
| Best for… | Most users | Beginners | Tight budgets | Students | Artistic film simulations | Stills and content creation | Weddings and concerts | Professionals | Affordable full-frame-like quality | Hybrid shooters | Wildlife |
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Looking for the best deal on cameras for portrait photography? Not only will you find the best cameras for portraiture, but also some of the best camera deals, as our ‘Buy now’ buttons automatically take you to the best prices, from trusted retailers. You’ll also find a list of other retailers below each camera, so you can find the right deal for you.
Want to know more? Read on as we run through the full specs of every camera on our list…
Best overall
Best camera for portraits overall: Nikon Z8
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Z8 offers incredible image quality and comparable features to the Z9 for a lesser price. Subject detection was excellent under our testing review, and overall it has professional-level performance- Excellent image quality
- Superb subject detection
- Pro handling and incredibly intuitive to use
- Still quite a aize, though smaller than Z9
- Custom set up options need improvement
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|
| Price | $3,499 / from £3,199 body only |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Sensor | 45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor |
| ISO | ISO 64-25,600 (expandable to ISO 32-102,400) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis in-body image stabilisation |
| Continuous shooting | 20fps (raw), 30fps (JPEG), 120fps (11MP JPEG) |
The Nikon Z8 is a beast of a camera, offering essentially the same specifications as the flagship Nikon Z9, such as 45.7MP resolution, but in a smaller and less expensive body. When you compare the price of the Z9 ($5,497 / £4,999) and Nikon Z8 ($3,499 / £3,199), the latter seems like a great deal – particularly considering that portrait shooters don’t need super-fast burst speeds or ultra high-end video.
To entice the portrait photographer, the Z8 includes 493 focus points and is fast to focus and process images. When we tested the camera on its release, we found its subject detection feature to be incredibly effective compared to previous Nikon models and were also impressed by the image detail and astonishing dynamic range that the camera can produce.
For any portrait photographer, whether professional or enthusiast, the Nikon Z8 is an excellent choice. What clinches the top spot for it is the range of Nikon Z-mount lenses, which is expanding brilliantly and includes some absolutely dynamite choices for portraits, such as the lovely and not-too-expensive Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S.
Read our Nikon Z8 review.
Best for beginners
Best portrait camera for beginners: Canon EOS R10
Amateur Photographer verdict
A neat little camera that handles well, delivers attractive images and, for the price, has superb autofocus and continuous shooting speed. Sadly, very limited in lenses compatible with it.- Compact size and light weight make it easy to carry
- Excellent control layout and handling, especially given the small size
- Subject detection autofocus works very well
- Very good image quality in both JPEG and raw
- Viewfinder is disappointingly small
- No in-body image stabilisation
- Extremely limited native APS-C RF-S lens range
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Canon EOS R10 |
|---|---|
| Price | $879 / £797 body only |
| Lens mount | RF mount |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C sensor |
| ISO | ISO 100-51,200 |
| Stabilisation | No |
| Continuous shooting | 23fps |
For any beginner who wants to take the next step and upgrade to a mirrorless model the Canon EOS R10 is a great option. This camera is one of the smaller and lighter mirrorless cameras in the Canon collection and includes a host of features that will be useful for the portrait genre. This includes a large ISO range and 23fps burst mode.
Stand out features of the Canon EOS R10 include the superb autofocus system and opportunity to shoot high quality video (Full HD shooting at up to 120fps). It’s also possible to record 4K video at 60fps with a 1.6x crop.
This entry level model will attract both APS-C DSLR shooters who want to move to mirrorless and smartphone shooters wanting to progress with their portrait photography.
Read our Canon EOS R10 full review.
Best under $500/£500
Best portrait camera under $500 / £500: Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Canon Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is the middle child of a DSLR trio Canon released in 2018. A slight step up from the Canon EOS 4000D, it’s a good starting DSLR for beginners or those on a budget.- Great image quality for the price
- Tons of great lenses
- DSLR form factor with optical viewfinder
- Focuses slowly in Live View
- Pretty basic feature-set
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 |
|---|---|
| Price | $479 with 18-55mm lens / £325 body-only, £356 with 18-55mm lens |
| Lens mount | EF-S |
| Sensor | 24.1MP APS-C sensor |
| ISO | ISO 100-6400 |
| Stabilisation | No |
| Continuous shooting | 3fps |
A basic, no-frills DSLR, the Canon EOS 2000D is a good value camera, and it takes great portraits without breaking the bank. Many of the less edifying aspects of its feature set, like its rudimentary autofocus system and slow burst rate, won’t trouble portrait photographers, as your subjects should be relatively still. Furthermore, you still get a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, which will provide a significant jump in raw image quality compared to what you’d get from smartphones or compacts.
What makes the EOS 2000D great, however, isn’t really the camera at all – it’s the lenses. Specifically, the EF-S lens mount that gives you access to the huge range of large-aperture optics for the Canon DSLR system. If you want to build a portrait setup on the cheap, and experiment with all manner of different focal lengths and lens types, this is one of the most cost-efficient systems to do it in – as long as you’re comfortable shopping second-hand.
Read our full Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 review.
Best under $700/£700
Best portrait camera under £700/$700: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Amateur Photographer verdict
For beginners in photography and videography, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great mirrorless option. It is lightweight, intuitive to use, and produces crisp, punchy images.- Excellent JPEG image quality with extremely attractive colours
- Stylish design and well laid-out, tactile controls make it a pleasure to use
- Extremely effective in-body stabilisation keeps pictures sharp
- Good set of useful advanced features
- Supported by fine set of small, affordable lenses
- Raw image quality lags behind APS-C peers
- Below-camera selfie screen is incompatible with tripod use
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV |
|---|---|
| Price | $700 / £649 body only |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Sensor | 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor |
| ISO | ISO 200-6400, ISO 80-25,600 (extended) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis in-body stabilisation |
| Continuous shooting | Up to 15 fps |
For any budding portrait photographer, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is an excellent choice. This camera sits at the entry point level of the OM-D range and includes excellent features, such as the enhanced face and eye priority autofocus to ensure you capture pinpoint-sharp results.
The weight of this camera is a mere 383g and other stand out features such as the 121-point contrast-detect AF system and 5-axis in-body stabilisation all perform well and enhance the shooting experience.
Check out our guide to the best Olympus cameras to see what else Olympus / OM System has to offer.
Read our Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review.
Best under $1000/£1000
Best portrait camera under $1,000 / £1,000: Fujifilm X-T30 III
Amateur Photographer verdict
The X-T30 III is a great mirrorless camera for those looking for excellent image quality, in a compact, and portable camera, including Film Simulation colour modes, Reala Ace and Nostalgic Neg modes- Great JPEG results straight from the camera, with lovely colours
- 20fps – 30fps continuous shooting (26.1MP/cropped/electronic)
- Excellent lens range available
- Lacks in-body image stabilisation
- Small viewfinder and screen only tilts up and down
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Fujifilm X-T30 III |
|---|---|
| Price | $999 / £829 body-only |
| Lens mount | X mount |
| Sensor | 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS IV Sensor |
| ISO | ISO 160-12,800 (standard) |
| Stabilisation | No |
| Continuous shooting | Up to 30fps with electronic shutter (cropped), 20fps uncropped |
The Fujifilm X-T30 III is a versatile camera that would suit any hobbyist or enthusiast portrait photographer and is the updated version of what was previously Fujifilm’s best-selling and most popular camera in the X-series range, the X-T30, and the X-T30 II.
For portrait photographers, the 26.1MP X-Trans 4 CMOS sensor produces excellent results and the camera offers a large ISO range from ISO160 (Low), up to ISO12800 (Extended). The camera also comes with face/eye detection AF and its autofocus system, for a camera of this level, is responsive and fast to react.
The Fujifilm X-T30 III supports the X-Mount, and there’s an extensive range of Fujifilm lenses available – both premium lenses (XF), and more affordable lenses available (XC) – as well as some options from third-party manufacturers, including Samyang, Sigma and Tamron.
Read our Fujifilm X-T30 III Review.
Best affordable Nikon
Best affordable Nikon for portraits: Nikon Z50 II
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Z50 II manages to preserve the look, styling and excellent handling characteristics of the Z 6 and Z 7 in a lighter and more compact body.- Impressive image quality, especially raw
- Great viewfinder
- Excellent autofocus
- Fully articulated rear screen
- Lacks in body image stabilisation
- Mode dial easily knocked out of position
- Limited range of native DX Z-mount lenses, especially zooms
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Nikon Z50 II |
|---|---|
| Price | $907 / £849 body-only |
| Lens mount | Z-mount |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C sensor |
| ISO | ISO 100-51,200 (standard) |
| Stabilisation | No |
| Continuous shooting | 11fps continuous shooting with AE/AF |
The Nikon Z50 II is a 5-star camera and includes many features that will impress the portrait shooter, like a tilting touchscreen, 11fps burst mode, and a 20.9MP APS-C sensor. The Nikon Z50 II is compatible with Nikon’s range of Z-Mount lenses, and in their current Nikkor Z mount lens collection, Nikon have three DX format lenses and 26 FX format mirrorless lenses that are still compatible with the DX sensor. You can also use F-mount lenses with a FTZ adapter, giving you more options when it comes to lens choice. There is, however, a limited range of native DX Z-mount lenses.
The Nikon Z50 II will appeal to beginners and enthusiasts wanting to progress with their photography without having to cost a fortune. In our review, we found the electronic viewfinder and responsive touchscreen to enhance the shooting experience, and were impressed by the 11fps continuous shooting and responsive autofocus system.
Read our Nikon Z50 II Review.
Best full-frame mirrorless
Best full-frame mirrorless camera for portraits: Sony A7R V
Amateur Photographer verdict
The A7R V is an incredibly powerful mirrorless camera that sets a new benchmark. The resolution may be overkill for many amateurs but pros will likely be tempted.- Incredible 61MP image resolution
- Excellent AF system
- 10fps shooting burst mode
- Host of top end features
- Impressive ISO range and low noise
- No in-camera raw conversion
- Huge, complex menus
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Sony A7R V |
|---|---|
| Price | $3,498 / £3,249 body-only |
| Lens mount | E-mount |
| Sensor | 61MP full-frame CMOS sensor |
| ISO | ISO 100-32,000 (expandable to ISO 50-102,400) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis in-body stabilisation |
| Continuous shooting | 10fps |
If you’re after a full-frame large-resolution camera for your portraiture photography, you can’t go wrong with the Sony A7R V. This camera supports a whopping 61MP full-frame CMOS sensor and includes a burst mode shooting capability of 10fps, which, as a package, is pretty impressive.
In our review, we awarded the Sony A7R V with a top 5 stars and for good reason. We found the image quality to be remarkable and the dynamic range astonishing, too. Probably of more interest to portrait photographers is the update to Face Detection autofocus, allowing the user to select individual faces for the camera to prioritise tracking. This is ideal for wedding photographers and photojournalists, as can input the faces of priority individuals in advance, and rely on the camera to pick them out of a crowd.
We were also impressed by its AI-based real-time autofocus, and when tested on a portrait shoot it accurately demonstrated how good it was at identifying a face within the frame and immediately locked onto the eyes.
For any pro or serious portrait hobbyist photographer, the Sony A7R V should be at the top of your list.
Read our Sony Alpha A7R V review.
Best Canon
Best Canon camera for portraits: Canon EOS R5 II
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a strong contender for the best professional high-resolution, high-speed all-rounder on the market. The addition of eye control focus is perfect for portait, too.- Outstanding image results
- Incredibly impressive subject detection AF
- Eye Control Focus enables easy subject selection
- Great image quality in both JPEG and rawuse of EF/EF-S lenses via adapter
- Can’t use some third-party LP-E6 batteries
- Eye control might not work well for everyone
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Canon EOS R5 II |
|---|---|
| Price | $4,099 / £4500 body only |
| Lens mount | Canon RF |
| Sensor | 45MP Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor |
| ISO | ISO 100-51,200 (expandable to ISO 50-102,400) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilisation |
| Continuous shooting | 30fps |
The Canon EOS R5 II is another cracker of a camera and full of outstanding features that any pro or serious enthusiast will appreciate. These include the 45MP full-frame Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor that performs superbly, and the R5’s handling of noise at high sensitivity settings. You can expect clean, noise-free images between ISO 50 and ISO 800. Luminance noise starts to appear at ISO 1600; however it’s only apparent under 100% magnification, with a critical eye at that.
Most importantly, the camera includes Canon’s unique Eye Control Focus technology, which detects whereabouts you’re looking in the frame, and then uses this information to identify the subject on which to focus. It works best in combination with AI subject detection as a means of selecting between multiple possible subjects.
Canon has also introduced ‘Action Priority’ autofocus mode for football, basketball, and volleyball. Using ball tracking and each sport’s ‘action poses’, it can work out which player has the ball at any given time, and switch focus to them. It also recognises certain ‘action poses’ to focus on, including ‘save by keeper’ and ‘sliding tackle’.
It’s possible to register up to ten faces that the camera will prioritise for focusing by taking a single photo of each person and arranging them into an order of priority.
Compared with lower-end mirrorless Canon cameras, the R5 II is far more responsive at identifying people’s eyes and faces from greater distance, and the AF select button and joystick can be used to prioritise which face or eye you’d like the camera to focus on.
If the Canon EOS R5 II is way off your budget but you want to stick with the same brand, look at the Canon EOS RP instead as this is a budget friendly full frame option. It doesn’t compete with the R5 in terms of features and image quality, however, it is far cheaper at $799 / £1,049.
Read our Canon EOS R5 II review.
Best Fujifilm
Best Fujifilm camera for portraits: Fujifilm X-T5
Amateur Photographer verdict
Few cameras match the Fujifilm X-T5 for enthusiast photographers at the price. Resolution, all-round spec, and charming looks and handling make it hard to beat at the price.- Very capable subject-detection autofocus
- Effective in-body stabilisation (IBIS)
- Gives access to extensive X-mount lens range
- 40MP files may be overkill for some users
- Limited full-resolution raw buffer
- Ineffective high-res multi-shot mode
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Fujifilm X-T5 |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,699 / £1,449 body-only |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm X |
| Sensor | 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor |
| ISO | ISO 125-12,800 (standard); ISO 64-51,200 (extended) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis in-body image stabilisation |
| Continuous shooting | 15fps shooting (mechanical shutter, full-resolution); 20fps (electronic shutter, 1.3x crop, 24MP file) |
The Fujifilm X-T5 delivers an all-round package for enthusiast photographers while also an affordable option. Among its key strengths are a reliable AF system, ability to shoot high quality images at high ISO and effective image stabilisation.
In our review of the Fujifilm X-T5, we found it a joy to shoot with, thanks to its analogue controls, excellent viewfinder, and 3-way tilting screen. It delivers superb image quality, with stacks of resolution, plenty of dynamic range, good high-ISO performance and effective image stabilisation. Plus, that lovely Fujifilm colour rendition makes it a shoo-in to this list.
Read our full Fujifilm X-T5 review.
Best Panasonic
Best Panasonic camera for portraits: Panasonic Lumix S1R II
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Panasonic Lumix S1RII is a brilliant stills camera. It handles really well, gives great image quality and is excellent value for money.- Snappy autofocus with reliable eye detection
- Impressive image quality, especially in raw
- Excellent build and handling
- Highly refined control layout
- No automatic subject-detection option
- Battery life isn’t great
- Autofocus isn’t quite a match for more expensive stacked-CMOS cameras
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Panasonic Lumix S1R II |
|---|---|
| Price | $3,299 / £2,999 body-only |
| Lens mount | L-mount |
| Sensor | 44.3MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor |
| ISO | ISO 80-51,200 (standard) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis in-body stabilisation |
| Continuous shooting | Up to 40fps shooting |
The Lumix S1R II is a member of Panasonic’s full-frame mirrorless family, comprising cameras that use the L lens mount developed in conjunction with Leica and Sigma. Phase-detection autofocus brings a much faster and more reliable system than the contrast-detection system Panasonic had depended upon previously. It also benefits from Panasonic’s highly effective face- and eye-detection modes, which should be more useful to portrait shooters than the AI-powered ‘Human’ subject-detection mode.
As we found in our review, the Lumix S1R II’s 44.3MP sensor produces images of excellent quality, especially in RAW. In terms of the body, it is a well-designed camera with extensive customisability and a robust construction. The stabilisation is highly effective, which is handy if you’re shooting handheld.
The L-mount lens range is continuing to expand, and any portrait photographer will have no shortage of superb-quality lenses to choose from. The Lumix S1R II is also kitted out with extensive video features – if you have no interest in video at all, you may get more for your money with something like the Fujifilm X-T5.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix S1R II review.
Best full-frame DSLR
Best full-frame DSLR for portrait photography: Nikon D850
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Nikon D850 is the perfect blend of high-resolution, speed and performance. It is possibly the high-water mark of DSLR design – a classic in the making.- Sensor resolves exceptionally fine detail
- Super-fast autofocus and silent shooting in Live View
- Inherits AF toggle from the D500 for fast AF point positioning
- Impressive battery life with EN-EL15a battery
- Bulky and heavy
- Lacks on-chip phase detection AF in Live View
- Touchscreen doesn’t allow users to adjust key exposure settings
Specifications at a glance:
| Specifications | Nikon D850 |
|---|---|
| Price | $2,397 / £2,399 body only |
| Lens mount | Nikon F-mount |
| Sensor | 45.7MP FX CMOS Image Sensor |
| ISO | ISO 64-25600 |
| Stabilisation | No |
| Continuous shooting | 7fps |
Still a favourite amongst many DSLR shooters, the Nikon D850 is an amazing camera. Even as mirrorless continues to take over, this camera holds its own and is still used by many pros. Its massive 45.7MP full frame image sensor that captures outstanding images is the main reason; with other enticing features such as silent shooting in Liveview mode, a fast AF system and a wide ISO range.
This camera is ideal for any portrait shooter, from those going on location to those shooting in a studio. On the downside, the body is considerably heavier compared with most mirrorless models. On the plus side, the battery life lasts far longer, and the camera is considerably cheaper than the higher-end mirrorless cameras. For those on a budget, a second-hand model can be picked up for under $2,000 / £2,000, which is an absolute bargain!
Read our Nikon D850 review.
Specifications compared:
| Specifications | Nikon Z8 | Canon EOS R10 | Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 | Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | Fujifilm X-T30 III | Nikon Z50 II | Sony A7R V | Canon EOS R5 II | Fujifilm X-T5 | Panasonic Lumix S1R II | Nikon D850 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,499 / from £3,199 body only | $879 / £797 body only | $479 with 18-55mm lens / £325 body-only, £356 with 18-55mm lens | $700 / £649 body only | $999 / £829 body-only | $907 / £849 body-only | $3,498 / £3,249 body-only | $4,099 / £4500 body only | 1,699 / £1,449 body-only | $3,299 / £2,999 body-only | $2,397 / £2,399 body only |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z-mount | Canon RF-mount | Canon EF-S mount | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X mount | Nikon Z mount | Sony E mount | Canon RF mount | Fujifilm X mount | L-mount | Nikon F-mount |
| Sensor | 45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor | 24.2MP APS-C sensor | 24.1MP APS-C sensor | 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor | 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS IV Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C sensor | 61MP full-frame CMOS sensor | 45MP Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor | 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor | 44.3MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor | 45.7MP FX CMOS Image Sensor |
| ISO | ISO 64-25,600 (expandable to ISO 32-102,400) | ISO 100-51,200 | ISO 100-6400 | ISO 200-6400, ISO 80-25,600 (extended) | ISO 160-12,800 (standard) | ISO 100-51,200 (standard) | ISO 100-32,000 (expandable to ISO 50-102,400) | ISO 100-51,200 (expandable to ISO 50-102,400) | ISO 125-12,800 (standard); ISO 64-51,200 (extended) | ISO 80-51,200 (standard) | ISO 64-25600 |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis in-body image stabilisation | No | No | 5-axis in-body image stabilisation | No | No | 5-axis in-body image stabilisation | 5-axis in-body image stabilisation | 5-axis in-body image stabilisation | 5-axis in-body image stabilisation | No |
| Continuous shooting | 20fps (raw), 30fps (JPEG), 120fps (11MP JPEG) | 23fps | 3fps | Up to 15fps | Up to 30fps with electronic shutter (cropped), 20fps uncropped | 11fps continuous shooting with AE/AF | 10fps | 30fps | 15fps shooting (mechanical shutter, full-resolution); 20fps (electronic shutter, 1.3x crop, 24MP file) | Up to 40fps shooting | 7fps |
How to choose a camera and lenses for portrait photography
There are two aspects to take into account to achieve amazing portraits. The first is the type of lens you are using, and the effect this will have on your subject. To capture flattering facial features, use a lens with a longer focal length as it compresses a subject’s features rather than emphasise them like a wide-angle lens will do.
When it comes to purchasing a new camera for your portrait photography, look at the compatible lenses available as this will influence your final decision. Most portrait photographers aim to have something like a 50mm, 85mm or 100mm prime lens in their bag and possibly a 70-200mm zoom lens as well. Have a look at our guide to the best portrait lenses.
The second consideration is what image sensor type the camera supports. So, what is the best sensor size for portraits? Dreamy bokeh background blur that is desirable in portraiture photography is easier to achieve on a full frame image sensor. But that’s not to say APS-C and Micro Four Thirds models should be dismissed. These types of cameras are often cheaper, and with the right lens are quite capable of producing excellent results.
Background blur is also affected by other factors such as how far your subject is placed from the background and your lens choice so don’t be put off by an APS-C or MFT model. For more information on sensor size, have a look at our guide to APS-C vs Full-Frame (and MFT) sensors.
Once you’ve found the best cameras for portraits, have a look at our guides to great portrait photography:
- Complete guide to portrait photography
- Fine art portrait photography
- Best portrait advice from the pros
- The best lenses for portrait photography
Looking for portrait inspiration before you start clicking? Check out some amazing portrait photography below:
- Alicia Vera photo story: On loss and coping with mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis
- Aneesa Dawoojee wins Power of Photography Award at AP Awards
- BJP announces the Portrait of Britain Vol.5 Winners
- Aliz Kovacs-Zoldi: how plant collecting became my photo project
Recent updates:
May 2026: Replaced Sony A6400 with Fujifilm X-T30 III as best portrait camera under $1000/£1000. Specifications tables updated.
February 2026: Updated to newer available models: Nikon Z7II to Nikon Z8, Nikon Z50 to Z50II, Fujifilm X-T30 II to X-T30 III, Sony A7R IVA to Sony A7R V, Canon EOS R5 to R5 Mark II, and Panasonic S5 II to S1R II.
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