It goes without saying that our pets are part of the family.
Regardless of whether your faithful companion is man’s best friend, a mischievous feline or has a fluffy little tail, we’d be lost without them.
I have had my dog, Oakley, for just over four years and although he’s a handful, I can’t imagine him not being a member of the household.
He is a sprocker spaniel and has the wildest personality.
He has such a big character that every moment with him is an adventure.
An adventure that I just love to capture.
A quick flick through my camera roll and you will find that Oakley is one the featured stars.
Over the last four years, I have snapped away to capture everything from hilarious and cheeky events to adorable and sleepy moments.
But capturing those photos is not necessarily easy.
No matter how well trained your pet is, they are unpredictable.
Constantly distracted with extremely limited communication, you can’t rely on them to sit and pose whilst you try to capture the perfect photo.
But the right camera makes capturing moments with your pet easy.
After years of just using my smartphone to capture photos of Oakley, I decided it was time to enhance my pet photography.
I went in search of the best camera for pet photography and not only did I find it, I also found multiple contenders that cover all bases.
If you are in the same position I was in and want to level up your pet photography, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve not only reviewed five of the best cameras for pet photography but also provided some useful tips on choosing the right camera and capturing pets in action.
Best Camera For Pet Photography – Reviews
Whilst technically any camera can capture your pet, many will struggle to perform to a high standard.
When capturing pets, you need a camera that performs fast and accurately resulting in crisp, clear and detailed images, even when the subject is in motion.
The following five cameras do just that and have an array of incredible features that make capturing your pet a breeze.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 – Best Camera For Pet Photography Overall
To kick off the reviews, let me introduce you to the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera.
In my opinion, this camera is the ultimate companion for capturing stunning moments with pets.
With its impressive features and advanced technology, this camera is designed to help you achieve outstanding results.
Having used it to capture my dog, I can say first hand that it immortalizes the playful essence of your furry friends.
The FZ80 excels in auto focus capabilities and ensured my dog’s every move was sharp and well-defined.
Whether he was running, jumping or chasing his favorite toy, this camera kept up with his energy.
Thanks to the fast shutter speed of 1/16000, you can essentially freeze motion, capture the playful antics and every detail will be crystal clear.
The broad ISO range of the FZ80 also allows you to confidently shoot in various lighting conditions.
Whilst it wasn’t the best performing camera of the five in low light, it is decent enough that you can compromise in favor of this camera’s other incredible features.
The FZ80 can also take your pet photography to new heights with the impressive 60x zoom capability.
From close-ups of your pet’s adorable features to capturing them in their natural environment, this camera ensures that no detail goes unnoticed.
Great image stabilization guarantees steady shots even when you’re capturing pets in action or utilizing the full extent of the zoom.
Say goodbye to blurry images and hello to sharp, professional-quality photographs.
Plus, you won’t miss a moment with the incredible battery life of the FZ80.
Its long-lasting performance ensures that you can capture all those special pet moments without interruption or the need for frequent recharging.
On the downside, the FZ80 is pretty heavy but its sturdy build ensures durability and reliability.
Overall, I loved the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera and think it is the ultimate choice for pet photography.
With its exceptional auto focus, fast shutter speed and great image stabilization, it provides all the tools you need to capture the spirit and personality of your furry friends.
Still Resolution
Features an 18mp crop sensor with 60x optical zoom that captures high quality images at any distance. It’s 4K photo feature also allows you to pull high quality stills from 4K video.
Video Resolution
Shoots in stunning 4K up to 30fps ensuring every movement of your pet is true to life and extremely detailed.
ISO Range
Features an extended ISO of 80-6400 which performs well but does not offer the best low light performance of the five cameras.
Auto Focus
Impeccable auto focus that works fast and accurately, even in difficult lighting conditions. It tracks your pet to ensure that every moment captured is well focused.
Shutter Speed/Burst Mode
Outstanding maximum shutter speed of 1/16000. You can rest assured that the moment will not be missed.
Image Stabilization
This camera’s optical image stabilization works extremely well resulting in sharp, detailed images and videos. It continues to work well even when the zoom is at its maximum 60x.
“The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is my go-to camera for achieving professional-quality photos of my pet.”
Nikon D3500 – Best Camera For Pet Photography For Beginners
The Nikon D3500 is an excellent choice for pet photography and is a reliable tool for capturing moments with furry companions.
One of the standout features of the D3500 is its exceptional resolution.
With a 24.2 megapixel sensor, this camera delivers stunningly detailed photos.
It allows you to capture the finest details of your pet’s fur, eyes and expressions.
The high resolution also allows more flexibility post-production particularly for enlargements and printing without sacrificing image quality.
The D3500 also boasts a great autofocus system allowing you to quickly and accurately focus on your pet.
Tracking ensures you can capture sharp images even when your furry friend is constantly on the move.
However, it’s important to note that the D3500 has limited video quality compared to some other models.
While it can capture Full HD videos at 1080p, it is unlikely to be a suitable choice for a professional looking for 4K.
If video quality is a top priority, other camera options may be more suitable.
While the D3500 itself does not have built-in image stabilization, it is compatible with Nikon lenses that feature this technology.
By investing in lenses with image stabilization, you can enjoy the benefits of reduced camera shake even if your camera does not have this feature.
While its video quality is limited, its strengths in photo performance make it a reliable choice for capturing the playful antics and adorable expressions of your furry companions.
Still Resolution
The 24.2 mp crop sensor captures highly detailed images. The sensor works well with this cameras auto focus and image stabilization to capture beautiful photos of your pets.
Video Resolution
Maximum video resolution of 1080p. This is great quality but may not achieve the results a professional is looking for.
ISO Range
Extended ISO up to 25600. Works extremely well to capture images in bright conditions and is also good for low light but some image noise does start to creep in.
Auto Focus
Great auto focus with subject tracking. This allows you to stay focused even if your pet is on the move.
Shutter Speed/Burst Mode
Maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 which works well for capturing action shots.
Image Stabilization
The D3500 does not feature in-body image stabilization. However, it is compatible with Nikon’s extensive range of lenses with image stabilization.
“If you’re a beginner to pet photography, I highly recommend the Nikon D3500. It is a great entry-level camera at an affordable price without compromising on image quality.”
Canon EOS Rebel T6 – Best Camera For Pet Photography For Photo Quality
An alternative great option for pet photography is the Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR.
Especially for beginners looking to capture stunning images of their furry friends, this camera is a top contender for best camera for pet photography.
With its user-friendly features and impressive performance, it’s a camera that strikes the right balance between functionality and ease of use.
The Rebel T6 offers a dedicated beginner mode making it perfect for pet owners who are new to photography.
This mode simplifies the settings and provides helpful guidance allowing beginners to quickly get started.
With a lightweight design, the Rebel T6 is highly portable and easy to carry around during outdoor adventures or playtime with pets.
You can easily capture spontaneous moments and follow your furry companions without heavy gear.
With its capable shutter speed, the Rebel T6 can freeze action and capture pets in motion with sharpness and clarity.
However, the shutter speed is not quite as fast as some of the other great cameras reviewed.
Another disappointment of the Rebel T6 is that it lacks autofocus functionality in video mode.
It still excels in capturing high-quality and focused photos of pets but simply does not work when shooting video.
Users can rely on the camera’s autofocus capabilities when shooting stills but overall, the auto focus is still a let down.
Despite this, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR camera is a fantastic choice for pet photography, particularly for beginners.
Still Resolution
18 mp sensor that captures outstanding images.
Video Resolution
Captures video at a maximum quality of 1080p. This Full HD quality is fantastic for amateurs and beginners but may not be up to standard for professionals.
ISO Range
ISO range of 100-6400 which is expandable to 12800. Practically no image noise up to ISO 3200 but starts to creep in after this point. Produces high quality images at higher ISO but does have some noise grain.
Auto Focus
Decent auto focus which works well for still images but not for video. This is a major downfall of the Rebel T6.
Shutter Speed/Burst Mode
Maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 which is about average and you can still capture the moment.
Image Stabilization
This camera does not feature in-body image stabilization but is compatible with Nikon’s range of lenses that do feature image stabilization.
“I loved that the Canon EOS Rebel T6 allows pet owners to capture unforgettable moments with ease and exceptional image quality.”
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless – Best Camera For Pet Photography For Compactness
The Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless camera is undoubtedly one of the best choices for pet photography.
With its 24.1 megapixel sensor, the EOS M50 delivers outstanding image quality and fine detail.
It ensures that every fur strand and expressive feature is captured with exceptional clarity.
The M50 also excels in video capabilities offering 4K recording which adds a new dimension to pet videography.
The camera’s ability to capture in 4K allows you to document your pet’s antics with incredible detail.
Equipped with a versatile kit lens, the EOS M50 offers a wide focal range suitable for pet photography.
Whether you’re capturing close-ups or action shots, the kit lens provides flexibility and convenience.
The compact size of the M50 also makes it a great choice for pet photography on the go.
It’s lightweight and easy to handle allowing you to capture those spontaneous moments and keep up with your furry friend’s energy.
However, it’s important to note a couple of drawbacks.
The M50’s battery life is relatively poor so I’d recommend having spare batteries on hand for longer photography sessions.
Additionally, the autofocus system struggles in 4K mode which can be limiting when recording high-resolution videos.
Also, the shutter speed options on the M50 are somewhat limited compared to other advanced cameras.
But on the whole, the M50 is a top choice for pet photography.
Whilst it may have some limitations, its overall features and performance make it a reliable companion for capturing those adorable moments with your furry friends.
Still Resolution
24 mp sensor works well with compatible lenses for high image quality and maximum sharpness.
Video Resolution
Shoots in incredible 4K quality but produces very large files.
ISO Range
Extended ISO of 100-51,200. It works well to showcase fine detail and true color even in difficult lighting conditions.
Auto Focus
Great performing auto focus, however, it does tend to struggle when shooting in 4K.
Shutter Speed/Burst Mode
The shutter speed is only 1/4000. This is decent but not the best.
Image Stabilization
The M50 features digital image stabilization. Whilst this is less effective than in-body optical image stabilization, it works well on the M50.
“If you’re looking for a camera that perfectly captures great quality photos and videos equally, I think the Canon EOS M50 could be it.”
Canon EOS Rebel T7 – Best Camera For Pet Photography For Low Light
Excelling in capturing the endearing moments of our furry companions, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a great pet photography camera.
Its outstanding low light capabilities make it well-suited for indoor or evening shoots, ensuring sharp, beautiful images even in challenging lighting conditions.
The Rebel T7’s reliable auto focus system is a key asset to pet photography.
It helps you to quickly and accurately focus on your lively subjects.
This camera keeps up with pets’ unpredictable movements ensuring sharp images of their playful antics.
Whether you’re photographing a lively dog running in a park or a cat in a cozy indoor setting, the Rebel T7 is there to capture it.
The combination of remarkable low light performance and dependable auto focus makes it an ideal companion for capturing the heart-warming essence of our beloved pets.
Still Resolution
Phenomenal image quality thanks to its high performing 24.1 mp sensor. Still images have great detail and superb sharpness.
Video Resolution
Shoots at a maximum of 1080p which of course has limitations but is great for the price range.
ISO Range
ISO range of 100-6400 which is expandable to 12,800. It works exceptional well alongside the sensor and auto focus to capture in low light and at night but does have a sense of struggle in high contrast.
Auto Focus
This camera has outstanding auto focus. It includes great face detection which tracks the subject and performs to a high standard.
Shutter Speed/Burst Mode
Max shutter speed of 1/4000 which is pretty average but still allows you to capture the moment.
Image Stabilization
This camera does not have in-body image stabilization but is compatible with Canon’s lenses that have this feature. Canon offers one of the highest collections of image stabilization lenses on the market.
“If you rely on a camera that performs well in low light or at night, I highly recommend the Canon EOS Rebel T7 for its insane low light performance.”
How to Buy the Best Camera for Pet Photography
With so many cameras on the market promising different things, it can be difficult to find the right one.
Whilst every individual will have unique wants and needs for their camera, there are some key elements to look for that I think are extremely important in a camera for pet photography.
ISO Range
A high ISO range is crucial for a good camera for pet photography because pets are often active and unpredictable subjects.
They can move quickly and may not stay still for long which makes capturing in extreme lighting conditions more challenging.
A high ISO range allows the camera to capture more light resulting in faster shutter speeds and reduced motion blur.
One that performs well will have minimal image noise when set at a high ISO.
This is especially useful when photographing pets indoors.
It is also extremely beneficial for shooting outdoors.
As our pets spend a lot of time outside, you can shoot regardless of whether the sun is setting, its nighttime or just a gloomy day.
At the opposite end of the scale, a vast ISO range can also help you capture in highly contrasted conditions such as a bright sunny day.
With a wide ISO range, pet photographers can freeze action and capture sharp details even in challenging lighting situations.
Auto Focus
A great performing auto focus system is an essential feature to have in a camera for pet photography.
It allows photographers to quickly and accurately focus on their furry subjects.
Pets are incredibly active and constantly on the move making it challenging to capture them.
With great auto focus, the camera can detect and track the pet’s movement ensuring that the focus remains sharp even as they scamper around or play.
Pet photography often involves capturing fast action such as pets leaping, running or playing.
Auto focus helps photographers keep up with these unpredictable moments.
It allows you to freeze the action with precision and capture those split-second expressions and movements that make pet photography so compelling.
Some auto focus systems also offer advanced technology that assists in capturing the captivating expressions and intricate details of pets.
With face and eye tracking that recognizes pets, it allows photographers to capture true detail.
Achieving accurate focus on the eyes brings a sense of life and connection to the images enhancing their overall impact.
Auto focus is a vital feature for pet photography so make sure the camera you choose has an auto focus system that is high performing.
Shutter Speed/Burst Mode
Having a fast shutter speed is essential for pet photography due to the unpredictable and energetic nature of pets.
Pets can move quickly making it challenging to capture sharp and well-timed images.
A fast shutter speed allows photographers to freeze motion and capture pets in action without blurring.
Burst mode is also highly beneficial.
Burst mode is particularly valuable when photographing pets as it captures multiple photos in extremely quick succession ensuring you don’t miss the moment.
This ensures that photographers don’t miss a single moment of their pet’s lively behavior.
Utilizing burst mode increases the likelihood of capturing the perfect expression or behavior that truly represents your pet’s personality.
With both a fast shutter speed and burst mode, you can capture the energy and playfulness of pets.
It allows for a higher chance of capturing that split-second moment that captures the pet’s unique charm and brings the photographs to life.
Image Stabilization
Good image stabilization is highly important for pet photography, both in photography and videography.
Pets are known for their energetic movements and unpredictable behavior making it challenging to capture clear, blur-free shots.
With effective image stabilization, camera shake is minimized resulting in sharper images and smoother videos.
It enhances the overall quality of pet photography allowing you as a pet owner to document and cherish those unforgettable moments.
If a camera does not have in-built image stabilization it may not be a major issue.
This is because many interchangeable lenses have this feature which performs the same job.
However, it is important to ensure you have image stabilization somewhere as the majority of pet photography will be shot handheld.
Best Camera for Pet Photography – My Verdict
For me, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 really stood out.
I loved capturing photos of my dog, Oakley, on this camera.
As a highly active and energetic dog, it can be hard to capture great quality photos when he is constantly on the move.
The LUMIX FZ80’s outstanding auto focus and exceptional shutter speed make it possible to capture my dog’s bouncing personality.
However, this camera does have some downfalls when performing in low light.
If low light is important to you, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a great option.
But there is no doubt that you will have your own wants and needs in camera.
If neither of these cameras are your perfect fit, I can guarantee one of the other three cameras reviewed will be the one.
