Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Taking great photos of your pet can be challenging, but you don’t want to use a phone or point-and-shoot camera because the results won’t be as good.
Not all cameras are created equal, and if you want to take great photos of your furry friend, you need to use a designed camera.
The five best cameras for dog photography are listed here. These cameras are perfect for taking amazing pictures of your pup, and they’re all available at different price points, so there’s something for everyone.
Overall Best Camera for Dog Photography
Sony a7 III
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line camera to capture all your furry friend’s best moments, look no further than the Sony a7 III. The Sony a7 III has one of the most advanced autofocus systems on any camera on the market, which means that it can quickly and accurately focus on even the wiggiest dogs. This makes it much easier to get sharp, in-focus photos of dogs in action, whether running and playing or just sitting still (relatively speaking). That’s not all – the Sony a7 III’s autofocus system also works great in low-light conditions, so you can take photos of your dogs even when there’s not much light to work with.
In addition to its excellent autofocus system, the Sony a7 III also records 4K video. This means you can create beautiful, high-resolution videos of your dogs at play or simply relaxing at home. And if 4K is too high resolution for you, don’t worry – the Sony a7 III also records Full HD 1080p video at up to 120 frames per second, so you can slow things down and capture all the details of your dog’s movement.
Finally, the Sony a7 III features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame image sensor. This means that your photos will have incredible detail and depth, letting you capture your canine subjects’ furriness (and personality).
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony a7 III
Like:
- 24.2 MP Sensor
- 4K Video Recording
- 5-Axis Image Stabilization
- Fast Hybrid AF System
- Compact and lightweight body
- Built-in wifi and Bluetooth
Dislike:
- Limited Battery Life
- Complicated Menu System
What Consumers Are Saying
“The Sony a7 III is a marvelous camera with many features that will make photography easier for you.”
“If you’re looking for a great camera with amazing features, the Sony a7 III is perfect.”
“The Sony a7 III is an outstanding camera that will help you take amazing photos.”
Best Budget for Dog Photography
Nikon D3400
When it comes to finding the best budget for dog photography, the Nikon D3400 is hard to beat. The Nikon D3400 offers a 24.2MP image sensor that produces stunning photos with rich colors and sharp details. Whether you’re shooting in bright sunlight or low light, the D3400’s image quality is sure to impress.
One of the best things about the Nikon D3400 is its user-friendly interface. The camera’s menu is easy to navigate, and the controls are clearly labeled, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Even if you’re new to photography, you’ll be able to start taking great photos with the D3400 in no time.
In addition to offering excellent image quality and an easy-to-use interface, the Nikon D3400 also comes with some features that make it perfect for dog photography. For example, the camera’s continuous shooting mode lets you capture a series of images quickly, so you never have to worry about missing a shot. And, with its 11-point autofocus system, the D3400 can quickly and accurately focus on your dog even if they’re moving around.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon D3400
Like:
- 24.2-megapixel sensor
- very lightweight and compact
- comes with a versatile kit lens
Dislike:
- No wifi
- No 4K recording
- Fixed LCD screen
What Consumers Are Saying
“The Nikon D3400 is a great camera for anyone just starting in photography.”
“The Nikon D3400 is easy to use and takes great photos.”
“The Nikon D3400 is the perfect camera for beginner photographers.”
Runner Up Best Camera for Dog Photography
Nikon D500
The Nikon D500 is the perfect camera for anyone looking to capture fantastic images of their dog. The Nikon D500 features a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, which is the ideal size for most photographers. The APS-C sensor size provides excellent image quality and low-light performance, making it perfect for capturing those early mornings or evening walks with your pup.
Another great feature of the Nikon D500 is its high ISO performance. This camera can shoot at an ISO range of 100-51,200, which you can expand to an impressive ISO range of 50-1,640,000. This gives you the ability to capture stunning images in various lighting conditions, whether you’re shooting in bright or low light.
The Nikon D500 also has a continuous shooting speed of 10 fps, which is perfect for capturing action shots of your dog Playing fetch or running through the park. With this fast shooting speed, you’ll never miss a moment and always be able to capture crystal-clear images of your furry friend in action.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon D500
Like:
- 20.9 MP sensor
- 4K video
- Built-in wifi
- Robust autofocus
- Excellent battery life
Dislike:
- Cropped 4K video
- Limited touchscreen functionality
What Consumers Are Saying
“I’m incredibly impressed with the Nikon D500…the camera is amazing.”
“The Nikon D500 is a high-end APS-C digital SLR camera that delivers excellent image quality and fast shooting performance.”
“The Nikon D500 is one of the most impressive cameras I’ve ever used.”
Honorable Mentions
![Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] with 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS Sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF - Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ArYn43YbL._SL500_.jpg "Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] with 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS Sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF - Black")
Canon EOS 80D
For several reasons, the Canon EOS 80D is an excellent choice for dog photography. One of the most important things to look for in a camera for dog photography is fast autofocus. Dogs are constantly moving, so you need a camera to keep up. The Canon EOS 80D has a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 45 cross-type autofocus points that ensure you’ll never miss a shot. Even when your dog is running around, the Canon EOS 80D’s autofocus system will be able to lock onto them and snap a sharp photo.
Another essential feature of dog photography is advanced image stabilization. This helps reduce camera shake so you can get sharp photos even if your hands are shaky or you’re shooting in low light conditions. The Canon EOS 80D has an Intelligent Viewfinder with an Electronic Level that makes it easy to keep your photos level, even when your dog is running around crazily. And with an ISO range of 100-16000, you’ll be able to shoot clear photos in almost any lighting situation.
The Canon EOS 80D also offers various lens options, making it the perfect camera for dog photography. If you want to capture wide shots of your dogs running around, then the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens is a great choice. For close-up portraits, the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is ideal. And if you’re looking for something in between, then the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens is perfect. No matter what kind of shots you want, the Canon EOS 80D has a lens option that lets you capture them perfectly.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS 80D
Like:
- High-quality kit with 18-55mm lens
- Tilt-flip and touchscreen
- Fast Dual Pixel on-sensor phase detection autofocus
- Strong build quality
Dislike:
- One card slot
- No 4K video
- Autofocus tracking could be better
What Consumers Are Saying
“The Canon EOS 80D is a powerful camera that gives you the flexibility to capture amazing images and videos.”
“The Canon EOS 80D is a great camera for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level.”
“The Canon EOS 80D is the perfect camera for anyone who wants to create beautiful photos and videos.”
Canon EOS Rebel T6i
The Canon EOS Rebel T6i is an excellent choice for dog photography thanks to its 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, which produces bright and vibrant photos with minimal noise and grain. The camera also has an ISO range of 100-12800, which means it can handle low-light situations like indoor photo sessions or early morning/evening walks. And if you want to get creative, the Canon EOS Rebel T6i offers built-in wifi and NFC connectivity, so you can control the camera remotely and even share your photos with your friends and family via social media.
Plus, the Canon EOS Rebel T6i is lightweight and easy to carry around, which is essential when chasing after a rambunctious puppy! And if you’re new to DSLR photography, do not worry—the Canon EOS Rebel T6i is designed with beginners in mind and offers intuitive controls and an easy-to-use menu system.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS Rebel T6i
Like:
- High ISO performance
- 3-inch touch screen
- Built-in wifi & NFC
- 5fps continuous shooting
- Vari-angle touch LCD
Dislike:
- Full HD video tops out at 30fps
- Small viewfinder
What Consumers Are Saying
“The Canon EOS Rebel T6i is a great camera for beginner photographers.”
“The Canon EOS Rebel T6i is a powerful camera that can do many different things.”
“The Canon EOS Rebel T6i has some great features that can help you take great pictures.”
Conclusion: Dog Photography Cameras
If you’re new to dog photography, any digital camera will do. But if you want to get the best photos of your furry friend possible, you’ll need a good quality camera with some specific features. Check out our list of the five best cameras for dog photography – from budget-friendly options to top-of-the-line models, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Get snapping!
FAQ
What are the best tips for photographing dogs?
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. Dogs move quickly, so you’ll need a shutter speed of at least 1/250th of a second to avoid getting blurry photos.
- Set your camera to continuous shooting mode so you can quickly take multiple photos. This way, you’re more likely to capture that perfect moment.
- Use a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to blur the background and make your dog stand out. This is especially helpful if there’s a lot of clutter in the background of your shot.
How can I make my dog look good in photos?
There are a few things you can do to make sure your dog looks good in photos:
- Groom your dog before the photo session. A well-groomed dog will look much better in photos than an unkempt dog.
- Choose a flattering angle. Get down on your dog’s level and shoot from slightly above or below eye level.
- Use props to add interest to the photo. A simple prop like a toy or food can help capture your dog’s attention and make the photo more interesting.
What are some excellent locations to take dog photos?
Here are a few ideas for locations to take dog photos:
- The beach
- A park or forest
- An urban setting (think alleyways, rooftops, etc.)
- Your backyard
Anywhere they would make a lovely backdrop for your photos will work! Though, always keep your dog’s safety in mind when choosing a location.
