The best cameras for wedding photography will need to have fast autofocus you, excellent low-light performance, and ideally, a silent shooting mode. While most wedding photographers will choose to shoot full-frame, if you're just starting out it might not be financially viable so we have included some excellent crop sensor cameras too.
Capturing someone's big day is not a job for the faint-hearted and is probably not recommended as your first intro to photography. Weddings are high-pressure, action-packed days where anything could go wrong so you really need to bring your A-game. There are so many moments throughout the day that you won't get a chance to shoot again so you need to get it the right the first time and having the right kit makes it so much easier. If you're buying new, make sure you get to grips with all the settings, shortcuts, buttons, and dials before the big day so you don't miss anything important.
Whether you're just starting out in wedding photography or looking to upgrade your current setup, our list of the best cameras for wedding photography includes both APS-C and full-frame cameras that we believe are perfect for the job. Realistically, entry-level cameras aren't really suitable to shoot weddings as they often don't have the resolution, fast burst modes, or handy features like eye and face AF needed to capture someone's special day.
To make the list easy to navigate we've split the guide into three sections: starting out, upgrading, and professional. Chances are if you make most of your income from wedding photography you'll want to jump right in at the pro-end with cameras offering a high megapixel count, advanced features such as face and eye AF as well as phase-detect autofocus, 4K video capabilities, and fast burst modes.
Starting out
The Canon EOS R10 sounds almost too good to be true but Canon is not messing around. With a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, the ability to shoot 4K and a burst rate of up to 23fps when using the electronic shutter makes it well suited for shooting weddings. It features the same lightning-fast Dual Pixel CMOS AF II as Canon's professional grade cameras such as the R5 and R6 which is absolutely incredible considering it costs less than $/£1000 for the body only.
You can track humans, animals, subjects, and vehicles plus at just 429g it's extremely lightweight making it a great choice when you have to shoot for 8 hours plus which is common for wedding photographers. It might not have the low light capabilities of a full-frame camera but when using it with one of the best flashgun or strobe, you've got an impressive setup that won't break the bank.
Read our full Canon EOS R10 review for more details
The X-S10 is a bit of a deviation for Fujifilm. Sharing many of the core features as the similarly priced X-T30, the biggest difference is the design. For starters, there’s a more pronounced handgrip than we’re used to seeing with other X Series cameras, while the top plate has been streamlined with a less intimidating set of controls. New users will certainly find this more intuitive, while more experienced users will still enjoy a decent amount of body-mounted controls and customization. The build quality is also excellent, while the vari-angle display that can allow the screen to fold in on itself is a nice touch. The X-S10 uses Fujifilm's excellent 26MP sensor, delivering images with excellent detail and lovely color. Then there's the advanced 425-point system and excellent 6-stop in-body image stabilization system, while Fujifilm’s steadily built up an extensive range of lenses for the X Series that are perfect for weddings.
Read our full Fujifilm X-S10 review for more details
If you thought your first camera for wedding photography would have to have an APS-C Sensor, think again. Nikon's entry-level full-frame DSLR is incredible value for what you get and the larger sensor means it performs better in low light. It has a continuous shooting speed of 4.5fps which isn't the fastest, but for most wedding scenarios that will be more than enough. It has a 24.3MP CMOS sensor that not only captures beautiful, color-accurate photos but it can also shoot 4K video.
One of the biggest criticisms (and reasons wedding photographers didn't invest) in the Nikon Z6 and Z7 is the fact they only had one card slot but Nikon listened and the Z5 has dual UHS-II so you can back up your images onto the second card. ~The 273-point hybrid autofocus system is fast and accurate and features such as eye AF will make sure your portraits are always in focus. It's lightweight, weather-sealed, has USB-C charging capabilities, and an ISO range of 100-51,200 so even when shooting at higher ISO's, your images will still look clean. It's compatible with the Nikon FTZ adapter which means you can use the huge range of Nikon F mount lenses available, either brand new or second-hand if your budget is tight.
Read our full Nikon Z5 review for more details
The EOS 90D sits at the top of Canon’s APS-C enthusiast range of DSLRs and features an all-new 32.5MP sensor, which sees it edge out many APS-C rivals in the resolutions stakes. That's just a small part of the story though, as there are lots to like elsewhere. This includes the excellent vari-angle touchscreen with Canon's polished Dual Pixel AF, which makes shooting from awkward angles a dream, while the handling is nicely sorted.
Buttons are nicely spaced, there's a really handy AF joystick and there's a decent-sized handgrip - really handy if you're going to be shooting a wedding all day. The EOS 90D is also weather-sealed and while it feels a little plasticky in places, is constructed from a mix of aluminum alloy and polycarbonate resin (with glass fibre). The buffer could be better and it's a shame there's not an extra card slot (useful for backing up those precious shots), but otherwise, the EOS 90D is a very capable option for those looking for their first wedding camera.
Read our full Canon EOS 90D review for more details
The Nikon D780 takes the on-sensor phase detection autofocus of the Nikon Z6, resulting in a DSLR with the live view autofocus speed of mirrorless cameras – brilliant! Essentially, the D780 is like a modernized, supercharged version of Nikon's still popular D750 full-frame DSLR. The D780 doesn't just have advanced live view AF – it also comes with a high-resolution tilting touchscreen display, 4K UHD video, dual UHS-II compatible memory card slots and continuous shooting speeds up to 12fps in live view mode. Combine that with its solid design and comfortable grip and you've got a camera that's an instant classic. If you can't quite stretch to the D780, you can still pick up the Nikon D750 second hand but you'll be hard-pushed to find it now since it was discontinued.
Read more: Nikon D780 review for more details
Upgrading
Fujifilm's flagship X-mount mirrorless camera is as the name suggests, now in its fourth iteration and the result is an incredibly refined and capable camera. It might not feature a full frame like some rivals, but the 26-megapixel APS-C-sized sensor doesn't disappoint, delivering images with rich colors and pleasing detail. Fujifilm also established an excellent range of lenses for it's X-Series and has some very compelling options for wedding photographers. Elsewhere and pretty much most boxes are ticked, including in-body stabilization, a vari-angle touchscreen display, and decent battery life. There's also an advanced 425-point AF system and some really advanced 4K video capabilities. Finally, there's the handling - some will be put off by the array of body-mounted controls, but get yourself dialed in and it makes it a very easy and intuitive camera to shoot with.
With the release of the Fujifilm X-T5, the price of the Fujifilm X-T4 has come down considerably - if you want more resolution you might be better suited with the X-T5 but in terms of features and price we still think the Fujifilm X-T4 is a smart option.
Read our full Fujifilm X-T4 review for more details
Designed as Canon’s versatile all-rounder, the EOS R6 sports a pretty modest pixel count at just 20.1MP. That might put some off, but the payoff is that excellent ISO range and performance, while the Dual Pixel AF II autofocus system is borrowed from the EOS R5 (see further down) that uses machine learning to assist with subject tracking. If you're shooting people regularly, this can be incredibly useful. The EOS R6 also gets a mightily impressive in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system that can deliver up to 8 stops of compensation when paired with an RF lens that features Canon’s In-Lens (IS) image stabilization system. There's no top-plate LCD that some might find disappointing, while predominantly reinforced polycarbonate construction is a slight letdown compared to some rivals. That aside, the EOS R6 is a highly capable and advanced camera that'll tackle a wedding with ease. Note, that there is also a new Canon EOS R6 Mark II, that offers more megapixels, faster shooting, and better video features - for a higher price (see our Canon EOS R6 vs R6 Mark II guide).
Read our full Canon EOS R6 review for more details
Nikon's mid-price full-frame mirrorless camera has a lot to offer the wedding photographer. For starters, you’re certainly not going to be disappointed with the results from the 24.5MP back-illuminated sensor, while the Z6 II can shoot great 4K video as well (up to 60p once Nikon launches a firmware update). The 273-point phase-detect AF system in the Z6 is a solid performer with coverage across 90% of the frame and includes EyeAF that's become popular elsewhere. The Z6 II is also capable of shooting at a very rapid 14fps with the mechanical shutter and has a decent buffer depth too. We really like the feel of the Z6 II in the hand as well thanks to the pleasing textured grip and the generous use of magnesium alloy used on the body panels. Like the sound of the Z6 II but want more pixels? Check out its bigger brother, the 45MP Nikon Z7 II.
Read our full Nikon Z6 II review for more details
Professional
The most expensive camera here (by quite a long stretch), the Canon EOS R5 packs in a whole lot of tech. While the 8K video might grab the headlines (and not all for the best reasons), there's plenty to get excited about elsewhere. The 45MP full-frame sensor is hard to fault, while the class-leading AF system is simply the best we've seen on a camera. Clever enough to track faces even if they are obscured, this will pay huge dividends when shooting weddings, while the 12fps (20fps with electronic shutter) burst shooting speed will mean you never miss a shot. There's also the hugely impressive in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system that can compensate for up to 8 stops when paired with an optically-stabilized RF lens. Expensive yes, but it certainly doesn't disappoint.
Read our full Canon EOS R5 review for more details
If you want huge files that offer plenty of flexibility when it comes to cropping and post-production, then look no further than the Alpha A7R IV from Sony. With a whopping 61 megapixels on tap, this easily beats other mirrorless and DSLR cameras in the resolution stakes. It's only bettered by much pricier medium format cameras. However, it's not just about image quality though as the A7R IV doesn't sacrifice performance. It's able to shoot at 10fps and is supported by a highly capable 567-point AF system that includes Sony's excellent EyeAF tech. There's also a dependable 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization (IBIS), but the A7R IV isn't perfect. Perhaps its biggest handicap is the handling - it's certainly more refined than older models, but it's just not quite as accessible as rivals from Canon and Nikon. An updated, faster by more expensive, Sony A7R V has just been announced which offers a bigger buffer for burst mode, better IBIS, and a dual-pivot vari-angle screen.
Read our full Sony Alpha A7R IV review for more details
In a world of advanced mirrorless cameras, the D850 might feel a bit behind the times, but that feeling will change once you start shooting with it. One of the best (if not the best) DSLRs ever made, the D850 is the perfect do-it-all DSLR and one of the best wedding cameras going. This is thanks to a number of factors - there's the excellent 45MP full-frame with a broad dynamic so you can get every bit of detail from the bride's dress, and the advanced 153-point AF gets the job done. It might be heavy compared to mirrorless rivals, but its durable weather-sealed build means it's ready to get drenched in champagne and carry-on shooting. And it will carry on shooting with a deeply impressive battery life that will embarrass any mirrorless camera. A modern classic.
Read our full Nikon D850 review for more details
How we test cameras
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range. We use both real-world testing and lab results to inform our comments in buying guides.
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