Quick list↴
1. Best overall
2. Best Android
3. Value Android
4. Value Apple
5. Best Windows
6. Best budget iPad
7. Budget Samsung
8. Cheap Windows
9. Cheap Android
10. Best rugged
11. Best compact
How to choose
How we test
Even the best tablet camera won't be anything like as good as even an average smartphone camera. So you certainly wouldn't want to buy a tablet just to take pictures. But if you're looking for a new tablet anyway, it's still worth knowing which ones have the better cameras.
Because there are occasions you may want to take a photo or video with a tablet. Maybe don't have your phone to hand. Maybe your phone battery is low. Maybe you just want a nice big tablet screen on which to line up your shot. Or maybe you don't care about the quality of the shot: you just want to do something like use a QR code reader, or photograph the Wi-Fi passcode in Starbucks.
Also bear in mind that, while the best tablet cameras won't ever match up to the best camera phone or the best cameras, they are getting much better at photography. Some, though, are awful. So to steer you right, we list the best tablet cameras on sale today below, from Apple, Samsung, Microsoft and more.
Our top picks
Best overall
This is quite simply the best tablet camera money can buy right now. On the rear, you get 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide sensors, along with a time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR scanner.
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Best for Android users
The S9 Ultra has the best tablet camera for Android users today. On the rear, you get two cameras, a wide and an ultra-wide. The first sports a 13MP sensor, the second an 8MP ultrawide.
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Best value iPad
This basic 10.9-inch iPad is affordable, but still good for photography. Yes, there's only one 12MP wide sensor, but you'll also get digital zoom (up to 5x) and Smart HDR 3 for your photos.
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Best Windows
If you want the best tablet camera on a device that is also a full Windows PC, then the Surface Pro is the one to look at. Microsoft's own brand PCs are beautiful to look at with incredible build quality.
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This is the better of Apple's cheaper iPads, thanks to its larger screen, USB-C port for cameras and storage, and superior rear camera. The A14 chip is perfectly capable of photo editing, but will struggle with huge files, and it only supports Apple Pencil 1.
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The best tablet camera 2024
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.
The best tablet camera overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The best tablet camera experience you can get at the moment comes from the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 (2022), launched last October.
On the rear, you get 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide rear cameras, along with a time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR scanner for depth. This setup offers video capture of up to 4K at up to 60fps, and Full HD (1080p) capture at up to 240fps. There's also a front-facing 12MP ultrawide camera with the 'Centre Stage’ feature, means you’re automatically cropped into a shot when on a video call or taking a selfie.
It’s worth noting, though, that you could also get all this with the previous model, iPad Pro 12.9 M1 (2021). The main thing that's new, in terms of the cameras, is that Apple has for the first time added the ability to record ProRes video.
Perhaps more significantly, the chip has been upgraded from M1 to M2, so everything is going to run more smoothly in general. The 12.9-inch screen is quite beautiful too: a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and up to 1,600 nits peak brightness. And there's support for the Apple Pencil 2, with a cool new 'Hover' feature adding extra functionality in a range of apps.
In short, while it may only be a slight improvement on its predecessor, this is still the best tablet camera available today, and one of the best iPads for photo editing too.
Read our full Apple iPad Pro (2022) review
The best tablet camera for Android
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Samsung has just released the Galaxy S9 Tab Ultra, its latest and greatest tablet. And it boasts the best camera on a Samsung tablet to date. Indeed, we'd describe this as the best tablet camera for Android tablet overall.
There is a caveat, though. Its camera isn't really a huge jump up from its predecessor, the S8 Tab Ultra (next on our list below). Yes, it has has slightly better low-light performance thanks to an aperture that can shift between F2.4 and F1.5. And the second, ultrawide sensor in the rear camera has been boosted a little in resolution, from 6GB to 8GB. But we're really not talking a lot of difference overall. So you certainly wouldn't want to upgrade if you already had an S8 Tab; certainly not for photography anyway.
In fact, there aren't too many reasons to upgrade at all, as the new tablet is pretty similar to the old one. If you're new to Samsung, though, this is the one to get as it has a slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Gen 1), double the maximum storage (1TB), better battery life and Android version 13.
See our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review
The best value tablet camera for Android
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
As we mention above, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is pretty much identical to the newer S9 Ultra, especially in terms of photography. On the rear, you get two cameras, a wide and an ultra-wide. The first sports a 13MP sensor, measuring 1/3.4-inch, an f/2 lens, and a 26mm focal length. The second boasts a 6MP ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture.
The ultrawide is 2MP higher res in the S9 Ultra, which also performs better in low light, but that's about all the difference there is.
There are also two selfie cameras, both featuring 12MP resolution. With auto-framing, you can position your tablet and move around in front of it, and it will choose the optimal framing for you. And both front and rear cameras support 4K.
Compared to the new model, the The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor with 8-16GB RAM, isn't as fast, the operating system is older (Android 12) and the battery life isn't as good, although 14 hours of video playback is still not too shabby. In other words, for most people (and especially in terms of photography) this is probably better value if you can get it for a lower price.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S8 Tab Ultra review
The best value tablet camera for Apple
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The 10.9-inch iPad Air 2022 matches many of the specs in some recent iPad Pro models, yet at a significantly lower price. For example, you get an M1 chip, support for 5G, a 12MP selfie camera, and the Centre Stage feature.
On the back, you just get one 12MP wide sensor: no ultrawide or LIDAR scanner here. However, you do get digital zoom (up to 5x) and Smart HDR 3 for photos. 4K video is supported at up to 60fps, and 1080p maxes out at 240fps. There's also a 12MP selfie camera on the front
On the whole, the iPad Air 2022 isn't the most powerful in terms of specs, with storage of just 64GB or 256GB, and RAM of only 8GB. But frankly, it's still pretty smooth and fast-working in practice. And so overall, anyone looking for a modern iPad with a great camera will find much to like here.
Read our full iPad Air (2022) review
The best tablet camera for Windows
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Want a Windows tablet with a decent camera? Then we recommend the Microsoft Surface Pro 8. This 2-in-1 tablet/laptop hybrid boasts a 10MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD and 4K video, plus a 5MP front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video.
The rear camera offers clean and clear images, and the extra 2MP bump from the Surface Pro 7 really makes a difference in the level of detail you can capture. The front camera, meanwhile, does a surprisingly good job of conducting video calls, as long as your room isn’t overly dim.
That’s thanks to an Ambient Color Sensor in the front camera, which Microsoft has added to this Surface Pro for improved brightness and color. It also allows you to log into Windows Hello using just your face.
There are plenty of other improvements over the Surface Pro 7 too, including a boost in RAM from 4GB to 8GB, a bigger and brighter 13-inch display, and longer battery life, plus it runs the latest Windows 11 operating system.
But why, you might ask, is this the tablet camera we're recommending, rather than the latest Surface Pro 9? Quite simply, because the latter is much more expensive, and yet has the exact same camera setup as far as we can see.
The only difference is that in the SQ3 version there's extra support for Windows Studio Effects like automatic framing and portrait blurring on the selfie camera. But that's not worth the price hike, in our eyes. So right now, we'd say the Surface Pro 8 is the best tablet camera for Windows users.
Read our full Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review
Best budget iPad
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Rolled out in October 2022, this budget-friendly iPad holds its ground as the cheapest way to get into Apple's tablet ecosystem. In a nutshell, a great-looking tablet for an affordable price, doubling as a monitor or photo/video sidekick. Camera skills? Not its forte, but certainly good enough if you are just snapping a few pics to share with friends.
Sporting a screen matching the iPad Air in size and quality, plus an aluminum frame mimicking the Air's chic look, it's a solid choice. The USB-C port and front-and-back cameras add to its appeal.
Now, the Air face-off. While this iPad's screen lacks the Air's wider color gamut and laminated goodness, it's no biggie unless you're deep into pro-level work. Just beware of reflections outdoors – it's not the sun's best friend.
But here's the twist – no Apple Pencil 2 love here. Choose between the OG Pencil or the new USB-C version. Pencil v1 brings pressure sensitivity but needs an adapter dance, while the USB-C one skips sensitivity but keeps it simple. Decisions, decisions.
In the real world, this iPad is a smooth operator. Detailed, rich screen, and that A14 chip? Speedy for regular use. Just don't expect it to replace your laptop superhero – it's more of a trusty sidekick. It might hit the RAM ceiling with heavy image documents, but for everyday tablet fun, it's golden.
Read our full Apple iPad 10.9-inch (10th Gen, 2022) review
The best cheap tablet camera for Windows
7. Microsoft Surface Go 2
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you're looking for an affordable Windows tablet with a decent camera, then look no further than the Surface Go 2. Despite the low price, you're getting a very good 8MP autofocus rear camera that shoots 1080p video.
The 5MP front camera lets you stream in 1080p too, which gives it the edge over many similarly priced laptops, which tend to be stuck around the 720p mark.
More generally, the Surface Go 2 is a 2-in-1 device that can be transformed into a laptop when combined with Microsoft's Type Cover (sold separately). It's not the fastest or most powerful device, but battery life is good, and overall this is a great budget choice for kids, students, or just anyone who wants to keep their costs low.
The best cheap tablet camera for Android
8. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018)
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you're seeking a cheap Android tablet with a good camera, check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018). It's a few years old now, hence the reduced price, but it's still a good performer.
Photography wise, you get an 8MP f/1.9 camera on the rear, while on the front you'll find a 5MP f/2.2 selfie camera. These perform as well as you can expect in an older model, plus there are some nice tools in the camera app, including Night Capture, Panorama, and a Pro mode that lets you adjust things like white balance and ISO. Both can capture 1080p video at 30fps.
Obviously this is not the most powerful or up-to-date Android tablet, with just 3GB RAM, and running an older version of the operating system (8.1). But it copes with most things pretty well, and for this price, you won't find better.
The best compact tablet camera
9. iPad Mini (2021)
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Tablets tend to be quite big and cumbersome, making them not-so-great for taking pictures with. If, for this reason, you'd rather opt for something on the small side, we'd recommend the latest iPad Mini.
The best tablet camera you'll find in a compact size, its rear camera sports the same 12MP sensor as the iPad Pro. This is capable of capturing 4K video at up to 60fps. On the front, meanwhile, there's an excellent 12MP selfie/video call camera. This employs the Center Stage feature that automatically centers you in picture, and can capture 1080p video at up to 240fps.
Elsewhere, the 8.3 inch screen offers a gorgeous hi-quality display, with vivid colours. You get excellent performance thanks to the speedy Apple A15 processor. And the tiny size and weight means it's easy to carry everywhere.
How to choose the best tablet camera
If you're looking for a tablet with a decent camera, consider several key factors to ensure it meets your needs. For photography, the rear camera's resolution will be a good guide: higher megapixels generally sharper images. If you want to use your tablet for streaming, selfies or videos, prioritize a high-resolution front camera and wide angle lens.
What's more important on a tablet: the rear or front camera?
This depends on your primary use. For video calls and selfies, you'll want to prioritize the front camera, while for photography and scanning documents, the rear camera (which is normally a much higher specification) is more important.
Should I judge a tablet camera on the number of megapixels?
Not necessarily. More megapixels do mean more picture detail, but a high number of MP doesn't necessary mean it's a great camera. Other factors such as sensor size, lens quality, and software processing play a bigger role in the quality of your photographs. Also, if you plan to do a lot of video recording, you need consider features like frame rate, resolution, and video stabilization.
Are tablet cameras as good as other cameras?
Presently, no. While tablet cameras have improved significantly, dedicated cameras and smartphone cameras generally offer more advanced features and better image quality. Tablets are convenient for casual photography, and for doing things like scanning QR codes, but they're no good for serious photography, and not particularly great for amateur photography either.
How we test the best tablet camera
We test cameras on tablets in the same way we test dedicated cameras and smartphone cameras. In other words, we carry out tests in controlled conditions to measure their performance in terms of usability, image quality, video capture and more. For full details of our process, read our full article on How we test.
