Last Updated on October 8, 2023 by Rick Darlinton
Photographing art is a lot different than photographing scenery or portraits. In artworks, colors cannot be compromised, and the final result should look good when printed out or on a digital screen. Nowadays, there are many devices available which you can choose when looking for the best camera for photographing artwork. However, all of them come with varying features and budgets.
It is why looking for one for yourself is a tedious task, and with all the options out there, one can get confused. However, there’s no need to worry as we have made a list of the best camera for photographing artwork out there, so let’s begin!
1: CANON EOS 90D
Price: $1,349.00
The 90D came along with another camera, the EOS M6 Mark II, and both have almost identical specs. Yet, one is a DSLR, while the other is a more lightweight model. Canon did it to let the users decide which type of experience they want, one with more physical controls and an optical viewfinder or the other, which is a more compact and mirrorless model.
With the Canon EOS 90D, you get a 3.0 inches touchscreen with a good amount of viewing angles. The sensor it comes with is a 32.5-megapixel high-resolution CMOS sensor and offers 4K video capture and slow-motion 1080p video at 120p.
All in all, the Canon EOS 90D is great for those people who want control of a DSLR but still want to enjoy the benefits of mirrorless videos and live view AF, all wrapped up in a single package of quality.
2: Sony A7R3
Price: $2,298.00
Those familiar with the A7R2 will notice that the A7R3 comes with the same sensor that the previous version had. However, Sony has managed to pump up everything else up to the point where the A7R3 is a significant upgrade. The A7R3 comes with a better dynamic range, a new autofocus system capable of shooting action scenes at 42 MP resolution and tracking moving objects at 10fps.
Besides, the battery timing has seen an improvement, and the viewfinder is more prominent than its predecessors. The image quality is impressive, and the autofocus is right on point. The Sony A7R3 has also improved considerably in terms of Handling. Now users can adjust the autofocus area through a dedicated control which is great for those who prefer a flexible spot for focus.
All the buttons are also in the comfortable reach of the fingers. The A7R3 is simply a great camera for taking pictures of artwork and has no significant disadvantages compared to the benefits it offers, such as high resolution, autofocus, and superior image quality.
3: CANON EOS 5D MARK IV
Price: $2,499.00
The 30.4-megapixel sensor may fall short of Nikon’s D810 (36.3 megapixels) and the Sony Alpha 7R II (42 megapixels). However, the solution you get with the 5D mark is still considerably good at 6,720 x 4,480 pixels.
The Canon 5D mark comes with better noise performance and dynamic range, which is due to the on-chip digital-to-analog conversion utilized by the camera. In post-production, users get the advantage of using Dual Pixel Raw technology which lets users tweak the areas of maximum sharpness. Then there is a 4K video capture at 4,096 x 2,160 pixels which can be done in the Motion JPEG file format.
Additionally, the camera has great focus ability even in poor lighting conditions, thanks to the -3EV AF system. The performance is on par with some mirrorless cameras. The touchscreen display of 3.2-inches comes with an exceptional 1,620,000 dots, earning the Canon 5D Mark IV a worthy spot on this list.
4: FUJIFILM XT3
Price: $1,499.00
Fujifilm has a nice trend of providing a significant step forward with each new model they release. The Fujifilm X-T2 was a considerable improvement on the well-received X-T1 and the Fujifilm X-T3. However, it comes with a similar design, carries on with the trend of offering major enhancements.
Moreover, the camera comes with a 26.1-megapixel sensor that offers improved autofocus and 4K video capture. It also gathers light better than its previous model due to having a back-illuminated X-Trans sensor.
Although the megapixels on other cameras in the same category are much higher than the Fujifilm X-T3, such as the EOS M6 Mark II, the Mark II comes with a low pass filter EF-M lens range falls short when compared to Fujifilm’s.
In summary, the Fujifilm X-T3 is one of the best cameras you can get for photographing your art. It is since the device comes with an aesthetic look and delivers both amazing stills and videos, all on an affordable budget.
5: CANON M6 II
Price: $849.00
The spotlight of the Canon M6II is its 32.5-megapixel sensor and shooting speeds which can be compared to the best mirrorless cameras. This camera, like many others, comes with the amazing Dual Pixel System, which allows users to fine-tweak the sharpness. The camera is also great for shooting videos. It offers full-sensor and 4K videos, making it a suitable choice for vloggers.
In terms of performance, you’ll see the Canon M6II outperforming several Canon EOS models. It comes with improved auto exposure and autofocus while delivering a 14-fps steady frame rate. The DIGIC 8-powered CMOS AF powers the Canon M6II. It provides great image quality, and the controls, although feeling a bit close, are all included in the portable body.
Though the Canon M6II may seem like a compact camera, its 32.5MP sensor and exceptional performance make it deserving to be one of the best camera for fine art photography.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t already shoot your artworks with a DSLR, you are doing injustice to your beautifully crafted work. Taking images of art from smartphone cameras compromises quality. In contrast, a DSLR will offer both a superior image and better control over how your pictures turn out. So be sure to pick the best camera for photographing artwork to ensure your art doesn’t get overshadowed by a lack of image quality.