Do you love your family and want to capture special moments you spend with them? Do you want to capture every step your kids take and everything they do? If yes, you need to have the best camera for family photography. By the best camera, we don’t mean an overly expensive camera. You can use even some cheaper or entry-level cameras to take spectacular photographs of your family.
Family photography is an exciting and challenging field at the same time. A family can include anyone ranging from your granny to your grandchildren depending on your age. It does offer you unlimited types of shots but making children and senior citizens pose for the photo is often a nightmare.
A good camera enables you to overcome all these hurdles and take beautiful photos, helping you preserve your memories and cherish them for the rest of your life.
Our Top Three Choices
The winner is the Canon EOS Rebel T8i. It is a great family photography camera because of its affordability, 24-megapixel sensor, 4K video resolution, good low light performance, and compatibility with a wide range of lenses.
The runner-up is Sonly Alpha a 6400. It has similar features as the Rebel T8i such as 24 24-megapixel sensor, 4K video resolution, extremely fast autofocus, and 11 fps continuous shooting speed.
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV grabs the third position. It offers a 20-megapixel sensor, built-in image stabilization, excellent image, and video quality, and a lot of photography modes and filters.
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Best Camera for Family Photos
Family photography involves different types of shots such as portraits, group photos, wide-angle shots, candid photos of kids, etc. A single camera cannot cover all these departments but it should be able to cover most of them.
The choice of the camera also depends on what type of photographer you are. A professional photographer will like to have advanced cameras like Canon EOS R5 but midrange DSLRs like Canon EOS T8i will suffice for an amateur photographer.
Choosing the right camera is also a cumbersome task. But – you need not worry because we have covered all the bases in our guide.
So let us start with the first camera on our list.
1. Canon EOS Rebel T8i: Best Camera for Family Photography
Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a perfect family photography camera for professionals and amateurs alike. Its affordability makes it a favorite among beginners and has enough power to keep experienced photographers interested.
Features
The lightweight DSLR camera has a powerful 24-megapixel APS-C sensor. The highly advanced DIGIC 8 image process combines with the sensor to produce images of superlative quality.
Just like images, it records beautiful 4K videos at 24 fps. Both the sensor and the video resolution are major upgrades from your smartphone. Furthermore, you can also share your videos directly to social media thanks to the Vertical mode. It also has a Full HD 1080P video recording mode.
The ISO range of 100-25600 allows the camera to take great images in low light as well.
The 45-point autofocus with face and eye detection is quite impressive. It successfully keeps moving objects such as children running in focus. It is also ideal for portraits because of the face and eye detection.
The continuous shooting speed of 7fps is not the fastest but more than enough for beginners and amateurs. The optical viewfinder with 75% coverage is also a boon for photographers.
Finally, the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth facilitate you to share your images and videos.
Drawbacks
The major drawback in our opinion is the fiddly controls. Similarly, autofocus is not very reliable in video mode according to our tests.
Our Verdict
Rebel T8i offers everything an amateur photographer hopes for. It delivers excellent images and videos and the ease of use means everyone in your family can use it.
Most Recent User Reviews
I bought this camera as an upgrade to my Canon, which I’ve had going on for 15 years. The pictures are amazing and the camera is super easy to use. Very happy with my upgrade!
Advantages
- 24 megapixels sensor
- DIGIC 8 image processor
- Reliable autofocus for images
- Good low light performance
- Excellent 4K videos
- Simple and lightweight
- 3” screen
- Optical viewfinder
Disadvantages
- Fiddly controls
- Unreliable autofocus for videos
| Canon EOS Rebel T8i | Amazon.com |
| Canon EOS Rebel T8i | B&H Photo |
| Canon EOS Rebel T8i | Walmart |
| Canon EOS Rebel T8i | Adorama |
2. Sony Alpha a6400: Best Budget Mirrorless Camera for Family Photography
Sony Alpha a6400 is an absolute classic and one of the best mirrorless cameras of its time. It can still hold its own when it comes to photography genres like family photography.
Features
Available for just $900, the camera offers features like a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and the BIONZ X image processor. As a result, the image quality is superb. The dynamic range is impressive for a crop sensor camera.
A6400 also has a very high ISO range of 100-102400. Therefore, images taken in low light are extremely sharp and free of noise.
Just like the EOS Rebel T8i, you can shoot fantastic 4K videos using an a6400. However, the latter has a greater frame rate of 60 fps. Similarly, it also records videos in Full HD 1080P at 120fps.
The main highlight of the camera is the world’s fastest 4D Focus autofocus system. It tracks and focuses an object only in 0.02 seconds. It also has 425 points each for phase and contrast detection. On top of that, autofocus has face and eye detection and performs equally well for images and videos.
Another area where Alpha a6400 is superior to Rebel T8i is 11fps continuous shooting speed. Even some of the more expensive cameras don’t have such a fast shooting speed.
The tilting screen makes it ideal for recording professional films, stills, and vlogging as well.
Drawbacks
The camera lacks image stabilization which can be problematic for new photographers. Similarly, you cannot edit RAW images in the camera and the menu is also complicated.
Our Verdict
You must choose Sonly Alpha a6400 if you are looking for an affordable mirrorless camera for family photography. It takes and shoots beautiful images and videos respectively for you.
Most Recent User Reviews
This is one of the few APS-C that does eye AF for humans and animals, which is exactly what I need and why I bought it.
Advantages
- Eye and face detection
- Excellent autofocus
- Beautiful images and videos
- 4K video resolution
- 11fps continuous shooting speed
- 24.2 megapixels sensor
- High ISO range
- Affordable camera
Disadvantages
- No in-camera RAW editing
- No in-body image stabilization
- Complicated menu
| Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless | Amazon.com |
| Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless | B&H Photo |
| Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless | Walmart |
| Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless | Adorama |
3. OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: Best Affordable Camera for Family Photography
The third camera on our list is the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. It is even cheaper than the Sony Alpha a6400 but has some cool features and functions to easily compete with the above cameras.
Features
First of all, it is a compact and lightweight camera mainly because of its 20 megapixels Micro Four Thirds camera. MFT sensors are smaller than APS-C sensors. However, a smaller sensor does not mean any compromise on image quality. The photos are still fantastic
Similarly, the camera delivers incredible color rendition and details. What makes this camera better than the Sony Alpha a6400 is the 5-axis in-bod image stabilization. Therefore, you don’t need any tripod to reduce camera shakes and image blurs.
The camera comes with 4K video resolution and thus, records videos of cinematic quality. Another nice feature is the automatic Selfie mode. It gets activated as soon as you flip the screen out, enabling you to take beautiful selfies of yourself or your family.
Apart from Selfie mode, it has a lot of other brilliant photography modes including 16 art filters, 28 scene modes, and a composite mode for star trails and cityscapes.
The highlight of the camera is a whopping 15 fps continuous shooting speed. You can easily capture fast movements such as kids running without missing any shots.
Drawback
The camera has a plastic body devoid of any weather sealing as well. Similarly, there is no microphone or headphone jack.
Our Verdict
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a perfect camera for enthusiasts, early professionals, and serious amateurs. The compatibility with a larger number of lenses further improves its functionality and use.
Most Recent User Reviews
This is a winner as far as I can tell, it’s my 5th Olympus camera and what I like about this is that Olympus has packed some of their most current technology in a compact and easy to carry camera.
Advantages
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable camera
- Excellent images and videos
- 5-axis image stabilization
- 15 fps continuous shooting speed
- Various photo modes
- Dedicated selfie mode
- Compatibility with a lot of lenses
- 4K video resolution
Disadvantages
- Plastic body
- No weather sealing
- No microphone jack
| OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | Amazon.com |
| OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | B&H Photo |
| OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | Walmart |
| OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | Adorama |
4. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera: Best Beginner Camera for Family Photography
Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a true beginner friendly camera for taking family photographs. It does not have the bells and whistles of more advanced cameras but does the job pretty well for you.
Features
The camera features a 24.1-megapixel sensor which is powerful enough to take average family images. The DIGIC 4+ image process is no match for DIGIC 8 or BIONZ X processors but once again, an amateur family photographer will not even recognize the difference in quality. Still, the camera captures vibrant colors.
What makes this camera truly impressive is the optical viewfinder with 95% screen coverage. The viewfinder enables you to shoot the scene as you see it. The wide ISO range keeps the images sharp in low light.
Similarly, the Scene Enhancement mode induces the true beauty in every scene you capture by delivering required enhancements and accurate exposures.
Besides taking beautiful images, Rebel T7 also records captivating videos in Full HD 1080P at 30fps. The videos have a natural look and feel to them.
Canon Rebel T7 is a relatively old camera. Therefore, it is compatible with a wide range of EF and EF-S lenses. These lenses offer you plenty of creative freedom and the opportunity to shoot all types of images.
Drawbacks
The 9-point autofocus system is particularly weak by today’s standard. However, fast autofocus is not a prerequisite for family photos as well.
Our Verdict
Canon EOS Rebel T7 is the best camera for family photography if you are an absolute beginner or want to upgrade from a smartphone. It is cheap and has just enough functions to get going.
Most Recent User Reviews
Love this camera, I wanted to start a business but it’s been good for me for family photos. Easy to figure out for a first time user
Advantages
- Affordable camera
- Excellent photos
- Good video quality
- Compatibility with a wide range of lenses
- Optical viewfinder with 95% coverage
Disadvantages
- Week autofocus
| Canon EOS Rebel T7 | Amazon.com |
| Canon EOS Rebel T7 | B&H Photo |
| Canon EOS Rebel T7 | Walmart |
| Canon EOS Rebel T7 | Adorama |
5. Panasonic LUMIX G100: Best Camera for Family Photography and Video
Consider Panasonic LUMIX G100 if you want the best camera for shooting videos. The mirrorless camera allows you to take creative family photos as well as videos.
Features
LUMIX G100 has excellent features for creating fun videos at home. It records superb 4K videos at 30fps. You can also increase the frame rate to 60fps provided you reduce the quality to 1080P. Either way, video quality is just phenomenal and can match that of professional videos.
The camera has an enhanced sound tracking system besides a built-in microphone. However, you can also attach an external microphone to further improve the audio.
The 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor also takes beautiful images. The 5-axis built-in image stabilization works great both for photos and videos.
The image stabilization combines with the high ISO range to produce sharp and smooth images and videos respectively in low light as well.
You can also use LUMIX G100 as a webcam just like Canon EOS Rebel T8i. The camera comes with a nice wide-angle kit lens but it is better to use some of the better compatible lenses.
The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make connectivity and file sharing a breeze. The touchscreen is fully articulated and bright as well.
Drawbacks
You can only record 10 minutes of 4K video at a time. 4K is cropped as well.
Our Verdict
Panasonic LUMIX G100 is an ideal choice for recording memorable family videos. It is also quite affordable with some good stills capabilities as well.
Most Recent User Reviews
I have both the G100 and GX9. After using them both I personally like the G100 better and I find myself using it much more often.
Advantages
- Best for family videos
- No compromise on image quality
- Fully articulated touchscreen
- 5-axis image stabilization
- 4K video resolution
- Enhanced soundtracking
Disadvantages
- Only 10 minutes of 4K video
- 4K is cropped as well
| Panasonic Lumix G100 | Amazon.com |
| Panasonic Lumix G100 | B&H Photo |
| Panasonic Lumix G100 | Walmart |
| Panasonic Lumix G100 | Adorama |
6. Nikon Z 6II FX-Format Camera: Best Hybrid Camera for Family Photography
You must not look beyond the Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless camera if you are a professional family photographer. The full-frame mirrorless camera is chock full of highly advanced features and the latest hardware by Nikon.
Features
The 24-megapixel FX Format sensor may not sound quite great. However, there is no drop in image quality thanks to a couple of EXPEED 6 image processors. The color rendition is matchless and true. The impressive dynamic range further improves images.
The low light performance is quite brilliant. The 5-axis VR image stabilization delivers the stability you long for and in turn, sharp and detailed images.
The autofocus is particularly great and has eye detection for both videos and stills. The 273-point optimized autofocus tracks and focuses high speed sequences, stills, and videos in a jiffy. It also provides 90% frame coverage.
Z6 II outshines other cameras on our list in terms of its video capabilities. It records seriously smooth 4K videos at 60fps while most cameras have a 30fps frame rate for 4K.
The continuous shooting speed of 14 fps is also impressive. The electronic viewfinder provides a clear view during fast shooting as well.
The construction of the camera is excellent. It has a deep ergonomic design, weather sealing, compact size, and a help button.
Some of the other features of this amazing camera are a livestreaming option, multiple exposures, focus shift shooting, and time-lapse.
Drawbacks
The camera has a smaller sensor than comparable cameras. Similarly, the battery life is a bit short as well.
Our Verdict
Nikon Z 6 II is the best camera for family photography but it finishes 6th on our list just because of its high price. However, you must choose this camera for family videos and photos if you can afford it.
Most Recent User Reviews
My personal recommendation is for hybrid shooters. Excellent photo/video quality, fast shoot speeds, dual storage slots, ability to use an external mic, all around a great camera.
Advantages
- Excellent image quality
- Dual image processor
- Dual card slot
- 4K videos at 60fps
- 5-axis image stabilization
- Very fast autofocus
- 14fps continuous shooting speed
- Ergonomic design
- Weather sealing
- Time-lapse videos
Disadvantage
- A big expensive
- Smaller sensor
- Short battery life
| Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Camera | Amazon.com |
| Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Camera | B&H Photo |
| Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Camera | Walmart |
| Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Camera | Adorama |
7. Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Camera: A Good Camera for Family Photography
Sony Alpha a6500 has everything you need to take fantastic family photographs and videos. It does not disappoint no matter what you use it for.
Features
The 24.1-megapixel sensor helps you take beautiful images. The high ISO range of up to 51200 means low light images are sharp. The BIONZ X image processor reduces noise across the ISO range.
The 4D Focus autofocus is extremely fast and tracks fast moving objects in as low as 0.05 seconds. The main highlight of the autofocus is eye tracking. It can track your eyes, which is necessary to capture sharp portraits.
The camera also has built-in 5-axis image stabilization for stable and sharp images. It means you can shoot videos at slower shutter speeds without using a tripod.
A6500 has professional video features such as 4K video resolution. The 4k videos have exceptional detail and depth. The electronic viewfinder helps the camera achieve speeds of 8fps.
The biggest advantage of the camera is its compatibility with a wide range of lenses.
Drawbacks
One shortcoming of the camera is poor weather sealing. Therefore, you must use it carefully in humid, rainy, or dusty conditions.
Our Verdict
Sony Alpha a6500 is a solid camera and can easily meet most of your family photography requirements. Similarly, it has some advanced features for professional photographers as well.
Most Recent User Reviews
Simply the best prosumer level camera for both still photography and video. Unbeatable low light performance. With 4K video recording, you’ll never go wrong. Very sharp and crystal clear videos, you’ll amazed with the outcome (even with 1080p)
Advantages
- 24 megapixels sensor
- 4K video resolution
- Excellent image quality
- Minimal noise at higher ISOs
- Very fast autofocus
- 5-axis image stabilization
- Electronic viewfinder
- Reasonably fast camera
Disadvantages
- Poor weather sealing
| Sony Alpha a6500 | Amazon.com |
| Sony Alpha a6500 | B&H Photo |
| Sony Alpha a6500 | Walmart |
| Sony Alpha a6500 | Adorama |
8. Fujifilm X-T30 II: Best Mirrorless Camera for Family Photography
Fujifilm X-T30 II has features that you only expect in high-end cameras. It is another great mirrorless camera for family photographs because of its affordability.
Features
X-T30 II has a 26-megapixel sensor, the biggest on our list so far. Therefore, you can expect to have bright, detailed, and beautiful images. You can process the images and enlarge them without compromising their quality.
The X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor reduces noise and delivers sharp images in low light. The images have great and vibrant colors.
The camera has exciting video options including terrific 4K videos. You can also record super slow motion videos at up to 240fps. No other comparable camera can compete with the X-T30 II when it comes to video quality.
The 425-point autofocus is the best in class. It can track and focus even fast-moving objects with blistering speed.
It is a lightweight and compact camera but has a rugged body. Therefore, you can use it in all kinds of conditions.
X-T30 is also the fastest camera on our guide with a continuous shooting speed of 20fps using the electronic shutter. Therefore, you are never going to miss any action no matter how fast it is.
The camera has a lot of photo modes, film simulation modes to add a bit of creativity, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Drawbacks
One glaring omission is image stabilization. You expect such a good camera to have some sort of shake correction. Similarly, the rear screen does not fully articulate.
Our Verdict
Fujifilm X-T30 II is an ideal camera for serious or professional family photographers thanks to its relatively advanced features. It is comparatively a bit expensive but you get what you pay for.
Most Recent User Reviews
It has pretty much all the functions a mirrorless can offer. Definitely suited for the first camera for everyone
Advantages
- 20fps shooting speed
- Brilliant images
- Vibrant colors
- Excellent video features
- Stylish retro design
- Blistering fast autofocus
- Rugged body
- Excellent photo modes
Disadvantages
- Comparatively expensive
- No image stabilization
| Fujifilm X-T30 II | Amazon.com |
| Fujifilm X-T30 II | B&H Photo |
| Fujifilm X-T30 II | Walmart |
| Fujifilm X-T30 II | Adorama |
9. Sony RX100 VII Compact Camera: Best Compact Camera for Family Photography
Sony RX100 VII is a premium compact camera with a bit high price tag. But – its advanced feature fully justifies its price and makes it a great camera for every kind of photography.
Features
The 20.1-megapixel sensor coupled with a 24-200mm zoom lens not only offers the highest level of image quality but incredible zoom capabilities as well. You can use this camera to take terrific wide-angle as well as telephoto shots.
The superfast autofocus tracks objects in just 0.02 seconds. The autofocus also has real-time Eye AF and real-time tracking AF.
The enhanced image stabilization for 4K videos ensures smooth videos even if you are walking or moving.
The high resolution display tilts 180° and 90° up and down respectively to take images from any angle you want. The touchscreen just needs a tab to activate real-time autofocus as well.
You can also create beautiful time-lapse videos using this camera. The electronic viewfinder allows you to review and adjust your scene. On top of that, all these features are available in a compact pocket size body.
Drawbacks
It is overpriced for a compact camera. Similarly, some users are not happy with its indoor performance.
Our Verdict
Sony RX100 VII is a good camera for people who love to use point-and-shoot cameras. However, you should use a mirrorless or a DSLR camera if you are a serious photographer.
Most Recent User Reviews
It is overpriced but has far more features than I will ever use. At this price, it should come with a detailed user manual. Its size is marvelous for traveling.
Advantages
- Small and compact
- BIONZ X image processor
- Very fast autofocus
- Excellent image quality
- Great video performance
- Enhanced image stabilization
- Tiltable touchscreen
Disadvantages
- Expensive for a compact camera
- Poor indoor performance
| Sony RX100 VII | Amazon.com |
| Sony RX100 VII | B&H Photo |
| Sony RX100 VII | Walmart |
| Sony RX100 VII | Adorama |
10. Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera: Best Canon Camera for Family Photography
Canon EOS R5 is a behemoth of a camera and the most advanced one on our list. However, it occupies the last position because of its price. After all, not many can afford a $3000 camera.
Features
EOS R5 has features like no other. It is currently one of the best cameras in the world. The 45-megapixel sensor works with the latest DIGIC X image processor to produce spectacular images. The ISO range of 100 – 51200 (extendable to 102400) ensures outstanding results in darker conditions as well.
When it comes to shooting speed, it is neck and neck with Fujifilm X-T30 II. Both cameras have 20fps shooting speed with the electronic shutter. However, R5 shoots at 12fps with a mechanical shutter while X-T30 II only shoots at 8fps. However, both cameras are extremely fast and enable you to capture fastest of the action with ease.
As you can imagine, R5 has one of the best autofocus systems in the world with 1053 autofocus points and 100% area coverage. As a result, it focuses everything accurately in no time.
R5 is also one of the few cameras to have an 8K video resolution. The video quality at 8K is second to none as well. However, it also shoots in 4K at 120fps to capture all the action in detail. The autofocus and internal recording are available in all video modes.
The robust and reliable camera has other features like image stabilization, dual card slots, and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Drawbacks
It is a very expensive camera, to say the least. Similarly, it heats up quickly in 8K video mode.
Our Verdict
Canon EOS R5 is the best camera for family photography only if you can afford it. If you can’t, stick with Canon EOS Rebel T8i.
Most Recent User Reviews
The wife got this for her photography business. Even I can see the crisp, clean quality photos this camera takes
Advantages
- Spectacular image quality
- Outstanding videos
- 20fps shooting speed
- 45 megapixels sensor
- DIGIC X image processor
- 8K video resolution
- 1053-point autofocus
- Great built-quality
Disadvantages
- Very expensive
- Heats up at 8K
| Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless | Amazon.com |
| Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless | B&H Photo |
| Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless | Walmart |
| Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless | Adorama |
How to Buy the Best Camera for Family Photography?
You need to look for a few things when buying a camera for family photography. Some of these factors include compatibility with lenses, ease of use, image quality, speed, autofocus performance, and build quality.
Ease of Use
Your camera should be simple to understand and easy to use, especially if you are an amateur photographer. You just need to grab the camera and shoot those great family moments. Professional or advanced cameras require you to learn a lot. You need to take time to understand them.
However, a simple camera is all you want for events like birthdays, vacations, candid photos, weddings, etc. A midrange camera like Canon EOS Rebel T8i or others on our list is ideal for such occasions.
Image Quality
No matter what camera you choose, it must not compromise image quality. However, you don’t need pro-grade quality for family photos unless you are a professional photographer. The image quality depends on the type of camera. Cameras with larger or full-frame sensors are expensive but offer the best quality. Crop sensors are a bit cheaper and compact and fall somewhere halfway between the best and the worst when it comes to image quality.
Versatility
Family photography involves many kinds of photos such as portraits, candid shots, landscapes, indoor photos, travel, and so on. Therefore, your camera must be able to tackle all these genres.
One thing you can do is buy an interchangeable lens camera. But – it also requires you to buy different lenses for different conditions. An easy solution to this problem is to get a good zoom lens with a great zoom range.
Compatibility
Talking about lenses, try to find a camera that is compatible with a wide range of lenses. Most Canon and Sony DSLR cameras usually work with a huge number of lenses. Different types of lenses help you take great photos in different situations.
Video Capabilities
The trend of making family videos is on the rise. Therefore, look for a camera with excellent video capabilities. Most cameras nowadays can record in Full HD 1080P but it is even better if you get a camera with 4K resolution.
Build Quality
Finally, the best camera for family photography also has a robust construction and lasts for years. You don’t need to spend your money on poorly made cameras. You will drop the camera at some point. A rugged camera will easily survive the fall. You must also ascertain whether or not the camera has weather sealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which equipment is needed for family photography?
Some of the items you need for family photography are the camera, the lens, light meters, reflectors, a tripod, and a flash. However, you don’t need to use all these accessories all the time.
How much should you spend on family photography?
Family photography prices differ from photographer to photographer and the type of photos. Be ready to pay $150 to $350 per hour to an average family photographer. Experienced photographers may start charging from $200 and move upward depending on their experience.
How long should family photos take?
Different types of family photos take a different amount of time. Couple portraits can take 45 to 60 minutes and family and wedding portraits can take 30 minutes each.
Final Thoughts
Family photography is an exciting photography genre. It allows you to experiment with different types of photography and considerably improve your skills. Similarly, the choice of camera for family photography depends on your requirements, experience level, and what type of photos you normally take.