Best Cameras for Car Photography- In 2023

best cheap cameras for car photography

Taking photographs of automobiles isn’t for everyone. Because of the fast-paced nature of motorsport events, as well as the stringent requirements for obtaining skill shots of a car, not every photographer is well-suited for the job.

This is a guide for the best cameras for car photography.

In this all new 2023 guide you’ll learn about:

• Best overall camera for car photography
• Pros and cons
• Best budget camera for car photography
• Price
• Important features
• And more

Let’s dive in.

Best Cameras for Car Photography

The right camera for the job goes hand in hand with a skilled photographer, and not every camera is appropriate for photographing cars on a racing track. You’ll need an autofocus system that’s lightning fast, a fast shutter speed, and a powerful sensor, and your camera must be compatible with a wide-angle zoom lens to get the job done.

This year’s top 10 best cameras for car photography include some fantastic cameras from reputable manufacturers that promise both powerful performance and an extensive set of suitable options to suit your photography needs.

Car photography is becoming increasingly popular. It is possible to find people who do it as a hobby and shoot sports cars at conventions, as well as those who do it to increase their business’s exposure.

Regardless of your intentions, it is critical that you have the proper tools for the job on your hands. As a result, what is the best camera to purchase if you intend to pursue a career in automotive photography? cheap camera for car photography

We’ve compiled a list of the best cameras for car photography that you can buy right now. We’ll go over the technical specifications, pricing, usability, and even the advantages and disadvantages.

Afterwards, we consider what makes a car photography camera a good or a bad investment for different types of users.

Car Photography Camera Reviews

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Nikon D7500 DX-format DSLR

See the Nikon D7500

• Pixels: 21.51 Megapixel
• Lens mount: Nikon F
• Max Resolution: 5568 x 3712
• Sensor: CMOS 23.5 x 15.6 mm
• Image stabilization: Digital
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 51200
• Recording mode: MOV/MP4/H.264
• Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
• Weight: 640g

Check Latest Price on Amazon

Features:

If you’re on a tight budget, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a low-quality camera and forego your desire for a high-performance DSLR camera. With a wide range of features at half the price of a professional-level camera, the Nikon D7500 DX-format Digital SLR is an excellent entry-level option for enthusiasts.

Design

Carrying the Nikon D7200 becomes significantly easier because it is significantly lighter than the Nikon D7200. However, the reduction in weight does not imply a reduction in the amount of power it can generate. The solid, weatherproof body is designed with a prominent handgrip and soft texture coatings for secure, yet comfortable, handling in all weather conditions. A dedicated ISO button is located right next to the exposure compensation control, replacing the metering mode button and making it easier to adjust the settings. There are a number of other changes to the layout that have been made to improve overall accessibility.

Performance

The D7500 is equipped with a 51-point autofocus system that provides respectable results in terms of accuracy and speed. Obviously, it isn’t up to the same level as its competitors, but expecting more advanced technology from a camera at this price is quite unreasonable. In addition, there is a Group Area AF mode, which provides improved subject detection and tracking with five AF fields for background isolation. Combining the D7500 with the incredible 180,000-pixel RGB sensor, the camera is able to achieve decent frame coverage while also maintaining reliable tracking performance.

The camera also has an 8-frame-per-second shooting speed, and the new EXPEED 5 image processor allows Nikon to capture up to 50 RAW images in a single session. Also handling metering and white balance is the 180,000-pixel RGB sensor, which is capable of delivering stunning exposures and natural warmth in a variety of shooting situations regardless of the lighting conditions. Nikon includes an EN-EL15a battery that lasts approximately 950 shots before it needs to be replaced, but it performs significantly better than several other high-end batteries.

It’s not a bad idea to praise the sensor once more because the images it produces are excellent in quality. Regardless of the reduction in pixel count, you can achieve excellent results even at ISO levels as low as 100.. The results have an exceptional level of detail, and the quality only improves as the ISO is increased.. You may, however, begin to notice subtle hints of chromatic noise once the ISO is increased to 12800.

Bottom line

The Nikon D7500 is a testament to the fact that “old is gold.” This capable all-arounder DSLR is not only reasonably priced, but it also boasts a powerful sensor, 4K video resolution, and a respectable burst shooting speed of 8 frames per second. The AF system, on the other hand, has a small amount of room for improvement.

Canon 80D Digital SLR Camera

See the Canon 80D–

• Pixels: 25.8 Megapixel
• Lens mount: Canon EF-S
• Max Resolution: 6000 x 4000
• Sensor: CMOS 22.5 x 15 mm
• Image stabilization: None
• ISO sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 16000
• Recording mode: MOV and MP4
• Focus type: auto and manual focus
• Weight: 730 g

Features:

The Canon 80D is an excellent choice for photographers looking to move up from their entry-level DSLRs to a camera with more substance. The extensive set of advanced features enables photographers to capture images in a variety of lighting conditions.

Design

Customers appreciated the well-designed layout of the Canon 70D, and as a result, the layout of the Canon 80D was retained in its original form. Despite the fact that it is not as large as other DSLRs, we did not experience any difficulties in terms of comfort and security when handling it. When it comes to the layout, the majority of the buttons are located on the top plate or on the right side for ease of access. Users will benefit from an upgraded touchscreen LCD control, which will expedite the process of selecting your desired settings and options. Furthermore, the 3-inch, 1,040,000-dot Clear View II screen provides a highly detailed view of the surroundings.

Performance

Everyone appreciates a high-resolution sensor because it captures an impressive amount of detail. However, there is a drawback: the smaller photoreceptors produce more gain, which causes image degradation. Fortunately, Canon’s 24.2MP sensor has a 25 percent increase in pixel count, allowing for higher resolution and less noise in the images. Consequently, even at ISO16000, Canon is able to maintain tight control over image noise.

A camera is worthless if it does not have an autofocusing system. Fortunately, the 80D is equipped with an excellent autofocus system that does not waste any time in locking onto the desired subject, regardless of the speed of the subject being photographed. Furthermore, it performs admirably in low-light conditions as well as in bright light. You can choose from a 45-point automatic selection option, which is divided into nine zones, and which features an advanced colour detection system that works well throughout your shooting session: simply select the zone you want and you’re good to go.

Moving on, the 80D is equipped with an incredible metering system that includes an A7,560-pixel RGB+IR sensor and a variety of metering options, including a 63-zone Evaluative mode, a Center-weighted mode, and a Spot metering mode, among others. We weren’t disappointed by the performance, but if you’re shooting images with a lot of contrast, you may need to use exposure compensation.

Bottom line

If you’re a photography enthusiast, the Canon 80D is an excellent choice for you. It has a great control layout, a wide range of dependable functions, and a powerful performance all in one compact package. When shooting at lower sensitivities, you’ll get a highly detailed image quality that you won’t want to miss out on.

Sony a7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

See the Sony a7

• Pixels: 24.7 Megapixel
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Max Resolution: 6000 x 4000
• Sensor: CMOS 35.8 x 23.9 mm
• Image stabilization: none
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 25600
• Recording mode: AVCHD and MP4
• Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
• Weight: 416g

Features:

We know Sony is constantly striving to surprise and delight its customers with clever innovations and dependable performance. Because it is one of the first compact cameras to feature a full-frame sensor, the Sony Alpha A7 is helping the company live up to its reputation.

Design

Sony did an excellent job of keeping the overall size of the camera unchanged despite the use of a full-frame sensor. The camera has a large, deep grip that makes it easier to operate it with one hand alone than with two. Although A7 does not break any “fashion” records, the straightforward design is appealing to minimalists. A mode dial, located on the top plate, allows you to switch between various exposure settings. The majority of the buttons are located on the right-hand side of the camera. Our favorite feature, however, is the level of customization available to customers: there are three “c” buttons dedicated to this specific purpose, and you can customize the other functions as needed to suit your needs.

Performance

With its content innovations and the desire to provide the best of each feature, the A7 has completely transformed our perception of mirrorless technology. Because the Sony A7 uses the same base sensor as the Alpha 99, we were confident that it would not let us down. Although the images have a low price, they have an incredible level of detail and a beautiful representation of color. colors that are bright but not overpowering in their vibrancy, while the skies and skin tones are natural in appearance. Those looking for different color output, such as vivid, black, or white, can use Sony’s picture effects or Creative Styles, which are available for purchase.

Moving on, the A7 is equipped with a respectable metering system: the all-purpose model provides excellent performance, and you may find yourself rarely needing to adjust the exposure. In a similar vein, its auto white balance system is capable of producing natural results regardless of the lighting situation. However, even though the A7s’ autofocus system is a far cry from the one we’ve been used to for years, it performs admirably in terms of precision and speed when working in good lighting conditions.

For the most part, the full-frame sensor is effective at reducing the amount of chromatic noise produced at low sensitivities; we didn’t notice any traces of chromatic noise until we reached ISO6400. Furthermore, the dynamic range optimizer creates exposures that are well-balanced, resulting in images that appear realistic.

Bottom line

Because of its affordable price and pocket-friendly size, the Sony Alpha A7 may be the best choice for first-time buyers. Apart from being an excellent traveling companion, it also has a number of useful features, such as a full-frame sensor that provides an excellent shooting experience.

Read Also: Best Camera For Music Videos – New 2021 Guide

Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera – nikon d3400 car photography

See the Nikon D3500

• Pixels: 24.78 Megapixel
• Lens mount: Nikon F
• Max Resolution: 6000 x 4000
• Sensor: CMOS 23.5 x 15.6 mm
• Image stabilization: None
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 25600
• Recording mode: MOV
• Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
• Weight: 365g

Features:

Beginners are frequently intimidated by the complex functions of DSLR cameras, which are designed for professional use. All they want is a user interface that is simple, and there is no better option than investing in the Nikon D3500.

Design – best cheap camera for car photography

When compared to its predecessor, the Nikon 3500 received a significant design upgrade, and it now closely resembles the Nikon D5600. The large, pronounced grip appears to be ideal for holding the camera comfortably, and it appears to be perfectly balanced when used with significantly heavier cameras. Although it is lightweight and compact, it will save you time and effort when you are traveling. Users will find it simple to take advantage of several features thanks to the streamlined control layout, which includes a fully exposed command dial.

Performance

The Nikon D3500 is equipped with the same 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocusing system as the Nikon D3000. With excellent viewfinder coverage and excellent performance when focusing on stationary objects, it is a great choice. You can get the most out of the AF system by using the AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR kit lens, which is available from Canon. Other lenses, on the other hand, will not be affected in any way. The focusing is nice and quick under good lighting conditions, and there is little noise production. Under poor lighting conditions, on the other hand, you may notice a decrease in performance. Using the improved cross-type sensitivity of the central AF point, we were able to resolve the problem.

Unfortunately, due to the slow burst shooting speed of 5 frames per second, the Nikon D3500 is not the best choice for practicing action photography. For shooting under other “stationary” conditions, however, its speed is sufficient.

On the basis of consistent exposures, we found the metering system to be reasonable. Furthermore, there is an exposure compensation button that allows you to quickly adjust the exposure when the situation calls for it. In a similar vein, working with Nikon’s auto white balance system is a pleasure: it performs admirably under artificial lighting. Because of the bright, clear viewfinder, you will see vibrant images with pleasing colors, while the details on the LCD screen will be clearly displayed as well. When it comes to battery life, the camera offers more than 1550 shots, which is more than enough for a long day of shooting.

The images produced by this camera, which is equipped with an incredible 24.2MP sensor and no optical low pass filter, exhibit an exceptional level of detail. Even at higher sensitivities, such as ISO1600, there are no issues with image degradation being observed. When you have a wide dynamic range and images that are free of noise, you will almost certainly be pleased with the overall results.

Bottom line

For those who are brand new to digital SLR photography, the Nikon 3500 is the ideal camera to start with. It’s the ideal combination of long-lasting battery life and intuitive menus that guide first-time users through the entire process of learning. Unexpectedly, all of these features are available at a reasonable price point.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

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See the Canon EOS 6D Mark II

• Pixels: 34.4 Megapixel
• Lens mount: Canon EF-M
• Max Resolution: 6960 x 4640
• Sensor: CMOS 22.3 x 14.9 mm
• Image stabilization: Digital (Video Only)
• Recording mode: MP4/H.264 and 4:2:2 8-Bit
• Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
• Weight: 408g

Features:

We were eagerly anticipating the release of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II because its excellent full-frame predecessor had significant room for improvement. Mark II, on the other hand, includes some significant enhancements as well as some new features that will make your images look absolutely stunning.

Design

The aluminium alloy and polycarbonate construction is reminiscent of the original Mark 6D, and the overall design is similar. The durable body is equipped with dust and moisture seals to provide protection against unpredictable weather conditions, but it exudes a more casual vibe, which is something that professionals prefer to avoid. Furthermore, it is smaller and lighter than the 6D, but it also has a sculpted grip for more secure handling and handling. If you’ve worked with the previous version, you won’t have any trouble getting used to the new one, which has a similar layout.

Performance – best camera for shooting cars

In comparison to the original 6D, which had an outdated 11-point AF system, we were delighted to see an improvement in this area. It makes use of a 45-point AF system, with all of the points being cross-type, with the exception of the centre, which has a dual cross-type. Because of this, the system is capable of delivering extremely precise results. Furthermore, Canon provides users with a great deal of control over the AF setup, with nearly 16 different options to choose from. There were no issues with the 6D in low light, which makes it an excellent candidate for concert photography.

Furthermore, the camera has an improved burst rate of 6.5 frames per second, which is sufficient for amateur photographers. It is capable of shooting up to 21 raw files or 150 JPEG frames before experiencing performance degradation. An RGB+IR 7560-pixel sensor with Evaluative, Center-weighted, and Partial metering options is included, as well as 63 zone Evaluative metering. You’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to use the post-production exposure compensation with this system because it is known for delivering consistently excellent performance. Be aware that the Active AF point is given priority, so even slight movement of the points can result in two different exposures…………………………………………………………. There aren’t any issues with the auto white balance mode: it does an excellent job of delivering neutrality and warmth for images that appear to be natural.

Next, the 26.2MP sensor exceeded our expectations, as most cameras at this price include a sensor with only 24MP resolution or less.

We were impressed with the images taken at higher ISO sensitivity levels because there was no evidence of image degradation.

Bottom line

In terms of overall performance, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a significant improvement over its predecessor. However, no camera is perfect, and Mark has its own set of flaws, including poor autofocus coverage and a dynamic range that is less than ideal.

Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera

Check the latest price on Amazon.See the Sony Alpha a6000

• Pixels: 24.7 Megapixel
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Max Resolution: 6000 x 4000
• Sensor: CMOS 23.5 x 15.6 mm
• Image stabilization: None
• Recording mode: XAVC S, AVCHD, and MP4
• Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
• Weight: 344g

Features:

Sony is driven by a relentless desire to be at the forefront of the camera industry, and the Sony A6000 assists them in accomplishing their goal with relative ease. This APS-C camera provides the best of every feature as well as stunning image quality at a significantly lower price than the competition.

Design

The design and layout of the camera may be familiar to previous NEX-6 users, who will find a number of buttons and dials to control the camera in the same place. Those who prefer a crowded layout will find the Sony A6000 to be a welcome addition. In addition to having a strong grip for easy handling, the body has a nice overall texture that gives the device a “expensive” look and feel. Furthermore, the top plate has two dials to prevent accidental adjustments and to provide simpler control, and the majority of the buttons can be customized to suit your preferences.

Performance

Sony has never failed to meet our expectations in terms of performance. Even the most mediocre cameras are capable of delivering respectable results; as a result, our expectations for the Sony A6000 were extremely high. Because it is an APS-C camera, we thought the final results were quite pleasing. The images displayed an exceptional level of detail, with well-saturated colours that did not appear to be too over the top in their use of saturation. Picture Styles, of course, allow users to customise their images to their liking, with Monochrome being our personal favourite.

Moving on, Sony is excellent at rendering detail and does not show any signs of weakness until the camera is exposed to higher sensitivities, such as ISO6400. The best A4 prints, on the other hand, are obtained at ISO3200. Furthermore, Sony is equipped with an excellent entering system that does an excellent job of delivering the proper exposure. Aside from when we were shooting in aperture priority or shutter priority mode, we didn’t find ourselves needing to adjust the exposure compensation at all. Additionally, the auto white balance system produces accurate colours even when the lighting conditions are favourable. When shooting in artificial light, you may, on the other hand, find yourself using a preset white balance setting.

What about the anti-aircraft system? The A6000 is claimed to have the fastest autofocus system of all the APS-C format cameras tested. That is true when focusing on objects in bright lighting conditions, but the system becomes sluggish when the light levels drop significantly.

Bottom line

The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for enthusiasts who want to experiment with different scenes without having to spend a lot of money on equipment. However, it will have to wait until it gets a fully articulating touchscreen LCD and a better autofocus system before it can join our list of favourites. We recommend that you use the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens that comes with your camera because it has a wide range of focal lengths and a pleasing depth of field.

CANON EOS REBEL SL3 DSLR Camera

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Check the latest price on Amazon.See the CANON EOS REBEL SL3

• Pixels: 25.8 Megapixel
• Lens mount: Canon EF-S
• Max Resolution: 6000 x 4000
• Sensor: CMOS 22.3 x 14.9 mm
• Image stabilization: Digital, 5-Axis (Video Only)
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 25600
• Recording mode: MP4/H.264
• Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
• Weight: 449g

Features:

The Canon EOS REBEL SL3 is a fantastic, budget-friendly DSLR that, among other things, can shoot video in 4K resolution. SL3, despite the fact that it is a minor upgrade from the previous version, has a distinct advantage over its competitors.

Design

Canon announced that the SL3 is the world’s lightest and smallest DSLR ever, and that it will be available in September. Despite the fact that the Nikon D3500 took first place, the compact size of the camera remains ideal for tourists and anyone who is bothered by the bulky body of DSLRs. The manufacturers did not make any significant changes to the overall design, with the exception of giving the SL3 a more angular appearance. We found the body to be lightweight and easy to handle, and the rubberized grip and thumb rest added to the overall safety. The control layout, on the other hand, has been simplified in order to avoid intimidating newcomers.

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Performance

Because the 9-point AF system is less than adequate, we recommend that you keep your expectations for the AF system at a minimum. Because the points are so far apart from one another, it appears that focusing is much more difficult, and it is a nuisance when your desired subject is outside of the nine predetermined positions. Furthermore, it is incapable of tracking erratically moving subjects with precision; as a result, if your job requires action photography, avoid using the SL3. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF, on the other hand, is significantly better because it allows users to position the point in one of 3975 different areas, and the touchscreen makes the process significantly easier.

Photographers frequently believe that small cameras have the same performance as large cameras, but the SL3 proves them wrong. Canon offers a respectable 5 frames per second burst shooting speed that lasts for approximately 12-14 frames or 20-40 compressed raw files—excellent performance for an entry-level DSLR. With 95 percent of the frame covered, you must be cautious of issues that may arise around the edges.

Moving on, we thought the viewfinder was adequate because it accurately depicts the scene and displays the necessary exposure information. The LCD screen, on the other hand, is a clear winner in terms of responsiveness and performance when exposed to bright light conditions. Because of the long battery life, increasing the screen’s brightness will not result in any damage.

Further, the SL3 produces images that are well-exposed and have an exceptional level of detail. In the case of a wide dynamic range, the Auto Lighting Optimiser is an excellent tool for lifting any shadows. The results also have a pleasing colour representation, although some photographers prefer to use one of the several Picture Styles to match their aesthetic.

Bottom line

A perfect combination of tried-and-true features and outstanding performance, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is an excellent choice for photographers. Apart from the fact that it is compatible with a wide range of lenses, it also produces high-quality images that are superior to what one would expect from a compact camera.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Cameras For Car Photography

Q:  What is a good lens for car photography?

A: Fortunately, there are no special requirements for your camera lens when photographing automobiles, but a high-quality lens produces stunning images. We recommend that you invest in a zoom lens, which allows you to work with a variety of focal lengths while maintaining sharpness. However, even though a prime lens produces sharper and better-composed images, you may find yourself switching between different focal lengths while photographing various automobiles and motorcycles.

When photographing the interior of a car, a wide-angle lens is advantageous because it allows for everything to be captured in the frame while creating the illusion of space. A standard 50mm lens is ideal if you want to photograph a square-shaped car or a small portion of an interior because it brings out the natural curves and objects in the scene.

Q:  What is the best shutter speed for moving objects?

The rate at which the shutter of your camera opens and closes is referred to as shutter speed in this context. Slower shutter speed means that the shutter closes at a slower rate, resulting in brighter-looking images that do not focus in on any erratically moving objects, as opposed to faster shutter speed. To get the most out of a slow shutter speed, mount the camera on a tripod to ensure that there is no motion blur. A faster shutter speed, on the other hand, produces images that are dark but sharp, and it is better suited for capturing fast-moving objects.

A: If you’ve grasped our point, you’ll know that you must use a fast shutter speed when photographing automobiles. A shutter speed of 1/1000 second is quite fast, and it is ideal for capturing images of racing cars on a race track. A slow shutter speed of 1/10 second, on the other hand, is ideal for shooting images in low light conditions. In order to avoid motion blur and camera shake when photographing with a handheld camera, we recommend that you use a shutter speed of 1/160 second or higher.

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Conclusion

The information on our list of the best cameras for car photography was provided in the hope that it was helpful. Shooting automobiles can be a taxing task for many, but using the right camera can make the process significantly less taxing. However, you must ensure that the camera you choose is compatible with the event’s requirements as well as your budget. When you choose a camera based on the types of cars you’ll be photographing on a regular basis, you’ll find that car photography becomes much easier.

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