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Are you a pro at taking photographs? You might not be a professional photographer, yet you might be interested in taking some particular shots of cars! It’s definitely not a lie that this genre is the current trend.
There are people capable of taking some perfect shots from smartphones, yet instruments have definitely some crucial role to play for best performances.
Needless to say, a DSLR is better any day, and a smartphone will be a smartphone. One cannot compare the quality of the two.
It is not easy to take Automotive captures. Taking pictures of running cars is not an easy task at all. You obviously need a quality camera for your capture. Special attention should be paid to flash options and settings for night shots.
So here are our picks for you!
Table of Contents
5 Best Camera for Car Photography
Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera
With it’s T6 18MP APS-C sensor DSLR, this camera is way better in it’s equipment than many other available options.
The lens takes bright pictures. It comes with an inbuilt WiFi and NFC too. It’s a great choice for being used online and web-posting.
Be it through smartphones or any third control, you can view the same pictures anywhere.
The zoom lens of range 18-55mm includes T6. Hence, this camera is highly recommended for car photographers and experts in the same field.
If you are a beginner, you might as well go with T5. Further, if you are interested in knowing the differences between T5 and T6, you can check it here.
The features are easy to use and do not trouble you more. However, you need to be careful with the battery life before shooting live videos. One might use any Canon EF lens, or DSLR from Canon. DIGIC 4 image processor ensures bright and clear pictures even in motion. So you should definitely stop and think about this option before moving to so another choice.
Salient features:
- Worth every penny
- DIGIC 4+image processor
- Built-in Wifi and NFC
- Accuracy in Focus
- Good grip
- Stylish model
Regrets:
- Might not fulfill the professional requirement
- Poor WiFi connectivity
Nikon D3400 DSLR camera
An exclusively amazing feature of this camera is it’s snapbridge. The Image Space by Nikon enhances the feature where you can easily transfer photos from cameras to smartphones and keep backup storage of the same easily. You are free to share the images on social media.
The lightweight Nikon D3400 DSLR camera has got excellent picture quality. If you keep the exposures controlled, upto 800 or so, you can take amazing videos with the camera. However, it affects the battery life on video mode.
For lenses and flashes, one needs to look for Nikon’s online availability ranges. There are many good options out there, so you might check the same.
Nikon D3400 comes with an 18-55 mm lens, which is fine enough for normal photographs.
It’s true, that you can sync the camera with your smartphones and take absolutely stunning photos of running cars and all. So, it is certainly an expert material with its 24.2 Mp sensor. It is a very considerable choice for stunning car racing, car shows photography, etc.
Salient features:
- 24.2 Mp sensor
- Snapbridge Bluetooth connectivity
- Lightweight
- Compact size
- Expeed 4 image processor
Regrets :
- No tilted LCD / Touchscreen
Canon EOS 80D SLR:
Yes, there are various options available in the market, but if you are looking for a camera that should help you take Automotive captures, then this is your stop! Canon EOS 80D SLR is an ideal choice for running car photos, in fact, it’s a professional choice!
With its amazing coatings, the camera obstructs any external flare to affect image quality. You can make videos + 1000 still captures with this camera without worrying about the battery life.
It’s battery has got a far better life than other options. The menu is a touchscreen, providing all basic features of a camera. It comes with WiFi and NFC. Canon EOS 80D SLR has a Vary-Angle Touchscreen View screen which increases it’s perfection for both photos and videos. It’s 24.2 Mp APS-C sensor is absolutely crucial for outstanding photographs.
The 45 Point AF System allows accurate auto focus with EF and AF lenses even in video mode.
Be it about the model, the design, and the features, this camera has got all for you in a small budget.
Salient features:
- 7- Blade circular aperture
- 2.4 Megapixel sensor
- High image quality
- Good Battery life
- Excellent grip
- Premium look
Regrets:
- Not suitable for long video shoots.
Sony A7 Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera
Many photographers will prefer using a DSLR over APS-C. Sony A7 Full Frame has an improvised Focus owing to Hybrid AF w/ phase detection features. And it allows a similar focusing speed to a DSLR.
The menu is huge, yet accessible. The vision of the camera is electronic and not mirrored. It has a combination of high-tech and common features. The battery life could be better though.
It’s lens has got sharp and slow aperture. However, you can pair it up with a number of other lenses. The 24.3 Mp sensor is great at taking crystal clear and bright pictures.
So, putting it up in a simple language, this is a small camera with some of the best features; ideal for car photographers on an average budget.
It also comes with a Remote control and 3 inches tiltable Touchscreen.
Salient features:
- 24.3 Mp sensor
- Remote control camera
- 3″ tilt at Touchscreen
- WiFi+NFC
- Good grip
Regrets:
- Low aperture lens
- Poor Battery life
Canon EOS 6D Mark 2 Digital SLR Camera
The camera comes with an inbuilt GPS, WiFi and NFC+Bluetooth connectivity. The DIGIC 7 image processor is another interesting feature. 2 Mp Full Frame CMOS sensor gives you an excellent image quality.
You can shoot full HD videos (at 60 fps ) and photographs. Because, the battery life of the camera is equally good.
It is compatible with multiple varieties of lenses – macro lens, zoom lens etc.
It’s perfect for taking car racing pictures too, owing to its auto focus. Though the camera is heavy and expensive, its features and durability make it balance every penny you paid for it.
You can definitely consider buying this as a beginner to take professional running cars photographs.
Salient features:
- WiFi+NFC+Bluetooth connectivity
- DIGIC 7 IMAGE PROCESSOR
- 2 Mp Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
Buying Guide to purchase a Good Camera for Car Photography:
You must take a go through the buying guide for a proper decision-making process before purchasing the camera. Because, you need to understand the proper circumstances and conditions for your requirements.
- Auto Focus (Bokeh): At times we need to defocus the background and focus on the subject. The technique is called Bokeh. For this facility, it’s always recommended to invest in better functioning of the camera lens.
- Aperture: Adjustable aperture (f2.8/f4) is wide and good for stylish clicks.
- Light – adjustment: Proper flash adjustment and light effects are a must for clear and bright pictures.
- Style: Cameras are small devices for taking photographs, yet style and upgraded models count a lot. Professional instruments should look good besides performing well.
- Features: Latest features are valued for precision and quality pictures. So don’t hesitate to spend a few pennies extra for some extra features.
- Grip: High-quality cameras come expensive. Thus, it is very important to check that you have a good grasp of them while working. Falling a camera would be a great loss of money and more.
How to take better photographs of cars?
Whether you are a beginner or a professional, taking pictures of cars for yourself or your clients can be mesmerizing and exhausting at the same time. Getting the best car photographs from your camera needs you to think out of the box and also being careful with your props. These tips will help you get the most out of your car pictures:
Select the Perfect time for Shoot
This probably the most important neglected thing when it comes to taking pictures of any sort of automobile such as cars. To get the perfect shot, always set the time of shoot where you are going to get the best photos and videos while clicking a car photograph. While clicking a car photograph, aim for amazing times like pre or post-sunset or a time when it is just about to sunrise. Generally, these are the best times to click pictures and you can really experiment with your shots using props and sun rays.
Go for a Colored Car
While this can be a bit difficult to handle, the truth is dull cars are not something that would produce the best quality pictures and videos. Always go for a colored car or color your car to fix the scratches, imperfections that the car might have. This might also be correct during editing, but we all know that natural images are always loved more by everyone.
Aim for the Best camera and Equipments
The quality of the camera and lens that you use for photographs of a car will always be reflected in your photographs and the work that you do. Thus, always aim for only getting the best cameras for car photography. When you make a final decision, check the video quality and images of the camera. While it rarely happens otherwise, going for expensive cameras will pay off sooner or later in the long run in the form of your photos and videos. Thus, the better your camera is, the better will be the images you capture and the same goes for videos as well.
Practice is the Key
You can’t have mastery over anything in a day. Things take time. Let the skill evolve in a period of time. Getting the perfect photographs will require regular practice and dedicated efforts from your end. While capturing high-quality shots won’t happen overnight. The efforts that you put in will surely start rolling up in the form of a picture. Practice form, Practice shots. Use different Props and in the end EXPERIMENT a lot!
The Background and Surroundings matter
Your main focus should be the car. Don’t ever go for backgrounds that distract your eyes from the main object, i.e, a car. So, always keep in mind the type of props, the surroundings during car photography. If you are clicking shots for car racing events, car shows, etc, think of the background as relatively cheerful yet light colored.
If this will be your first gig as a photographer of if you have never purchased a camera, the above tips and buying guide should help you give a kick start. Always consider your equipment and don’t always aim for a filled background.
What type of camera do you need to have a good start?
- This is a common query of beginners. Cameras like Canon, Nikon, and DSLR are the current suggestions for the same!
What is the correct gear for capturing car photographs?
- You can add a 50mm lens for a better start. For more extensive coverage on the top lens, you can check out our guide – Best lenses for car photography.
Final words
Ultimately choosing the best camera for car photography can be a tedious task. While cars vary from retro-looking ones to modern shiny ones, cameras and lenses have always mattered when it comes to photography. Go through the above buying guide. The guide has been made short and precise to make the read interesting. Looking at the How-to section right above this one will help you get the points that you might have skipped.
Also, the gears that you have inside your camera bag will play a big role in deciding the skills you have as a photographer. In the end, practicing will only help you get the most out of your camera. So, always invest time in the same.
Happy Shopping! Go out in the field and have fun!
