Portrait, Wedding and Events Camera Recommendations for 2024
What is the Ultimate Canon Portrait, Wedding, and Events Camera?
- Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- Canon EOS R1
- Canon EOS R3
- Canon EOS R5
- Canon EOS R6 Mark II
- Canon EOS R8
- Canon EOS R7
As a generalization, the above list is sorted in camera performance, features, and price descending sequence.
You may have noticed that all DSLR camera models have dropped off the top cameras list. Canon is focusing on mirrorless models, they are outstanding performers, DSLR lenses in the kit are adaptable, and it is time to move to the mirrorless line-up for all new camera purchases.
What are the important features for a portrait, wedding and events camera?
While a simple portrait session can be rescheduled, weddings and similar events are big deals with huge effort and costs put into them and they cannot be repeated. These events will go on regardless of the photographer and any issues the photographer encounters. Since the photographer is obligated to deliver high-grade and highly-anticipated images from the event, issues must be avoided (quality gear) or dealt with immediately (redundant gear).
Redundancy is very important for wedding and event photographers and a basic redundancy practice is to utilize dual memory card slots for simultaneous image storage with availability of a backup immediately ready to go off site. This of course requires a camera with that capability. Wireless file transfer is another option for immediate image backup.
Redundant cameras should be considered mandatory for important events. While the primary and backup event cameras do not have to be the same model, the backup camera must be reliable and capable enough to become the primary camera if necessary. Having all cameras being functionally similar avoids acclimation issues when switching between models.
It is somewhat difficult to understand camera reliability while shopping as most cameras seem to always reliably work. But, higher-end models typically have greater durability. The shutter is one of the most-moving camera parts and the shutter durability rating provides a glimpse into what that feature's life expectancy may be. Events can generate very high image volumes, quickly surpassing the shutter durability ratings of lower-end cameras. Shutters can be replaced but having a camera out of service is a risk exposure and there is a cost to the repair, at least partially offsetting the cost of buying a better camera initially.
A magnesium alloy frame reflects on a camera's intended use and while weather sealing may be not an expected need for photographing weddings and events, it may be needed – even indoors sometimes (ever spill a drink while a camera is hanging from your neck?).
Printing large means high resolution is important. With portraits being often output in large size (especially wedding and sports portraits), no camera has too much resolution. While the lower-end current models may have very adequate resolution for most needs, being able to print larger can make a get-the-job difference.
People events are often low light and that means high ISO performance is highly valuable. Full frame imaging sensors rule in this regard.
Wedding and event photographers should purchase the best quality gear they can afford. That advice also applies to portrait photographers, though portrait photography often has less time sensitivity and the camera requirements can often be relaxed in this case. Most cameras can capture good portraits (check out the general purpose camera recommendations), but the ones below remain the best choices.
Portrait, Wedding and Events Camera Recommendations
Phenomenal Camera Overall, Solid Value, Great at Everything, Feature Loaded
With the R5, Canon brought their much-loved 5-series to the EOS R-series mirrorless interchangeable lens camera lineup. The R5 featured the best image quality available in a Canon camera combined with impressive overall performance.
The professional-grade R5 Mark II came four years later, bringing significant performance improvements, many matching those of the flagship R1. The 30 fps continuous shooting rate makes catching the perfect moment easy, and the large, blackout-free viewfinder aids in ideal framing of the action, with the fast imaging sensor readout speed retaining image integrity.
An out of focus image is of no value, and the R5 II's incredible Eye Control AF combined with eye-tracking and subject detection ensures that your perfectly timed shot is also perfectly focused. Pre-continuous shooting enables the peak motion to be captured even after it happens.
A pair of R5 II bodies will anchor my kit for years. I like nothing better.
2. Canon EOS R1
The Ultimate Professional Canon Camera, Incredibly High-Performing, Fast, Feature Loaded
When getting the shot is imperative, the extreme Canon EOS R1 is the camera you want in your hands.
While the R1's 24 MP resolution is not high for a full-frame camera, the quality of those pixels is so high that it outperforms higher resolution models. Also, the R1 otherwise outperforms all other models.
The 40 fps continuous shooting rate is sure to catch the perfect moment and the large, blackout-free, 9.44 million dot viewfinder ensures that action is perfectly framed, and the extremely fast imaging sensor readout speed retains image integrity. Like the R5 II, the R1 features incredible Eye Control AF combined with eye-tracking and subject detection to ensure that your perfectly timed shot is also perfectly focused. Pre-continuous shooting enables the peak motion to be captured even after it happens.
This professional-grade camera is sure to put a smile on your face every time you pick it up and again when you review the results. If there is action involved, this is a camera I want in my hands.
3. Canon EOS R3
The Ultimate Affordable Professional Canon Camera, Extremely High-Performing
While the R3 fell into the shadows of the R1 and R5 II, it remains a high-performing camera and a great choice for demanding action photography. The discounted price makes it a bargain.
As with the R1, the R3's 24 MP resolution is not high for a full-frame camera, but the quality of those pixels is so high that it outperforms higher resolution models. The R3 otherwise outperforms all other models introduced before it, with the R1 and R5 II being two exceptions.
The 30 fps continuous shooting rate is certain to catch the perfect moment, the fast imaging sensor readout speed retains image integrity, and the large, blackout-free viewfinder ensures that action is perfectly framed. The R3's incredible Eye Control AF combined with eye-tracking and subject detection AF ensures that your perfectly timed shot is also perfectly focused.
4. Canon EOS R5
Excellent All-Around Camera Choice, Ultra-High Resolution, IBIS
While the R5 Mark II brought significant performance improvements, the R5 remains a high-performing camera with a bargain price.
The EOS R5 features outstanding ultra-high resolution image quality combined with impressive overall performance, including outstanding AF performance and a continuous shooting rate reaching 20 fps. The R5 was a game-changer, and a pair of them were my primary cameras for 4 years.
Most of EOS R5 Features with Lower Resolution (Imaging Sensor and EVF) and Price, Oustanding AF System, Up-To-40 FPS
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a high-performing, mid-priced camera body that delivers outstanding full-frame image quality at medium-high resolution. This camera targets content creators, those currently using a DSLR, and those looking for a general-purpose camera that does everything well, including preserving family memories.
The R6 II is a solid upgrade from the only 2-year-older R6, and I'd take the Canon EOS R6 II over every DSLR made.
6. Canon EOS R8
Compact, Lightweight, Great Value, Same Full-Frame Imaging Sensor as EOS R6 II, Oustanding AF System
In the R8, Canon gives us high-end camera features and functionality in a compact, lightweight, low-priced camera.
The R8's imaging sensor, powerful DIGIC X processor, and impressive AF functionality and algorithms were inherited from the not-much-older, much-higher-priced EOS R6 Mark II. While the 24.2 MP resolution is not as high as the older EOS RP's 26.2 MP spec or the R's 30.3 MP spec, the imaging sensor technology improvements enable the R8 to, impressively, out resolve both of these models.
While the R8 does not provide as many controls and features, including in-body image stabilization and dual memory card slots, as its higher-priced alternatives, it has other advantages. The R8's small size and light weight are highly appealing, making this camera attractive even for those with higher budgets, including professionals requiring an easy-to-take-along backup or even as a first-choice model in some cases.
Even beginners will create outstanding images when using the R8 as a point-and-shoot model. The Canon EOS R8 is a great choice for travel, hiking or other carry-all-day needs – and the adequately-sized, comfortable grip supports this use.
7. Canon EOS R7
Extreme Performance at an Affordable Price
The R7 was the first APS-C model in the Canon EOS R-series lineup. While the smaller imaging sensor has large cost benefits, the 32 MP resolution is still very high.
Remarkable autofocus capabilities and ultra-fast frame rates make this camera ideally suited for capturing action.
Just as important as the camera are the lenses used on it. The Canon Portrait Lens Recommendations and Canon Wedding Lens Recommendations will help you select the right lens for your portrait, wedding, and event cameras.
Return to the Camera Recommendations.
Canon DSLR Portrait, Wedding and Events Camera Recommendations
If you insist on acquiring a DSLR model, here are the ultimate Canon DSLR cameras:
The ultimate Professional Canon Camera
When you need the fastest, most rugged, most dependable and most feature-filled camera Canon makes, this is the one you want. The 1D X II is trusted by those photographing the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the Pope and (put any other major event here) and I trust it will perform amazingly well for you also. This camera is not small, light or inexpensive, but when getting the image matters greatly, this is most often the chosen model.
High Resolution, Great Technology, Superb Overall Camera Choice
If high resolution is needed along with all of the other important portrait and event features, this camera is a great choice. Canon's original 5-series cameras, initially bringing us an affordable full frame body and later disrupting the video marketplace with an extraordinary quality:price ratio, were huge hits. The 5D Mark IV builds on those initial qualities and brings many incredible new ones including Dual Pixel CMOS AF (with Movie Servo AF) and 4k video. Don't worry, still photographers have plenty to drool over with this camera including excellent dynamic range, a solid frame rate, very high resolution and of course, the awesome Canon color you love.
The Canon EOS 5Ds R and 5Ds are two more excellent choices that are similar to the 5D IV. The 5Ds models' primary advantage over the 5D IV is a (significantly) higher 50 MP resolution.
Affordable Full Frame Camera with the Latest Technology
The Canon EOS 5D-series made full frame imaging sensor-format cameras affordable and the Canon EOS 6D-series models took that affordability to another level. For a moderate price, the 6D-series cameras deliver full frame image quality greatness and, in addition to having the most-needed features, the 6D Mark II brings many of the latest technologies with it. Unfortunately, dual memory card slots is not a feature of the 6D Mark II, making it a less ideal choice as the primary camera for weddings.
A Really Good Camera at a Modest Price
When you want a really good camera but do not want to pay the price for a full frame model, the 90D is probably the right option for your portrait needs. The size of this camera makes it easy to handle and the bright, large viewfinder is very nice to look through. The 90D's overall great performance and huge feature set make it the ideal choice for a huge number of people. However, like the 6D Mark II,the 90D does not feature dual memory cards lots.
As mentioned before, the lens is at least as important as the camera. The Canon DSLR Portrait Lens Recommendations and Canon DSLR Wedding Lens Recommendations will guide you to the right lens for your portrait, wedding, and event cameras.
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