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15 Best Cameras for Instagram in 2024 (Photos & Video!)

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Last Update: January 5, 2024

Making a splash on Instagram isn’t easy. It’s a saturated marketplace with thousands of budding entrepreneurs trying to grab your attention.

You need your photos and videos to stand out from the crowd. That’s why you need to find the best cameras for Instagram.

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Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

Fantastic all-around DSLR. Excellent specs for photos and videos. Has everything you need to create outstanding content.

Instagram has become more than a social media platform. There’s no shortage of funny photos and memes.

But for many, Instagram is their place of business. Artists and designers promote and sell their work. And influencers use the platform to build a devoted following.

Young woman outside taking a picture of the photographer with one of the best camera for Instagram choicesth a camera
© Megan Schierek

What is the Best Camera for Instagram?

Finding the best camera for Instagram isn’t easy. There are so many cameras to choose from it can be hard to find the one that’s best for you. If you’re struggling to narrow down your options, here are some things you need to consider.

What Camera is Best for Creating Instagram Content?

You need to think about the Instagram content you want to create. Do you want to be an influencer promoting clothes and products? Or maybe you’re an influencer focusing on health and fitness. Do you need sharp photos or do you want to create video tutorials?

Good image quality is a crucial specification if you’re looking for an Instagram camera for photos. You will also want to consider low light performance. And image stabilization and autofocus systems are other things to look out for.

Video definition is the main feature videographers need to consider. 4K video has become standard. And you shouldn’t accept anything less in an Instagram camera for videos.

The best Instagram cameras also need connectivity features. You want to transfer and share your content as quickly and easily as possible. Wi-Fi connectivity and app software make the process more straightforward. And it’ll save you loads of time.

If you’re a travel influencer, you’ll want a portable and lightweight camera. But it’ll also need excellent photo and video specs (and weather sealing if you plan to do some action or skiing photography!). You want your travel photos to stand out on a busy social media platform.

Young woman holding a camera in a colorful garden
© Duy Pham

What Cameras do Instagram Influencers Use?

Gone are the days when influencers produced all their content using their smartphones. Smartphone cameras have come a long way. But they don’t have the quality or the functionality for professional influencers.

The type of camera they use depends on the content they create. Influencers promoting products or food look for cameras with excellent image features. They like to use DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Travelers might go for something more compact.

Video creators and vloggers use cameras that have excellent video features. They want an all-in-one camera that produces images they can share without having to do much editing. Mirrorless cameras have the best video tech. But some DSLRs can still cut it.

Every influencer is unique. Their camera choices are influenced by the content they create. And that’s exactly how you should approach buying a camera for Instagram. You need a camera that suits your needs as an Instagram content creator.

Here’s a quick look at our top 10 cameras for Instagram. Keep scrolling to see the full list with all the details you need to know.

Our Top Choice
Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D
Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D
  • Excellent Image Quality
  • Fantastic Video Options
  • Solid Low-Light Performance
Best APS-C
Fujifilm X-T3
Fujifilm X-T3
  • 26.1 MP Image Sensor
  • 30 fps Burst Mode
  • Weather-Sealed
Best for Video
Panasonic Lumix G100
Panasonic Lumix G100
  • Excellent Video and Vlogging Features
  • Affordable
  • Articulating Screen
Best Compact Choice
Sony RX100 VII
Sony RX100 VII
  • Pocket-Sized Camera
  • Zeiss Zoom Lens
  • 4K Video
Best for Vlogging
Sony ZV-1
Sony ZV-1
  • Rotating Screen
  • In-Body Forward Mic
  • Eye-Recognition AF
Best Gopro
GoPro Hero10 Black
GoPro Hero10 Black
  • 5.3K Video
  • Compact and Waterproof
  • Excellent Image Stabilization
Best Full Frame Mirrorless
Sony a7 III
Sony a7 III
  • Incredible AF System
  • Smooth 4K Video
  • Excellent Low-Light Performance
Best DSLR
Canon EOS 90D
Canon EOS 90D
  • 32.5 MP APS-C Sensor
  • 4K and UHD Video Options
  • Sophisticated AF System
Best Micro Four Thirds
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
  • Excellent Image Quality
  • In-Body Stabilization
  • Wide Range of Compatible Lenses
Best for Travel
Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
  • Fixed Leica Lens
  • Macro Shooting
  • 4K Video at 30 fps

15 Best Cameras for Instagram in 2022

Finding the best camera will help you get ahead on Instagram. But to find the best camera for Instagram, you need to think about the type of content you want to create. Do you need a photography camera for product shots? Are you a travel blogger? Or are you creating video content?

We’ve covered all the bases in our list of the best cameras for Instagram. We’ve got cameras for photographers, vloggers, and travelers. And we understand newer content creators might not have much cash to splash on a camera, so our list considers your budget, too.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T8i

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Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
24 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
14.9 x 22.3 mm
Frame Rate
7.5 fps
Autofocus Points
45
Pros
  • Excellent image quality
  • Face and eye-detection AF
  • Great ISO range and low-light performance
  • 4K/25p and Full HD/120p video
  • Webcam functionality and remote shooting with smartphone
Cons
  • Fiddly control dials
  • Less reliable AF in video mode
  • Small optical viewfinder display
  • Cropped 4K video

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is an excellent all-rounder for Instagram creators. It has excellent still photography specs. And you can use it for video and streaming. It’s affordable and suitable for creators graduating from smartphone photography.

It’s a beginner-level camera, which means it’s easy to use. But there’s a big jump in results from smartphone cameras when it comes to image quality. The APS-C sensor has a resolution of 24.1 MP, so your images will pop on anyone’s Instagram feed.

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i also has 4K videos for making Instagram reels. It shoots at 24 fps, giving you excellent footage. And you can shoot vertical video, which has the perfect dimensions for filling a phone screen on Instagram or TikTok.

Canon EOS Rebel T8i camera with funky pattern background

The eye-detection autofocus is an excellent feature for vloggers. It’ll identify human eyes and lock on, so the face stays in focus even when it’s moving around the frame.

You can connect the Canon EOS Rebel T8i to your computer, transforming it into a webcam. You can use the DSLR camera for filming anything from live yoga to language classes.

2. Fujifilm X-T3

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3. Panasonic Lumix G100

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4. Sony RX100 VII

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Sony RX100 VII
Camera Type
CompactCompact
Megapixels
20 MP
Sensor Format
1"1"
Sensor Size
13.2 x 8.8 mm
Frame Rate
5 fps
Autofocus Points
357
Pros
  • Pocket-sized point-and-shoot
  • High-quality Zeiss zoom lens with 8x zoom
  • Advanced autofocus system with subject tracking
  • Excellent 4K video performance
  • Microphone jack for audio recording
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • Image quality isn't great
  • Not the best low-light performance
  • No microphone jack
  • No headphone jack

If you’re a travel blogger, you might be looking for an Instagram camera that’s more compact. The Sony RX100 VII is one of the best compact cameras around. And it’s a fantastic machine for boosting your Instagram photos and videos.

It’s small enough to carry in your pocket. But it produces high-quality images that are better than any smartphone camera. And it has excellent video recording capabilities. The sensor is only 1 inch, but the 20.1 MP resolution is magnificent.

The Sony  RX100 VII has an amazing telephoto lens. The zoom lens has a focal range of 24-200mm, getting you into the heart of the action. And it’s an optical zoom, so there’s no loss of quality as you zoom in.

The 4K video quality is great. And you have image stabilization to reduce camera shake in stills and video. There’s no internal microphone, but there is a microphone jack for external sound recording.

It’s a versatile digital camera. You have a 20 fps continuous shooting mode. There’s a super responsive autofocus with eye detection. And you have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for quick uploads to social media.

5. Sony ZV-1

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6. GoPro Hero 10

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7. Sony A7 III

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Sony a7 III
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
24.2 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.8 x 35.6 mm
Frame Rate
10 fps
Autofocus Points
693
Pros
  • Quick and accurate 693-point AF
  • Wide ISO range with a low 50 setting
  • Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
  • Records stunning 4K video and has live stream capabilities
Cons
  • Noise reduction can remove details
  • Front heavy with big lenses
  • Menu system is difficult to get used to

The Sony A7 III is a phenomenal camera. Sony’s mirrorless cameras are ground-breaking and trend-setting. And the A7 III is one of their best cameras. It’s a professional-level camera, so you can expect amazing results. But you can also expect a professional-level price tag.

The advanced 24.2 MP full-frame sensor gives you outstanding images that’ll outshine anything else on your Instagram feed. And the image quality is improved further by the 15 stops of dynamic range and ISO 50 setting.

The autofocus is incredibly sophisticated, using 693 phase-detection and 425 contrast points. It’s quick to find focus and tracks your subject across the frame. And it’s just as reliable when shooting the 4K video.

The low-light capabilities are excellent too. The ISO range reaches 204,800. And it stays noise-free for most of that range. It’s ideal for night photography. It shoots in RAW, giving you lots of post-production options.

8. Canon EOS 90D

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9. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

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Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
20 MP
Sensor Format
Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Sensor Size
13 x 17.4 mm
Frame Rate
15 fps
Autofocus Points
121
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Very beginner-friendly
  • Excellent image quality
  • Built-in image stabilization for video and low light
  • Endless list of compatible lenses
  • Excellent 4K video features
Cons
  • Small sensor
  • AF has slow continuous shooting
  • Contrast-detection AF system is slower than phase-detection systems
  • No microphone and headphone jacks
  • Plastic body and isn't weather sealed

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the best mirrorless camera for Instagram creators looking for something smaller. It’s compact, lightweight, and has plenty of features to make our best Instagram camera list.

This digital camera has a micro four thirds sensor. These sensors are smaller than both APS-C and full-frame sensors. But the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV still produces excellent image quality. 20 MP is impressive for a sensor of this size.

The image quality is assured with the 5-axis image stabilization. That helps you shoot out of hand without a tripod. And that’ll help with your 4K video recording too.

The camera automatically switches to selfie mode when you flip the screen 180 degrees. You can connect to your smartphone using the OI Share app. And the camera has 16 art filters, including retro film effects. The photos are ready for Instagram before they leave the camera.

10. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

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11. Olympus Tough TG-6

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12. Fujifilm X-M1

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Fujifilm X-M1
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
16 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.6 mm
Frame Rate
5.6 fps
Autofocus Points
49
Pros
  • Good ISO range
  • Face-detection and eye-detection AF
  • Focus peaking controls
  • Articulating screen
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons
  • Dated image sensor
  • No image stabilization
  • Very low burst speed of 5.6 fps
  • No touchscreen or small control dial
  • Only Full HD video and no 4K

Mirrorless cameras can be expensive. But the Fujifilm X-M1 is a budget-friendly option that’ll give you algorithm-busting Instagram content. The video performance is dated, with only 1080p HD. But it’s an excellent option for Instagram photos.

The 16.3MP resolution isn’t record-breaking. But it’ll give you fantastic photos for social media, especially with the Fujinon lens that comes with the camera body. The low-light abilities are excellent, making it a good camera for night shots.

The autofocus is fast and responsive, using 49 points that cover the frame. There’s a burst of 5.6 fps. And the touchscreen tilts and rotates for more shooting options. You get Wi-Fi connectivity, RAW shooting, art filters, and film simulation modes.

13. Nikon Z50

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Nikon Z50
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
21 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.7 mm
Frame Rate
11 fps
Autofocus Points
209
Pros
  • A more affordable mirrorless option
  • Nice to handle and use
  • Relatively lightweight and not too bulky
  • Solid 4K video performance
Cons
  • 20.8 MP sensor resolution is lower than many close competitors
  • Poor battery life
  • Only one memory card slot
  • Limited native APS-C lenses

Nikon has been one of the leading camera brands for decades. And the Nikon Z50 is their best option if you want a camera for Instagram. It has all the features an up-and-coming content creator needs.

The image sensor has a resolution of 20.9 MP, which is better than most competition on social media. And the 4K video is well defined with amazing detail and color rendering. The low-light performance is also impressive if you’re shooting at night or in a dim studio.

The selfie flip-down viewfinder is ideal for self-portraits and video blogs. And you have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options, allowing you to link your camera and smartphone.

The Nikon Z50 is compatible will all Nikkor Z mount lenses. They’re not as numerous as the F series, but there are quality lenses available. The camera also has creative picture controls and artistic filters for more content possibilities.

14. Panasonic Lumix GH5

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15. Insta360 One X2

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Insta360 ONE X2
Released
2020
Megapixels
18 MP
Field of View
360
Max Video Resolution
6K6K
Slow Motion Speed
3x3x
360 Shooting
Yes
Pros
  • Uses advanced FlowState image stabilization for smooth footage
  • Voice control operations
  • Waterproof and shoots underwater down to 33 ft (10 m)
  • Invisible selfie-stick mode is handy for filming yourself
  • Shoots stunning 5.7K video
Cons
  • Features are limited compared to non-360 action cameras
  • It has a tendency to freeze when used for a long time
  • Touchscreen is very small and fiddly
  • Battery life isn't great
  • Can only be paired with the latest smartphones

A 360-degree camera gives you unique multimedia content for your Instagram account. You can create panoramic landscapes, 360 photos, and fisheye action videos. They are a creative and fun way to give your content a boost. And the Insta360 ONE X2 is the best on the market.

The camera uses two ultra-wide-angle lenses back to back to give you a 360-degree view. It records at 5.7K and uses FlowState stabilization to keep your videos steady. It also has four built-in mics for directional sound recording.

It’s small enough to put in your pocket. And it’s waterproof down to 33 feet. It’s perfect for holiday or travel content. The Insta360 ONE X2 gives you something different.

Woman's hand holding a smartphone with Instagram loaded

Our Verdict

Instagram is a busy social media platform. Creating content that stands out is difficult. And there’s a lot of competition. But buying the right camera is one of the best ways to get ahead in the Instagram content industry.

[highlight type="short" price="no" product="6214" badge="https://camerareviews.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Product-Highlight-Badge_Yellow_simple.svg"] Fantastic all-around DSLR. Excellent specs for photos and videos. Has everything you need to create outstanding content.

If you’re creating photos for Instagram, the Fujifilm X-T3 might be the best camera for you. The Panasonic Lumix G100 is the best camera for Instagram videos. And the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is the all-around best camera for Instagram.

We’ve also included the best mirrorless and compact cameras. And there’s the GoPro Hero 10 or the Olympus Tough TG-6 for adventurous content makers. And there are cameras on here for budgets of any level.

We hope our guide has helped you in your quest to find the perfect camera for Instagram. If you require more inspiration try our articles on the best camera for family photography or concert photography cameras next!

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