Cars are more than just a mode of transport. They get us from A to B. But cars are beloved machines made with precision and artistry. From hatchbacks to sports cars, they all have their admirers. You have car publications, car shows, and motorsports. And car photography plays an essential role in every aspect of the motor industry.
The first step on the road is finding the best camera for car photography.
We’ve tested the cameras, checked the specs, and spoken to industry insiders. Like all types of product photography, car photography has a unique set of demands. And we’ve made sure every camera on this list is up to the job of car photography.
Car photography plays an integral role in the motor industry. You could be taking stylish shots for a big brand marketing campaign. Maybe you’re reviewing a car for a motor publication. Or perhaps you’re selling a second-hand car online. Whatever the occasion, getting car photography right is vital.
To find the best cameras for car photography, you need to know the demands of the discipline. There are different types of car photography. And you need to know the settings and features required for that specific kind of photography. They’ll guide you to the best camera for car photography.
Before we discuss each camera in detail, let’s have a look at the top 10:
Once you know what functions and features you need, it’s time to find the best camera for car photography.
We’ve tested the cameras, read the reviews, and counted the scores. And with the help of photographers and car industry insiders, we’ve compiled our list of the best cameras for car photography.
Best Action Camera for Car Photos
The GoPro Hero 10 is the best action camera for car photography. Action cameras aren’t typically suited to product photography or traditional sports photography. But they offer a different kind of car photography.
You can attach a GoPro to a helmet, surface, or person. Use the GoPro Hero 10 for in-car footage during test drives and races. Stick it to the dashboard for exciting race videos. Or put it on drivers’ helmets to see their point of view while they speed around the track.
The GoPro Hero 10 gives you photo and video options. Its image sensor has a resolution of 23MP, which is impressive for a small camera. And the video is 5.3K and shoots at 60 fps. This frame rate gives you incredibly smooth footage. And if the road gets bumpy, the HyperSmooth 4.0 image stabilizer keeps everything looking smooth.
Moving and sharing photos and videos is super simple. You can connect to the GoPro directly using your phone and the Quik app. You can pick media from the camera, send it to another device, or share it on social media. Or you can also use the USB connection.
The GoPro Hero 10 is a niche option. But if you want fantastic action videos, the GoPro Hero 10 is one of the best cameras for car photography.
Best Drone for Car Photography
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is another alternative pick for the best camera for car photography. It’s a drone camera for aerial photography. So you can capture shots for race events from above. Or you can record footage of a car driving along a mountain road.
The image sensor is only a half-inch. But the stills and video are of excellent quality. Photos have a resolution of 48MP, which provides exceptional quality. And the video is 4K at 60 fps.
You also have extra multimedia features to boost your car photography. There are panoramas, enhanced HDR photos, and 8K hyperlapse footage.
The battery life is also excellent. You get 34 minutes of uninterrupted flight time. While 34 minutes might not seem like much, it’s an eternity compared to other drone cameras. The controls are easy to master too. And once you get it in flying, it’s easy to capture stills and footage from above.
The best camera for car photography needs to match specific criteria. Some of these will be personal, like budget and size. At the same time, others will be determined by the type of car photography you want to pursue.
Commercial car photography requires outstanding photo quality. And you might need excellent video footage too. If you’re shooting moving cars and motorsports, you’ll need a camera that’s up to the challenge of fast-paced photography.
Our list includes the best cameras for car photography, no matter your interests. We have top-level cameras for professional car photographers. And you can go for a mirrorless or DSLR camera.
Image resolution is always a headline feature when buying new cameras. And having excellent image quality is one of your main priorities as a car photographer.
If you’re shooting cars for commercial purposes, you need to show the car in all its glory. It doesn’t matter if it’s a million-dollar commercial or a personal ad in Auto Trader—the car should look its best.
A fast burst mode is also something to look for in a camera for car photography. Most shoots involve the car being in motion. And the best way to capture the vehicle moving at speed is with burst mode. It’s also a vital feature when documenting motor racing events.
You’ll need a fast shutter speed too. Cars move quickly, especially when they’re racing. A fast shutter will keep the race cars looking sharp, so they don’t look like one big blur when darting around the track.
It would be best to look for a camera with a good ISO range. While you’ll want to keep the ISO as low as possible to maintain quality, there will be times when light levels are low. You might have to shoot in a dark garage or at a nighttime race.
An advanced autofocus (AF) system is a must for car photography. It would help if you had an autofocus that locks onto and tracks a moving car. And it might be moving quickly, so the AF needs to keep the vehicle focused. Image stabilization is another feature that can help keep the car looking sharp.
Professional photographers are expected to shoot stills and videos. So a camera with good video specs means you don’t have to switch between cameras. You can take quality photos and videos with the same machine.
The best lens depends on the kind of car photography you’re shooting.
A prime lens will work well if you’re shooting a car in the style of product photography. There’s no need for a zoom lens or extra magnification if the vehicle is stationary. And prime lenses have wider aperture ranges, which helps keep the ISO lower.
You’ll need a zoom lens if you’re shooting the car in motion. They give you more options, and you don’t have to change lenses between shots. Wide-angle zoom is the most popular for commercial car photography.
A telephoto lens is the best option for racing events. A telephoto is your best option to keep tabs on the cars as they race around the track. They have excellent magnification to get close to the action without leaving the stands.
Shiny new cars look fantastic. But it can be tricky to get good photographs when they’re in pristine condition. Any lighting you use bounces right off, giving you glare and camera flare.
You also have reflections you need to avoid in your shots. Seeing yourself reflected in the car bonnet will ruin your photographs. You need to get creative with shooting angles and lighting positions.
You want to keep your ISO low to maintain high-quality images. For stationary shots, you can use a slow shutter speed to compensate. But when the car’s in motion, you need a fast shutter speed. You have to widen your aperture to balance the exposure.
Different kinds of vehicles appeal to a variety of people. So use the car’s appeal to influence the car photographs you take. The vehicle in question should represent a way of life for the target audience. And adapt your photography to match the ambitions of your audience.
