Picking up a reliable camera for car photography can be quite a challenge given how demanding the hobby is. You need something with lightning-fast autofocus, a robust object-tracking system, a fast burst rate, and a large enough buffer so you’re not wasting time waiting for data to be written to your memory cards.
Specs don’t always reveal the full picture. Without diving into a rather deep camera-tech rabbit hole, it’s not going to be easy differentiating between a high-resolution sensor and a faster but lower resolution one. How important is touch tracking? What lenses do I need? It’s questions like these that I’m here to answer.
I’ve gone through not just specs but also compiled data and feedback from actual car photographers to compile this list. What you’ll find here is a simple, approachable guide to finding good cameras for car photography in your budget.
Contents
Best Cameras for Car Photography in 2023
The below list is not a just compilation of the best cameras for automotive photography, but one that caters to niches within that genre. Whether you need a hybrid stills and video camera or a budget option with impeccable image quality, I’ve got you covered.
1. Best Overall: Sony Alpha 7 IV
The Sony Alpha 7 IV has a magnesium alloy body that’s sturdy and will complement the rugged lifestyle of a car photographer. A deep grip ensures good control, and the popularity of Sony’s bodies means that getting a camera cage will be relatively easy.
Sensor & Photography
The 33 MP sensor on this camera is a significant upgrade from the 24 MP unit it replaces and is now back-side illuminated to improve low-light performance. As a car photographer, you’ll be interested to learn that this camera can shoot a burst of 800+ photos at 10 fps (lossy RAW), and 6 fps in uncompressed RAW.
Coupled with Sony’s fantastic real-time autofocus system that can track anything, including cars, in real-time, you’ll never miss a shot.
Video & Other Features
As a video camera, the A7 IV is hard to beat. In fact, it’s one of the only cameras in this range that offers unlimited 10-bit video recording at 4K 24 or 60 fps. This video is downsampled from 7K and 4.6K for the 4K24 and 4K 60 modes respectively, offering incredible clarity and color.
Connectivity & Inputs
The sides of the camera boast of all the ports you’ll ever need. This includes a full-size HDMI port for monitoring, mic and headphone outs, and even a 10 Gbps USB-C port that can output 1080p60 video for live streaming!
Wi-Fi 802.11ac support ensures fast data transfer between the camera and your phone, and an always-on Bluetooth LE mode maintains a wireless connection with your phone at all times.
Battery Life
Battery life is rated at 580 shots for stills, and you can expect around 100 minutes of continuous recording when shooting a 4K video. This is a small step down from the previous A7 III, but you’re also getting a much higher resolution sensor and vastly improved video quality, making the sacrifice a worthwhile one.
Is this camera for you?
With its superb AF system and best-in-class video feature, the A7 IV is the best car photography camera to have by your side. The nearly unlimited buffer and great IBIS, in particular, will aid you well while shooting cars on a racing track.
- 10-bit color-depth for video
- HEIF support
- Real-time object tracking
- Live-stream over USB
- 800+ burst image buffer
- Rolling shutter performance
- 4K60 uses an APS-C crop
2. Best with Vehicle AF Mode: Canon EOS R6
As expected from Canon, the EOS R6 is built like a tank and even includes some weather-sealing features. This is an enthusiast body, but it’s a fast and capable one that even pros will love.
Sensor & Photography
Canon’s 20 MP CMOS sensor is of a lower resolution than the competition, but it makes up for that with speed, which is exactly what you need for automotive photography. You can hit a blistering 20 fps with the electronic shutter and 12 with the manual one. To add to this, the R6 is the only camera in this list with vehicle priority AF, which, if you’ve ever been to a race track, you’ll realize is a game-changer!
Video & Other Features
The video capabilities of this camera are truly exceptional. This is the only camera in this class that can shoot full-frame 4K 60 video, and it does so at 10-bit color depth and 4:2:2 sub-sampling, allowing for exceptional color accuracy when shooting RAW or log video. One caveat is that the camera tends to overheat very quickly.
Fun Fact: This camera is also featured in my list of recommended cameras for recording music videos.
Connectivity & Inputs
Equipped with a 10 Gbps USB-C port, micro HDMI, mic and headphone outs, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and with support for dual UHS-II class SD cards, the R6 will not leave you wanting. With the right software, the camera can even double as a webcam or streaming camera.
Battery Life
The EOS R6 uses the newer LP-E6NH batteries, but with the EVF, battery life is still a below-average 360. You can get better life if you use the LCD, however. For video, tests show that the camera can manage about 80 minutes per charge, which isn’t too bad.
Is this camera for you?
In this budget, this is quite simply the best camera for taking car pictures. It’s the only camera here with a dedicated vehicle AF mode, and at 20 fps with ES, it’s among the faster cameras out there. If it fits in your budget, buy it.
- Full-frame 4K 60 output
- 10-bit HDR images and video
- Exceptional IBIS
- Dedicated vehicle AF mode
- 20 fps burst rate
- Overheats rapidly when recording video
- Below-average battery life
3. Best with 1080p FPS Slo-mo: Nikon Z7
Designed as a replacement for the venerable D850 DSLR, the Nikon Z7 is a nice step up in the design department. The body is more compact, comfortable, and the magnesium alloy frame keeps things light. An additional OLED info display really helps with handling and setup.
Sensor & Photography
The Z7’s sensor is based on the same, brilliant 45.7 MP BSI CMOS found in the D850, but it now comes with PDAF bands that vastly improve AF performance in video, and accuracy in stills. It is a slower system than that found in DSLRs, so is more suited to studio work than for race-tracks, especially given the 18-frame buffer.
Video & Other Features
For video, you get the option to shoot 4K30 in a full-frame line-skipped mode, or an oversampled APS-C crop. A nice addition is the support for 10-bit ProRes RAW recording via an external recorder, which is very useful for professional shoots.
Connectivity & Inputs
Nikon’s SnapBridge feature, which combines Wi-Fi 802.11 ac and Bluetooth, ensures quick, seamless connectivity between the camera and your phone. With the Nikon app, you can even use your phone as a monitor.
Additional I/O includes dedicated mic and headphone outs, a 5Gbps USB-C port that supports charging, and mini-HDMI with 10-bit output for use with an external monitor.
Battery Life
Given that this is a 45.7 MP sensor, the rated battery life of 400 shots, while low, is acceptable. The 130 minutes you get for a video, however, is very competitive, making the Z7 an excellent option as a hybrid camera.
Is this camera for you?
If you need a high-resolution camera body with support for video and are willing to sacrifice some amount of burst and tracking AF performance, the Nikon Z7 is a fantastic camera for capturing cars that are not moving too quickly.
- Massive 45.7 MP images
- 1080p slo-mo
- AF sensitive to -19 EV
- 8K time-lapse
- ProRes RAW support
- Tiny buffer in burst mode
- XQD and CFExpress support only
4. Best Battery Life: Sony a7 III
Sony a7 III is a slightly older body in this list, but it’s no less capable and is easily among the more well-designed options. The magnesium alloy body on the Sony a7 III is nice and light and the body itself is ergonomic and comfortable to use on long shoots. One thing to be aware of is that weather sealing isn’t as robust as what you’ll find on more modern bodies.
Sensor & Photography
A 24MP BSI CMOS sensor handles imaging duties here, and it’s a really good one. It has a fast readout that helps deal with rolling shutter, and an impressive 693 PDAF points for focus. Low-light performance is great, but more impressive are the autofocus tracking features, essential for automotive photography.
Video & Other Features
For video, the A7 III gives you a full pixel readout for 4K 24, and a slight 1.2x crop at 4K 30. The result is class-leading video quality that qualifies it as a good camera for car vlogging. Do note that AF tracking in video mode can be flaky and that only 8-bit video is supported. The rolling shutter is well controlled in the video but can become apparent in fast pans.
Connectivity & Inputs
As expected from Sony, connectivity is excellent. A 5 Gbps USB 3.1 Type-C port is included, as are 3.5 mm mic and headphone jacks, micro HDMI for monitoring and recording, and you get Wi-Fi with NFC support.
Battery Life
At 710 shots for stills, and, in the right circumstances, over 3.5 hours of video recording, the A7 III boasts of some of the best battery life numbers I’ve seen from any mirrorless camera. You have the larger NP-FZ100 battery to thank for that.
Is this camera for you?
It may be tempting to pick up newer, more expensive cameras, but rest assured that the Sony A7 III is a steal. Excellent AF tracking in stills and a 10-fps burst mode with full AF and AE is exactly what I’d recommend for car videos and pictures. What money you save can be better spent on lenses.
Suggested Read: Best Lenses for Sony A7 III
- 10-fps burst with full AF and AE
- 140-shot buffer
- Incredible battery life
- Superb dynamic range
- AF tracking reliability
- LCD/EVF resolution
- Video AF tracking
5. Best Low Light Performance: Nikon Z 6II
Nikon introduced the model Z 6II which is a nice upgrade from the Z6 while carrying forward that camera’s excellent ergonomics and solid build quality. A number of customizable buttons, including a top-mounted OLED, make this a very functional and user-friendly camera.
Sensor & Photography
The 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor here is one of the best low-light sensors you can get. It’s also an exceptionally fast sensor with minimal rolling shutter, which is great for photographing fast-moving cars. Paired with a 14-fps burst and deep buffer, you’re in for a treat!
Do note that the 14 fps buffer is only with single-point AF. If you’re tracking a moving subject, like a car, you’ll want to use the tracking AF option, which will slow you down fractionally to a 12-fps burst.
Video & Other Features
With full-frame, full-pixel readout support for 4K 30 video, not to mention 10-bit 4:2:2 output and ProRes RAW and BlackMagic RAW support, this camera is a video powerhouse. 4K 60 is possible, but only internally in 8-bit, and with a DX crop. AF performance in the video is just as good as it is in stills and very reliable when tracking cars.
Connectivity & Inputs
802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ensure great connectivity with your phone, and the mini HDMI output along with USB-C 5 Gbps support give you excellent options for monitoring and charging. You can also stream video via the USB-C port via a PC or Mac, making it a great, high-quality webcam alternative. Dual 3.5mm jacks take care of mic and headphone output.
Battery Life
As with most Nikon cameras, the rated battery life of 410 shots is a bit low compared to the competition. For long shoots, you can use a compatible battery grip to nearly triple battery life, however. Additionally, the official battery grip adds vertical controls for easier portrait shots.
Is this camera for you?
The Z 6II is a sturdy, reliable camera for pro car photographers and enthusiasts alike. The fast burst rate and good AF performance make it a good camera to take car pictures, and powerful video features are a nice bonus for the hybrid shooter.
- 14 fps burst mode
- Deep buffer for RAW or JPEG
- ProRes RAW support
- 100% EVF coverage
- Fast and reliable AF
- Limited to 273 PDAF points
- 4K60 only available with a DX crop
6. Best Stills Camera: Canon EOS R
The Canon EOS R is surprisingly well built for Canon’s first attempt at an RF mount mirrorless camera. The body is comfortable to hold with a good grip that holds up well even with larger telephoto lenses. The buttons are a bit mushy, however, and customization options aren’t as extensive as they are on competing bodies.
Sensor & Photography
The 30.3MP CMOS here is based on the one in the 5D Mark IV. Paired with Canon’s incredible Dual Pixel AF that offers full-frame AF (over 5,000 points), what you’ve got is one of the best single-shot stills cameras out there. Burst speeds are low at just 8 fps with locked AF and 3 fps with tracking, but they do get the job done.
Video & Other Features
While it supports 4K 30 fps video, the EOS R introduces a heavy, 1.8x crop. Thankfully, it still uses Dual Pixel AF so AF performance is unaffected. FHD video up to 60 fps and HD video at 120 fps is supported but not recommended owing to a softer image. You have to remember, the EOS R is primarily a stills camera.
Connectivity & Inputs
With 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth LE 4.1 support, connectivity is fast and the signal strong. JPEGs are quick to transfer over Wi-Fi, and you also get a USB-C 5 Gbps port to help. A mini HDMI port and dual 3.5 mm jacks help with monitoring. For higher quality output, the HDMI can stream 10-bit 4:2:2 video to an external recorder.
Battery Life
Battery life for stills is only 370 shots with the EVF. This is low compared to the competition, but this is also an older, cheaper camera and some compromise is expected. If you’ve been a Canon shooter, however, you’ll love the fact that the R is compatible with LP-E6/N batteries, allowing you to use your Canon DSLR batteries when needed.
Is this camera for you?
The Canon EOS R is one of the most pocket-friendly options on this list. It is missing some of the more flagship features, especially in the video department, but it is still an exceptional stills camera with excellent tracking performance, making it one of the better car photography cameras on a budget.
- Dual Pixel AF is incredibly fast
- Superb JPEG quality
- UHS-II SD card support
- 10-bit 4:2:2 video output
- Smooth ISO transitions
- Heavy crop for 4K video
- Slow burst rate
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, you need to be looking at autofocus tracking performance and burst rate. Cars move quickly and you need to be able to track and click photos as they whizz past.
This depends on the kind of photography you’re doing. On a race track, a fast telephoto prime in the 200-300 mm range will help greatly, but for studio work, a wider 24 mm or 50 mm focal length is more suited.
If your camera supports it, set AF tracking speed and sensitivity to high, and manually dial in a fast shutter speed of 1/250 second or higher. Some cameras even offer a vehicle tracking mode, so be sure to enable that.
More expensive cameras tend to offer better AF tracking features and a deeper buffer for burst capture. Car photography is very demanding and it’s worth paying more for a more capable camera.
Verdict
The best camera setup for car photography has to be the Canon EOS R6. It’s not only a newer camera with fast, modern lenses, but it’s also the only one on this list to feature a dedicated vehicle tracking mode. Canon’s IBIS is also second to none, and best suited for handheld shooting.
- If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly option, the Canon EOS R6 is ideal. Great stills performance coupled with fast AF will get you the shot you want.
- For a more video-focused build, the Sony A7 IV is unmatched. With excellent 4K video capabilities and unlimited recording, not to mention the exceptional AF performance, you won’t find a better hybrid camera.
- For Nikon fans, I’d heartily recommend the Z 6II. Its specs may not seem impressive on paper, but it’s a robust, reliable camera setup with a well-rounded feature-set that will support you well.
Whether you’re an amateur or pro shooter, any of these cameras will complement your kit well and help you further your dream of taking great car pics. Happy shooting!
