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Nikon Z fc camera review

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The Nikon Z fc combines throwback styling with modern mirrorless camera technology in a neat APS-C package that we rate highly.

(Image: © Jacob Little)

Space Verdict

The Nikon Z fc is an impressive bit of design and a gorgeous camera to look at and use. On the inside, it’s capable and easy to get to grips with for most casual users. After a while, though, more experienced photographers may be looking elsewhere for more advanced mirrorless or DSLR options.

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Pros

• +

  Retro design backs up attractive looks

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  Classic, simple usability

• +

  Lightweight, suited to street photography

• +

  Uses good sensor from Z50

Cons

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  More advanced users may look to upgrade soon

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  An aperture ring on the lens would have completed the package

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  A current lack of DX Z-Mount lenses means you’re limited to a couple of options

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After the Z50, which shares an almost identical setup to the Z fc, this is only Nikon’s second attempt at a crop-sensor mirrorless camera. Released in 2021, the camera looks to strike a balance between the serious amateur and the beginner photographer — the ‘c’ in the name denoting this is a setup most at home with the casual image-maker.  

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In this article, we’ll be taking a deeper look at the design, performance, and day-to-day usability of the Z fc and assessing its value for money versus its nearest competitors.

• Nikon Z fc (Silver) at Amazon for $856.95

Nikon Z fc review: Design

• Retro styling is incorporated tastefully 
• We liked the familiar approach to the camera’s controls 
• The tilt screen offers modern usability and flexibility 

There’s a handy flip screen on the back, but it’s well hidden under a textured backing if not flipped out. (Image credit: Jacob Little)

The first thing you notice about the Z fc, perhaps one of its outright strengths, is that it looks completely timeless. If you take your dad’s old camera off the shelf and compare it like-for-like, there’s very little in it visually, and that’s because the Nikon Z fc is inspired by and essentially modeled on Nikon’s very own FM2, sold by the brand from 1982 until the early 21st century in semi-professional, advanced-SLR guise. 

It’s worth dwelling for a moment on the design of the original FM2. It was never created for outright beginners but rather marketed toward serious photographers who required a rugged, dependable, and easy-to-use workhorse. Nikon succeeded, and it became one of the best tools for its craft. Through this lens, the Z fc’s design is arguably as successful. Although it benefits from modern technology and automation, the ergonomics, styling, and positioning of all the controls and dials work just as well. For anyone with any hands-on time on the FM2, or indeed most SLR cameras from the later half of the 20th century, using the Z fc will be like returning to a familiar friend.

With its trademark ‘Nikon’ wording, the Z Fc more than resembles the FM2 on which it’s based. (Image credit: Jacob Little)

Although Nikon have used automation to largely their advantage with the Z fc, one thing we did miss was the lack of an aperture control ring on the lens. This would have added to the retro appeal and genuinely aided users who want to run their setup in manual mode. For this reason, we found the Z fc to be best operated with some options on ‘auto,’ but more on that later.

Nikon Z fc review: Performance

• Noise control works superbly
• The touchscreen is effective and easy to use
• AF tracking is suited to fast-moving environments

Users of film SLRs will be happy here the camera features very familiar shutter setting and exposure control dials (Image credit: Jacob Little)

With the design and form of the Z fc and its leaning towards street and travel photography, it’s little wonder that the AF modes prioritize people, the camera does an excellent job of tracking faces and movement that it sees in front of the lens. The crop sensor is the same as the Z50, a 20.9 million-pixel offering that looks sharp, delivers impressive dynamic range and operates effectively in various lighting scenarios.

We were especially impressed with the overall speed of the camera’s operation — it’s ready to take pictures in less than a second after starting the camera up, and the focus operates exceptionally quietly, which is a bonus and works well for those subtle street photos, too. We did experience a little ‘focus hunting’ when we presented the camera with a mixture of shadow and light. Still, it didn’t affect casual use and the touchscreen ‘press to focus’ option, as has become de rigeur for tilting LCD screen cameras, is an excellent addition and operates how you’d expect it to. Indeed, we found the touchscreen to be very responsive, pleasant to use and with minimal input lag.

The ISO can also be manipulated hands-on style on the top of the camera. The button must be pressed on the top, a nice detail miming the Nikon FM2 from yesteryear. (Image credit: Jacob Little)

If you’re looking for outright performance in continuous or burst mode, this is one area of the camera’s operation that leaves a little to be desired, with 11fps supported for 22 frames before SD card buffering takes over. To be honest, we didn’t think it’ll matter for most users, but without being able to support the latest SD card technology, those wanting to take photos of sporting events or continuous action, in general, may want to look elsewhere.

When it comes to ISO, it performed slightly better than expected, with values up to ISO 1600 producing no real noticeable noise. In fact, all the way up to 12,800+ produced acceptable results and twinned with the 16-50mm f/3.5 lens (the lens we tested), the camera reproduced everything with the clarity and sharpness we’ve come to expect from modern-day point and shoots.

Nikon Z fc review: Functionality

• Top ISO and shutter controls are a joy to use 
• Day-to-day use of the camera is enjoyable 
• Lens options suit a range of content creators 

The Nikon Z fc looks classically beautiful whilst maintaining a modern APS-C digital sensor. (Image credit: Jacob Little)

The functionality of the Z fc harks back to its design, with big, retro dials for ISO and shutter settings, the camera works extremely well in ‘hands-on’ mode. It is genuinely very enjoyable to play around with speeds and shutter settings as you would on a film camera, but with the added technological benefit of seeing your manipulation on the screen as soon as you’ve pressed the shutter release. When folded away, we also liked that the simulated ‘texture’ on the back of the screen can also trick the mind into thinking there’s no screen at all. Nice attention to detail. 

From a functionality and usability perspective, we thought that this was again one of the camera’s strongest areas – as well as the design being fantastic to look at, it legitimately informs the usability, which is lovely to experience. Depending on the kind of photography you’re looking to capture, there’s a good chance there’s the right lens for the job available, too. We tested the Z Fc with the adaptable 16-50mm lens, which is an attractive silver color and by rights, should find a good market amongst vloggers and videographers when twinned with a good microphone. We would argue that video is not this camera’s native environment. Still, for beginner or casual videographers looking to expand their knowledge, little touches like a microphone peak meter are nice to see, and most content creators would be amply satisfied.

For travel photographers, street photographers, or those wanting to capture compelling night sky images, we recommend going prime. The Z fc can ship with a 28mm f/2.8 lens, which we’d argue would marginally be the more appropriate lens choice for a camera like this. Again, as we’ve stated before however, we were disappointed by the lack of an aperture control ring on any lens available which somewhat dampers the film camera aesthetic, albeit not dramatically.

Should you buy the Nikon Z fc?

We think the Nikon Z fc hits the sweet spot in terms of mixing functionality, design, modern technology and a gorgeous retro aesthetic that is a joy to look at. The camera doesn’t look at all out of place within a lineup of cameras ten times its age. Although that may seem a slight anachronism, for looks-conscious snappers there’s no doubting the appeal of the timeless beauty of the original SLRs.

The manual controls of the Z fc echo cameras of a bygone era, too. While we would have liked to have seen more simple, intuitive aperture controls on the lens, if you’re just starting out and looking to get to grips with the science behind the tech, this would be a brilliant way to go as you can instantly see the differences you’re making to your photographs with basic manipulation of the shutter and ISO settings on the top of the camera.

If the Nikon Z fc isn’t for you

One of our minor criticisms of the camera is that its longevity among the more experienced photographers may be limited, many will look to upgrade to the likes of the Canon 5D MKIII and more elderly Nikon D750, which second-hand, are looking like great deals at the moment. If you want to stick to the retro aesthetic, there’s also stiff competition from the likes of Olympus in its OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, which we reviewed recently, and Fujifilm’s X-Pro 3.  

Nikon Z fc: Price Comparison

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Jacob Little is a photographer, writer and communications professional based in Bristol and Cornwall. His main inspirations come from outdoor adventure, travel, rural living and wild ways and crafts. Passionate about weaving the core principles of storytelling into his images, he approaches brand and copywriting work in much the same way. Conveying a compelling narrative is one of the main drivers behind much of his work.

Choosing the Best Camera for Photography: What You Need to Know

The art of photography has evolved tremendously over the years, with the advent of technology and digital cameras. This has made photography accessible to everyone, including those who may not have access to high-end cameras. While it is true that having a good camera can enhance the quality of the photos you take, it is not a necessity for producing great images. Photography is much more than just capturing an image. It is about capturing emotion, telling a story, and creating a connection with the viewer. While the quality of the image is important, what is more important is the creative vision and imagination behind the photo. In fact, some of the most iconic and memorable photos in history were taken with simple, basic cameras. For instance, the famous “Afghan Girl” photo by Steve McCurry was taken with a simple film camera. The photo is so powerful because of the subject’s expression and composition in the image, the manner which the rule of three thirds was applied. Not everything can be attributed to the camera.

So, when speaking of capturing the perfect moment on a camera, the quality of the camera itself isn’t quite essential. There are many factors at play such as: the type of angles used in photography, the lighting, heck, even the photographer’s experience when encountering an everyday life situation!

But that’s not quite what you’re here for, right? You’re here to read about the best cameras for photography and that’s exactly what we’ll speak of today.

Types of Cameras

As you embark on your journey to capture life’s precious moments, it is important to bear in mind that there are various types of cameras with distinct features and capabilities. Ultimately, the decision of which type of camera to choose rests in your hands, as you are the one who knows your specific needs and preferences best. So take your time, do your research, and choose wisely. Without further ado, here is a list of the most common types of cameras.

Point-and-shoot Cameras

If you’re looking for a camera that’s small and portable, then a point-and-shoot,  aka compact camera, might just be perfect for you. Not only are they easy to carry around and take on the go, but they are also ideal for amateur photographers who simply want to capture everyday moments or snap some pictures while on vacation. With a point-and-shoot camera, you won’t need to worry about adjusting complicated settings or dealing with complicated features. Instead, you can focus on what’s important: capturing those special moments that you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re a novice photographer or just looking for a simple way to document your adventures, a point-and-shoot camera is a great choice for anyone who wants to take high-quality photos with minimal effort.

DSLR Cameras

DSLR cameras are more advanced and offer greater flexibility and control over the settings, while Point-and-Shoot cameras are more simplistic and easier to use. DSLR cameras are designed for professional or advanced photographers who want to have full control over their images. They have larger sensors, which allow for better image quality and low light performance. DSLRs also offer interchangeable lenses, which provide the photographer with greater flexibility to capture a wide range of subjects. Additionally, DSLRs have manual controls for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which allows the photographer to adjust the exposure to their liking. With the ability to change lenses and adjust settings, DSLRs are much more versatile and can be used in a variety of situations.

Mirrorless Cameras

Another type of camera is the mirrorless camera, which is a relatively new addition to the photography world. Unlike DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror inside the camera body. Instead, they use an electronic viewfinder to display the image captured by the lens. They are lighter and smaller than DSLR cameras, making them more portable. Mirrorless cameras are perfect for photographers looking for high-quality images without the size of a DSLR camera.

Medium Format Cameras

Medium format cameras, typically come with larger sensors than what you could expect from a DSLR camera. Which ultimately translates to a more color accurate camera with a clearer depth of field. They are a top choice for professional photographers who are passionate about capturing images with stunning clarity, depth, and detail. These cameras offer a plethora of advanced features such as interchangeable lenses, manual controls, and advanced metering systems, making them some of the most versatile tools available for capturing everything from landscapes to captivating portraits.

Factors to consider when buying a camera

• Sensor size – The sensor size refers to the physical dimensions of the image sensor in the camera, and it plays a vital role in determining the overall quality of the images that the camera is capable of producing.
• Megapixels – Megapixel count determines the image resolution and clarity. A higher megapixel count means that the camera can capture more details.
• Image stabilization – It is the technology that helps reduce the impact of camera shake It is a vital aspect to consider, especially if you are someone who enjoys shooting on the go or capturing action-packed moments.
• ISO range – The ISO range is a crucial aspect that should not be overlooked, as it determines the camera’s sensitivity to light, allowing for clearer and sharper images in low-light situations.
• Shooting speed and buffer size – This feature can greatly affect the overall performance of the camera, especially for individuals who enjoy capturing fast-paced action shots or sports events.
• Battery life – You wouldn’t want to run out of battery mid-shooting session, would you? having a long, lasting battery is crucial. Especially if you work outdoors, rather than on studio.
• Price – And of course, the list of factors couldn’t just end without us mentioning how important keeping you wallet in check is. Let me get this straight, there is no shame in spending a good ammount of money on a high quality camera. Just be sure you get what you pay for.

Popular Camera Brands and Models

With so many camera brands and models to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to purchase. So here’s a list with our top choice for each of the above mentioned camera types!

Point and shoot – Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

• High-Quality Images: Canon PowerShot ELPH cameras are known for producing sharp, clear, and high-quality images that capture every detail of your precious moments.
• Compact and Portable: These cameras are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around wherever you go.
•  Easy-to-Use: With its user-friendly interface and simple controls, anyone can quickly learn how to use a Canon PowerShot ELPH camera. You won’t have to be a professional photographer to take stunning photos.
• On the Budget: Canon PowerShot ELPH cameras are priced reasonably compared to other cameras of similar quality. You get a lot of bang for your buck with these cameras.

DSLR – Nikon D3500

• High-Quality Images: The Nikon D3500 camera captures stunning images with its 24.2-megapixel sensor, producing sharp, clear, and vibrant photos every time.
• Long battery life: The D3500 has a long battery life, allowing you to take up to 1,550 shots on a single charge, so you can keep shooting without interruption.
• Fast autofocus: The camera’s advanced autofocus system helps you capture fast-moving subjects with ease, ensuring that your shots are always in focus.
• Value for money: The Nikon D3500 is an excellent value for its price, offering advanced features and superior performance that is comparable to higher-end cameras at a fraction of the cost.
• Durability: Built to last, the D3500 is made with high-quality materials and is designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular use, ensuring that it can be your trusted companion for years to come.

Mirrorless- Sony a7 IV

• Greater Image Quality: The Sony a7 IV mirrorless camera delivers exceptional image quality. With its 33-megapixel full-frame sensor and advanced autofocus system, you can capture stunning photos and videos with incredible detail and clarity.
• Fast and Accurate Autofocus: The Sony a7 IV mirrorless camera features an advanced autofocus system that is incredibly fast and accurate. This makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife, with ease.
• Lightweight and Compact Design: Unlike traditional DSLRs, the Sony a7 IV mirrorless camera is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods of time. This makes it a great choice for travel photography or other situations where portability is key.
• Wide Range of Lenses: With a wide range of lenses available, the Sony a7 IV mirrorless camera offers incredible versatility and flexibility. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or action shots, there’s a lens that will meet your needs.

Medium Format- Bronica SQ-A

• Superior Image Quality: The Bronica SQ-A medium format camera offers a larger negative size, which allows for higher image resolution, finer details, and greater color accuracy, resulting in stunning and professional-grade images.
• Durability: Built with a robust and reliable mechanical design, the Bronica SQ-A medium format camera can withstand heavy usage and tough environmental conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
• Creative Control: The Bronica SQ-A medium format camera allows for full manual control over exposure, focus, and depth-of-field, giving photographers the freedom to experiment with different settings and techniques to achieve their desired results.
• Investment: Purchasing a Bronica SQ-A medium format camera is not only an investment in superior image quality but also in long-term value, as these cameras hold their value well over time and can be resold for a good price.

As we come to an end, its crucial for us to recall that the art of photography is not just about having the fanciest equipment. Though it may greatly come in handy, what matters is the artist behind the lens. The photographer’s vision, skill, and creativity are the driving force behind capturing truly exceptional photographs that tell a story and evoke emotions.

If you’re a photographer or any kind of artist i recommend you take a look at our blog! there’s so much for artists and content creators alike to learn!

What role does technology play in stock photography? An overview of the 5 most popular cameras on Depositphotos

Do you suffer from the desire to buy more equipment? Often we think that a new lens will immediately help us become better and improve the quality of our work. Perhaps it is the new camera and tripod that are not enough to achieve the desired results in shooting.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the top 5 stock cameras and see if photography is critical to a stock photographer’s success.

Let’s start with a little experience:

Here it is well shown that the ability to communicate and direct the actions of models is much more important in creating subject photos than using professional equipment. Canon 50 Mark IV and Canon Rebel t3i cameras were used in this experiment. The first costs $3,299.00 (together with a lens of about $5,000), and the second costs about $500.

This experiment clearly shows the decisive factor – the level of skill of the photographer.

What role does the quality of photographic equipment play in stock photography?

There is a common misconception that you need top-notch photography equipment to be successful in stock photography. For some categories, it is. For example, if you need to take a photo in very high resolution for large billboards or publications in magazines. Expensive professional equipment will also be needed for narrow-profile photography, for example, in sports photography and hunting photography.

When it comes to conveying an idea, illustrations on blogs and websites, photographs of people and objects, you can get by with a smartphone camera. Which is easily proved by the best-selling mobile photos from our library.

The 5 most popular cameras used by our photographers

Based on EXIF ​​statistics, we have collected data on the most popular cameras among our photographers. This is a good example of an average camera for a stock photographer, based on data from millions of photos uploaded to our database by thousands of photographers. We do not advertise models or insist that these cameras are the best for stock photography – our data and our authors have chosen the winners for us.

*All prices are for camera without lens

1. Canon EOS 5D Mark II

popular choice at photographers. This series of Canon cameras was the first to introduce a more compact body. In terms of both functionality and resolution quality, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is a great investment for years to come. It’s a 21-megapixel camera with 1080p video, Live View, and a long-lasting battery.

Pros: Photographers praise this camera for its excellent photo quality and superb performance. It’s great for video recording – it’s the first digital camera to support HD video recording.

Disadvantages: No built-in flash, which is quite critical for many photographers. There is also no remote control and a small spot meter.

Price: $2,199.00

2. Canon EOS 5D Mark III

You may have noticed a similar design to Canon’s EOS 7D. It is also often compared to the Nikon 36MP D800, which came out around the same time as the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. For Canon fans, the 5D Mark III brings exactly the upgrades everyone was missing from the 5D Mark II. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a completely new model with upgrades and improvements across all major systems. It also has small improvements, such as an SD and CF memory card slot, a mode dial lock and a depth-of-field control button, that is, all those little things that give the camera real advantages.

Benefits: Improved performance over the 5D Mark II camera. Excellent and stable photo and video quality.

Cons: JPEG photos taken at low ISO do not live up to expectations in terms of quality.

Price: $ 2 799.00

3. Canon EOS 6D

If we talk about the price-quality ratio, then you can not mention Canon EOS 6D: this camera is considered one of the most affordable full-frame mirror chambers from a fairly modest price. It is very similar to the EOS 60, both in size and construction. The main distinguishing characteristics are a “quieter” shutter mechanism, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, as well as increased light sensitivity.

Pros: The full-frame sensor delivers what you expect in terms of image and video quality. Beautiful, thoughtful design and light weight.

Drawbacks: Despite all the cool additions and features of the camera, it lacks some key components, such as multiple memory card slots and built-in flash.

Price: $1,699.00

4. Nikon D800

The most notable feature of this camera is the new sensor, which boasts 36.8 million pixels. This camera is also known for being the highest resolution in Nikon’s DSLR line-up, with twice the pixel count of the D4 cameras. The Nikon D800 is preferred by professional photographers who specialize in studio shooting, as well as those who mainly focus on landscape photography. Nikon took into account all the advantages and features of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera (more specifically, the characteristics of video shooting) and presented its version of the professional model.

Pros: Superb photo and video quality. Significantly increased shooting speed.

Cons: One of the most common complaints is short battery life.

Price: $2,999.95

5. Nikon D7000

The Nikon D7000 is superior in many ways to its predecessors, the D90 and D300s. The design of the case is slightly different from other models: it is made of magnesium alloy and has a thicker rubber coating for a better grip. This camera ranks second in resolution quality among all Nikon DSLRs. It is equipped with a new CMOS sensor with a large number of pixels. In addition, it has a new exposure metering system, which makes it noticeably better than the D9 cameras.0.

Pros: Excellent viewfinder, excellent performance and little extras like dual SDXC-compatible memory card port. Improved design and relatively low price.

Cons: No 1080/30p video format.

Price: $1200.00

For anyone serious about stock photography, these cameras are a good choice. Don’t forget that if you want to drastically change the equipment, start with the lens – it is much more important than the camera itself.

Good luck!

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The best equipment for still photography

The best equipment for still photography – Canon UK

ARTICLE

Which equipment should I choose for still photography and video shooting? Canon Ambassador Eric Tomashak and Canon Europe Product Marketing Manager John Maurice will help you make the right choice.

Advertising photographer and Canon Ambassador Eric Tomaszak took this publicity shot for a newly opened café using a Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM lens and a Canon EOS R5 camera. “The Canon EOS R5’s high resolution sensor makes it ideal for product photography, as it allows you to leave a ‘safety net’ around your subject so you can then crop the frame according to image requirements for different online platforms,” ​​he says. Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM lens at 1.6 sec, f/8 and ISO500. © Eric Tomaszak

What features should you pay attention to when choosing the best product photography kit? High-resolution photo and video materials, as well as accurate color reproduction will allow potential customers to get a reliable idea of ​​​​the design and texture of goods. If you have to create many photos of various objects every day, then it is important that the equipment is reliable.

Product photography covers a wide range of areas, from creating photos for online shopping sites to “home” businesses, cafes and restaurants that want to showcase their products, as well as advertising for large brands and large online stores.

“Every company or individual has their own products, and you’ll need to shoot in different settings, on location or in the studio, to create the most compelling image for that product,” says John Maurice, Product Marketing Manager at Canon Europe. — Perhaps you are doing product lifestyle photography or a certain detailed product photography. All these factors influence the choice of suitable equipment.”

To help you make the right choice, John and Eric Tomaszak, Canon Ambassador and co-founder of Visual Gang, a company that specializes in promotional photography and video, have compiled a list of the best cameras and lenses for capturing stunning photos and video items.

Do you have Canon equipment?

Register your equipment and get access to free expert advice, equipment maintenance, exciting events and special offers – join the Canon Professional Services program.

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The EOS R5 delivers the highest resolution photo of any EOS R mirrorless camera. Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM lens at 1.6 sec, f/4.5 and ISO 100. © Eric Tomaszak

Best mirrorless camera for stills and video: Canon EOS R5

With 45MP stills and cinematic 12-bit 8K RAW movies, the Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera delivers the exceptional image quality you’ve come to expect from a flagship model . “The high resolution of the EOS R5 allows me to get the best image quality from the lens,” explains Eric.

“The EOS R5 also opens up a lot of framing and retouching options,” John adds. With large file sizes, customers can zoom in on products while browsing online to see the finest product details and fabric textures—essential when you can’t see or touch the item in the store.

Canon EOS R5

Professional flagship full-frame mirrorless camera capable of shooting 8K video and high-resolution photos.

Learn more 

“To focus, the EOS R5 uses Dual Pixel CMOS AF, an autofocus technology on the image sensor that delivers incredible precision and clarity. However, you can easily double-check the focus point by zooming in on the screen,” John continues. – The focus peaking function is also available on this camera. This is a very useful feature as it allows you to accurately see the location of the plane of focus on the product. What’s more, you can assign the Depth Preview function to any of the EOS R5’s camera buttons – this is a great customization feature as it makes it possible to show that the most important parts of the product remain sharp in the final image. ”

The Canon Software Development Kit (SDK) allows cameras such as the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 to be integrated into configurations used for commercial photography for online platforms such as StyleShoots. “The SDK automates some of the photography steps,” says John. “It can be connected to the software that the company uses to operate the camera, upload an image, and configure camera settings.” © StyleShoots

The ability to record high-definition video is also an advantage of this camera. “If you’re shooting in 8K or 4K, you can give customers the ability to both zoom and rotate their products at the same time, depending on the software platform they use to provide product interactions on their website. Of course, you can also use RAW recording for post-production of your video. 4K HQ mode is also supported, in which footage is created using 8K upsampling for the highest level of detail.”

If you don’t need the high-resolution 8K video and high-resolution photography that Canon’s EOS R5 provides, then the 20MP EOS R6 is the way to go, offering almost identical benefits. “Although the EOS R6 has a smaller range of resolutions than the EOS R5, it fulfills many of the requirements for impressive product photography,” says John.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s high definition and color accuracy will help customers see the product without unnatural effects, resulting in fewer product returns.

Best DSLR for still photography: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV full-frame camera is a versatile camera with a solid and robust design and an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use. A 30.4 MP CMOS sensor, 4K video support and built-in Wi-Fi make this camera a powerful tool for product photography. “This is the favorite camera of many industry experts,” says John. “Many commercial photographers continue to use it in their work, although some are gradually moving to the Canon EOS R5.”

A significant advantage of the Canon EOS system is that all sensors and cameras produce a similar color scheme. If you switch between the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Canon EOS R5 while you work, you can be sure that the colors will remain true to life. “Large commercial companies want to provide a real visual display of their products, because it is important for them to reduce the number of returns,” says John. “They need the most accurate color reproduction possible. That’s why Canon’s color gamut is so important, as is being able to display the tones and colors as they appear on the product.”

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The EOS 5D Mark IV’s 30.4-megapixel image sensor captures highly detailed images, even in bright and dark areas of the frame.

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While the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is best suited for professional sports and wildlife photography, this flagship EOS DSLR is also useful for product photography. “It features a professional camera body and a durable shutter, which is reflected in its excellent build quality,” says John. “It withstands extreme temperatures in challenging environments, making it ideal for on-location product photography. In addition, it is a very fast camera that supports shooting at up to 20 fps. It supports a slightly lower resolution than the EOS R5, but sometimes that’s not the only factor to consider when choosing a camera for commercial shooting.”

Best Standard Zoom Lens for Product Photography: Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM

As one of three professional RF lenses, this high-quality standard zoom lens maintains a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout its zoom range. In addition to a 5-stop Image Stabilizer and Nano USM Motor for fast focusing and crisp photos even when handheld, the camera also features an advanced optical design that delivers the highest level of image sharpness.

“The Canon RF 24-70MM F2.8L IS USM is a versatile lens that supports the medium telephoto focal range used for product photography,” says John. — For product photography, photographers never use long focal lengths, as they lead to distortion of the object. We took product photos of our cameras, and when we shot them at 35mm or closer to wide-angle, the proportions of the camera or lens were distorted – the front seemed too big. It is almost impossible to change this, and the picture will seem simply unnatural to the audience. Instead, a distance of 50 mm or a little more is more often used for a more realistic rendering of the object.

Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM

A professional 24-70mm full-frame zoom lens for mirrorless cameras with fast aperture and 5-stop image stabilization.

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A standard zoom lens such as the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM will make a great alternative to the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM with its extra telephoto focal length. “The RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM offers a higher aperture, while the RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM offers a wider focal range,” John explains. “This is a general purpose lens that is ideal for shooting clothes and shoes.”

Tilt-shift lenses offer photographers more control over the plane of focus (thanks to the tilt mechanism) as well as the effect of correcting converging vertical lines (thanks to the shift mechanism). The ability to fine-tune the depth of field and correct object distortion allows you to create images with higher definition. Taken on a Canon EOS 5DS with a Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro lens at 1/10 sec, f/5.6 and ISO100.

Best Close-up Product Lens: Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro

Professional landscape and architecture photographers have long loved tilt and shift lenses, but Canon’s close focus capability The TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro also makes it an excellent precision lens for product photography.

“TS-E lenses offer perspective control and allow you to adjust the plane of focus. This is especially useful when working with logos,” notes John. “Even at Canon, when we shoot product photos, we try to make sure that the front of the lens is as sharp as the front of the camera itself. To do this, you usually have to cover the diaphragm. However, with a lens with an optical axis shift, you can solve this problem by shifting the plane of focus.”

Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.

8L Macro

Control perspective and depth of field in portrait and still photography with meticulous step calibration, superior optical design and precise GMo optics.

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You can also use the Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro Lens to draw attention to certain product features. “For example. if you are photographing a watch that has a brand name in the center of the dial, you can tilt the lens so that the plane of focus is only centered at the right angle,” John explains. We recommend asking the client what should attract the most attention in the object, and choose the appropriate technique.”

The Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro Lens is designed specifically for Canon EOS SLR cameras, but can be used with EOS R cameras using an EF-EOS R adapter such as the EF-EOS R Mount Adapter with Customizable Control Ring.

The wide f/1.2 aperture also creates nice soft backgrounds. Taken on camera

Canon EOS R6 with lens

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM at 1/8 sec, f/2 and ISO 100.

The macro function on the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens allows you to capture close-ups in great detail. Taken on a Canon EOS R6 with a Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/6 sec, f/2 and ISO100.

Best Lens for Fashion Photography: Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM

The

Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM has the focal length range of a classic portrait lens, making it a great choice for fashion product photography where the subject’s head and shoulders are composing the shot. This is a compact lens that will easily fit into any set of equipment. It also has a macro function, which allows you to focus on objects from a distance of 35 cm. Also, this lens provides high-definition images.

“Standard zoom lenses don’t have the special control or extra zoom features that are often needed,” John explains. “In such cases, TS-E lenses and macro lenses are very useful because they have a shorter focusing distance.”

The TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro and RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lenses support a 1:2 macro function to capture all the details of jewelry and other small items.

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM

The RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM provides close-range versatility with slight telephoto-style perspective compression and 5-stop image stabilization in a compact, lightweight body.

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The Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM combines high aperture with Canon’s ultra-precise optics. “The RF 50mm F1.2L USM offers excellent clarity and perspective similar to what the human eye sees,” explains Eric. Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM lens at 1/8 sec, f/2.8 and ISO100. © Eric Tomaszak

Best Lens for Creative Still Photography: Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM

When used with a full-frame camera, the 50mm lens delivers close-to-human-eye perspective, meaning subjects in photographs will look natural. The Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM offers aperture equal to that of the classic Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens, drawing the viewer’s attention to the product in the frame and distracting them from the rest of the image.

To create the promotional photos for this article, Eric chose a Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens and a Canon EOS R5 camera. “The task from the client was quite simple,” he shares. – Create the most juicy photos for the new cafe. It was necessary to capture the atmosphere of the institution – but not every corner of it, since the renovation was not yet 100% completed. The combination of a fast 50mm lens and a full-frame camera allowed for a natural perspective and a 50:50 ratio between the product and the location itself in the composition of the shots.”

Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM

A 50mm f/1.2 prime lens that delivers superb sharpness for outstanding results even in low light.

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“I usually don’t use f/1.2 wide for product photography because it usually requires a large depth of field to preserve all the necessary details. However, if the product is located some distance from the camera, and also in a natural environment where the atmosphere created by the light is important, this is a great choice,” he adds.

The Canon Speedlite EL-1 makes it easy to work with models on location as well as to photograph various products on the table surface, with a variety of functions to simplify the shooting process. “If you’re into action photography, you’ll need a powerful flash and wireless control,” says John.

Best professional flash for still photography: Canon Speedlite EL-1

If you need a powerful yet highly portable light source for still photography, take a look at the Canon Speedlite EL-1 professional flash. It provides up to 335 operations at full power, and is equipped with an active cooling system to prevent overheating. The lithium-ion battery and accurate battery level indicator make it easy to keep track of power levels.

“With a guide number of 60, this Speedlite is very powerful,” says John. “It also offers a wide range of power control options. Sometimes only a small amount of illumination is enough for product photography, especially when shooting optical products or objects that reflect light. ”

The

Speedlite EL-1 offers a power range from 1/8192 to maximum, plus a built-in modeling light with adjustable brightness and color temperature.

Canon Speedlite EL-1

Fast, accurate and extremely reliable, the EL-1 delivers the performance that professional photographers demand in extreme situations.

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By Marcus Hawkins

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