If you're an artist then you know how important it is to have quality reference material. Painting from your own reference photos can be especially meaningful because it injects more feeling and emotion into your work. If you're on the search for a camera to take reference photos, there are a few things to keep in mind: high image resolution, accurate color reproduction, and ease of use. You should also keep camera size in mind, because as an artist, you might not always be carrying (or willing to carry) a bulky DSLR. Inspiration can strike anywhere, so you want to be ready.
So, let's go over my top 5 list of cameras for artists looking to take their own photos for reference. These cameras are what I would recommend for artists who need reference and not necessarily professional-level photos. Great reference material doesn't need to be perfect, but rather adequate enough to draw or paint from. That being said, these cameras produce excellent photographs on a reasonable budget.
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1. Sony RX100 VII
This Sony is a compact, long zoom camera that is the perfect camera for taking high-quality reference photos. It has a 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 24-200mm zoom lens, allowing you to capture smooth, detailed images even from a distance. It also features fast autofocus and real-time tracking, which allows you to capture moving objects. This camera also has a flip-up LCD touchscreen and a built-in electronic viewfinder, which helps you compose your shots even in bright sunlight. It does have a small maximum aperture that limits the camera's use in dim light, but for art reference, this thing is a beast!This camera is ideal for anyone looking for a versatile zoom range in a compact sized camera with a reliable focus
2. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is another excellent camera for capturing high quality reference photos. It features a 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 24-100mm zoom lens, which allows you to capture detailed images from a variety of angles. It's a well priced camera that offers very good image quality, a fast lens, and good ergonomics. This camera also has a fast autofocus system and a 30fps burst mode, which makes it easier to capture fast-moving objects. Additionally, the camera has a flip-up LCD touchscreen that allows you to work from high or low angles.This camera is perfect for those seeking a pocket sized camera with a versatile lens that performs better in low light than other compact cameras.
3. Panasonic LUMIX GX85
4. Top Pick: Canon R6 Mark ii
5. Samsung S24+
In addition to its impressive camera capabilities, the Samsung S24 Plus is also a great option for artists because of the convenience it offers. In today's age, cell phone cameras have become more advanced and can produce high-quality images that rival those of traditional cameras. The Samsung S24 Plus, in particular, has advanced features like pro mode, which allows you to manually adjust settings like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to get the perfect shot. You can capture photos in RAW format, which means you can capture more detail and greater dynamic range from the camera.
I have the S22+ and honestly, it's still my most utilized camera I own. I absolutely love it and many of my paintings are now born through this phone. I promise you, especially if you know how to edit your photos, you'll barely remember that your working from cell phone pics.
There you have it, that's my top 5 list of best cameras for artists. There are so many options out there and it's honestly hard to go wrong these days. Hopefully this list gives you some direction at the very least, however. Happy reference gathering!
