If you’re in the position of needing a decent camera solution for regular posting to Instagram, you’re not short of options. However, the best cameras for Instagram photos need a few prerequisites, like any other area of photography. Generally speaking, to get a regular flow of images onto the platform, a camera needs to be lightweight and portable, high resolution, have seamless connectivity, and not be too complicated to use.
The big elephant in the room is of course the smartphone, which in the right hands can be very capable. These devices can cover the whole workflow from image capture to final processing. But when you need that extra edge in quality, there’s nothing like dedicated cameras for Instagram photos to produce the best results.
1. Nikon Z 50
The advantage of the Nikon Z 50 is that it brings a flavor of the top-end Nikon Z 6 and Nikon Z 7 cameras in a more convenient package, with all the fun of the mirrorless format. Weighing in at just 395g, the camera features a 20.9MP CMOS sensor, with 209 hybrid AF points, an ISO range up to 51,200 for low-light shooting, 11 fps burst mode, 4K video, and many available lenses.
The rear 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD can be flipped down for the prerequisite selfies. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it’s very easy to transfer photos and video, along with controlling the camera from the smartphone.
As the Z 50 comes from a pro-level pedigree, it can be used in full automatic mode for a more point-and-shoot experience or swapped to manual mode for full control. If you want to process your images in-camera to throw straight online, there are numerous editing controls to compose a final look.
There’s no denying that the Z 50 is chock-full of professional features, allowing you to grow into the camera at your own rate as your skills progress. Get the full rundown of this top pick in our Nikon Z 50 review.
2. Fujifilm X-T200
No matter if you’re more style-conscious about your camera solution or just want the best functionality, the Fujifilm X-T200 brings Fujifilm’s mirrorless camera power with straightforward capabilities. The retro design will appeal to those who like the old school look and the external controls provide a more tactile way of working.
The camera comes with a high-resolution 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, plus an ISO of 200-12,800, face and eye detection, 4K video, and a continuous shooting rate of eight fps. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth come as standard for easy transfer and just like the Nikon above, the Fujifilm can fit a wide range of interchangeable lenses.
One of the standout features of the Fujifilm platform is the wide range of film simulation modes, which can replicate the film stock of old in-camera. With plenty of other filter modes available for different looks such as High-Key, Dynamic Tone, and HDR Art amongst others, you’ll always have quality output from the X-T200.
3. Canon EOS M50
Canon may have come late to the game in the mirrorless world with their full powerhouse cameras such as the Canon EOS R5 and R6. But the EOS M50 has been filling the gaps for those who want a more straightforward mirrorless camera, while still offering pro-level features. The EOS M50 comes with a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, ISO range of 100-25,600, 4K video, and a respectable shooting rate of 10 fps.
The autofocus system on the Canon is very capable, with features such as Dual Pixel CMOS AF and subject tracking modes. Coupled with the five-axis digital image stabilization system, it means the majority of shots will be sharp and in focus. Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC is also available, along with Bluetooth for quickly transferring footage to a smartphone.
The camera can also be picked up with a reasonable quality kit lens, which should get you going until you want to branch out into different focal lengths. Get the rest of our thoughts in our Canon EOS M50 review.
4. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
All that interchangeable lens stuff is fine for some, but if you want a compact camera with a built-in lens that offers high-end quality, the PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a likely candidate. The G7 X Mark III features a 4.2x zoom lens with a bright light capable f/1.8-2.8 aperture, Optical Image Stabilizer, 4K/30p video, and a fast 20 fps shooting speed.
The main top dial is a quick way to flick through the different shooting modes, which is surrounded by an exposure compensation ring to dial in just the right settings. Many vloggers have used this camera to shoot high-quality video, which admittedly works best in 1080p mode. But as an all-round camera solution, images and videos are captured in very high quality, with ease of transfer and a very capable zoom lens.
5. Olympus PEN E-PL10 (Budget Winner)
Mixing chic good looks with practicality, the Olympus PEN E-PL10 has a straightforward design, featuring a high-quality 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds MOS sensor, 8.6 fps shooting speed, low-light capable ISO up to 25,600, and a three-axis stabilization system. There may be no viewfinder with this camera, but the three-inch 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD screen (which is tiltable) is everything you need for composing and shooting.
The autofocus system consists of 121 AF points, with advanced features such as eye and face detection. There are also plenty of processing options in-camera to compose a final look. On top of all this, the very compact 28-84mm-equivalent focal length lens has lots of quality for face-to-camera work for both stills and video.
What to Look for in Cameras for Instagram Photos
Once you pile on lots of filters and effects to display an image at a small size online, you could argue any camera will doodle do. But once your photography skills progress, you start to see the difference between what a quality camera and lens can produce compared to budget cameras for Instagram photos.
While some of the cameras above may seem like overkill for quick, candid shots, quality output needs quality gear, but also in a package where you’re not fiddling around with controls all day long.
The Nikon Z 50 may be the most expensive of the bunch, but it will also be a camera which can last you for years and allow you to grow into its workings. It has the benefit of taking interchangeable lenses and will allow you to progress your photography as far as you want to take it.
On the flip side, the Olympus PEN E-PL10 is a very usable compact camera, with plenty of professional features, while still performing all the heavy lifting to produce quality shots.
