Pet photography is an art form that requires patience, skill, and the right equipment. Mirrorless cameras are becoming increasingly popular for pet photography due to their lightweight and compact design, making them easy to carry around and capture the perfect moment.
We’ll be exploring the best mirrorless cameras for pet photography with more than 24 megapixels and costing less than $2,000. These cameras offer high-quality images, fast autofocus, and great video recording capabilities, all of which are essential for capturing your furry friend in action.
My goal is to help you find the best camera for animal photography.
Camera Features for Pet Photography
When it comes to pet photography, there are several characteristics that can make a camera ideal for the task. Here are some of the key features to look for in a camera for pet photography:
- Fast autofocus: Pets can move quickly, so a camera with fast autofocus can help ensure you capture sharp, in-focus photos.
- Burst mode: Burst mode allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession, which is especially useful for capturing pets in motion.
- Image stabilization: Image stabilization can help prevent blurry photos, especially if you’re shooting in low light or with a slow shutter speed.
- Wide aperture: A wide aperture can help create a shallow depth of field, which can help separate your pet from the background and create a more professional-looking photo.
- Tilt/swivel screen: A camera with a tilt/swivel screen can be helpful for pet photography, as it allows you to shoot from a variety of angles without having to contort your body.
- High ISO performance: Pets don’t always stay still, so a camera with good high ISO performance can help you capture sharp photos even in low light.
- Weather sealing: If you plan on photographing your pets outdoors, weather sealing can help protect your camera from the elements.
- Wireless connectivity: Wireless connectivity can make it easy to transfer photos from your camera to your phone or computer, which can be especially useful if you want to share your pet photos on social media.
Overall, a good pet photography camera should be able to capture your pet’s personality and unique quirks while also producing high-quality images.
Premium Mirrorless Camera Options
1. Fujifilm X-T4
The Fujifilm X-T4 is a popular mirrorless camera that is perfect for pet and dog photography. With its 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4, it produces excellent image quality and boasts some of the best autofocus in the industry.
The X-T4 has a great burst shooting mode of up to 15 frames per second, which is perfect for capturing fast-moving pets. It also has in-body image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.
Dogs are known for their high activity level. The X-T4 is a great choice for dog photography using the burst mode capabilities or by using the cameras video features.
One of the unique features of the X-T4 is its fully articulating LCD screen, which makes it easier to take pictures from different angles. It also has an impressive battery life, allowing you to take up to 500 shots on a single charge, which along with the discounted price following the release of the X-T5 make the X-T4 one of the best mirrorless cameras for pet photography.
The camera has a lot of reviews available from casual camera fans and professional writers and photographers.
2. Sony a6400
The Sony a6400 is another excellent mirrorless camera for pet photography. With its 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and BIONZ X image processor, it produces sharp and vibrant images with excellent color reproduction.
One of the key features of the a6400 is its fast and accurate autofocus system, with 425 phase-detection autofocus points covering approximately 84% of the image area. This makes it easier to track moving subjects and capture sharp, in-focus images.
The a6400 also has a great burst shooting mode of up to 11 frames per second, which is perfect for capturing fast-moving pets. It also has a flip-up touchscreen LCD, which makes it easier to take pictures from different angles.
This Sony is one of the best mirrorless cameras for pet photography that has an APS-C sensor. The APS-C sensor keeps the camera smaller and lighter weight than a full-frame camera with a larger image sensor. Most people cannot tell the difference is photo quality for photos posted on the web, printed in most common sizes, and taken in good lighting.
3. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a powerful and versatile mirrorless camera that is ideal for pet photography. With its 20.4-megapixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic IX image processor, it produces sharp and detailed images with excellent color reproduction.
This camera is one of the best mirrorless cameras for pet photography on the list with a Micro 4/3 sensor. The sensor gives the camera longer reach using the same lens vs. a full frame or APS-C camera sensor, which reduces the need to buy the larger (and much heavier) lenses prevalent on full frame cameras.
The Micro 4/3 sensor is highly regarded as a top consideration when choosing a camera for wildlife photography.
New models are getting harder to find in camera stores, but they are plentiful online and a gently used one makes a great choice.
One of the key features of the E-M1 Mark III is its in-body image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images. It also has a great autofocus system, with 121 cross-type phase-detection autofocus points and face/eye detection, making it easier to capture sharp, in-focus images of your pet.
The E-M1 Mark III also has a great burst shooting mode of up to 18 frames per second with continuous autofocus, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving pets in action. It also has a flip-out LCD screen, which makes it easier to take pictures from different angles.
The E-M1 Mark III is one of the fastest focusing cameras on the list making it a great choice and one of the best mirrorless cameras for pet photography.
4. Panasonic Lumix G9
The Panasonic Lumix G9 is a high-performance mirrorless camera that is perfect for pet photography. With its 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine 10 image processor, it produces sharp and detailed images with excellent color reproduction.
One of the key features of the G9 is its in-body image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images. It also has a great autofocus system, with 225 autofocus points and face detection, making it easier to capture sharp, in-focus images of your pet.
The G9 also has a great burst shooting mode of up to 20 frames per second with continuous autofocus, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving pets in action. It also has a flip-out LCD screen, which makes it easier to take pictures from different angles.
The Lumix G9 is the best camera for pet action photography on the list.
5. Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that is perfect for pet photography. It’s an entry level mirrorless camera, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a great all around camera and competes well wtih cameras at twice the cost.
With its 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor and EXPEED 6 image processor, it produces sharp and detailed images with excellent color reproduction.
One of the key features of the Z50 is its fast and accurate autofocus system, with 209 phase-detection autofocus points covering approximately 87% of the image area. This makes it easier to track moving subjects and capture sharp, in-focus images.
The Z50 also has a great burst shooting mode of up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving pets in action. It also has a flip-down touchscreen LCD, which makes it easier to take pictures from different angles.
The Z50 is the best affordable camera for pet photography. The Z50 is on the affordable end of the camera market in the full frame market but we feel that makes the Z50 the best Nikon camera for pet photography.
Affordable Mirrorless Camera Choices
Affordable doesn’t necessarily mean less capable for pet photography. In this case, affordable reflects that camera manufacturers are always bringing out improved features in their equipment. When the new models arrive, the older models with fewer features are often sold at reduced prices.
6. Canon EOS M6 Mark II
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is a high-performance mirrorless camera that is perfect for pet photography. With its 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor, it produces sharp and detailed images with excellent color reproduction.
The EOS M6 Mark II is produced by Canon, which has a long history of film and digital camera manufacturing. Along with Nikon and Sony, Canon is one of the big three manufacturers of photo equipment on a worldwide scale.
One of the key features of the M6 Mark II is its fast and accurate autofocus system, with 143 autofocus points covering approximately 88% of the image area. This makes it easier to track moving subjects and capture sharp, in-focus images.
The M6 Mark II also has a great burst shooting mode of up to 14 frames per second with continuous autofocus, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving pets in action. It also has a flip-up touchscreen LCD, which makes it easier to take pictures from different angles.
This is an older model camera at this point, but it has a huge following. Reviewers loved the camera and you can find a ton of reviews and demo’s of the camera’s capabilities on YouTube if you’re interested in learning more. A good used M6 Mark II can be had for a bargain price, if you look around.
7. Sony a6600
The Sony a6600 is a high-performance mirrorless camera that is perfect for pet photography. With its 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and BIONZ X image processor, it produces sharp and detailed images with excellent color reproduction.
One of the key features of the a6600 is its fast and accurate autofocus system, with 425 phase-detection autofocus points covering approximately 84% of the image area. This makes it easier to track moving subjects and capture sharp, in-focus images.
The a6600 also has a great burst shooting mode of up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving pets in action. It also has a flip-out touchscreen LCD, which makes it easier to take pictures from different angles.
The a6600 is also one of the smallest cameras on the list and is easily stored in a jacket or coat pocket. It’s often said that the best camera is the one you have with you when you need it, and the Sony a6600 makes it easy to ensure you are comfortable keeping it with you all the time to capture those perfect moments with your pet.
The a6600 is available most any well-known camera retailer including BestBuy, Wal-Mart, B&H and Amazon.
8. Fujifilm X-S10
The Fujifilm X-S10 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that is perfect for pet photography. With its 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4, it produces excellent image quality and boasts some of the best autofocus in the industry.
One of the key features of the X-S10 is its in-body image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images. It also has a great autofocus system, with 425 phase-detection autofocus points covering approximately 100% of the image area.
The X-S10 also has a great burst shooting mode of up to 8 frames per second with continuous autofocus, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving pets in action. It also has a flip-out touchscreen LCD, which makes it easier to take pictures from different angles.
The X-S10 is one of the most affordable and smaller cameras available today, but the photo quality is in line with cameras at much higher price points. Fujifilm has a large following among photography enthusiasts, and for good reason. Fujifilm is known and respected for easy-to-use menus and great color renderings for its digital cameras.
The camera shares the same sensor used on the Fujifilm X-T4, but with fewer advanced features the price point for the X-S10 is the best bargain on the list.
9. Panasonic Lumix GH5
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a professional-grade mirrorless camera that is perfect for pet photography. With its 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor and Venus Engine 10 image processor, it produces sharp and detailed images with excellent color reproduction.
One of the key features of the GH5 is its fast and accurate autofocus system, with 225 autofocus points covering approximately 100% of the image area. This makes it easier to track moving subjects and capture sharp, in-focus images.
The GH5 also has a great burst shooting mode of up to 12 frames per second with continuous autofocus, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving pets in action. It also has a flip-out touchscreen LCD, which makes it easier to take pictures from different angles.
Panasonic Lumix have a partnership with the luxury camera brand, Leica. The companies share a lot of photo philosophy and technical knowledge that makes both camera brands well known. Some of the components in the Leica brand are provided / shared by Panasonic and the two companies have a formal strategic collaboration dating back several years.
The Lumix GH5 is among the best mirrorless cameras for pet photography when you prefer a point-and-shoot option for your photography needs.
Other Mirrorless Camera Options for Pet Photography
Not everyone shopping for cameras look for affordable options. If money is no object, or you’re among those who prefer to buy camera products that provide multi-purpose functionality whether it is for pets, people, portraits, snapshots, architecture, landscape, or even astrophotography, we’ve listed some of the premium options below.
10. Sony A7R IV
The Sony A7R IV is a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera that is great for capturing the fine details and textures of pets. With a 61-megapixel sensor, the A7R IV produces incredibly detailed and sharp images.
The camera has a fast autofocus system that can track moving subjects, making it ideal for pet photography. The A7R IV also has in-body image stabilization, which helps to minimize camera shake and ensure sharp images.
With a fast burst shooting mode, the A7R IV can capture multiple shots in quick succession, allowing you to capture the perfect moment. The camera also has a wide ISO range of 100-32000, which makes it ideal for shooting in low-light situations.
The Sony A7RIV is known as a great hybrid camera, whether you prefer still photography or general videography.
11. Fujifilm GFX 50S II
The Fujifilm GFX 50S II is a medium format mirrorless camera that has a 51.4-megapixel sensor. The camera produces incredibly detailed and sharp images, making it ideal for pet photography.
The GFX 50S II has a fast autofocus system that can track moving subjects, and in-body image stabilization to minimize camera shake. With a fast burst shooting mode, the GFX 50S II can capture multiple shots in quick succession, allowing you to capture the perfect moment.
The camera also has a wide ISO range of 100-12800, which makes it ideal for shooting in low-light situations.
The GFX 50S II is one of the best medium format cameras available.
12. Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera that is great for capturing the beauty of pets. With a 45-megapixel sensor, the EOS R5 produces incredibly detailed and sharp images.
The camera has a fast autofocus system that can track moving subjects, making it ideal for pet photography. The EOS R5 also has in-body image stabilization, which helps to minimize camera shake and ensure sharp images. With a fast burst shooting mode, the EOS R5 can capture multiple shots in quick succession, allowing you to capture the perfect moment.
The camera also has a wide ISO range of 100-51200, which makes it ideal for shooting in low-light situations.
The EOS R5 is a popular choice with professional photographers.
13. Nikon Z7 II
The Nikon Z7 II is a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera that is great for pet photography. With a 45.7-megapixel sensor, the Z7 II produces detailed and sharp images.
The camera has a fast autofocus system that can track moving subjects, making it ideal for pet photography. The Z7 II also has in-body image stabilization, which helps to minimize camera shake and ensure sharp images. With a fast burst shooting mode, the Z7 II can capture multiple shots in quick succession, allowing you to capture the perfect moment.
The camera also has a wide ISO range of 64-25600, which makes it ideal for shooting in low-light situations.
The Nikon Z7 II is a great camera for landscapes, and every other kind of general photography.
14. Panasonic Lumix S1R
The Panasonic Lumix S1R is a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera that is great for capturing the beauty of pets. With a 47.3-megapixel sensor, the S1R produces detailed and sharp images. The camera has a fast autofocus system that can track moving subjects, making it ideal and a great choice for the best mirrorless cameras for pet photography.
The S1R also has in-body image stabilization, which helps to minimize camera shake and ensure sharp images. With a fast burst shooting mode, the S1R can capture multiple shots in quick succession, allowing you to capture the perfect moment.
The camera also has a wide ISO range of 100-51200, which makes it ideal for shooting in low-light situations.
The S1R is a professional camera and makes a great camera for professional videographers.
Best Camera Lens for Pet Photography
In most cases you can get by with the kit lens for taking photos of your pets. For wildlife photography, a lens is a critical element for making great photographs because getting close to take a picture is difficult. Wild animals are skittish. But our pets allow us to be much closer to them.
A lens in the range of 24 mm to 85 mm is acceptable for pet portraits. And for action photos of fast-moving pets, like dogs, birds, or fish a wider range of view is important because it makes getting the pets in the frame a lot easier.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great mirrorless cameras for pet photography that offer more than 24 megapixels and cost less than $2,000. These cameras offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and high-speed burst shooting, which are all essential for capturing great photos of your furry friends.
If you’re looking for the best mirrorless camera for pet photography, you can’t go wrong with any of the cameras on this list. They all offer great features and excellent image quality, so it really comes down to personal preference and shooting style.
If you prefer to use a Smartphone for your pet photos a pocketable phone makes the best phone camera for pet photography whether you are an Apple, Samsung, or Google user.
Ultimately, the best camera for pet photography is the one that you feel most comfortable using and that fits your specific needs and preferences. So, take some time to research and test out different cameras to find the one that works best for you and your furry friend!
