Best cameras for Instagram in 2021
Published Aug 5, 2021
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dpreview staff
Although smartphones are the default choice, a lot of the most attractive lifestyle photographs on platforms such as Instagram are shot using 'traditional' cameras.
We've chosen a selection of models that make it easier to shoot high-quality, compelling lifestyle images, whatever you intend to use them for. We've considered the need to offer a pleasant degree of background blur, the availability of wide-angle lenses and the ease with which they'll focus on people.
The experienced photographer: Fujifilm X-T3
The X-T3 makes an excellent camera for attractive lifestyle photography. Fujifilm offers an array of relatively affordable prime lenses that let you shoot high-quality lifestyle photos. The X-T3's 'Film Simulation' color modes then make it easy to make these shots look as engaging as possible without requiring a ton of editing. The camera's face and eye detection isn't the best, but it's sufficiently good that you can concentrate on your composition and conveying the almost-too-good-to-be-true life moment, rather than worrying about focus.
For the beginner: Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The EOS M50 II can't match the Fujifilm for lens choice but both Canon and Sigma offer a couple of keenly priced prime lenses that can give that slight background blur that helps your subject stand out. Its main advantage is a simple, primarily touchscreen-based interface that lets you get great shots without having to play with lots of dials. It also has the ability to stream video over YouTube and capture footage captured in the portrait orientation.
We considered the cameras below when picking our winner, and even though we think the Fujifilm X-T3 and Canon EOS M50 are the best choices, the other cameras on our shortlist are also worthy contenders.
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