Best Cameras for Bloggers

Looking for a new camera for your blog? Ready to take your blog to the next level, but not sure how? Are your photos just not turning out like you want them to? Do you want the dreamy soft focus backgrounds that you see on other blogs?

It looks like you might need to get yourself-or upgrade-a camera.

As requested, here is a list of the best cameras for bloggers-depending on your price range. I hope to give you good options no matter what stage you are at with your blog, so if you are ready to jump to a DSLR, or if you are just looking for something better than the point and shoot you already have.

Best Cameras for Bloggers: DSLRs

These cameras that I’ve listed below are technically “prosumer” cameras which means they are a step above your normal point and shoot on the camera quality scale. If you get one of these, you should learn Manual Mode so you can use it to its full potential. If you just keep it in auto mode, you’re essentially just using a point and shoot with a bigger price tag, PLUS learning manual gives you so much more freedom! Need help learning manual? Check out my shutter speed and aperture posts to get you started and feel free to message me on Instagram with any questions.

Nikon D3100, 3200, or 3300

All of these are great cameras, and some of the best cameras for bloggers out there. I started out with the D3100 and it was exactly what I needed. The D3200 and D3300 are just newer models of the same camera with different features, so depending on your price range, one might be a better choice than the others. B&H offers refurbished cameras that are just like new, so if you really can’t afford to buy a new one, look into that! Plus, they offer an AWESOME student discount/rewards program where some products are discounted and you get rewards points to spend every time you buy something from them. These cameras have manual mode, you can switch the lenses, have good battery life, and can take 1080p video-a must for some bloggers who make videos as well.

Canon EOS Rebel t5i

This Canon is basically the same as the Nikon D3300, it’s just a different brand. It still has manual mode, an awesome assortment of lenses that you can use with it, great battery life, and 1080p video.

NIKON or CANON?

Ah, the age old question. So if you are starting to realize you aren’t sure what brand to go with, do this. Go into your nearest camera store, and mess around with the cameras for a while. Turn them on, take some photos, and check out the menus. Nikon and Canon are so similar that it really just comes down to preference. You can’t tell the difference in the final photos. Besides loving Nikon when I did this, I also realized that Nikon consistently runs a little bit cheaper than Canon from everything between lenses and flashes to lens caps. Since I was purchasing all of this on my own, I picked to go with the brand that would consistently save me money while still giving the same results. In the end, though, it’s completely up to you, your preference, and your budget.

WHAT ABOUT LENSES?

Honestly, if I were you, I would just buy the camera body for either of these DSLR’s and then buy a 50mm f/1.8 lens instead of paying for the lens it comes with, called a kit lens. If your goal in getting a DSLR is to have photos with dreamy blurry backgrounds and super sharp focus, the kit lens in going to disappoint. The 50mm, however, is inexpensive, and gives the dreamy photos that you are used to seeing on other blogs. I only use my 50mm for blog photos. The only thing with the 50mm is that it is a prime lens, which means it doesn’t zoom. So if you want to get closer to a subject, you have to physically move. If you need a lens with great zoom, I’d go for the 55-200mm lens. I prefer prime lenses because they really make you think about your photo composition and help you grow as a photographer. The 50mm f/1.8 gives you great depth of field (how blurry your background is) and gives super sharp photos.

50mm f/1.8  for Canon

50mm f/1.8 for Nikon

Best Cameras for Bloggers: Point and Shoot

These cameras are good, and if you really want one, then get one. HOWEVER, here’s my two cents. Don’t buy these if you already have an iPhone. iPhone’s camera quality is insanely great, just about as good as these two cameras, so if you already have an iPhone, just save up for a DSLR instead because getting one of these to improve your photography won’t give you the results you want since you already have a camera of almost the same caliber.

Canon Powershot SX400

This is a camera that is a step above your basic point and shoot. It has optical zoom and can shoot video, although it’s only in 720p, so if video is a huge part of your blog, you’re going to want to look for a different camera.

Nikon Coolpix L840

This is just like the Canon above, it’s just Nikon brand instead (catching on to the trend?).

But for many of you, you already have on of the best cameras for bloggers in your back pocket-you just had no idea! Check out my phone photography tips to help improve your photography as you save up for a DSLR!

Let me know if you have any questions on any of these models, or any other models you might be looking at! You can always reach me @haleycatephoto on Instagram!

XOXO,