fbpx

What Camera Do Professional Photographers Use in 2023?

If you want to start a career as a photographer, you may be wondering, “what camera do professional photographers use?” It’s important to first look at what a camera is. A camera is an optical instrument that captures light from the visible spectrum and creates images. 

All cameras work on the same principles: light enters an enclosed box through a lens. The lens is either convex or converging. Inside the box, there is a light-sensitive medium on which an image is recorded. 

The amount of light that enters the box depends on the amount of light in the room and on how fast the shutter system closes the entrance to the box. The optical viewfinder on a camera shows the scene to be recorded, along with other information. 

Cameras: A Short History

Modern-day cameras evolved from the camera obscura, a Latin phrase meaning a dark chamber. Camera obscura was a dark room with a hole and lens on one wall through which an image was projected. Camera obscura was used in astronomy and astrology to study eclipses without damage to the eyes. 

In the 17th century, laterna magica was introduced as an image projector. In the 19th century, Robert Boyle and Robert Hooke created portable camera obscura boxes, which were smaller boxes used to expose light-sensitive materials to the images projected in the box. These were used by travelers and artists and evolved into the first cameras. 

The first camera for commercial use was created by Alphonse Giroux in 1839. After the Girouix camera, other manufacturers developed new and improved models. Within a few years, there were three types of cameras. 

In 1857, dry plates were invented but had not replaced wet plates until the invention of the gelatin dry plates in 1871. The first paper film was manufactured in 1885 before switching to celluloid film in 1889. In the 19th century, most manufacturers were using 35mm film and the rest is history!

Professional vs. Non-professional Cameras

Professional vs. Non-professional Cameras

Before we get into detail on the types of cameras used by professional photographers, we should first establish that “professional camera” is a marketing term. Any camera used by a professional photographer for photography purposes is technically a professional camera. This can be a simple instant camera, medium format camera, or traditional film camera. However, the term professional camera has become popular, and it is usually considered to be an expensive, high-quality camera. However, most people think of a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera when talking about professional cameras. 

Let's dive into the different types of cameras!

What Camera Do Professional Photographers Use? Types of Professional Cameras

When talking about what cameras professional photographers use, let's look at some of the primary types of cameras. Depending on the type of photography, different photographers may opt for different types of cameras.

Single-lens Reflex (SLR) Camera 

A single-lens reflex (SLR) camera has a mirror that shows the scene to the photographer before the shutter closes and closes the entrance of the light. This is used to focus images and create a composition. When the shutter is released, the mirror moves instantaneously and exposes a light-sensitive medium to the light. 

Compact Cameras

Compact cameras are smaller in size and take pictures of medium quality, but are widely used. They are referred to as point-and-shoot cameras. They don't offer advanced camera settings, but they are affordable, fun, and fast. 

Compact cameras are easy to use, lightweight, great for travel, and have a retro feel to them. The most popular type of compact camera is the instant camera. 

Digital Single-lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras

Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras capture digital images and store them on a memory card for later use. DSLR cameras are the go-to cameras for most professional photographers today because they produce professional-level photographs and feature adjustable settings. 

Arguably the best thing about DSLR cameras is the customizable settings. DSLR cameras can come with a full-frame sensor or crop sensor. Because of these mechanics, DSLR cameras are somewhat difficult to carry, can get pretty heavy, and are on the bulkier side. 

Also, DSLR cameras are more expensive and are an investment. DSLR cameras can also get pretty noisy, which should be taken into account if you’re doing wildlife photography, for instance.  

Mirrorless Cameras

Mirrorless cameras are smaller, lighter, and easier to use than DSLR cameras. However, the quality of the pictures made by the mirrorless cameras is at a professional level, as well. Unlike DSLR and SLR cameras, mirrorless cameras don't have a mirror, so the light goes straight to the sensor. 

Most mirrorless cameras have a dial on top that shows an electronic shutter speed. Electronic shutters can work with speeds of 1/4000th of a second while some can work with even quicker speeds of 1/8000th of a second and even faster. 

Since there are fewer mechanics in mirrorless cameras, they don't make the distinctive DSLR camera noise. However, they do have certain shortcomings, for instance, their battery life is shorter because they come with smaller batteries and fewer lens options are available.  

Mirrorless cameras can also be used for videography and are often used by amateur photographers who want a simpler camera. 

Action Cameras

Action cameras are often referred to as adventure cameras. They are cameras created for movement, sports, outdoors, and unpredictable conditions. Most action cameras are also waterproof. Action cameras are great for rough conditions and different climates. 

They can be connected to the smartphone to control the viewfinder and shutter. They are lightweight, simple, and durable. In comparison to DSLR cameras, action cameras are more affordable. They are great cameras for recording sports like skiing, water sports, and so on. The video quality of action cameras is also getting better and better.

Statistics

When talking about what cameras professional photographers use, let's turn to some statistics for answers. According to the shotkit.com survey, professional photographers have their preferences when it comes to cameras. Most professionals (63%) use mirrorless cameras. 

Many photographers are making the switch to mirrorless cameras because they are more affordable, lightweight, simple to use, and a great option for video mode. 

The DSLR camera is used by a smaller group of professional photographers (36%) as it is bulky, heavy, and can get quite expensive. 

When it comes to the brand of cameras professional photographers use, three brands stand out:

  1. Nikon: A Japanese corporation that produces cameras, camera lenses, microscopes, binoculars, etc. 
  2. Canon: A Japanese corporation that specializes in cameras, camera lenses, optical products, printers, scanners, and more. 
  3. Sony: Another Japanese company that is most famous for its video games and video games consoles, but also other electronic products including cameras.

Some of the most popular camera models of the cameras used by professional photographers are the Sony a7III, Canon R6, Nikon D750, Nikon Z6II, and Canon EOS R3. Other popular cameras are the Nikon Z9 and Canon EOS R5.

Benefits of Mirrorless Cameras for Professionals

young man taking photos with mirrorless camera

Professional photographers choose mirrorless cameras because they have a smaller and lighter camera body which is great for those who travel or do event photography. Because there are fewer mechanics and movements, the autofocus of the mirrorless cameras is better which produces excellent image quality. 

Fewer mechanics also means silent shooting, which can be a plus for certain niches, like animal photography. 

Body stabilization is another big reason why photographers choose this type of camera. Mirrorless cameras are also great for multimedia artists who want to use the cameras for video shoots as well as still photography.

Benefits of DSLR Cameras for Professionals

When deciding on what camera to use, most professional photographers choose DSLR cameras for different reasons. Some photography niches require lenses that are available only for DSLR cameras. This is the case for telephoto lenses in wildlife photography. 

Even though DSLR cameras are bulkier and heavier, they are also more durable and resistant. The body of a DSLR camera is large, so it can fit bigger batteries and offer longer battery life, which comes in handy for photographers who spend days on the field. 

Conclusion

So, what camera do professional photographers use? From sports photographers and portrait photographers to food photographers, each person has their preferences. 

No matter the type of photography the artist specializes in, there are two main options on the camera market. The two most popular types of cameras are DSLR and mirrorless cameras. DSLR cameras are a cheaper option, great for creatives, and necessary for certain niches that require special lenses. 

Mirrorless cameras are smaller, lighter, and quieter than DSLR cameras. They are also easier to use, and simpler for beginners. Mirrorless cameras also have better video capabilities. 

Taking everything into account, professionals mostly use mirrorless cameras made by Nikon, Canon, or Sony. No matter if you are a professional, a beginner, or an amateur photographer, whichever camera you do choose, don't forget to enjoy the process!

 

Scroll to Top