Featured Image by Laura Chouette on Unsplash
Some people don’t understand the importance of having a real quality camera for use on social media. But I tell you now, if you want to be taken seriously on social media sites, whether you are trying to become an influencer or trying to promote yourself or your product, you absolutely must use a quality camera. This means you need the best camera for social media.
In a world overwhelmed by people trying to create eye-catching content, using your 8-megapixel smartphone is just not going to cut it. By using one of the great cameras on this list, you will not only take better photographs, but you will also have better integration for social media. I’m talking about cameras with Instagram upload capabilities, which allow you to immediately edit and share your photos online. This is critical for quick updating of social media accounts.
The best news is that social media cameras are not as expensive as wildlife photography cameras or high-end astrophotography cameras. These cameras are often smaller and more lightweight, and more tuned to creating and uploading content. Let’s take a look.
Take the Best Photos for Social Media
1. Canon EOS M100 Digital Camera
Let’s start with a great beginner camera for social media. This is one of the best Instagram cameras you can buy thanks to its affordable price, simple features, and wireless connectivity. After you install the special Canon Camera Connect application, you can browse your photos and download them instantly, allowing you to quickly edit and publish on social media straight from your smartphone.
The camera itself is great. It has a 24.2-megapixel sensor, an intuitive touchscreen interface, and it is not so complicated that it will confuse a novice photographer. The camera comes in black or white, which is rare for Canon. Plus, you can geotag your photos by activating the Bluetooth between your phone and camera, getting pinpoint GPS locations. This can be crucial for tracking your every move on social media.
For people who are used to taking pictures on their smartphone, I highly recommend the Canon EOS M100. The touchscreen is easy to use, all you need to do is point and click, and if you want room to learn and become a professional photographer, this camera also comes with all the manual settings.
Pros
- Can take selfies w/ the tilt screen
- Easy to use for beginners
- Touch screen makes life easier
- Wireless features work well
- Lots of manual settings
Cons
- No 4K video
- May feel lacking to pro photographers
2. Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Welcome to the most expensive camera on the list. The Fujifilm X-T30 mirrorless camera offers incredible performance. The big thing you have to consider with this camera is that it really is a professional model. However, if you are hoping to make some big bucks from your online presence, definitely consider this premium Fujifilm digital camera. It will greatly boost the quality of your content.
You get next-generation wireless technology, which includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi integrated into the camera, plus wireless control over the camera with the Fujifilm app. The Camera captures exceptional 4K video and you can play with the super slow motion mode. The face detection works very well, and so does the autofocus and automatic tracking.
With major advancement in image sensor technology, the X-T30 boasts 26.1 megapixels. Combined with the rest of the incredible technology in this camera, your photographs are going to turn out stunning every single time. If you are posting pictures in everyday life and recording a lot of personal videos, this is one of the best cameras to do it with. Just prepare yourself for the price tag.
Pros
- Phenomenal video + effects
- Improved face detection
- 26.1 megapixels
- Built to last w/ increased durability
- Lightning-fast wireless connecting
Cons
- Can’t capture RAW photos in Auto mode
- Mobile app could be developed better
3. GoPro Hero8 Action Camera
There is something to be said about the GoPro Hero8 Action Camera. It is such a strange device. The GoPro comes with all of the advanced camera technology you find in most extremely expensive professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and yet the GoPro is not really a camera. It is its own invention, and for social media photography and videos you almost can’t do better than the GoPro.
This is especially true for adventurers. Whether you are roaming the city on a bicycle or climbing Mount Everest, the GoPro Hero8 can track your progress and update your followers on your activities. The GoPro can hook to your helmet, to your belt, to your body gear, or even to your backpack. It is one of the best cameras for recording action videos in extreme situations. It is durable, totally waterproof (a little beach time, perhaps?), and is built to be majorly rugged and take a ton of damage.
For social media posting, the GoPro works just as well as many Canon cameras and Sony cameras. It has built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to transfer your photos and videos directly to your phone. These videos are 4K quality, and unlike more expensive professional cameras, the Hero8 can capture RAW images and send them directly to your phone for editing and posting.
Pros
- Waterproof, built to last
- 4K video + RAW images
- Smooth video stabilization
- Editing features via the GoPro app
- Solid wireless technology
Cons
- Only 12 megapixels
- Memory card can fill quickly
4. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera
This is probably my favorite camera with Instagram upload. The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a pocket-sized camera with a touchscreen menu, an integrated flash, a 20.1-megapixel sensor, and full connectivity for uploading your photos to Instagram via your smartphone or tablet.
This is one of those cameras that is just fun to use. It looks great, it fits great in your hands, and you don’t need a big expensive lens to use it. All of the buttons are simple for anyone to figure out, and with the new and improved DIGIC 7 Image Processor, you get a big bonus in noise reduction for super sharp images in any kind of lighting.
What makes this camera so well-designed for social media photos is that you get to pick your style. There are eight unique presets that allow you to customize your photo even before you take it. Try shooting photographs in auto, fine details, monochrome, and portrait modes to add a bit of flavor to your uploads.
Pros
- Smart & effective connectivity
- Impressive image processor
- Pocket-sized & portable
- Great in low light
- Super affordable
Cons
- Can’t use with lenses
- Lack of zoom
5. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
This is not only the best camera for Instagram photos but also the best camera for Instagram videos. The Sony Alpha a6000 is incredibly compact, way lighter than your average DSLR camera (even though it has a massive image sensor that boasts 24 megapixels and ultra-high resolution), and has one of the world’s quickest autofocusing with over 170 AF points, plus 11 frames per second of continuous shooting.
In English, the Sony Alpha a6000 takes sharp photos very quickly of literally anything on planet Earth. It uses a special BIONZ X image processor to create images that are sharper and more vivid than what you see with your naked eye. This is the kind of camera you need to grab people’s attention on social media. Rich details, realistic images, and unbelievably clear videos.
To top it off, you can instantly share all your photos and videos with the simplistic Wi-Fi connectivity and Sony’s unique PlayMemories Camera application. You can even control the camera through your smartphone, allowing for hands-free pictures. If you want to take pictures and upload them at the same time, this camera allows you to do it with a simple touch.
Pros
- Instant sharing w/ Wi-Fi & NFC
- Intuitive controls, easy for beginners
- High-quality photos & videos
- Incredibly fast autofocus
- Lightweight & easy to handle
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Overpriced lens selection
Final Thoughts
There is a lot to look for in getting the best social media camera. You want a camera that is easy to use, that is small and compact enough to take along on all your adventures, that has crystal clear video for uploading stories and video clips, a strong battery, and wireless connectivity for instant uploading.
Out of all five cameras, I highly recommend the Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless digital camera. It is not overpriced, hanging right in the realm of reasonability, it takes stunning photographs in high resolution, it records striking video, and you can upload all of your content straight to your smartphone in a blink of an eye. As a social media camera, the Sony Alpha a6000 does it all.
Of course, the Canon PowerShot G9 is undoubtedly my favorite camera, but only because of its faux leather wrap and stylish appearance. The truth is that any of these five cameras will work wonders for your social media presence.
The Fujifilm X-T30 is a serious piece of machinery at a serious cost, but it sure performs. Even the budget Canon EOS M100 is a solid choice for social media photography, while the GoPro Hero8 is awesome for vlogging or adventurers who post frequently to social media. In the end, it comes down to how much money you feel comfortable spending. The more you spend, the more you get.
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