“Never work with children or animals” is a maxim for a reason. But of course, most pet owners ignore this and try to snap photos and capture videos of their furry tots in action. While you can ask a human to pose a certain way, your pets are going to be far more interested in anything else that’s in the proximity.
That being said, there are still several ways to go about it, such as investing in a camera with impressive specs. Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few outstanding cameras. Here are the best cameras that can help you capture the sweetest fur baby moments and so much more.
Best cameras to capture photos and videos of your pets
Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is the latest, most hyped-about stills camera that flexes some impressive video features. It is even lauded as one of the best cameras Canon has ever birthed. The EOS R5’s 8K video outperforms many of the best cinema cameras, while its shooting speed puts it on par with the best cameras for sport.
The EOS R5’s autofocus deserves a special mention. It offers accurate eye detection and reliable subject-detection and tracking, particularly when it comes to people and animals. The video quality you get is also sharp and flexible for colour grading. On top of that, its 8-stop in-body image stabilisation lets you achieve smooth shots without the need for a gimbal.
If you’re looking to shoot gorgeous stills, whether that’s wildlife or your own little Simba at home, this is the camera you ought to invest in.
The Canon EOS R5 (Body) retails for S$6,199 at Harvey Norman.
Canon EOS R6
Canon’s new EOS R6 may have been overshadowed by its pricier EOS R5 sibling, but with its impressive features, it might just rise in the ranks and become Canon’s most popular camera. Though it may not have the top-end specs of the EOS R5, it autofocus performance and image stabilisation are best-in-class.
To put it simply, the EOS R6 is essentially a more affordable version of the R5. It has a significantly lower sensor resolution, but it still has excellent video recording capabilities. Despite being classed as an enthusiast-level camera, the EOS R6 produces quality images that rival Canon’s professional-level (and incredibly expensive) models.
Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable for hours of use too, no matter how large or small your hands are, so you can snap pictures of your doggo all day long.
The Canon EOS R6 (Body) retails for S$3,999 at Harvey Norman.
Nikon Z6
It may be approaching two years old, but the Nikon Z6 is a favourite among camera enthusiasts. The Nikon Z6 combines both impressive stills and 4K video quality with everything else that’s key for a full-frame mirrorless camera. That means you get a lightweight and compact body that’s easy to handle, thanks to its ergonomically designed grip.
There’s also a sharp and crisp 3.69 million dot viewfinder as well as a responsive, tilting touchscreen. It’s a fantastic all-rounder in terms of versatility, usability, and affordability.
The Nikon Z6 (with 24-70mm lens) retails for S$3,599 at Harvey Norman.
Sony Alpha A7 III
Another solid option that stands out in the full-frame mirrorless market is the Sony Alpha A7 III. With a 24MP full-frame sensor, 4K video, sensor-based image stabilisation, and long battery life, you’re getting excellent value for money as well as top performance.
If you want to sneak up on your pet discreetly or in quiet environments, you have the option to switch to the Alpha A7 III’s electronic shutter and use its silent shooting mode. The feature won’t compromise the camera performance either.
The Alpha A7 III’s 5-axis, 5-stop image stabilisation system works well, so you’ll be able to shoot with confidence at lower shutter speeds and still come away with sharp shots. These features make it one of the most versatile cameras around right now, mirrorless or otherwise.
The Sony Alpha A7 III (Body) retails for S$2,899 at Sony.
Fujifilm X-T4
On the outside, the Fujifilm X-T4 sports retro dials and analogue features, but it actually offers plenty of advanced features within. It impresses with in-body image stabilisation, quick burst shooting, and sharp video quality.
Compared to other Fujifilm cameras, the X-T4 has a larger battery and improved autofocus so you can get derpy shots of your fur baby. Its 26MP sensor is great for stills, but its performance as a video camera hogs the spotlight. The X-T4 also offers a huge range of tools, including a fully articulating touchscreen that tilts and swivels.
It might cost the same as many full-frame cameras, but the X-T4 and its range of X-series lenses make a great, smaller alternative for those looking for a mirrorless all-rounder.
The Fujifilm X-T4 (Body) retails for S$2,852.52 at Amazon.
Sony A7S III
Thanks to a long-awaited, new 12.1MP back-illuminated full-frame sensor, the Sony A7S III is a best-in-class low-light 4K video camera. With a high sensor resolution, the camera is able to record for a very long time in ultra-low light conditions, so you can capture dreamy night shots of your snoozing pet.
The A7S III also delivers customisable autofocus, with hundreds of detection points and eye-tracking across animals and humans. This is combined with in-body image stabilisation and active stabilisation, which marries optical and electronic systems for smoother performance.
It’s the finest hybrid video camera, which, of course, comes at a hefty price.
The Sony A7S III will be launching in Singapore on 1 October 2020. It will retail for S$4,899 (Body only) at Sony.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Among many cameras on the market, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is often hailed as the Goldilocks of cameras – just right. Its light body is easy to handle, and it doesn’t just look good. It’s backed by a powerful processor, superior image stabilisation, and shooting modes to suit every level of skill and style.
Its combination of speed, style, and sheer versatility makes it a winner. Add a phase detection autofocus and 4K video chops to the mix, and you’ve got yourself one of the best cameras around.
However, there’s now the slight issue of Olympus exiting the camera business. While this does put future servicing options in some doubt, the OM-D E-M5 Mark III remains a fantastic performer for years to come, regardless of its company’s fate.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III retails for S$1,374 at Amazon.
Panasonic Lumix G100
If you’re looking for user-friendly vlogging camera for video and stills, the Panasonic Lumix G100 will fit the bill. This camera has interchangeable lenses, which means it isn’t pocket-friendly, but it is much more versatile if you want to shoot your furry friend at different focal lengths.
A stand-out feature is its built-in audio quality, which comes courtesy of a Nokia Ozo-equipped microphone system. While this doesn’t completely remove the need for an external microphone, it prioritises speaking voices in noisy environments. You can even use it to record an ASMR video of your pet munching on some food.
The fully articulating screen, sharp video quality, and light body make it one of the best cameras to bring around.
The Panasonic Lumix G100 retails for S$1,189.23 at Amazon.
LATEST PRIVILEGES
