Best Cameras for Macro Photography in 2023

A lot has changed since we published our guide on the best cameras for macro photography long time ago. The Sony α9 II has been released, the Canon EOS R is due soon and Fuji X-T1 has replaced the Fuji XT2 as the best camera for macro photography.

The Fujifilm XT1 is a great camera for still photography but its lack of a flip-up screen means you have to switch to the Fujifilm GFX 50S for any macro shots.

So, what is the best camera for macro photography in 2023? Well, there are a couple of contenders for this year’s best tripod award.

1. Sony α9 II

The latest model in Sony’s α line of digital cameras is the Sony α9. It’s larger than the previous model, the α9 Mark II, and so it doesn’t fit into many bags. But it also has a built-in EVF, which is very useful for macro shooting, and a new 20MP CMOS sensor. This makes it one of the most versatile and portable APS-C cameras available.

2. Fuji X-T10

Fuji launched the X-T10 compact mirrorless camera in October last year. The Fuji X-T10 is the successor to the Fujifilm XT2, which won our best compact camera in 2018. However, the Fuji XT10’s 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor gives it slightly better low-light performance and improved autofocus.

3. Nikon D810/Df

The Nikon D810 was the best digital SLR camera for macro photography in 2019. This year it has been replaced by the Nikon Df. The Nikon Df has a much smaller APS-C sensor and doesn’t have a flip-up screen for macro shots, so if you want to use a viewfinder then you’ll need to use the Nikon D810.

The Nikon D810’s autofocus and metering is very good, and it has a tilting LCD screen that makes it easy to shoot from unusual angles. However, the Nikon Df is more flexible, so you’ll be able to capture some unique images.

4. Canon EOS R

In September last year, Canon introduced the Canon EOS R, a full-frame mirrorless camera with a built-in EVF, which is very useful for macro photography. It also has an ISO range of 100-6400, which makes it suitable for low-light shots.

This camera isn’t as powerful as the Nikon Df, but it does have a full-frame sensor, which gives it a slightly wider dynamic range.

5. Olympus OMD

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II won the best mirrorless camera for macro photography in 2018, and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the replacement. It has a flip-up screen and a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens that lets you get close to your subject.

It also has a new 24MP sensor that gives it improved low-light and autofocus performance.

6. Fuji X-Pro1

The Fuji X-Pro1 won the best compact camera for macro photography in 2018. It is still the best choice for macro shooting, although it’s no longer the cheapest.

It has an APS-C sensor, which is smaller than the APS-C sensor in the Nikon Df. However, it doesn’t have an EVF and so you’ll have to use the rear LCD. It’s also cheaper than the Nikon Df.

7. Panasonic GH4/GH5

The Panasonic GH4 won the best compact camera for macro photography in 2017. This year it has been replaced by the Panasonic GH5. The Panasonic GH5 offers some improved low-light performance, as well as autofocus and a new 16MP sensor. It also has an electronic viewfinder, which is very useful for macro shots.

8. Canon EOS 60D

Canon’s entry-level full-frame DSLR won the best DSLR for macro photography in 2017. It’s still a good choice, although the Canon EOS R is now the best camera for macro photography.

The Canon 60D has a fixed 28-140mm lens and a maximum aperture of f/3.5-6.3. It’s not as good at low-light photography as the EOS R, and its autofocus and metering performance are less impressive.

Summary

Macro photography is a specialist branch of photography, so it’s important to choose the right equipment. This guide will help you select the best camera for macro photography in 2023, depending on your needs and budget.