This is a guide covering the best cameras for makeup artists.
Makeup artists often do photo sessions by themselves. In some instances, they need to have their portfolio making it easier to find a client in the long run.
In these instances, they need a professional camera that can help showcase their ability to do makeup on different models. What should you be looking for in a camera?
You’ll want a camera that is already popular within the photography community because this means there are a lot of lens options.
You’ll also want to ensure that it captures high image quality and has a tilting LCD screen in case you take selfie photos or video (this way you can see the LCD screen as you take your own photo.)
We’ve come up with 10 of the best cameras for makeup artists with options ranging from full-frame to micro four-thirds options.
This will make it easier for you to compare different cameras.
You will know more about each model’s strengths and weaknesses to have a better idea of what to pick.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Camera for Makeup Artists
- 📷 Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras for Makeup Artists
- 📷 Best Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Cameras for Makeup Artists
- 📷 Best APS-C DSLR Cameras for Makeup Artists
- 📷 Best Full-Frame DSLR Cameras for Makeup Artists
- 📷 Best Budget Camera for Makeup Artists
How to Choose the Best Camera for Makeup Artists?
Resolution: A high resolution camera will allow you to capture fine details and skin tones, which is important for makeup artistry.
Autofocus: A camera with fast and accurate autofocus will ensure that your subjects are always in focus, even when they’re moving around during the shoot.
Video Capabilities: Many makeup artists also create tutorial videos, so having a camera with good video capabilities can be beneficial.
Portability: For makeup artists who work on location, a camera that is lightweight and easy to transport is a good option.
Lens Selection: Having a good selection of compatible lenses can give you more creative options for your photography.
Price: Makeup artists are often working on a budget, so finding a camera that offers a good balance of price and performance is important.
Post-processing capabilities: a camera that allows you to shoot in raw format will give you more flexibility in editing your photos.
Table of Contents
10 Best Cameras for Makeup Artists
1. Nikon Z 6II
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6048 x 4024
- Image ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3.2″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (mini HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via MC-DC2 or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- High-quality photos
- With eye and face detection
- High ISO
- 24.5MP
My Cons With This Camera:
- n/a
If you are looking for the best camera for beauty photography, we believe that the Nikon Z 6II is the best option for you.
It is a mirrorless full-frame model that is a follow-up to the popular Nikon Z6. Expect a 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor that can give you all the details that you need when photographing model portraits.
It is also known for its ability to give you a good high ISO allowing you to photograph even if you aren’t in your studio.
It is a slightly better version than the Z6 especially when it comes to its autofocus. It now has face and eye detection which applies to both humans and animals.
This can also take photos at a rate of 14 frames per second which comes in handy if you want to let your model just pose crazy and not worry about anything.
This full-frame camera comes with two card slots giving you enough space when working for long hours. Plus, you also get a touchscreen LCD.
2. Olympus PEN E-PL1
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 4032 x 3024
- Image ratio: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto ISO (200 – 3200), Manual ISO (100 – 3200)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 2.7″
- Touch screen: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (Mini HDMI type-C)
- Remote control: No
- Video formats:
- 540 x 480
- 1280 x 720
My Pros With This Camera:
- Good value
- Can save both RAW and JPEG at the same time
- Lightweight
My Cons With This Camera:
- Low resolution compared to other micro four-thirds cameras
If you are after the best camera for beauty photography but you don’t have want to invest a lot, then you might want to stick with the Olympus PEN E-PL1.
This mirrorless camera comes with a 12.3MP resolution and even with a built-in flash. Some of the most common complaints include the lack of an optical viewfinder.
And also, the fact that it is only 12MP and it can only take videos in 720p.
Plus, it is small which makes it possible to not have any problem bringing the camera in your bag.
You can also get to save photos in both RAW and JPEG at the same time.
3. Canon EOS 80D
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Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-16000 (expands to 25600)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (Wired, wireless, or via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
My Pros With This Camera:
- Connects via WiFi
- Superb autofocus
- High-quality photos in both lighted and low-light conditions
- Allows users to photograph using the app
My Cons With This Camera:
- Doesn’t take videos in 4K
Canon EOS 80D is a popular camera among pros.
It is definitely one of the best cameras for makeup artists with its 24.2MP resolution and precise autofocus, you can’t go wrong whenever you are taking photos of your finished work.
It performs well in both low light and in a well-lighted environment too.
It is also possible to use the camera remotely using the app allowing you to take your own photos without any problem.
As for the video, it captures in full HD.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon EOS 80D.
4. Canon EOS 6D
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 5472 x 3648
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: Auto, 100 – 25600 in 1/3 stops, plus 50, 51200, 102400 as option
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: No
- Screen type: Clear View II TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (HDMI Mini)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes
- Video formats:
- 540 x 480
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
My Pros With This Camera:
- High-quality image
- 63-zone dual-level metering
- WiFi connectivity
- Can capture in full HD
My Cons With This Camera:
- No built-in flash
In case you prefer Canon over Nikon cameras, another option that you might want to consider is the Canon EOS 6D.
This camera is equipped with a 20.2MP resolution partnered with a 63-zone dual-level metering sensor that allows you to get the right exposure on your images.
Plus, it can capture videos in full HD.
Compared to other DSLRs, it is a bit small and compact. It also features WiFi and GPS features.
Unfortunately, you might want to buy a flash because there is no built-in flash in this unit.
But if you are used to using the 60D, the 6D’s control layout won’t be an issue.
Transitioning towards this camera is going to be easy with just some minor controls repositioned for better ergonomics.
5. Nikon Z5
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6016 x 4016
- Image ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-102400)
- White balance: presets 12
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3.2″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Good image quality
- Takes 4K videos
- WiFi Connectivity
- Lightweight
My Cons With This Camera:
- Doesn’t have the same image quality as the Z6
The Nikon Z5 Camera is a mirrorless and full-frame camera that can easily get the attention of Nikon fans.
What makes it one of the best cameras for makeup artists? Being a mirrorless camera, expect this to be lighter than DSLR cameras.
The only downside is that it didn’t have the same backside-illuminated technology that Z6 has. This means that it is not as good as the Z6.
But if you don’t have any idea about the Z6, then this is going to work just fine. It comes with a 4K resolution though its video is cropped.
You have a 24MP sensor plus an ISO sensitivity of 100 to 51200 which can be expanded to ISO 50 to 10240.
Its autofocus is also something else with its 273 point hybrid AF system.
And since it is a modern-day camera, you can connect it via WiFi or Bluetooth to transfer files.
6. Nikon Z6
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6048 x 4024
- Image ratio: 1:1, 5:4, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3.2″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (mini HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via MC-DC2 or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- 24.5MP resolution
- Captures in 4K
- Handy and lightweight
- Weather-sealed
My Cons With This Camera:
- Single card slot
The Nikon Z6 is an improved version of the Z5. The chip is still 24.5MP but you will notice a slight difference in the image quality.
The technology responsible for this improvement is the backside-illuminated technology present in the Z6.
And also, you get a camera that is also equipped with capture ability in 4K.
The build is also something that can give you a good experience.
Compact, plus it can even withstand different weather conditions in case you are going to be doing photo sessions outside with your model.
And though you can say that there are not a lot of Z mount lenses in the market, the ones available can give you what you need.
The biggest deal-breaker however with the Z6 is the fact that it only has one card slot.
If you are going to do a video tutorial, this can be a bit of a problem because you will need to stop in the middle of your session to change the memory card.
7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Image ratio: 4:3
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 64-25600)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Bluetooth
- Remote control: Yes (wired or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- 4096 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- High-quality photos
- With filters ready
- Great stabilization feature
- Flip LCD
My Cons With This Camera:
- Not meant for video streaming
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a more budget-friendly option if you are in the market for the best cameras for makeup artists.
This is a camera that can be enjoyed by the pros and by those who are considered hobbyists.
It comes with a 20MP sensor plus an in-body image stabilization that can help minimize blurs in your images.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is equipped with 16 art filters that can help those who don’t have any photo editing capability.
And if you are alone, you can always just flip the LCD to have a better control of your composition.
But of course, let’s be realistic. It is still an entry-level mirrorless camera.
For starters, it is not ideal for video streaming in case you want to go live.
The micro-HDMI port is not what you want to be using.
8. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Camera Specifications:
- SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Image ratio: 4:3
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 64-25600)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Bluetooth
- Remote control: Yes (wired or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- 4096 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- 420 images per charge
- 121-point AF system
- 20MP resolution
- Weather-resistant design
My Cons With This Camera:
- Dated viewfinder
This 20MP camera will most likely get the job done for those who are after photos of their work.
It comes with a 121-point AF system that allows you to track the user without any problem.
Plus, if you are going to be using the camera without a tripod, it has an image stabilization feature that can minimize blurs.
As for the battery life, you get around 420 images per charge which is not a bad thing as well.
For those who are going to use the camera for 4K videos, you have dual card slots to ensure that you get enough space for memory.
Though it is a robust camera throughout, the only downside is the somewhat dated viewfinder.
9. Nikon D7500
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 5568 x 3712
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: ISO 100 – 51200 (expandable to 50 – 1640000)
- Image stabilization: Digital only
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3.2″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Bluetooth
- Remote control: Yes (Wired, wireless, smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- 4K video
- High-quality photos
- Ergonomic design
My Cons With This Camera:
- Single card slot
The Nikon D7500 is a great camera for pros and photography and video enthusiasts.
It is known for its accurate autofocus coupled with its excellent image quality thanks to its 21-megapixel sensor.
Since it is a Nikon camera, you get a large grip that allows you to use it comfortably.
And for those who are going to utilize 4K videos, you can expect great results.
However, it only comes with a single card slot. Plus, the 4K video is cropped.
10. Nikon D3300
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600 (with boost)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: No
- Screen type: TFT LCD (160 degree viewing angle)
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Optional
- Remote control: Yes (Optional)
- Video formats:
- 640 x 424
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
My Pros With This Camera:
- Takes full HD
- 24.2MP sensor
- Compact
- With built-in flash
My Cons With This Camera:
- No WiFi connectivity
The last on our list of best cameras for makeup artists is the Nikon D3300.
It is one of those beginner DSLRs that became a favorite by many users worldwide.
Compact with great performance in low light conditions, it is an easy pick for those who want the best bang for their buck.
It also comes with a 24.2MP sensor plus an ability to take 1080p videos. It even comes with a built-in flash.
The biggest drawback of this camera is that you don’t get WiFi connectivity.
Why Makeup Artists Need a Good Camera?
Makeup artists nowadays don’t just go for good cameras to take photos of their clients or their models. It can also be used to document how they apply makeup on their faces. There is a growing number of YouTube channels that cater to makeup tutorials to their audience. Some of the best cameras for makeup artists that we are going to feature will also include the ability to take videos in 4K.
What Lighting do Makeup Bloggers Use?
If you are on a budget, buying ring lights can make a huge difference in your photos and videos. It can work with video tutorials plus it can also serve as lighting when taking photos of your final output.
Concluding Remarks
Hope you enjoyed this buyer’s guide on the best camera for makeup artists.
Ever considered making a YouTube channel featuring your makeup skills?
Perhaps, you want to build your portfolio?
Getting the right gear can help you showcase your talents. Be sure to compare the best cameras for makeup artists that we have featured.
This way, you get the one that fits your needs.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
