This is a guide covering the best cameras for moms.
Being a mother, there are lots of moments that you want to preserve and capture.
With that being said, there are a lot of good cameras out there, but some are too “extra” if you just want to capture family portrait photos.
Looking for a camera that you can give to your mom? Or perhaps, you are a mother and you are looking to start a photography and videography hobby?
Picking the right one can be a bit tricky. You will need to consider your budget, needs, and even the weight of the camera.
We’ve come up with some of the best cameras for moms that they can use on different occasions. We have a mix of DSLRs to mirrorless cameras that make a perfect gift for parents.
🏃♂️ In a hurry? Here’s the quick overview:
Click/tap on the camera name to jump to that section to read my summary of the product. At the end of each section, there is a “→ Jump Back to Table” link to bring you back here!
⭐ Best Overall Camera for Moms
Why choose this camera for mothers:
- The 80D is a very versatile camera that can handle a variety of photography situations
- Has an articulating screen that can be rotated and titled
- Great image quality
📹 Best 4K Camera for Moms Wanting to Capture Family Videos
Why choose this camera for mothers:
- Provides excellent image and video quality
- The GH5 is also a very versatile camera
- Has a weather-sealed body and dual SD card slots
🌴 Best Adventure & Travel Camera for Moms
Why choose this camera for mothers:
- The K-70 is weather resistant which is great for adventure and travel photos with the family
- Has a user-friendly interface
- Has good image quality and fast autofocus
📷 Best DSLR Camera for Moms
Why choose this camera for mothers:
- The D3500 has a user-friendly interface
- It is a very lightweight and portable camera making it a great choice for moms on the go
- Has a pretty good battery life for continued photographing
🔍 Best Mirrorless Camera for Moms
Why choose this camera for mothers:
- The M50 is smaller and lighter than traditional DSLRs because it is a mirrorless camera
- Provides great image quality
- Easy-to-use camera with a beginner-friendly interface
💸 Best Budget Camera for Moms
Why choose this camera for mothers:
- The D3300 is lightweight and portable
- Has great image quality and battery life
- Is a great “bang for your buck” camera
How to Choose the Best Camera for Moms
- Ease of use: For mothers who are new to photography, it’s important to choose a camera that is easy to use and understand. Look for a camera with intuitive controls and a straightforward user interface.
- Portability: Mothers are often on the go, so it’s important to choose a camera that is portable and easy to carry with you. Consider a compact or mirrorless camera that is lightweight and easy to handle.
- Image quality: High-quality images are important for capturing memorable moments with children. Look for a camera with a high-resolution image sensor and advanced image processing capabilities to ensure that your photos are detailed and accurate.
- Autofocus: Autofocus is important for quickly and accurately focusing on moving subjects, such as children. Look for a camera with advanced autofocus capabilities, such as face tracking or eye tracking.
- Connectivity: Many mothers like to share their photos on social media as soon as they take them, so it’s important to choose a camera with built-in WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity to make it easy to transfer and share your photos.
- Price: Finally, consider your budget when choosing a camera for mothers. There are a wide range of cameras available at different price points, so you should be able to find something that fits your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
10 Best Cameras for Moms
1. Canon EOS 80D
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)
- White balance presets: 6
- Custom white balance: Yes
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (Wired, wireless, or via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
My Pros With This Camera:
- Easy to use even for first-time users
- High-quality photos
- Accurate and fast AF
My Cons With This Camera:
- A bit on the heavier side
If you are looking for the best camera for parents, especially for moms, then you might want to consider the Canon EOS 80D.
The Canon EOS 80D offers an easy-to-understand configuration making it simple even for first-time photographers to operate.
Plus, it made focusing easy with its 45-point, all cross-type AF system.
And to top it off, you get to enjoy a 24.2MP sensor that can provide high-quality resolution and sharp images especially for moms who love to travel and explore new places.
The only issue is that it’s a bit on the heavy side. For some moms, it might feel a bit stressful on their neck if they use it for quite some time.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon EOS 80D!
You can also find this camera on Walmart
2. Panasonic LUMIX G7
Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 4592 x 3448
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600
- Image stabilization: No
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (microHDMI TypeD)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Video formats:
- 640 x 480
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Lightweight
- Produces better quality photos than other micro four-thirds cameras
- High ISO
- With 4K capability
My Cons With This Camera:
- A bit complicated to use
- Starts to get too noisy after ISO 1600
Perhaps, you want the best camera for your mom but you only have a limited budget. Then, you might want to have the Panasonic Lumix G7 camera.
The Lumix G7 is a midrange mirrorless camera that produces images that are better than the average micro four-thirds camera.
Its ISO can range up to 25600 though you will find it too noisy at this point.
The quality doesn’t falter roughly until ISO 1600.
You can also find this camera on Walmart and Best Buy
3. Nikon D3300
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
- Lens mount: Nikon F
- Touch screen: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini HDMI)
- Wireless: Optional
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Remote control: Yes (Optional)
- Video modes:
- 640 x 424
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
My Pros With This Camera:
- Good value
- 24.2MP sensor
- Accurate AF
- Takes up to 5fps
My Cons With This Camera:
- The viewfinder is a bit dim
With our list of best cameras for moms, we believe that the Nikon D3300 is the best DSLR that you can give your mother for several good reasons.
What makes it the best DSLR camera for moms? Your mom will enjoy the 24.2MP sensor that allows this camera to capture high-quality photos.
This camera can also take up to 5fps in continuous mode. And with its 11 AF points, it helps users focus on the right subject right away.
The only thing that users complain about the Nikon D3300 is the fact that it has a dim viewfinder.
You can also find this camera on Walmart
4. Canon EOS M50
Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
- Image stabilization: No
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- USB charging: No
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Vari-angle LCD
- Takes 4K videos
- High-quality photos
- Lighter than DSLRs
My Cons With This Camera:
- Lacks internal stabilization
One of the reasons why you can’t ignore mirrorless cameras is the fact that it is lightweight.
All things considered in our list of best cameras for moms, we believe that the Canon EOS M50 mirrorless camera is the best option in this category.
It comes with a 24.1MP sensor and a DIGIC 8 Image processor capable of producing stunning colors and clear details.
Also, it can even take 4K videos which can come in handy in different occasions. It also has a vari angle LCD that allows the user to take photos/videos in weird angles and even take selfies.
The only thing that can be improved is the stabilization feature of this camera.
We believe that it produced some blurry images because of this.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon M50!
You can also find this camera on Walmart and Best Buy
5. Nikon D3500
Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600
- Image stabilization: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- USB charging: No
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
My Pros With This Camera:
- High-quality images even in low light conditions
- Easy to operate
- Starts quickly
My Cons With This Camera:
- Doesn’t have a good AF function
The Nikon D3500 is a stand out from our list of best cameras for moms. Compact and comfortable to use, moms love to use this especially when they go on vacation.
Many even mentioned that it is as easy as using a point-and-capture camera. (Check out a list of the best point and capture cameras).
It is also a great option if your mom is taking photos/video in low-light conditions thanks to its high ISO.
And because it is made for beginners, the user gets to take more images and get stunning captures.
It has a 24MP sensor plus it can also take 5fps on continuous capture allowing users to not miss opportunities.
So what’s not to like? It doesn’t have the best AF feature.
The 11-point AF might feel a bit outdated for a DSLR.
Plus, you don’t get a dedicated ISO button that allows the user to switch the ISO setting in an instant.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Nikon D3500!
You can also find this camera on Walmart and Best Buy
6. Panasonic LUMIX G85
Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 4592 x 3448
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to ISO 100)
- White balance presets: 5
- Custom white balance: Yes (4 slots)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via wired remote or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Great colors especially for taking photos in low ISO
- With superb image stabilization feature
- Takes 4K videos
My Cons With This Camera:
- Only comes with a 16MP resolution
The Lumix G85 is a 16MP camera that might look like a mediocre camera on the surface.
But upon closer examination, the Lumix G85 might be the perfect option for moms.
This camera made it as one of the best cameras for moms because of its sharp photos and easy-to-use functionality.
Its autofocus is also worth mentioning as we find it to be just as good as high-end DSLRs in this department.
It features a leading dual image stabilization feature that can minimize blurry images.
On top of that, it is also a favorite among those who love to take 4K videos.
You can also find this camera on Walmart and Best Buy
7. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Specifications:
- Sensor Type: 17.4 x 13 mm (Four Thirds) MOS
- Crop Factor: 2x
- Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
- Capture Type: Stills & Video
My Pros With This Camera:
- Accurate AF
- Can take up to 10fps
- Easy-to-understand configuration
- 20MP
My Cons With This Camera:
- Battery gets drained easily
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a compact and lightweight camera aimed towards hobbyists/enthusiasts rather than pros.
It is a micro four-thirds camera that is perfect for beginners too considering its easy-to-understand system.
Though it is considered a hobbyist camera, it comes with a 20MP four-thirds sensor and a 121-point hybrid AF system that can make it easier for users to capture great images of their subject.
If your subject is moving, its 10fps continuous mode is also something that can come in handy.
The only complaint is that the battery tends to get drained easily.
You can also find this camera on Walmart and Best Buy
8. Pentax K-70
Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: Auto, 100-102400
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: No
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired or wireless)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
My Pros With This Camera:
- High ISO sensitivity
- Weather sealed
- 24MP resolution
- Designed for rugged environment
My Cons With This Camera:
- The battery gets drained fast
One of the best cameras for moms that can also handle rugged environments is the Pentax K70.
Known for its durable and weather-sealed construction, it is something that can be used for different conditions.
It also has a shake reduction mechanism that can help give users steady images despite having novice shaky hands.
Plus, it also has built-in WiFi that makes transferring of files easy. As for the quality of photos, it has a 24MP resolution.
It can also perform well in low-light conditions with its high ISO sensitivity from ISO 100 to ISO 204800.
Unfortunately, battery life isn’t the best in the K70.
Users complained about the need to bring extra batteries whenever they are using the camera.
You can also find this camera on Walmart
9. Panasonic LUMIX GH5
Specifications:
- Body type: SLR style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via cable release or smartphone)
- Video modes:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- 4096 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Takes 4K videos
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Weatherproof and dustproof construction
My Cons With This Camera:
- Only has a 10MP resolution
The Panasonic Lumix GH5S is might only have a 10.2MP resolution but it is one of the best cameras for moms especially for those who prefer taking videos over photos.
It can take videos in 4K giving you crisp and stunning videos preferred by many pro videographers.
It has a rugged alloy body that can withstand freezing temperatures and even tolerate getting wet.
And lastly, transferring the file is also easy as you can connect the camera via WiFi and Bluetooth.
You can also find this camera on Walmart and Best Buy
10. Fujifilm X-T4
Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6240 x 4160
- Image ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 160-12800 (expands to 80-51200)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone or wired remote)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- 4096 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Takes 4K videos
- With superb image stabilization feature
- High ISO sensitivity
- 26.1MP sensor
My Cons With This Camera:
- Constantly needs to be rebooted
Whether you have a mom who loves creating 4K videos or loves to take photos, the Fujifilm X-T4 is a good option that can get her to enjoy both.
It comes with a superb body image stabilization feature that can adjust up to 6.5 stops.
Plus, it can take at 15fps which is faster than most cameras that we have featured in this list.
It comes with 26.1MP resolution plus an ISO sensitivity of up to ISO 51200.
Apart from being a bigger investment for the average consumer, other users complained of the unit freezing.
Some have to reboot it to be able to use it again.
You can also find this camera on Walmart
FAQ
Should All Moms Have a Professional Camera?
For mothers who are interested in pursuing photography as a hobby or profession, a professional camera with advanced features and capabilities may be a good choice.
Can Moms Just Use Their Phone for Photography?
Professional cameras can also be more expensive and complex to use, so they may not be the best choice for mothers who are new to photography or who are looking for a simple and straightforward camera to capture everyday moments with their children.
Concluding Remarks
We hope you enjoyed this guide covering the best cameras for mothers and that you found a camera that suits your style!
Be sure to weigh your options and compare at least three of the cameras that we have mentioned.
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.