Best Camera for Self-Portrait Photography: My Top Picks for Beautiful Shots

Introduction

Having the right camera can make all the difference in your self-portraits!

However, it’s not always easy to find a great camera for self portraits because most online reviews are tailored to other types of photography, like landscape or portrait photography.

As a professional self portrait photographer, I know that when buying a self portrait photography camera, you need to look out for very specific features like a good eye tracking autofocus system and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth compatibility for remote shooting.

To simplify the process of picking the right camera, I’ve put together a list of the best cameras for self-portrait photographers below – read on to find out which model is right for you!

Sidenote: You may notice that there are no Nikon cameras in the list.

I’m actually a big fan of Nikon cameras – my first ever proper camera was a Nikon DSLR.

However, I’ve tested a few of them and I don’t think they are the best choice for self-portrait photographers because I don’t love their autofocus system – compared to, say, Sony cameras, I just find it much trickier getting the autofocus right when using a Nikon camera.

Hence, I didn’t include any Nikon models in this list.

(Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).

1. What to Look for in a Camera for Self-Portrait Photography

First of all, let’s talk about what exactly to look for when buying a camera for self-portrait photography.

Here are some of the most important camera features for self-portrait photographers:

1.1 Accurate and fast autofocus

I can tell you from many years of experience that a good autofocus will make or break your self portraits.

When I first started out, I used a Nikon DSLR camera which was actually a very good camera.

However, it had a very complicated autofocus system with a less than optimal face recognition mode.

As a result, I had a lot of trouble achieving sharp self portraits, which was incredibly frustrating.

This is why I highly recommend that you choose a camera with an accurate and fast autofocus.

Generally, make sure that your camera has a Face Detection and Eye Autofocus mode.

These features are designed to recognise and focus on faces or eyes automatically, which is essential for self-portraits!

Continuous autofocus (AF-C) is also useful, as it adjusts the focus continuously, tracking movement and ensuring that you stay in focus even if you move slightly during the shot.

1.2 A high resolution sensor for good image quality

Next, if possible, buy a camera with a high resolution sensor to ensure high image quality and detail. 

A high-resolution sensor captures more pixels, leading to sharper, more vibrant photos with more detail – something that is especially important if you want to crop your images or achieve high quality prints.

Additionally, higher resolution sensors give you more flexibility in post-processing – you can zoom in and make fine adjustments without the image appearing pixelated.

1.3 A vari-angle LCD screen

If you can, get a camera with a vari-angle LCD screen, i.e. a screen that can be tilted and rotated to different angles.

I love this feature because you can check your composition, focus and exposure from where you’re sitting or standing without having to constantly move back to the camera.

1.4 Connectivity options: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

I highly recommend you choose a camera that has connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

First of all, these features allow you to easily transfer photos from your camera to your smartphone or computer without a cable.

But more importantly, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable remote shooting, allowing you to control your camera from a distance using a smartphone app. 

This makes it so much easier to compose and capture your shot when you’re in front of the camera. 

With most apps, you can even adjust the settings in the phone app, which saves you from constantly getting up and moving back to the camera.

Finally, you can actually set the focus on the phone screen via the app, which means that you can get perfect focus on your eyes (or elsewhere in the picture) every time.

1.5 A lightweight and portable camera body

This feature is only relevant if you like taking self portraits outside, for example in nature.

If that’s you, you might want to consider a particularly light and portable camera body.

These days, that means getting a mirrorless camera because they tend to be way lighter than traditional DSLR cameras.

If you prefer shooting at home or in a studio, don’t worry about this because you don’t need to carry your camera around, so it’s okay if it’s a bit heavier.

2. Mirrorless vs. DSLR: Which is Better for Self-Portrait Photography?

In the next section, let’s talk about the differences between mirrorless and DSLR cameras and which one is better for self portrait photography.

2.1 Differences in image quality and performance

First of all, it’s important to know how DSLR and mirrorless cameras actually work and how their mechanisms differ.

DSLRs use a mirror mechanism that reflects light into an optical viewfinder, which can result in slightly slower autofocus, especially in live view mode. 

However, DSLR cameras tend to offer longer battery life and (currently) a wider lens selection.

Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, are more compact and lightweight precisely because they don’t contain a mirror.

Instead, they use an electronic viewfinder that provides a real-time preview of exposure and depth of field.

What makes mirrorless cameras so great for self portrait photographers is that they often enable faster autofocus and a more accurate face and eye detection.

Hence, I tend to favour mirrorless cameras for self portraits.

2.2 Why some photographers still prefer DSLRs

I definitely know a lot of photographers who still prefer DSLRs for several reasons.

One key factor is their robustness and reliability; DSLRs often feature durable, weather-sealed bodies that can withstand harsh conditions. 

Additionally, as mentioned, DSLRs have an optical viewfinder that allows photographers to see a direct optical view of their subject.

This can be helpful in bright lighting conditions where electronic viewfinders might struggle.

Next, DSLRs generally offer a much longer battery life compared to mirrorless cameras, making them ideal for extended shoots or outdoor sessions. 

Finally, there’s a huge selection of lenses and accessories available for DSLRs – this is because DSLRs have been on the market for a lot longer.

2.3 DSLR vs. mirrorless – my verdict

I used to own a DSLR camera with which I shot all of my self portraits for several years.

However, switching to mirrorless has been a huge game changer for my photography because the images are much sharper and the autofocus is just so reliable.

Hence, I highly recommend you get a mirrorless camera, as well – I think that overall, it’s a better choice for self portrait photographers.

Before I get to my camera recommendations…did you know I’ve written a free e-book with 50 self portrait photography ideas? More info below:

…but now, back to the blog post!

3. Best Cameras for Self-Portrait Photography

After the theory out of the way, let’s finally talk about the best cameras for self-portrait photographers!

In the following sections, I share my favourite cameras for self portrait photographers and explain what I like about them.

3.1 Best Low-Price/Beginner Option: Canon EOS R100

Important features:

• mirrorless
• eye-detection AF
• WIFI/Bluetooth compatible
• 24.1MP APS-C sensor

What I like about this camera:

If you’re just starting out in photography or simply don’t have a big budget, I recommend this Canon camera.

Despite its lower price point, it has a lot of the essential features for self portrait photographers, including eye tracking autofocus and WIFI/Bluetooth compatibility.

It’s a great entry model to get you started on your self portrait photography journey.

You can buy it here: Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP

3.2 Best APS-C/Entry Level Option: Sony Alpha A6100

Important features:

• mirrorless
• super fast AF with real-time AF & object tracking
• 24 2MP APS-C sensor
• real-time AF tracking, real-time eye AF
• 3” touchscreen LCD

What I like about this camera:

This is an excellent entry-level/budget camera for beginners.

I love that this camera has eye tracking and offers the option to change the lenses.

Also, the real-time eye AF provides continuous eye tracking when shooting self portraits. The best thing: It works even when the face is partially hidden, backlit or down.

This camera also allows remote shooting via the Sony Imaging Edge mobile app thanks to WIFI/Bluetooth compatibility.

Just keep in mind that just like the low cost Canon model above, this is a crop sensor camera, meaning it will have a lower resolution than a full frame camera (hence the lower price point).

However, it’s a very high quality camera that will deliver beautifully sharp images.

Buy it here: Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens

Best APS-C/Entry Level Alternative: Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera

If you’re a Canon fan, you may like this APS-C/entry level alternative.

It’s a camera with similar features to the Sony Alpha A6100 and equally suitable for self-portrait photographers:

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens Kit, 24.2 Megapixel

3.3 Best Mid-Range Option: Panasonic LUMIX DC-S5

Important features:

• 24 MP full frame sensor
• high-speed, high-precision AF with face and eye detection
• fully compatible with L-mount lenses, meaning you can also use lenses by Leica Camera, Sigma and Panasonic
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth compatible – syncs with Lumix Sync App for remote shooting

What I like about this camera:

This camera is a full frame camera, meaning you get higher resolution images that will look great in print.

Also, it has all the main features that are so important for self portrait photographers, for example an excellent autofocus system with eye and face detection, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility.

Buy it here: Panasonic LUMIX DC-S5 S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera body

Best Mid-Range Alternative: Sony Alpha 7 III

I know there are a lot of Sony cameras in this list, but that’s because I simply find them to be the best cameras overall in terms of sharpness and image quality.

If you like Sony cameras, try this mid-level alternative which is a fantastic option for self-portrait photographers:

Sony Alpha 7 III | Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

3.4 Best Full Frame/Professional Option: Sony A7 IV

Important features:

• back-illuminated 33 megapixel full-frame imaging sensor
• Real-time eye AF
• Fast hybrid AF with improved speed and tracking
• captures beautiful detail in the shadows (ISO range 50-204800 for stills)
• vari-angle LCD monitor

What I like about this camera:

I wholeheartedly recommend this camera, and I know that it’s great because it’s the one I actually own and use at the moment.

I mostly love this camera because it has such a reliable, incredibly precise eye tracking autofocus – my self portraits have never been this sharp!

Also, the image quality is very high thanks to the 33MP full frame sensor.

The camera also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility so you can connect it to the remote shooting app Imaging Edge Mobile.

Buy the camera here: Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera

Here’s a great alternative to the Sony Alpha 7 IV if you prefer Canon cameras:

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera RF24-105mm

4. Best Camera Accessories for Enhancing Your Self-Portraits

Finally, let’s talk about some accessories that will greatly enhance your self portraits.

4.1 Tripod

The first essential is a tripod – of course, you can prop your camera against a stack of books or something, but using a tripod is simply so much easier (and safer).

Here are two options – a slightly lower priced one and a deluxe version.

CAMBOFOTO 74″-Camera-Tripod, Porfessional Aluminum Heavy Duty

Manfrotto Compact Advanced Aluminum 5-Section Tripod

4.2 Artificial Lighting

Next, you may want to consider using artificial lights for your self portraits. I promise you, this is way less complicated than it sounds.

If you need help with this, check out my post here with a crash course in artificial lighting for photography.

Once you’re ready to buy your gear, you can find my recommended products in this article.

4.3 Remote shutters/triggers

Traditionally, when taking self portraits, you would probably use a remote shutter/wired or wireless trigger.

However, with the above cameras, you won’t need it because they are all Wi-Fi/Bluetooth compatible and sync with a phone app for remote photography.

Nonetheless, you could still invest in a remote shutter if you like – I sometimes use one when my phone isn’t charged or I just want to take a few test shots. 

Just make sure to buy a remote shutter compatible with your camera model.

4.4 A word about lenses

I haven’t recommended any particular lenses in this post because the lens choice depends on your camera model and mounting system.

However, in general I would suggest you get one kit lens/zoom lens (they often come with your camera body).

Try something like 28 to 70 mm focal length – the wider angle is great for taking self portraits at home/in smaller spaces.

Additionally, a lens every photographer should own is a 50 mm prime lens. It will allow you to create a beautiful shallow depth of field and is very versatile.

5. Bonus Feature: If You Don’t Want to Use a Remote/Phone App

I recently got a message from a reader looking for a self portrait camera that doesn’t require a remote or phone app to trigger it.

Unfortunately, I don’t think there are currently any cameras with flipscreen, fast autofocus and gesture or voice control on the market (please comment if you know of one!).

However, there is a workaround, which is using the interval shooting function on your camera.

With interval shooting, you set:

• a start delay (e.g. 5 seconds so you can get in place)
• an interval (e.g. every 3–5 seconds)
• and a number of shots (e.g. 10–30 frames).

Then you just pose and let the camera shoot a sequence automatically.

Afterwards, you pick your favourite frame; it’s basically a “burst mode” for self-portraits.

Here are two cameras that have eye/face tracking autofocus, a flipscreen and interval shooting:

APS/Crop Sensor Option: Sony Alpha ZV-E10

Full Frame Option: Canon EOS R8

And finally…

Did you know I’ve written an in-depth guide about self portrait photography? More info below: