Dad holding daughter while a Canon camera photographs them | Best cameras for family photographers

Best Canon Camera for Family Photography | Advice From a Family Photographer

I’ve been in the family photography business for over 10 years and I’ve learned a lot about what Canon camera works best for different levels of photography from beginner to advanced. There are a lot of things to consider when selecting the right camera for your business: price, performance, photo quality, etc. so I’m going to break it down for you here. I’m also going to talk about my experience with each specific camera I’m recommending, or a friend’s experience with it if I haven’t used it. Only real-life examples, here! I hope this helps you decide what is the best camera to get for your family photography business!

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, but only for products that I would recommend. If you buy through them, I’ll earn some cash for coffee (or tea). But don’t worry, I’ll use that energy to create more helpful content for you!

Updated January 2025 to keep up with new tech!

Why Canon over Nikon, Sony, etc?

I’m a Canon girl through and through and that is mainly because of the colors. There is just something special about Canon’s colors that can’t be found with other brands. I’ve always used Canon for my family photography business so this is what I am used to seeing. A couple of years ago, I thought it would be a great idea to try out Sony, so I bought a mirrorless Sony camera and used it for a couple of weeks. I absolutely hated it. Lol. It felt boxy and weird in my hands unlike the smooth, curved lines of a Canon. The colors were so desaturated and wonky, nothing like what I was used to. I tried everything to make the colors look right to me, but it just wasn’t the same. So I sent it back and stuck with Canon! Maybe if I had never used a camera before, I would be fine with other brands, but once you go Canon, you most likely won’t like anything else.

Crop Sensor vs Full Frame Camera

You have an important decision to make: Should you get a crop sensor or a full frame camera? A crop sensor is less expensive, but it’s definitely not going to perform as well. It will crop in the edges of your photo, so if you put a 35mm lens on your crop sensor camera, it will look closer to a 50mm lens. Which means that if you were looking for a focal length of closer to 35mm (which I personally love for family photography), you’d need to get a 24mm lens.

A full frame camera also has a greater depth of field, so you will get a more blurred background. A crop sensor it’s not going to do as well in low-light situations, so you will need to raise your ISO to let in more light, which will result in a more noisy photo. A full frame can handle higher ISOs much better, and also lets in more light than a crop sensor.

Another thing to think about is the dynamic range, which is the range of the darkest and brightest parts of an image. A crop sensor has a smaller dynamic range, so if you want to try and save the detail in the sky, while still keeping your subjects properly exposed, that will be harder to do. With a full frame, you have more room to save the lights and the darks if you overexpose or underexpose an image.

If you are just starting out in the family photography world, you may be considering a crop sensor camera because they are cheaper, which you can definitely do. Just know that you will probably want to upgrade as soon as possible. Any lenses that you buy that are specifically for a crop sensor (APS-C) will not work on a full frame, but full frame lenses will work on your crop sensor (so stick with full frame lenses if you plan to upgrade).

DSLR Camera vs Mirrorless Camera

Another choice you have when looking for the best camera for a family photographer is whether to get a DSLR camera or go mirrorless. I’ll start by saying that mirrorless cameras are amazing for many reasons and if you can afford one, I would highly recommend it. It’s where all the companies are putting their energy, so all the new technology is going this way. But if you aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into the mirrorless world, there are still some really great DSLR choices out there.

DSLR cameras are a great option if you are looking to save money because you can usually find great deals. They also have a longer battery life than mirrorless cameras.

Mirrorless cameras are typically smaller and more lightweight, which is great for a family photographer who is chasing around little kids!

Mirrorless cameras will also show you an exposure preview when you look through the viewfinder, so it’s easier to be sure you have your settings right. With a DSLR, you are seeing exactly what you see with the naked eye when you look through the viewfinder, so the only way to know if your exposure is looking right is to look at the LCD screen. Mirrorless cameras are also great if you shoot into the sun a lot! When you’re looking through a mirrorless camera’s digital viewfinder, it is totally safe for your eyes, but when you’re looking through a DSLR’s viewfinder, you can still damage your eyes if you look at the sun.

Mirrorless cameras typically have much more advanced autofocus, with some cameras detecting the eyes of your subject automatically. I’ve found this especially useful when photographing energetic families. They also usually have more focus points for a more accurate focus.

If you decide to get a mirrorless camera, you can still use lenses that were made for DSLR cameras (EF mount) on a mirrorless camera (RF mount) with an adapter. And in my experience (and many other family photographers), those lenses surprisingly perform better with an adapter on a mirrorless camera than on a DSLR!

What camera is best for a family photography business?

Time to get into my recommendations for the best cameras for family photographers! All of the cameras I talk about will be Canon because that is what I use and love. I’ll talk about the cameras I have personally used and then a couple of others that some of my family photography friends have recommended and said good things about.

A family photographer holing the Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera and walking down a hallway
Photo of me with my Canon EOS R5

Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera – My Favorite Camera for Advanced Family Photographers

45 Megapixels

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I recently upgraded to this camera and it is amazing! Yes, it’s expensive and definitely not needed if you are just starting your photography business but if you’re a more seasoned photographer looking to upgrade your camera then you may want to consider this. The biggest reason why I love it so much is because the autofocus is SO GOOD. I could shoot from my hip if I wanted to and it would figure out where to focus. I also create family films, and this camera has great video quality with options to shoot in 8K (not that I ever need it!).

The file sizes with this camera are huge, so it takes up a ton of storage on your computer, which is a bit of a disadvantage and the reason I held out for so long. But the cool thing about that is if you do need to crop your photo, it’s not really a big deal. The photo will still be plenty large enough to print.

This camera has dual card slots, so you’re covered if one of your cards gets corrupted. There are two different card slots on this camera, one is a standard SD card slot, and the other is CF Express (type B). CF Express cards are much more expensive than SD cards, but you can get away with just owning one (or maybe two) and formatting often (This is what I do, write to both cards and save all the photos on the SD cards until I deliver them to the client).

Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera – Good Overall Camera For Family Photography

20.1 Megapixels

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A lot of family photographers who don’t want to shell out the big bucks for the R5 will get the R6 instead. They are very similar cameras but the R6 has a much smaller file size. Some might say too small. The RAW photos are 8192×5464 on the R5 and 5472×3648 on the R6. My worry with this is if the photos needed to be cropped, it would make the file size smaller and not able to print as large. With the R6 files, you can expect to print up to 27×18 at 300 dpi. You could get away with printing a little larger but you will start to lose quality. I personally have photography clients who want to make large prints for their walls, and I’m afraid the file size won’t be big enough so that is the main reason why I didn’t buy this camera.

I have also heard lots of photographers say that the battery life on this camera is pretty bad. They typically can’t get through an entire session without changing the battery. If you get this camera, you will need to have multiple batteries charged and on-hand.

The R6 has the same focus system as the R5, so you can expect to have amazing autofocus capabilities. This camera also has two memory card slots, and both are SD. I have lots of photographer friends who use this camera and love it so if you aren’t worried about making large prints, then this would be a great camera for your family photography business.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera (R6M2) – Great Overall Camera For Family Photography

24.2 Megapixels

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The R6M2 is very similar to the R6, but the larger megapixels make it pretty much perfect in my eyes. The only thing holding me back from thinking the R6 was perfect was the smaller file size, so here comes the newer version to the rescue! The r6M2 has a file size of 6016 x 4016.

The battery life on this updated version is better, as well! The auto eye tracking is also better because it tracks the entire screen rather than a smaller area on the R6.

This would be my overall pick for someone who wants an amazing camera for their family photo business and doesn’t need or want to deal with the huge file sizes of the R5. If this camera had been released when I bought my R5s, I probably would have bought this one instead.

A family photographer sitting on a log and smiling while holding a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera
It’s me again! This time with my Canon EOS R camera

Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera – The Middle-Ground Camera

30.3 Megapixels

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This is the first mirrorless camera that I bought for family photography and still have it today! I currently use two R5 cameras, but this one is now my backup. The reason why I decided to buy this camera over the R6 and R5 was mainly to do with the price and file size. The R’s file size is between the R5 and R6 (first version), with the photo dimensions being 6720 x 4480. The price is also between those two cameras, as well.

Disadvantages: the R doesn’t have the updated focus system like the other mirrorless cameras above do, so it misses focus more often when using the autofocus feature. It also only has one memory card slot (SD), so if a card fails on you, you’re out of luck. I don’t photograph events so I decided to take the chance back when I used this camera. It also doesn’t have as high of a dynamic range as the cameras above have but I have still found it to be great, and much better than any Canon DSLR I’ve ever owned before this one (and a big upgrade from the 6DM2 that I was using before I got this camera).

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera – The Budget Mirrorless Camera

24.2 Megapixels

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If you want a nice starter camera but are on a budget, this is a good option, but you will have to make some sacrifices to keep your costs down. It has a crop sensor, which means it won’t be as great in low light and it will crop the focal length of your lenses. For example, if you put a 35mm lens on, it will become a 56mm lens. There is also only one card slot. But, even though it’s cheaper than the aforementioned EOS R, it actually has a better autofocus system more similar to the one in the R6. So you win some and you lose some.

The Canon R50 doesn’t have stabilization built in, so you will have to use a higher shutter speed to get a stabile image, which means low light situations can get difficult. The crop sensor also adds to the difficulty. So if you plan to do in-home sessions, this may not be the best choice unless you like a lot of noise. But for outdoor photos, this is a solid choice for the photographer on a budget. It’s also small and lightweight, making it really easy to travel with!

This camera is sort of weird because it has it’s own type of lens mount called the EF-M. You can get budget lenses in this mount, but you can also get an adapter so you can use EF lenses. So even though it’s a mirrorless, you can’t use the Canon mirrorless lenses (RF) with it.

Some people might be tempted to save even more money and get the R100, but I urge you to skip that one! The R100 doesn’t have a touch screen or an articulating screen, which is useful for taking photos from up high or down low. The R100 also doesn’t have the updated autofocus system and that alone is worth the price difference. So the R50 is where it’s at!

Canon 6D Mark II DSLR Camera (6DM2) – Smartest Choice for Beginner to Intermediate Family Photographers Not Ready For Mirrorless

26 Megapixels

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If you are looking for a cheaper camera and for some reason don’t want to upgrade to mirrorless just yet, this would be my recommendation to you (although the R mirrorless camera is actually cheaper right now and is better!). The 6DM2 is a great camera for a beginner or intermediate family photographer, as I used this one before I upgraded to my mirrorless EOS R and it served me well. It does pretty well in low light and can handle higher ISOs than a cropped sensor can without introducing too much grain (although a mirrorless camera is obviously better). The 6DM2 has 45 autofocus points, which is much better than the original 6D that only had 11 (which is why I’m not recommending that camera here, but I did own it long ago and it was good enough for a beginner photographer).

Yes, there is an entire 5D line but considering prices and specs, you may as well go mirrorless or stick to the 6DM2. I found the 6DM2 to perform better in low light than the 5D mark iii, and if you were going to spend the money on a 5D mark iv, you should get a mirrorless camera instead.

Canon EOS RebelT7 – Crop Sensor Non-Mirrorless Option for Beginner Family Photographers

24.1 Megapixels

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This is my crop sensor, non-mirrorless camera recommendation if you need to save money but still have a good camera to get you started with your family photography business. I would only recommend going this route if you plan to only photograph families outside. Indoor photography definitely requires a camera that can work with low light situations and a crop sensor just isn’t going to cut it (unless you plan to use a flash). If you plan to take video, I also would go with a better camera, but this one is great for basic photography. I would suggest buying it without the kit lens that it comes with because you will want to spend your money on a better lens than that. The next step above this camera would be the Rebel T8i, but for just a little more you could get the 6DM2 I mentioned above so that is why I’m not recommending the T8i. But honestly, I would pay the additional $100 or so to get the R50 instead because it’s mirrorless and will have better auto focus.

Frequently Asked Questions about Canon Cameras

Choosing the right camera can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you’re busy capturing all those sweet, messy, and joyful family moments. Having the right gear makes all the difference. This FAQ is here to help you figure out which one might be your perfect match for family photography. Let’s dive into your most asked questions!

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Canon’s Autofocus system?

Strengths of Canon’s Autofocus Systems

Canon cameras are rock stars when it comes to autofocus, especially the newer mirrorless models. They’re built with smart subject tracking, which means you can nail focus even when your subjects are on the move. So if kids are being wild, Canon’s autofocus is there to make sure your shots are crisp and clear, no matter the chaos.

Weaknesses of Canon’s Autofocus Systems

If you’re using Canon’s RF mount cameras, the selection of third-party lenses (non-Canon brands) is still catching up. Canon has only recently opened the door for other manufacturers to create lenses for these models. That means fewer budget-friendly lens options right now. But don’t worry, the lineup is growing, and there are still plenty of amazing choices out there for all budgets. Plus, you can throw on an adapter and still use your EF lenses!

What makes Canon cameras a great choice for family photographers?

Canon cameras are packed with features that make them easy to use, reliable, and perfect for capturing all those sweet family moments. No matter what level you’re at, here are some highlights:

  • Comfortable to use: Designed with ergonomic grips and intuitive controls, these cameras feel great in your hands—even during longer sessions.
  • Easy navigation: User-friendly menus and well-placed buttons make adjusting settings a breeze. Mirrorless cameras even allow you to change the functions of any button.
  • Versatile screens: Many models have fully adjustable touchscreens that tilt, twist, and flip out, perfect for creative angles.
  • Beautiful colors: Canon cameras are loved for their warm, natural tones that make skin look amazing.
  • Fast focus: Dual Pixel autofocus is a standout for its speed and accuracy, even when kids are on the move.

Which is best for family photography: Mirrorless or DSLR

Both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras can be a good choice, but the choice comes down to what matters most to you.

  • DSLRs are known for their longer battery life and classic design with an optical viewfinder (so you’re looking directly at the scene). They’re often a bit bulkier, which can be a downside when you’re chasing kids around. They’re becoming outdated, with all the new lenses being for mirrorless.
  • Mirrorless cameras are lighter and more compact, making them easier to carry during long sessions. They also tend to have cutting-edge features like faster autofocus and better video quality. There are budget mirrorless cameras with less features for the money-conscious photographer.

For family photographers, I’d lean toward mirrorless if you want something lightweight with all the latest tech. But if you prefer the feel of a DSLR, it’s still a solid choice that gets the job done beautifully.

Do I need a full-frame camera for family photography?

Not necessarily! While full-frame cameras are amazing for their dreamy shallow depth of field and fantastic low-light performance, a crop sensor (APS-C) camera can still deliver stunning family photos.

  • Full-frame is great if you often shoot in dim light or want that extra professional edge with depth and detail.
  • Crop sensor cameras are smaller, lighter, and usually more budget-friendly, which is a huge plus for newer family photographers.

If you’re just starting out or want a lightweight option, a crop sensor camera will serve you well. Full-frame is a nice upgrade if you’re ready to invest in the best of the best!

What accessories should I have for family photography?

A few handy accessories can make your life so much easier during a family session. Here’s my go-to list:

  • Extra memory cards – You don’t want to run out of space when the kids are finally comfortable in front of the camera!
  • Spare batteries – Sessions can run long, so I always have extra batteries even though I have never needed one 😉
  • A comfy camera strap or harness – I personally love a scarf strap when I have one camera and a Holdfast harness when I have two.
  • A cleaning cloth – For those inevitable bits of dust on your lens.
  • A blanket – I always bring along a blanket for snuggling, sitting on, warming someone up, or playing games with!

What lens should I use for family photos?

The right lens depends on your style, but a versatile option like a 35mm or 50mm prime or a zoom lens can handle most family photography needs. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve broken down my favorite lenses for family sessions in detail.

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I hope this helps you decide on the best Canon camera for your family photography business, whether you’re a beginner or an expert! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below and I’ll answer them as best as I can. Thanks for reading and happy shopping!

*Note: The list goes on, but these are some of the best cameras for family photography businesses, in my opinion. I try to keep this article updated when new cameras come out, too!

More articles for family photographers:

The Best Canon Lenses for Family Photographers
Mistakes to avoid when starting a family photography business
Starting a Family Photography Business Checklist: Everything You Need to Know

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31 Comments

  1. what camera do you recommend for someone who doesn’t necessarily want to start a business but wants to be able to take nice pictures of Their own family?

    1. That really depends on you and how much you want to spend. The answer is probably in this article but you have to make the decision based on what your needs are 🙂

    1. Honestly, I haven’t looked into the RP enough to say. I remember when I was initially researching a mirrorless, I ruled out the RP right away because I wanted something better and I don’t know of anyone who uses it so I didn’t include it. Sorry that wasn’t more help!

  2. Hello! I have the Canon EOS RebelT7, would you recommend I get the nifty 50 instead of using either of the lenses it came with? Thanks!

  3. I want a new canon! Why does T7 now come with vivatar lenses? I know it will not be canon quality!! What’s your opinion? Would the lenses be ok for someone that is just playing around with photography?? Scared about this purchase? It’s really a good deal on QVC!! Thank You, D

    1. I’ve never used a Vivitar lens so it’s hard to say. But if the price is good, you can buy the camera and then upgrade the lens when you can!

  4. When I bought my first DSLR, a Canon 5D III, in December 2013 (yea, late bloomer), I wanted to stick with full frame because that’s how I started in photography with my Canon A-1 in 1980; there was no A0S-C film. It may have been the 56 rolls of B&W film that I shot in 2012 that convinced my wife about the 5D instead of a Rebel T6. July 2013, I bought one of my “bucket list” cameras, a used Canon F-1N with AE Motor Drive FN and AE Finder FN. She asked “Is that their flagship camera?” I answered “Yes, for 5he ’80s.” She said “Buy it.”

  5. I’m considering upgrading my camera and going professional in the photography world. I’m looking at the Canon EOS R5 or the Canon EOS Mark 6 II. I would need to start a new lens collection as well to offer family, Branding Personal, Business, and Interior. I’m wondering about your suggestion on 2-3 lenses to start and go for the EOS R5 or a little cheaper option and get a more expensive extra lens? Thanks alot!

  6. I want my first canon strictly for outdoor photos of the kids.
    Which is best I can’t afford an expensive one.
    I’m so tired of google please help😊

    1. There are lots of options so it just depends on what you want to do. If it’s just for personal use then you don’t need something super expensive. One of the Canon Rebels would be sufficient and you could even buy used! Ebay is iffy but usually you can find refurbished cameras on reputable sites like Adorama and B&H 🙂

  7. Hi! Thank you so much for this amazing article! I wonder about your opinion on R8 for someone who is not going to start a photography business (too late) but has a passion for portraits.

    1. I haven’t tried out the R8 but I’m sure it’s a great camera also! I plan to test it out later this month at a photography conference so I can update this blog then 🙂

  8. What photo editing programs do you use and what computer did you purchase to store images and do the editing?

  9. Hey! I’m looking into getting into photography because I find myself always paying someone to take pictures of my kids and I would love to learn to photograph and edit myself and eventually venture out to doing sessions for extra income. I guess my problem is I don’t know if I should go ahead and Invest in a 1000$ + camera or go cheap? I just hate to get a cheaper one and realize I love photography and need a better camera .. quality is everything to me and I know how picky I am about who takes our pictures so I want to make sure and research before I waste money on a laptop/camera that’s no good. What would you recommend☺️

    1. That’s a tough one because you haven’t really tried it out yet and determined if you love it or not. You could look into getting a used/refurbished camera on a reputable site to save you money. But not used from some random person because you just never know. One thing I want to point out is that is is WAY harder to take photos of your own kids and people you know well than it is to take photos of kids you don’t know. When they don’t know you, they listen better. Haha. It’s a fact! Taking your own family photos is typically really difficult because there’s no one behind the camera to get the reactions out of them that you want. Even though I’m a photographer myself, I always pay someone else to take our family photos.

  10. Objek foto dengan cahaya dari depan biasanya gelap. Foto foto anda terlihat terang. Apakah anda menggunakan reflektor atau flash? Teknik pemotretannya bagaimana? Terima kasih

    1. I translated your comment and this is what google translate told me you said, “Photo objects with light from the front are usually dark. Your photos look bright. Do you use a reflector or flash? What is the shooting technique? Thank You” No I don’t use a reflector or flash, I just make sure to put my subjects in a spot with good light, facing towards the open sky. Because the sky will reflect back onto them. If they were facing towards a bunch of tall trees, those trees would block the light from the sky and that’s when subjects look dark and have unwanted shadows. I hope that helps!

  11. This post was incredibly helpful. I am consider the Canon R6 Mark II and you helped solidify my decision. Question: do you find it challenging to get the camera to focus on multiple faces simultaneously for a group shot? Thanks for your time!

    1. The way focus works is that it can only choose one focus point at a time, not several. So it will choose one person to focus on, but then you can easily select a different person by touching the screen if you didn’t like the focus point the camera chose. Focus falls back, so it’s usually best to choose the person closest to the camera to focus on. Unless you have like 4 or more rows of people, and then you may want to choose the second row, but usually you pick the closest.

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