Best cameras for Instagram in 2021

Reviews

Best cameras for Instagram in 2021

DPReview Latest

Updated Nov 2022

Although smartphones are the default choice, a lot of the most attractive lifestyle photographs on platforms such as Instagram are shot using 'traditional' cameras.

We've chosen a selection of models that make it easier to shoot high-quality, compelling lifestyle images, whatever you intend to use them for. We've considered the need to offer a pleasant degree of background blur, the availability of wide-angle lenses and the ease with which they'll focus on people.

Best camera for Instagram: Nikon Z5

What we like:

Excellent image quality
Superb build quality
Effective image stabilization

What we don't:

4K video has heavy crop
Heavy-handed high ISO noise reduction
Noticeable rolling shutter

The Nikon Z5 is one of the most affordable full-frame cameras on the market and it's certainly one of our favorites. The Sony a7 ii has many more affordable lens options, but the Nikon is much more focused and much nicer to shoot with. A large sensor makes it easy to get that authentic shallow-depth-of-field look.

If you're feeling the pull of video, whether it's YouTube or Instagram's enthusiasm for 'Reels,' the Nikon Z6 II is the better choice, but the Z5, which uses the same unusually good 'SnapBridge' app for image transfer to your phone, is our principle recommendation.

As a less costly option: Fujifilm X-S10

What we like:

Excellent image quality
Well-built with a large grip
In-body stabilization
Oversampled 4K video

What we don't:

AF tracking not as good as peers
Small electronic viewfinder
So-so battery life

The Fujifilm X-S10 is built around a smaller sensor than the Nikon, but a wide selection of comparatively affordable bright prime lenses means there's not necessarily a big drop in image quality. The 'kit' 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 OIS lens gives you good results straight out of the box, but the likes of the 23mm F2.0 or Sigma's 16mm F1.4 expand the X-S10's capabilities significantly.

We're not sure the added build quality or more advanced video of the X-T4 give it enough of a boost over the X-S10 if social media is your primary target. So, as much as we like the bigger camera, we'd suggest saving your money for extra lenses.

Also consider:

These are the other models we considered when selecting our recommendation:

Why should you trust us?

Our Buying Guides are based on extensive use and testing of the cameras included. We only recommend cameras once we know how they compare to their peers in a variety of shooting situations. All selections are made solely by our editorial and video teams and are the models we'd buy or recommend to friends and family. We gain no financial advantage from recommending one camera over another, either as individuals or as a business.

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