Best Cameras For Instagram – Smartphones, Mirrorless & Action Cameras
I’ve put together a list of the best cameras for Instagram for every kind of ‘grammer’. From action cameras for travel photography to fantastic smartphone cameras, you’ll find the perfect one for you.
Whether you’re using Instagram as an amateur or professional, you’ll know how important it is to have great photos. You’re documenting and exhibiting the highlights of your life, travels, or work to the world.
The best way to do that is with crisp, bold, interesting images that people are drawn to and connect with.
A great camera has therefore become increasingly important for us normal folk to have. Luckily, the options have also grown, and there are so many different cameras to choose from.
I’ve put together a list of the very best cameras for Instagram for every kind of ‘grammer’. From action cameras for travel photography to the best camera phone for Instagram, you’ll find the perfect one for you.
FAQs for the Best Camera for Instagram
What questions should you be asking yourself before you make your big choice? A camera, whether on a smartphone or digital, is a big investment, and you want to be sure to choose the right one for your needs and wants.
There are a few important questions to ask that will help you identify your perfect camera, so let’s jump right into it.
What Cameras do Instagram Bloggers Use?
Instagram bloggers all have their own preferences on what cameras they use. Some prefer camera phones, while others have a whole range of cameras they use for different situations and in different conditions.
Of course, you’ll also notice that all your favourite Insta-stars have a niche. Action/adventure bloggers will use the newest GoPros and drones to really capture the action. Foodie bloggers may enjoy the latest iPhone Pro Max. While vloggers will go for something with helpful video features like the Sony ZV-1.
So, the best tool is the one that suits you and your style (as in, photography style, although you’ve got to love when it matches your outfit). It’s all about angles, lighting and originality.
A good camera will bring what you’re seeing to life in a way that something subpar just can’t. But whatever you’re working with, it’s the personal touch that makes the biggest difference.
What to Look For in a Camera for Instagram
There are some basics to always look for in a camera, but when you’re shooting for Instagram, there are a few additional specs to focus on.
Before you make your choice, ask yourself, how easy will it be to transfer your photos to your phone? Will it be easy to carry around every day? Does it film well, and in Instagram’s vertical format?
So, let’s dig just a little deeper.
WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity
These features aren’t vital for every kind of photographer – many can just plug their camera in at the end of the day and transfer. However, if your focus is on Instagram, you’ll definitely want some easy connectivity.
WiFi and Bluetooth allow you to transfer photos from your camera to your phone while you’re on the go.
No returning to your home or hotel before you can upload and post! It’s vital if you’re keen on same-day posting, and handy even if you’re not.
Easy Portability
Of course, portability is another very important factor to look at. While a great big DSLR camera with a range of fancy lenses can create some awesome shots, it’s also really hard to carry it around all day, every day.
And what many photography greats will tell you is that the most important component of good photography is just being there, camera in hand.
So, having a chunky camera that you’d rather leave at home is not going to do a lot of good. You want something you can quickly whip out and snap with. The lighter the better (without sacrificing functionality).
Can it Film in Vertical Format?
The importance of this question depends on what kind of Insta feed you’re looking for. But the ability to film vertically comes in handy more often than you may think.
While traditional videos have always been wider than they are long, the rise of the smartphone and Instagram means that most of the time, people will be watching your videos in vertical.
If you’re interested in video, you want a camera that makes filming for a vertical format simple and easy.
Image Quality
One of the biggest factors to consider will always be image quality. If you want to get Insta-famous (or you’d just like to rock the Insta feed, followers or not) you don’t really want grainy, low-quality images.
While a lot of it depends on you as a photographer, good image quality is imperative. You’ll almost always get better quality from a camera, no matter how good your smartphone camera is.
But you’ll see I’ve recommended a few of the best phones for instagram photos – that’s because while they’re not as high resolution, phones are getting better and better, and the best of them offer more than enough for fantastic photos and videos.
That convenience factor can also outweigh the slight quality difference for many.
Budget
There’s never any avoiding it – your budget determines what you can buy. While it’s true that higher quality usually comes with a higher price tag, some cameras will give you a lot more bang for your buck.
For example, while smartphones can be pretty expensive, they’re a lot more than just a social media camera. So, the expense can be easily justified. The next time you’re going in for an upgrade may be the time to invest in a smartphone with great photography specs.
You should also always compare cameras, check their various specs, and make sure you’re getting the best for your budget.
Of course, if the cash is flowing (you can make it rain) and budget is no issue – for one, congrats for living the dream, and two, spend that money on a top-quality camera. You won’t regret the purchase.
Best Phones for Instagram
The fantastic thing about phone photography is its convenience. You can snap a shot, edit it and post without any in-between steps.
And you don’t have to carry around anything chunky – just that perfect pocket device you would never leave at home anyway.
Phone photographs are also quite different from camera images, and many people prefer them. So, even when you’re taking photos with your camera, you may end up preferring the ones you quickly took on your phone. Especially with these tips on smartphone travel photography.
You’ll also find, unsurprisingly, that phones have the best camera for selfies. Win! So, what are your best options for smartphone cameras in 2022?
IPhone Pro Max
Resolution: Triple 12MP Ultra-Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras
Video: 4K /1080p HD / 720p HD
Vertical filming: Yes
Connectivity: WiFi and data
Weight: 226 g
The iPhone Pro series is a bit of a revelation for photographers, allowing you to capture incredible shots on your smartphone. I recommend the iPhone Pro Max, simply because it’s slightly larger than the Pro, with a longer battery life, and better zoom.This is perhaps the best iPhone for Instagram.
While the differences are minor, you’ll find they come in handy when you’re populating your Insta feed with incredible photos.
Both the recent iPhone Pros (iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max) benefit from Apple’s recent computational photography upgrades.
Their Night Mode and difficult lighting responses are super helpful, allowing you to photograph in conditions many would struggle with. The Max’s larger camera sensor also lets in more light, making your photos really pop.
iPhone 11 Pro
Resolution: Triple 12MP Ultra-Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras
Video: 4K /1080p HD
Vertical filming: Yes
Connectivity: WiFi and data
Weight: 188 g
It’s not just the Max that works fantastically for Instagrammers. The previous iPhone Pro iteration – the iPhone 11 Pro – is also a great deal. Its versatile tri-camera system and long battery life will have you exploring all day, capturing your favourite moments.
This smartphone camera is also super easy to use, even if you want to try out the fancier ‘modes’ (and you do). It’s perfect for first-timers and non-professionals who still want top quality photos.
The iPhone 11 Pro also shoots brilliant action videos, with solid stabilisation and video editing features that just make it all so simple. This is definitely one of the best iPhones for instagram photos and videos.
Samsung S10+
Resolution: Triple 12MP Ultra-Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras
Video: 4K /1080p HD / 720p HD
Vertical filming: Yes
Connectivity: WiFi and data
Weight: 175 g
Since there’s a great big divide between Apple users and Apple avoiders, I’d be remiss to stick to only iPhones! They’re also certainly not the only smartphone that will give you a lit Insta feed.
The Samsung S10+ has terrific image quality and an Auto Mode that will allow even the newest Insta newbie to look like they’ve been doing this for years.
It isn’t groundbreaking, but you’re sure to enjoy its features. And you’ll very comfortably enhance your feed without breaking the bank or taking YouTube courses for a week. It’s also just a great phone, which is certainly an important factor!
Huawei P30 Pro
Resolution: 40MP Wide, 20MP Ultra-Wide, 8MP Telephoto cameras, 32MP Front camera
Video: 4K /1080p HD / 720p HD
Vertical filming: Yes
Connectivity: WiFi and data
Weight: 192 g
Another of the best smartphones for Instagram is the Huawei P30 Pro. Huawei has been delivering excellent phones for a while now, and the P30 Pro brings that excellence to its image quality.
The camera arrangement includes the classic 40-megapixel main camera, an ultra-wide and a telephoto lens. You’ll be able to really zoom in for some super cool shots, and your night photography will go up a notch or three.
While its telephoto (zoom) lens is not quite on par with the iPhone above, it’s a lot more bang for your buck.
Best Mirrorless Camera for Instagram
Mirrorless cameras are often best for travel. They’re lighter, faster and more compact than DSLRs, so the advantages are clear for our current purposes.
Olympus PEN E-PL10
Resolution: 16.1 MP Live MOS
Video: 4K Ultra HD
Vertical filming: No
Connectivity: WiFi and Bluetooth
Weight: 380 g
The Olympus PEN E-PL10 is a great entry-level camera for Insta photographers starting out. It’s compact and easy to use, with a good price tag. The WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity let you easily transfer images to your phone while you’re on the go.
This Olympus is also a perfect camera for vloggers and video feeds, with UHD 4K video capture, and good stabilization. So, you can add some exciting videos to your stories and your feed that’ll really make you stand out.
Canon EOS M50
Resolution: 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
Video: 4K/24p UHD video & 1080/60p and 720/120p HD video
Vertical filming: Yes
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and NFC with Bluetooth
Weight: 387 g
Another great entry-level camera on the market is the Canon EOS M50. It has many of the specs that make its Olympus competitor worthwhile, including 4K video and WiFi connectivity. If you want to step it up a notch from phone photography, this Canon is a fantastic next step.
This retro-looking camera is a bit bulkier than the other Instagram cameras we’ve looked at, but it looks great while at it.
Also, if you’re wanting to become a real pro, you can buy and experiment with different camera lenses to make things even more interesting and impressive.
Best Fujifilm Camera for Instagram
If you know me, you’ll know I love Fuji cameras for travel. They’re so well-geared to the varied kinds of photos you’ll be taking on the road, and do wonders for your Insta feed.
These are my two top recommendations for Fujifilm Instagram cameras.
Fujifilm X-T200
Resolution: 24.2MP APS-C size sensor
Video: 4K
Vertical filming: No
Connectivity: WiFi and Bluetooth
Weight: 370g
This compact little Fuji is great for lightweight travellers, at just 370g. It shines as a video camera, with a headphone port for better video control. It can also serve as a webcam, allowing you to shoot high-quality live videos for Instagram.
The Fujifilm X-T200 has a max resolution of 24MP, double what most cellphone cameras can offer. The timelapse and continuous shooting features will also come in handy.
Fujifilm X-S10
Resolution: 26MP X-Trans BSI-CMOS sensor
Video: DCI and UHD 4K capture
Vertical filming: No
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Weight: 465g
Kicking it up a notch, we’ve got the Fujifilm X-S10. This Fuji is an exciting mid-level camera that’s perfect for people a little less familiar with Fuji. It’s got a really accessible control layout and a generous grip.
It’s well-stabilised, and if you’re more accustomed to working with a phone, you’ll find the full articulated touch-sensitive LCD screen super helpful for video capture.
The Fujifilm X-S10 also borrows specs from Fuji’s much higher-budget cameras, allowing you to capture some really fantastic, richly coloured photos and video.
Best Camera for Instagram Travel Photography
If you’re looking for action shots and durability in your Instagram camera, these are the best options for you. They’re sure to capture your most adventurous escapades perfectly.
Sony ZV-1
Resolution: 20 MP 1” BSI CMOS sensor
Video: UHD 4K 30p
Vertical filming: Yes
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Weight: 294g
My favourite thing about this Sony camera is its brilliant image stabilisation. You can get smooth video quality even while walking, making it an Insta-explorers dream.
It’s geared towards video content creation, with a solid microphone that will ensure that you’re not chatting away happily and later find you can hardly hear a thing. The dedicated articulating screen also allows you to view yourself while filming, even when the camera is pointed your way.
It’s also got really solid image specs, so if you’re looking for the best camera for instagram photos and videos, the Sony ZV-1 is a sure thing.
The video below is my detail review of the Sony ZV-1
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
Resolution: 20MP 1″-type Stacked CMOS sensor
Video: 4K/30p and 1080/60p
Vertical filming: Yes
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Weight: 304 g
Another camera perfect for on-the-go bloggers and Insta-vloggers, the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III allows you to live stream video.
Its vertical video capture, microphone socket and built-in live YouTube streaming support make it absolutely ideal for video. It is, however, important to note that there’s a 10-minute limit on filming, so if you’re looking to live stream for hours, this isn’t for you.
This Canon is a lightweight, easy camera for professional photography newbies, and is a sure step up from smartphone photography.
GoPro Hero 9
Resolution: 20MP
Video: 5K/30p, 4K60p, 2.7K/120p
Vertical filming: No
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Weight: 158g
The GoPro Hero 9 is certainly the best action camera on the market, with a long list of benefits for anyone interested in adding more adventurous content to their Instagram feed.
This GoPro shoots in 5k video, giving you even clearer, bolder detail. Its front display is very handy for vlogging, allowing you to see yourself as you film. Its long battery life is also very valuable, enabling you to spend longer capturing every moment.
You’re also sure to enjoy its additional features. It’s waterproof up to 10m, so you could even take it snorkelling. It has 3 microphones with great wind-noise reduction. And fourteen commands can be voice-activated, so you can even use it while your hands are otherwise occupied!
So, What’s The Best Camera For Your Instagram Feed?
If you’re looking to start your Instagram game strong, or kick it up a notch, one of these cameras will get the job done.
There are so many exciting options, it’s a difficult choice to make! But whether you choose the best phone camera for Instagram, or a top-of-the-range mirrorless camera, you’re sure to make your Insta feed pop. I hope my guide has helped you make your exciting decision.