If you are an equine photographer, or if you are thinking about becoming one, then you will need to find the best cameras for equine photography.
Photographing horses can be a challenge, as they are large, powerful animals, and they often move around quickly. It can be difficult to get them to stand still long enough for you to snap a good photo.
However, with some patience, having the right camera, and practice, you can get some great shots of these magnificent creatures. And when it comes to choosing the right camera for equine photography, you need to consider a few things.
There are many different factors to consider when purchasing a camera for equine photography. You want to find a camera that is durable enough to handle the outdoor elements, yet still produces high-quality images.
In this guide, we will take a look at what you need to consider when choosing a camera for equine photography, and we will also provide some recommendations for the best cameras on the market in 2024.
Looking for a quick answer? In short, the best cameras for Equine Photography to capture your horse’s beauty are the highly rated Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera and the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300.
Contents
Features of the Best Cameras for Equine Photography
When it comes to choosing the right camera for equine photography, you need to consider a few things:
Camera with good low-light performance
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a camera for equine photography is low-light performance.
You’ll want to look for a camera that can produce clear, noise-free images in low light, as this will allow you to capture beautiful photos of horses in a variety of lighting conditions.
A camera with good low-light performance will also be able to shoot at high ISO settings without producing too much noise, so this is an important factor to keep in mind.
Good Burst Mode
Another important factor to consider when choosing a camera for equine photography is burst mode. This is the ability of the camera to take multiple shots in quick succession, and it’s important for capturing action shots of horses.
Horses are notoriously difficult to photograph in motion, so a camera with good burst mode performance will be a valuable asset.
Look for a camera that can take at least 5-10 shots per second in burst mode, as this will allow you to capture the perfect photo of a horse in action.
Fast and Efficient Autofocus
Autofocus is another important consideration when choosing a camera for equine photography. Horses are constantly moving, so you’ll need a camera that can keep up with their fast pace.
Look for a camera with fast and efficient autofocus, as this will allow you to capture sharp, clear photos of horses in motion.
Focusing the camera manually can be very difficult when photographing horses, so it’s important to find a camera with good autofocus performance.
Lens Selection
When it comes to equine photography, lens selection is important. As mentioned earlier horses are constantly moving, and keeping them in frame can be difficult.
So it is important the camera you choose either already has a decent lens attached or if you choose an interchangeable-lens camera, it has a good selection of lenses available for purchase.
A telephoto lens is a good choice for equine photography, as it will allow you to zoom in on your subject and keep them in the frame.
A wide-angle lens can also be a good choice for equine photography, as it will allow you to capture more of the horse in your frame.
There are a variety of lens choices available for equine photography, so it’s important to select the right one for your needs. We have also provided a list of the best lenses for equine photography in a separate blog post.
Weather Sealing
Last but not least, you’ll want to consider weather sealing when choosing a camera for equine photography.
This might be an optional feature for some people, but if you plan on photographing horses in all kinds of weather conditions, it’s a good idea to choose a camera that is weather sealed.
This will allow you to continue shooting in all kinds of conditions, without having to worry about your camera getting damaged by the elements.
There are a variety of cameras on the market that offers weather sealing, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs.
These are just a few of the important factors to consider when choosing a camera for equine photography. If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect camera for your needs.
And With these factors in mind, here are our picks for the best cameras for equine photography in 2024.
5 Best Cameras for Equine Photography in 2024
Now that you know what to look for in a camera, let’s take a look at some of our top picks for equine photography.
1. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
If you’re looking for an entry-level DSLR camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a great option. It’s affordably priced, easy to use, and image stabilization features make it great for beginner equine photographers.
The EOS Rebel T7 camera features a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, a three-inch fixed LCD screen, and a Digic 4+ image processor. It’s also compatible with Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses and includes an 18-55mm Lens.
It has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to 12800. The lens also features image stabilization which is great for shooting in low light or when your subject is moving.
The camera also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing and transferring of files. The 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF make it easy to keep your subject in focus, while the optical viewfinder with 95% viewing coverage helps you frame your shot perfectly. And if you want to use your Canon camera as a webcam, the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software makes it easy to do just that.
If you’re interested in Nikon cameras then there is D5100, which is a great entry-level DSLR as well and available at the same price as T7.
On the drawback side, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 doesn’t feature a touch screen, Slow 3fps burst rate, and if you already have an entry-level camera then it’s better to go for one of the cameras mentioned below. But overall, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a great entry-level DSLR camera and our top pick for the best cameras for equine photography.
2. Panasonic LUMIX FZ300
If you’re interested in looking at options other than Nikon and Canon manufactured by the company with the same value and quality, LUMIX FZ300 from Panasonic is one of the best cameras on the market you can get for equestrian photography.
Panasonic is a well-known brand among photographers who value both image quality and ruggedness in their gear.
Speaking of Lumix Fz300 features a 12.1-megapixel sensor, 4K video, and a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 24x zoom lens with a fast f/2.8 aperture.
The FZ300 is weather-sealed and freezeproof, making it a great choice for outdoor and action photography. It also has a 5-axis image stabilization system that helps to reduce blur from handheld video and still images.
The camera’s autofocus system is quick and accurate, and it can shoot at up to 12 fps. The FZ300 is a great all-around camera for travel, wildlife, and horse photography.
3. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
If you’re looking for THE BEST camera for equine photography, look no further than the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a full-frame DSLR camera that offers incredible image quality, superb low-light performance, and fast shooting speeds. It’s a great choice for those looking for a camera that can do it all, from capturing stunning still photos to shooting 4K videos.
Speaking of the features that make the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV ideal for equine photography, let’s start with its image quality.
The 5D Mark IV features a 30.4-megapixel sensor that produces stunningly detailed images. It also has a great ISO range(100-32000; expandable up to 50-102400), meaning you can shoot in low light conditions without sacrificing image quality. And if you need to shoot video, the 5D Mark IV can shoot 4K video at 24 or 30 fps and HD video at up to 120 fps.
But what really sets the 5D Mark IV apart from other cameras is its autofocus system. The 5D Mark IV features a 61-point autofocus system with 41 cross-type points. This means that it can quickly and accurately focus on moving subjects, making it perfect for capturing those split-second moments.
The camera can shoot at up to 7 fps in burst mode, meaning you can capture a sequence of photos in a matter of seconds. It also has a Dual Pixel CMOS sensor that enables fast and accurate autofocusing when shooting video or taking photos in live view mode.
Overall this is the perfect camera in my opinion for anyone looking for a versatile camera that can do it all, from shooting stunning photos to capturing amazing video. If you’re serious about equine photography, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the camera you need.
4. Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
If you’re looking for a full-frame mirrorless camera that can do it all, look no further than the Canon EOS R5.
This powerful camera is capable of 8K video recording, 45-megapixel full-frame image capture, and high-speed continuous shooting of up to 12 fps with a mechanical shutter. Plus, with Canon’s deep learning technology, it can even track people and animals for stunningly accurate subject tracking.
And with dual memory card slots, you’ll be able to store all your photos and videos with ease. Plus, the Canon EOS R5 is even compatible with the RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens, making it the perfect camera for equine photography.
The camera also features a weather-sealed design, making it resistant to both dust and moisture. So, whether you’re shooting in the arena or out on the trail, you can rest assured that your camera will be able to handle the elements. And with a variety of lens options available, you’ll be able to find the perfect lens for your needs.
So, whether you’re looking for a wide-angle lens for capturing sweeping landscapes or a telephoto lens for getting up close and personal with your subject, the Canon EOS R5 has you covered.
If you can invest over $3000 on a camera body, the Canon EOS R5 is definitely the way to go. With its impressive video capabilities, high-resolution image sensor, and fast shooting speed, it’s a camera that is sure to help you take your photography to the next level.
5. Nikon D7500
Last but not least on our list of the best cameras for horse photography is the Nikon D7500.
The Nikon D7500 is a high-end DX-format DSLR camera that offers excellent image quality, 4K video recording, and advanced features like SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
With a 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor, the D7500 is capable of capturing stunning photos and videos with ease. It also has a fast 8 fps shooting speed, making it perfect for capturing action-packed moments.
The 3.2-inch 922k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD is great for framing and reviewing your shots, and the camera’s 51-point autofocus system ensures that you’ll always be able to capture sharp images.
With Native ISO 51200 and expanded ISO 1,640,000, the Nikon D7500 is capable of capturing great photos in low-light conditions which is important for horse photography.
Overall Nikon d7500 offers great value for the money, especially considering its features, robustness, and performance. If you’re looking for a high-end DSLR camera that won’t break the bank, the Nikon D7500 is a great option.
Everything you need for equine photography
Aesthetic and elegant photos never come only by having the best equine camera for photography. From preparing your horses to getting the right equipment. You need to pass through a process.
Read this section to know all you need for equine photography.
Gears
The way you prepare yourself with proper gear before traveling or skiing, the same case is here. Have the best prime lenses, tripod stands, remote shutters, batteries, and SD memory cards for the best results.
Depending on what camera you have will decide which lens to have. Also, equip yourself with backup batteries to shoot without any breaks and worries.
Studio setup
Whether you are shooting the horses indoor or outdoor, a studio setup is the first step. First, clean the background and remove the extra objects. Add some background props to enhance the looks of the studio.
Million-dollar advice; prefer having a mobile studio instead of a permanent one as you will be shifting it as frequently as your horse moves. Don’t add such props that can irritate the horse. Keep the cables aside; make sure the horse doesn’t stumble upon them.
Prepare your model
Give your horse a grooming session before having the high-class photoshoot with the best camera for equine photography. Wash the body, trim the extra grown hooves, and apply a skin shiner (after consulting with an equestrian).
Also, wash the saddle if your horse uses one. If you are shooting along with your horse, wearing matching colors could be a good option to look ethereal.
Lighting
Not having adequate lighting means you will be facing more troubles. Don’t be too dark or too light; keep the lighting balanced. For outdoor shooting, lighting is not an issue during the daytime. Yet during nighttime or indoor shoots, you need to adjust the lighting.
Have high-quality flashes with shutters to balance the lighting. Place the flashes at a distance from the horses as the intensive light can penetrate the eyes.
Grab your modes attention
Have you ever shot babies and knew how nerve-racking it is to grab their attention? The same equation applies to horses. From clapping to playing music on your phone, do all to grab their attention.
Simply, you can hold a bunch of grass to grab their attention. Try to make the horses move their neck and bend their knees to look more graceful.
Remember, some horses will be super cool around a photoshoot, while some are arrogant; have the patience to deal with all.
Patience
No matter how much you invest in getting the best camera for equine photography, if you are rushing and want to get things done in clock hour, you won’t get jaw-dropping results ever.
Have patience and understand your horse’s mood. Watch closely and learn about the pet. Be alert enough to capture the moment when your horses pose to the camera.
Retouching
So, you are done with the photoshoot? Now is the time to retouch the images for the final look. Use Lightroom software to adjust the contrast ratio, white balance, saturation, and color level.
Conclusion
From preparing to shooting and then retouching, you need to have immense patience to get the best results. Photography is an art that necessitates having the best camera for equine photography. Be prepared with everything to face challenges.
Remember, the selection of background matters; make sure to have the best background that enhances the colors, gives a natural look, and keeps the horse comfortable. Prefer capturing the shoots from a low angle, as it makes the horses look stronger.
FAQs
What is the best lens for equine photography?
Along with the best camera for equine photography, a high-quality lens is necessary for professional outcomes. Have 70-200mm f/2.8. The price is high, but the out-class result is guaranteed.
How do you take professional pictures of a horse?
- Choose the best background and camera
- Don’t flash too much right at the eyes
- Let the horse be comfortable in the environment
- Choose the right angle
- Grab attention
- Have patience
How do make a horse pose for the camera?
Offer something attention-grabbing to the horses. The best way; hold the grass bunch. The moment the horse bends over, capture the moment.