This is a guide covering the best cameras for Instagram.
If you want to “do it for the ‘Gram,” then you need a good camera!
Be sure to check out the whole list because we list the best overall option, best portrait option, best travel option, best landscape option, and best street photography option.
If you need help determining how to choose the best camera for you, check out our video How to Choose the Right Camera in 4 Steps (playing in 7 seconds):
Click/tap on each camera name to jump to that section. At the end of each section, there is also a link to jump back to this table to make it easy for you!
In a hurry? Check out our top pick!
1.Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera | • Olympus 4x Optical Zoom f/2 Lens • 25-100mm (35mm Equivalent) • 3.0″ LCD Monitor • Water, Crush, Shock, Freeze & Dustproof • 4K Video Recording and Full HD at 120p • Built-In Wi-Fi, GPS, Field Sensor System • ISO 12800 |
In most scenarios, relying simply on your phone isn’t going to cut it anymore.
So what are the best cameras for Instagram? What cameras do Instagrammers use?
In this guide, we’ll discuss 12 of the best cameras for Instagram. Be sure to read until the end to find the best camera for you!
We’ll give you an insight regarding features, portability, and connectivity of these cameras.
12 Best Cameras for Instagram
1. Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera BEST ALL-AROUND 🌎 | • Olympus 4x Optical Zoom f/2 Lens • 25-100mm (35mm Equivalent) • 3.0″ LCD Monitor • Water, Crush, Shock, Freeze & Dustproof • 4K Video Recording and Full HD at 120p • Built-In Wi-Fi, GPS, Field Sensor System • ISO 12800 |
2. Nikon Z7 | • UHD 4K30 Video • Vibration Reduction • 3.2″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD • ISO 64-25600 • Memory Card Slot • 8K Time-Lapse Mode; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
3. Panasonic Lumix GH5 | • 4K Video at 24/30p • OLED Viewfinder • 3.2″ Free-Angle Touchscreen • 6K & 4K PHOTO • ISO 25600 • Dual UHS-II SD Slots; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth |
4. Canon EOS 90D BEST PORTRAIT OPTION 👩 | • UHD 4K30p & Full HD 120p Video Recording • 3″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD • ISO 100-25600 • Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth • Electronic Shutter Function • 220,000-Pixel AE Metering Sensor |
5. GoPro HERO8 Black BEST TRAVEL OPTION 🗺️ | • Up to UHD 4K Video, Slow Motion, Webcam • HyperSmooth Video Stabilization • Stabilized Time-Lapse Video • Waterproof to 33′ without a Housing • Night-Lapse Video, Live-Burst Stills • Intuitive, Smartphone-Like Touchscreen • Face, Smile & Scene Detection • 15-Command Multi-Language Voice Control |
6. Olympus PEN-F | • Micro Four Thirds System • Electronic Viewfinder • 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps • Image Stabilization • ISO 25600 • Built-In Wi-Fi |
7. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II | • 24-75mm (35mm Equivalent) • Electronic Viewfinder • 3″ LCD Touchscreen • 4K Video Recording • Built-In Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity • Extended ISO 100-25600 • Lens & Body-Mounted Exposure Controls |
8. Sony Alpha a6000 BEST STREET PHOTOGRAPHY OPTION 🚋 | • OLED Electronic Viewfinder • 3.0″ Tilting LCD • Full HD 1080p XAVC S Video at 24/60 fps • Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC • ISO 25600 • Multi-Interface Shoe and Built-In Flash • E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens |
9. Fujifilm X-T30 | • DCI and UHD 4K30 Video • Electronic Viewfinder • 3.0″ Tilting LCD Touchscreen • 425-Point Phase-Detection Autofocus • Extended ISO 80-51200 • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi; Sports Finder Mode • XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens |
10. Nikon D3300 BEST LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY OPTION ⛰️ | • No Optical Low-Pass Filter • 3.0″ LCD Monitor • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps • Multi-CAM 1000 11-Point AF Sensor • Native ISO 12800, Extended to ISO 25600 • Compatible with WU-1a Wireless Adapter |
11. Leica D-LUX 7 | • 24-75mm (35mm Equivalent) • Electronic Viewfinder • 3.0″ Touchscreen LCD Monitor • UHD 4K30p Video Recording • Extended ISO 100-25600 • 4K Photo Modes, Post Focus • Built-In Bluetooth and Wi-Fi |
12. PANASONIC LUMIX ZS200 | • 24-360mm (35mm Equivalent) • Live View Finder • 3.0″ Touchscreen LCD Monitor • UHD 4K Video at 30 and 24 fps • Full HD High-Speed Video Recording • 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S. • 4K Photo Burst Mode at 30 fps; ISO 25600 |
Best Overall Camera for Instagram
1. Olympus Tough TG-6
Specifications:
- Body type: Compact
- Max resolution: 4000 x 3000
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, ISO 100-12800
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Touch screen: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video modes:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Has 4K
- High speed video
- Can capture in RAW
- Durable
My Cons With This Camera:
- No manual control
All things considered, The Olympus Tough TG-6 is the best camera for Instagram.
Built like a tank, you can travel to cold or hot places and not worry about your camera malfunctioning.
Shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof, these are things that come in handy especially for someone who travels a lot.
It has a relatively wide aperture as well.
However, it only has a 12MP resolution and it doesn’t have the accessories that you can get from a GoPro camera.
You can also find this camera on Walmart
2. Nikon Z7
Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 8256 x 5504
- Image ratio: 1:1, 5:4, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 64-25600 (expands to 32-102400)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Lens mount: Nikon Z
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (mini HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via MC-DC2 or smartphone)
- Video modes:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Fantastic image quality
- Great dynamic range
- 4K
My Cons With This Camera:
- Single card slot
We consider the Nikon Z7 as one of the best cameras for Instagram because it has a large sensor that allows users to take advantage of its 45.7-megapixel resolution.
It is also lightweight and convenient to use once you get used to its controls.
You also get to enjoy a number of great lenses to choose from including good number of prime lenses that are perfect for portrait photography.
You get to enjoy a 493-point on-sensor PDAF that allows the camera to find the subject quickly.
However, if you are used on using other Nikon bodies, you will find its autofocus to be a bit lagging compared to other Nikon models.
However, capturing moving subjects can be easy. It has an in-body image stabilization feature that can help lessen wasted images.
With its powerful specs, it is considered by many as the best camera for social media.
You can also find this camera on Best Buy and Walmart
3. Panasonic Lumix GH5
Specifications:
- Body type: SLR style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via cable release or smartphone)
- Video modes:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- 4096 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- This camera is able to focus well in dim light
- Great dynamic range
- Touchscreen LCD
- Great battery life
- 4K
My Cons With This Camera:
- There is no built-in flash
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a durable camera that can be used for different situations.
It has a splashproof and freezeproof design not to mention a powerful 20.3 micro four-thirds sensor.
It is something that can come in handy especially in taking portraits thanks to its fast and accurate autofocus and high-resolution. You can even use it for taking 4K videos.
But two of the biggest selling point about its construction is its compact design and great battery life.
Unfortunately, it only has Bluetooth connectivity and not via WiFi which can be frustrating if you want to post your photo on Instagram right away.
You can also find this camera on Best Buy and Walmart
Best Portrait Camera for Instagram
4. Canon EOS 90D
Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 6960 x 4640
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Canon EF/EF-S
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (Wired , wireless or smartphone)
- Video modes:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Great image quality
- High ISO performance
- Great autofocus performance
- 4K
My Cons With This Camera:
- There is only a single SD card slot
The Canon EOS 90D might be a bigger investment but it’s something that can give you great photos on Instagram.
It’s one of the best cameras for Instagram thanks to its high-speed continuous capturing.
The Canon EOS 90D has minimal lag as it takes 10fps and you also get to enjoy 32.5 megapixels.
The AF system is also something worth mentioning. The 45-point all cross-type AF system is accurate.
It even searches for the subject’s eyes making it a good option if you want a camera for taking portraits.
And on top of that, you get to transfer your photos via WiFi.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon 90D.
You can also find this camera on Best Buy and Walmart
Best Travel Camera for Instagram
5. GoPro HERO8 Black
Specifications:
- Body type: Action camera
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: No
- Microphone port: Yes
- Wireless notes: WiFi + Bluetooth
My Pros With This Camera:
- Great image stabilization
- The touch LCD is great as well
- Very mobile (easy to handle and bring anywhere)
My Cons With This Camera:
- Gets hot while recording
- Battery life could be a bit better (I believe)
If you are going to ask what cameras do Instagrammers use, the GoPro camera is most likely going to pop out in the conversation.
This camera is a staple among Instagram influencers since you can use it for outdoor activities and not just for your usual selfie.
The GoPro Hero 8 offers a 12MP resolution on the photos plus it can capture 4K videos.
It’s one of those cameras that is small enough to be discreetly used to document your travel experiences.
Plus, there are a lot of accessories that you can choose from whether you are planning to just use it with a selfie stick or you want to have it installed on a surfboard.
However, this is a bit bigger than the GoPro Hero 7, which can be a bummer for some.
Also, check out the best list of overall travel cameras.
You can also find this camera on Best Buy and Walmart
6. Olympus PEN-F
Specifications:
- Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired or via smartphone)
- Video modes:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
My Pros With This Camera:
- Excellent image quality
- Fast AF
- Quality video
My Cons With This Camera:
- Battery life could be better
- No weather sealing
- There is no built-in flash
The Olympus Pen-F is a travel-friendly camera for those who love to take photos for their Instagram.
What makes it one of the best cameras for Instagram is the fact that it is small, powerful, and something that can be used on most occasions.
It operates even in 0°C. It has the 20MP Live MOS sensor along with the 50MP High Res mode. This camera can also take 10fps, which means that you won’t miss a moment.
This camera is for those who loved the rangefinders. But unlike rangefinders, you get to choose the lens that you want.
However, because of its small size, it is also hard to press the buttons especially if you have large hands.
7. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
Specifications:
- Body type: Large sensor compact
- Max resolution: 4736 x 3552
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to 100)
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video modes:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3240 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Has a touch LCD screen
- 4K options
- Has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
My Cons With This Camera:
- The LCD is fixed
- It has no mic input
The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II can be considered as one of the best cameras for Instagram if you are into street photography.
It made use of 17MP high sensitivity multi-aspect four thirds MOS sensor combined with a 24-75mm Leica lens. It has wide aperture as well with the largest aperture at F1.7.
This camera can be a good option whether you are photographing portraits or simply appreciating the picturesque surroundings.
It also has a touch screen monitor allowing you to navigate easily when changing the settings or when viewing the images. However, some complained about the menus being hard to navigate.
You can also find this camera on Walmart
Best Street Camera for Instagram
8. Sony Alpha a6000
Specifications:
- Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (51200 with Multi-Frame NR)
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Touch screen: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired or PC)
- Video modes:
- 640 x 480
- 1440 x 1080
- 1920 x 1080
My Pros With This Camera:
- Very high quality
- High resolution
- Dynamic range is great
- High ISO performance
My Cons With This Camera:
- No LCD touch screen
The Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera is another great option for those who love E-lenses by Sony.
This camera has an ISO from 100 to 25600. And if you think that you still need more, you can expand it all the way to 51200.
The Sony Alpha A6000 makes use of a 24MP APS C CMOS sensor. It is known for its impressive autofocus and fast shutter speed at 11fps.
However, the biggest concern is the overheating issue.
You can also find this camera on Best Buy and Walmart
9. Fujifilm X-T30
Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6240 x 4160
- Image ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 160-12800 (expands to 80-51200)
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Fujifilm X
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via wired remote or smartphone)
- Video modes:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3240 x 2160 (4K)
- 4096 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Has a LCD touch screen
- 4K capabilities
- Has Wi-Fi
- The autofocus is very quick and accurate
My Cons With This Camera:
- Not weather sealed
- No image in-body stabilization
The Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Digital Camera is one of the best cameras for Instagram thanks to its 26.1 MP BSI APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor.
It also has a powerful 4 quad-core CPU that gives the Fujifilm X-T30 an accurate autofocus and face detection capability.
This allows you to capture even moving objects.
You get to navigate the setting via the 3-inch touchscreen LCD.
Overall, it’s a good camera, but compared to other mirrorless cameras, the X-T30 tends to focus slower than other options out there.
You can also find this camera on Walmart
Best Instagram Camera for Landscape Photography
10. Nikon D3300
Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600 (with boost)
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F
- Touch screen: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini HDMI)
- Wireless: Optional
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Remote control: Yes (Optional)
- Video modes:
- 640 x 424
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
My Pros With This Camera:
- Camera feels very small and lightweight
- Great high ISO performance
My Cons With This Camera:
- Battery drains pretty quick
The Nikon D3300 is at the top of the list if you are looking for the best camera for social media functions.
Considered as one of the best cameras for Instagram over its powerful specs, it offers a 24.2MP CMOS DX-format sensor and a fast continuous photographing function at 5 frames per second.
And since it’s a Nikon DSLR, you get to choose from an array of lenses. It’s an option that fits the budget of most beginners and intermediate photographers.
You can also find this camera on Walmart
11. Leica D-LUX 7
Specifications:
- Body type: Large sensor compact
- Max resolution: 4736 x 3552
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to 100)
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video modes:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Has a solid build quality
- 4K capabilities
- Image quality is fantastic
My Cons With This Camera:
- The make of the camera makes it a bit slippery in the hands
- The camera does not have built-in flash
What cameras do Instagrammers use? The Leica D-Lux Silver is on top of the list especially if you are one of those Instagram users who has enough budget to buy a Leica.
It’s something that pros love because of its full metal housing and compact design.
With 17MPS and micro four thirds sensor, it’s a handy option photographing in different conditions.
It is especially handy in low light conditions allowing the user to appreciate landscape photography even when the sun is already about to set.
It makes use of a 24-75mm lens with a wide aperture of f/1.7. You also get a touchscreen LCD making it easy to choose the desired setting.
You can also find this camera on Walmart
12. PANASONIC LUMIX ZS200
Specifications:
- Body type: Large sensor compact
- Max resolution: 5472 x 3648
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 125-12800 (expands to 80-25600)
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (microHDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video modes:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
My Pros With This Camera:
- Camera has 4K capabilities
- Wi-Fi support
- Good zoom power
My Cons With This Camera:
- The LCD touch screen doesn’t tilt
This camera is favored by camera enthusiasts because its high performance and reliability.
This camera offers a versatile angle of view while suppressing hand-shake in both photo and video recording.
It provides an impressive monochrome image with rich gradation like that of black-and-white film. Adoption of a large 1-inch MOS sensor enables high-quality image recording with stunning.
You can also find this camera on Best Buy and Walmart
Concluding Remarks
Finding a good camera for your Instagram account can be a bit intimidating at first.
With these options, you get to choose the right camera that suits your style and even your budget.
Just take a closer look at each and be sure to compare the pros and cons before you make up your mind.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is an entrepreneur, growth marketer, and photographer and writes mostly on those topics. Nate used to run his own professional photography business called Nate Joaquin Photography but has since focused on the marketing and business aspect of photography although he still enjoys taking photos. Nate enjoys learning about new digital marketing strategy and new ways to think creatively. He is also a photography speaker and author on Photofocus.com.