Best Canon Cameras For Portraits [2024 Review]

If you truly want to capture the essence of someone’s personality, portrait photography is the way to go about it! With a perfect camera, effective lighting, backdrops, and transparent poses, you will get stunning results. 

Canon cameras are best known to be found in the hands of competent portrait photographers all around the world.

If you are looking for an upgrade for a portrait camera, you have come to the right place. Here, we will enlist some of the best Canon cameras for portrait photography.

Review of the Best Canon Cameras For Portraits

To choose the best Canon camera for portraits, go over each camera that is mentioned below. Have a look at its main features, pros, and cons, and after careful analysis, choose the option that stands out to you.

Brand

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Canon 90D

Canon PowerShot SX420

Product

Processor

DIGIC 6+

DIGIC 8

DIGIC 4+

Exposure modes

Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Bulb, Scene Intelligent Auto

Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual

Program, Live View Control, Auto

Price

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Brand

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Product

Processor

DIGIC 6+

Exposure modes

Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Bulb, Scene Intelligent Auto

Price

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Brand

Canon 90D

Product

Processor

DIGIC 8

Exposure modes

Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual

Price

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Brand

Canon PowerShot SX420

Product

Processor

DIGIC 4+

Exposure modes

Program, Live View Control, Auto

Price

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Best Overall: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

PROS

• Dual card slots and built-in GPS
• Excellent color accuracy and low shutter lag
• Fast 7fps burst speed for a full-frame camera
• Microphone, headphone jack, and USB 3.0 port
• Considering speed and resolution, the RAW buffer is decent

CONS

• Highest flash speed is 1/200s
• Different formats for dual memory card slots
• Low-light AF when shooting low-contrast subjects

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of its buyers say that the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV shutter feels softer and quieter, and it is designed in a way to reduce vibration. The touch screen on this camera comes as a surprise. Buyers also appreciate its image quality, saying that extra resolution on this camera is quite noticeable, and in situations when the extra resolution is of no use, this camera offers lower resolution RAW modes.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Canon model comes with all the features that are must-haves in a high-quality camera. Its full-frame sensor is responsible for executing phenomenal results with stellar image quality. Moreover, it performs impeccably at up to 7.0 fps with accurate exposure and focuses tracking. Lastly, post-production adjustment functions can help you polish the picture as you want. 

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for a portrait camera that delivers incredible high-resolution stills and 4K video files with consistent, stunning clarity and detail, then this could be your pick. Its full-frame sensor, 61-point AF system, and multiple other functional, operational advancements can help you achieve stunning results and execute your ideas into reality.

Bottom Line

To say that Canon has done an average job in making this model would be an understatement, they outdid themselves. With stellar image quality, 30.4 MP full-frame sensor, continuous shooting, 4K frame capture, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology, and numerous other features, this unit deserves to be in your collection.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera...

• New 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range...
• 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in- camera still frame grab of 4K...
• Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or live view shooting; LCD...

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Runner-up: Canon 90D

PROS

• Compatible with a variety of lenses
• Rolling shutter is very well-controlled
• Excellent image quality, and good live view AF
• Touch screen with a flipping 180-degree angle
• Durable construction and reliable weather-coating and sealing

CONS

• Lack of USB charging
• Absence of in-body stabilization
• A bit inaccurate through-the-finder shooting mode

What Recent Buyers Report

Users state that this Canon 90D model is comfortable to hold, even with a big lens, and has a more protruding grip. Furthermore, its buyers report that its tilting touch screen opens doors for multiple other options and possibilities. Buyers also appreciate its ability to focus, which gives them impeccably sharper images with slow shutter speed. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It is an ideal camera to capture every sort of moment that life has to offer – whether it is a birthday in a family or a highly energetic rock performance. This model is equipped with a 32.5 Megapixel CMOS sensor, efficient DIGIC 8 image processor, and 4K 30p video to give sharp, stunning, high-resolution video and photography results to its users. 

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for a portrait camera that works wonderfully well on all occasions, then this should be your pick. Canon 9D is perfect for travel, family, animals, sports, action, wildlife, candid, street, and even landscape photography. Even if you are a rookie, you can still achieve fast and precise focus.

Bottom Line

Overall, this unit is characterized by multiple features. These include a 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, 4K (UHD) 30 fps/FHD 120 fps video, DIGIC 8 image processor, and mechanical/electronic 1st-curtain shutter. 

It also has multi-controller customization, vertical angle touchscreen LCD, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and multiple other features. Take your portrait photography game to the next level by investing in this model. 

Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with Built-in Wi-Fi,...

• High image quality with 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
• High-speed continuous shooting of up to 10 fps with no time Lag during ovf shooting
• 4K UHD 30P/ Full HD 120P video

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Best for the Money: Canon PowerShot SX420

PROS

• 3.0 inch LCD with a wide viewing angle
• An optical zoom with optical image stabilizer
• DIGIC 4+ image processor helps with stunning image processing
• The Smart AUTO feature automatically selects the proper settings
• Easy transferring and sharing of videos and photos with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC

CONS

• No external flash shoe
• Lacks a built-in viewfinder
• Manual exposure mode is missing

What Recent Buyers Report

As far as this entry-level camera is concerned, its recent buyers are satisfied with its performance. With Canon PowerShot SX420 impeccable zoom-in, zoom-out, and focus features, it eliminates the need to attach an extra lens. Users admire its built-in Wi-Fi as it enables seamless transfer of photos from their cameras to their phones and computers.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Canon PowerShot SX420 stands out to us because it comes with multiple scene modes such as fisheye effect, toy camera effect, and monochrome, allowing users to capture frames freely and creatively. Plus, based on predefined shooting preferences and situations, it is Smart AUTO chooses the best and appropriate shooting settings.

Who Will Use This Most

Photographers who are new in this world of portrait photography can benefit and experiment with the features of this model. Moreover, if you are looking for a Canon portrait camera but don’t want to spend a huge amount of money, then this could be your pick. With its outstanding optical performance, you can achieve the result you are looking for!

Bottom Line

Cherish beautiful family moments forever by capturing them with a PowerShot SX420 IS camera. With its high-quality construction and finishing, compatibility with various Android and iOS versions, affordability, and outstanding optical performance, you can’t go wrong with this model. Get your hands on this camera, and never let a valuable moment slip by!

Canon PowerShot SX420 Digital Camera w/ 42x...

• Powerful 42x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer for outstanding optical performance
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9/3:2/4:3/1:1. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of...
• 20.0 Megapixel sensor with DIGIC 4 plus Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality and...

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Canon EOS 7D Mark II

PROS

• Excellent shutter lag and lie view AF
• Outstanding image quality for an APS-C sensor
• Equipped with headphone and external mic jack
• Buttons for silent controlling during video recordings
• Backward compatibility even with older LP-E6 batteries

CONS

• No built-in Wi-Fi
• Adequate battery life
• LCD isn’t touch-sensitive

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the users of this Canon EOS 7D Mark II model are very happy with its performance. They have reported that its dual processors and improved quality help deliver extremely clear and outstanding results. Photographers who have used this for an average of ten months applaud its fast focus, consistency, accuracy, and calibration. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

Canon EOS 7D Mark II includes all cross-type AF that helps to enable accurate and stable AF, regardless of the subject’s movements or the camera’s direction. Photographers can achieve fast and consistent focus, even in dim lighting. Apart from these perks, this camera allows its users to deliver reliable, speedy performance, making it stand out to us.

Who Will Use This Most

We reckon that those portrait photographers who are looking for a camera to capture still and moving objects finely would be satisfied with the outstanding results of this model. This Canon marvel piece is capable of shooting up to 10.0 frames per second, delivering high-caliber, clear images.

Bottom Line

Share your creativity and passion for photography with the rest of the world by investing in this camera. With its 10.0 fps high-speed shooting, outstanding autofocus, 65-point AF auto-focus selection, Wi-Fi capability, and dozens of other features, you can take beautiful shots and share them with the rest of the world. 

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR Camera (Body...

• 20.2 MP CMOS sensor and ISO 100-16000
• High spped continuous shooting up to 10.0 fps
• 65-point all cross-type AF system

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Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera

PROS

• Easy to handle and use
• Three inch rear touchscreen
• USB 2.0 port with Type-C connector
• Capable of 14 fps continuous shooting
• Shows compatibility with numerous lenses

CONS

• A bit heavy on the pocket
• Lacks a stabilized sensor
• Doesn’t have an in-built EVF

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the recent buyers of this Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera model applaud it because of its image quality. Due to its small size and easy to grip or handle construction, users find it very convenient to carry around. They are also very happy with its image quality, clarity, and stability that it even allows them to get high-resolution prints of their work.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Canon model stands out to us because of its high-speed continuous shooting up to 14 fps. With fourteen frames per second, you would never miss an opportunity to capture a valuable moment, especially in sports portrait photography. Moreover, it offers enhanced usability by offering a quick and easy selection of a focus point. 

Who Will Use This Most

If you are on the hunt for a camera that allows you to capture every second, then this is a perfect fit for you. Portrait photographers who have to cover concert gigs or sports events would love this cutting-edge technology, as it will enable them to capture moment by moment. 

Bottom Line

All in all, if you want to capture inspiring images and make easy videos, then get your hands on this model instantly. With its enhanced usability and high shooting speed, you can share the essence of valuable moments with the audience. Carefully evaluate its pros and cons and make a wise decision, depending on your photography needs.

Canon Mirrorless Camera [EOS M6 Mark II] (Body)...

• High image quality with 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
• High-speed continuous shooting of up to 14 fps with AF/AE tracking
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 5, 481 manually selectable AF positions*, and eye AF Servo support

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Comparison Chart of the Best Canon Cameras For Portraits

Can Any Canon Camera Be Used For Portraits?

No, you can’t use any Canon camera for portraits. If you are looking to achieve the best results, then you need to get your hands on a camera that does its magic with portraits. 

Portrait photography is all about quality, high-resolution, fast burst rate, rapid shutter speed, and image stabilization. Often, image stabilization is one of many attributes of the lens, however, some cameras include it as a built-in feature.

One day you are taking good, campaign-worthy portraits of an optimistic politician, and the next day, you are hired to take portraits of an energetic rock star. Both of these gigs require portrait cameras with the said features. Hence, you can’t use just any Canon camera for portraits.

Source

Why Did These Canon Cameras Make the Portrait Photography List?

The market is full of numerous high-end portrait cameras, so choosing the best option can be a bit tricky. To make this process easy for you, we have made a list of some of the very best Canon portrait cameras. Before we shed light on their features, pros and cons, and reasons to use them, let us highlight some of the factors behind our selection.

Lens Compatibility

Yes, you need a high-end camera for portrait photography, but to get the advantage of the fast-aperture feature and to add a bit of depth to your work, you need a high-quality lens. 

So, it is imperative to choose a camera that is compatible with a wide range of lenses. Fortunately, all the Canon models here are easily compatible with a couple of high-end lenses.

Uses

Cameras are a heavy expenditure – there is no hiding this fact! It is wise to invest in a portrait camera that can be used on multiple occasions. For instance, a camera that is a premium choice for taking studio portraits would give an added benefit if it is capable of clicking exquisite environmental or street portraits.

Ease of Use

All the cameras that are mentioned on this list are very easy to use, both for professional and rookie portrait photographers. For a better understanding of this marvelous invention, if it’s convenient, go through the manual, for they are not difficult to understand.

What Are The Best Camera Settings For Portraits?

Ideal equipment, which includes a camera, a compatible lens, a tripod stand, ideal lighting condition, is a must to take stellar portraits, but there is more! You must have the perfect camera settings to take the shots that you want. 

Here are some important factors. Go over them and update your camera settings accordingly.

ISO

When clicking portraits, the highest ISO is the best! Although to remove noise from the background, you can set your ISO to as low as possible, it won’t be relevant if your image turns out to be blurry. Some portrait photographers even recommend using ISO 800 or even 1600.

Focus Mode

Though auto-focus mode does come in handy as far as portrait photography is concerned, it is necessary to choose your focus point. It is advised to focus on the subject’s eye, and if one eye is closer than the other one, then focus on the nearest one.

Drive Mode

Sure, you can change the drive mode to burst mode to capture every angle, but it is recommended to set the drive mode to single as this is a single shot. Take a picture when you get a good expression and nice lighting.

People Also Ask

In this section, we address a couple of questions regarding portrait photography. Choosing a portrait camera is a careful consideration, so stock up on all the information that you can get. We are hoping that our answers would help make the final pick easy for you.

Conclusion

Now that a complete breakdown of some of the very best Canon portrait cameras is in front of you, thoroughly go over each camera and evaluate their features. We have formulated this list after a detailed analysis so that you can choose the most suitable one according to your needs.