Best Cameras for Artwork: Paintings, Drawings & Sculptures

As an artist who used to take pictures of my paintings with my phone for the longest time, initially with an iPhone XR, then Samsung Galaxy S21, and lately – Google Pixel 7, I recently decided it’s time to get a camera for photographic artwork I can to elevate the quality of my portfolio.

Smartphones are great for social media, but when it comes to printing or selling my work online, their image quality isn’t sufficient. Regardless of the camera settings, my phone couldn’t convey the colors and intricate gradients with the desired level of accuracy. When zoomed in, the photos lost their sharpness and delicate brushstrokes and the texture of the canvas simply disappeared.

My biggest disappointment came when I received a series of prints, all of which had dim, somewhat washed out, colors. That’s when I understood I need a real camera. I decided to test a variety of models to find the best camera for artists.

Before you can pick, figure out its main purpose, since different models are better suited for different tasks:

✔️ For social media – a modern smartphone with a good camera can be a satisfying option. It allows quickly taking photos and sharing them on Instagram or your website, but it can’t provide perfectly accurate colors. Additionally, it can lose some of the smaller details, particularly when taking pictures of textured paintings, and its dynamic range is also limited.
✔️ For online sales – if you’re selling paintings or prints, you should prioritize cameras that allow you to manually adjust the white balance, exposure, and clarity. Compact and mirrorless cameras for beginners with a good sensor allow you to receive high-quality photos without requiring complex post-processing.
✔️ For print – if you need to print a high-resolution image or create painting prints, a smartphone is not a suitable option. You’ll need a professional camera (DSLR or mirrorless) that allows taking photos in RAW format to preserve as many details as possible and capture accurate colors.
✔️ For video – if you plan to record your painting process or make tutorial videos, it’s important for the camera to have reliable image stabilization. You’ll probably need a 4K video camera with efficient stabilization that ensures your footage is smooth and clear.

What options should you consider?

1. Phone camera – fast and convenient, but with less detailed images and somewhat inaccurate colors. The optimal option is the iPhone 16 Pro.
2. Compact camera (Point & Shoot) – slightly better quality compared to smartphones, but with a limited range of manual settings. In this category, the best camera for artwork photography is the Sony RX100 VII.
3. Mirrorless or DSLR – best choice for artists who want to capture the tiniest details and textures while also enjoying the highest resolutions, like the ones provided by Fujifilm X-T5.

When I’m taking photos of paintings, there are several problems I tend to have to deal with:

❌ Perspective: If the painting isn’t placed directly across the camera, the image will look distorted. Even a small deviation can change the perception and make the painting look deformed. I always try to adjust the angle and distance to receive a clear, natural image.
❌ Glares: Glossy paints and varnish, which I often use to cover my paintings, can create unappealing glares under poor lighting. This is very distracting since such glares can “blow out” a part of the painting and hide important details. That’s why I try to use soft lighting and sometimes even special filters to minimize these effects.
❌ Color reproduction: Cameras can disfigure the colors of my paintings. The images don’t always capture the actual color palette of my works, which is why I manually tweak the white balance to improve color accuracy.
❌ Blurry details: I try to showcase each brushstroke and tiny detail, and if the camera isn’t capable of capturing them, these intricate elements can disappear. It’s very important for me to perfectly represent both the texture and the colors of my works. I employ high-quality equipment to ensure the camera is properly focused on all the smaller details.

Testing different models to determine the best camera for photographing art was a long and diligent process. Along with several FixThePhoto experts, I’ve evaluated each camera while accounting for a variety of aspects that impact the quality of the final image.

We established a controlled environment with a professional lighting setup to ensure the conditions were identical for the entire test. We then took pictures of multiple paintings of varying sizes, techniques, and textures to check how the cameras process contrast, color accuracy, and intricate details.

We prioritized cameras that can preserve high sharpness even when taking photos of intricate textures. Afterward, we evaluated the quality of the photos on high-resolution monitors, comparing their clarity, color accuracy, and exposure. We’ve also tested each option using both natural and artificial lighting to determine if they would suffer from reflections or overly harsh shadows.

During the testing process, we employed both manual and automatic parameters to determine how capable each camera is at adapting to different circumstances. After our review was done, we had a solid grasp on the benefits and drawbacks of each option, enabling us to pull together a comprehensive list of recommended art photography cameras for your consideration.

Even if your goal is to take high-quality artwork photos for professional prints, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get a suitable camera. Our tests helped us select a variety of budget-friendly models capable of providing fantastic results. These cameras offer cutting-edge functionality for an affordable price, capturing the beauty and textures of your artwork regardless of how complex it is.

Below you’ll find an overview of the best cameras for photographing artwork without compromising on quality.

When I decided to take artwork photography seriously, Fujifilm X-T5 was my first choice and I haven’t regretted it since. This Fuji camera provides incredibly accurate color reproduction, which is essential for an artist since each subtle tone of my paintings is very important. It’s capable of capturing even the tiniest details, allowing the viewer to admire the beauty of my work in its true form.

One of the main reasons why I consider this model to be the best camera for taking pictures of artwor is its image stabilization that allows taking clear photos without a tripod, which is important for me when I’m working in a limited space. The compact build of this camera makes it easy to carry, as I can freely use it both in my studio and during exhibitions which make carrying bulky gear impossible.

Another advantage is its low-light performance. I often take photos of my artwork in dimly-lit rooms with minimal natural lighting, and Fujifilm X-T5 provides fantastic results while preserving rich colors and minimizing noise. The pictures turn out looking clear and detailed even if the lighting conditions weren’t perfect.

However, you should account for the low battery life that might be insufficient for lengthy photoshoots, which is why I always bring a spare battery in case the main one runs out of juice. In all other aspects, this camera can handle everything I need from it and more.

✔️ Buy it if: You’re looking for a camera that allows receiving accurate, vibrant artwork photos with an impeccable level of detail, while also enjoying terrific portability.

iPhone 16 Pro has proven to be the best camera for art photography whenever I'm on the go and don't have the time to mess with the settings of a professional camera. I’m impressed by the capability of this camera phone to take high-quality photos even in challenging conditions with suboptimal lighting. Its camera is great at handling low-light environments, automatically adjusting the parameters to snap clear, detailed images.

One of the biggest advantages of the iPhone 16 Pro is its AI functionality that helps the camera automatically edit images in real-time. This allows you to receive incredible photos without using image editing software, which can save a lot of time. This smartphone is perfect for quickly visualizing an idea for future work or sharing your creation process with your followers on social media.

However, it’s worth nothing that even though iPhone 16 Pro provides terrific results in everyday scenarios, its functionality is more limited compared to professional cameras. For instance, it doesn’t have the creative parameters included in more expensive models that provide a bigger level of control over the shooting process.

✔️ Buy it if: You’re looking for a quick and convenient method for taking photos of your artwork or creative process without having to meddle with complex settings, receiving high image quality even in challenging lighting environments.

Sony RX100 VII is the best camera for photographing paintings on the fly when the creative flow doesn’t allow you to stop and tinker with a bunch of settings. During the test, I noticed that its superfast autofocus allows instantly focusing on the subject as I’m working on my art without skipping a beat. This allows me to capture each moment instantly, which is especially important for an artist who wants to preserve every stage of the creation process.

What I particularly like about this camera for amateur photographers is its lightweight and compact build. I can take it with me when going to an exhibition or working outside of my studio. It’s always within my arm’s reach and ready to shoot regardless of whether I’m in a studio our outdoors.

Even though this camera delivers impressive image quality, it’s sensor size is too small to provide equally great results for large prints or highly-detailed macro photos, but it’s still more than good enough for everyday photoshoots.

✔️ Buy it if: You’re looking for a compact, fast, and convenient camera for taking high-quality photos on the go, while also being able to quickly capture the intricacies of your creative process without compromising on portability.

When testing Canon EOS 90D I was impressed by its capability to capture each detail with maximum accuracy. This is arguably the best art photography camera when working with diverse mediums ranging from small canvases to sculptures. The results are consistently clear and vibrant, which is important for preserving the authenticity of my artwork. I’m also impressed by the camera’s ability to process such a huge number of tones and subtones, allowing me to reproduce the natural look of my paintings.

The autofocus speed of this DSLR camera is impressive: even when I’m snapping pictures of dynamic details or the creation process, the camera instantly focuses on the subject, providing optimal clarity for each shot. This allows me to take photos quickly and without any interruptions.

However, there are several potential downsides you need to be aware of. Canon EOS 90D is rather bulky and heavy, which is why it’s not well-suited for lengthy photoshoots without a tripod. The lack of built-in image stabilization means that I have to use a tripod to avoid camera shake, particularly when taking long-exposure shots or when doing macro photography.

Even though it’s not particularly compact, its functionality and image quality make up for that drawback. This camera is a great fit for all types of artistic photography and can provide terrific results even in challenging lighting conditions. I like that the 90D allows you to receive professional quality even at high ISO values, which lets you enjoy minimum visual noise in spaces with poor lighting.

✔️ Buy it if: You’re looking for a dependable, universal DSLR camera that provides terrific image quality for all kinds of artwork, and is capable of accommodating different lighting conditions, providing accurate colors and a high level of detail.

After testing the Sony Alpha a7 III, I concluded that it’s the best camera for photographing artwork for prints. Its full-frame sensor provides an incredible level of detail, allowing me to showcase the smallest intricacies of my artwork – from tiny elements to all kinds of textures. It’s worth noting that this Sony camera is great at handling low-light scenarios, which is essential for me since I often work in a studio that doesn’t get a lot of natural light. Even when taking photos in a darker room, the camera produces a clear, vibrant image, making it easier to edit it afterward.

I would also like to praise its terrific dynamic range that allows working in different lighting conditions without losing detail in the shadows and highlights. When it comes to portability, the a7 III isn’t the smallest camera in the world, but its ergonomic design make it easy to use even in challenging settings.

Yes, the price of the a7 III might be high, but it’s worth the investment if you’re working with large-format pieces and need to capture even their tiniest details.

✔️ Buy it if: You’re a professional artist or photographer who wants to take photos of their artwork in the highest quality possible.

After testing Canon EOS R8, I concluded that it’s the best camera to photograph artwork for artists interested in top-tier image quality and high portability. This Canon camera is equipped with a full-frame sensor that provides impeccably detailed images, which is especially important when I’m taking photos of large paintings or the intricate textures of different sculptures.

Its excellent dynamic range preserves details even in challenging lighting environments and even in my studio, which doesn’t get a lot of natural light. The camera’s fast autofocus helps ensure you never miss a moment of your creative process, even when you’re constantly moving around or have fluctuating lighting conditions.

When it comes to portability, R8 will surprise you with its lightweight build and compact size, which makes it easy to carry during trips or exhibitions. The only thing you have to account for is the absence of in-body image stabilization, meaning it’s less suited for handheld photoshoots compared to most other cameras for photographing artwork from this list.

✔️ Buy it if: You want a camera that provides a high level of detail and creative possibilities while remaining lightweight.

After testing the Panasonic Lumix S9, I decided that it’s the best camera for art videos and prints, especially for professionals who work with larger formats and intricate artwork. Its powerful full-frame sensor allows you to receive highly detailed images, which are paramount when photographing paintings and sculptures. Its wide dynamic range helps preserve details in both the shadows and highlights, which is why this camera is perfect for photoshoots in environments with dynamic lighting conditions.

Being among the best Panasonic cameras, Lumix S9 offers superfast autofocus that instantly zeroes in on the subject even in motion or when using complex compositions. This model also offers accurate color reproduction and texture preservation, which is very important for my work as an artist.

Additionally, this camera for art photography has excellent 4K video recording capabilities, capturing high-quality footage even when recording the creation process.

Lumix S9 is a bit on the bulkier side when it comes to size and weight so it can get difficult to use it in handheld mode for long periods of time. However, that’s an expected price to pay for such functionality. This camera is also rather expensive, which might be a deal-breaker if you’re not interested in pro-grade gear.

✔️ Buy it if: You’re looking for a camera that combines pro-grade specifications with fine art photography capabilities that can capture a stunning level of detail.

We tried out a variety of other models that were fighting for the title of the best camera for fine art photography but fell short of making our list for various reasons. Check out an overview of our runner-ups and learn why they weren’t included:

• Nikon Z7 II – This model provides terrific resolution and good performance in challenging lighting conditions. That said, its AF system lacks the speed many artists want when capturing the artwork creation process.
• Sony Alpha 7C – This compact full-frame camera is highly portable and offers professional picture quality. However, it has a very restrictive selection of ports and poor ergonomics, making it less appealing to professional artists.
• Fujifilm X-T4 – This camera impressed us with its color accuracy and autofocus speed that are both essential for taking photos of art pieces. Sadly, its larger size and weight make it a questionable option for artists who value portability.
• Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III – This camera caught our attention with its excellent image stabilization and compact build. However, its smaller sensor leads to less-detailed photos, which is a huge downside when photographing artwork.
• Panasonic Lumix GH5 – Famed for its video recording functionality, this model fails to offer the same level of quality for still images. Even though the image quality is solid, GH5’s autofocus performance and captured level of detail is disappointing.
• Canon EOS M6 Mark II – This camera offers solid resolution and a pleasantly compact build, representing a solid option for everyday usage. That said, it doesn’t have a full-frame sensor, which is crucial for ensuring artwork photos preserve the intricate details and texture of the original work.