6 Best Camera for Wedding Photography on a Low Budget: (2024 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Wedding photography is a special discipline within the field of photography that documents wedding events.

The images in a wedding album document the day’s events, from the preparation before the event to the reception and after the party.

They include everyone invited to attend, from the bride and groom’s families, bridesmaids, and groomsmen to guests and relatives.

More seen as a selection of snapshots than a formal portrait session.

I’ve been a wedding photographer for seven years and so on, and here is the list of my top best cameras for wedding photography if you’re low on budget!

Which are the Best Camera for Wedding Photography on a Low Budget?

Here are my recommended top 6 Best Camera for Wedding Photography on a Low Budget:-

Nikon Z5: (Best for those on a budget)

Nikon Z5: (Best for those on a budget)

The day I was started as any other. I woke up, ate breakfast, and got ready for the day.

I was scheduled to shoot a high-profile wedding for a business person in town for the weekend.

The couple had been together for 15 years and were getting married at a beautiful lakeside location with family and friends on hand.

I opted for the Nikon Z5 for seizing this beautiful wedding.

As I arrived at the venue, everything was going smoothly.

The couple’s children played hide-and-seek while their mothers set up the reception hall with white tablecloths, flowers, and candles; it looked stunning.

The bride’s father was standing by himself near the entrance to the hall, looking somber but smiling as he greeted all of his guests who came through.

Features

  • Model: Nikon Z5
  • Effective Megapixel: 24.3 MP
  • Image sensor: Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO range: 100 – 51200
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000
  • Storage type: SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory
  • Viewfinder: Electronic Viewfinder
  • Image stabilizer: VR Image Stabilization
  • Dimension: 134 x 100.5 x 69.5mm
  • Weight: 590g

ISO/Shutter Speed

Its 100 – 51200 iso range and 1/8000 shutter speed allowed me to shoot in almost any lighting, and the huge sensor created beautiful images with accurate colors.

The couple wanted to capture their wedding day inherently but also expressed their love for each other.

They wanted photos that were timeless, not overly posed or staged.

It was an essential part of their vision for their special day because they wanted these photos to be displayed in their home for many years.

Aperture/Field of View

The groom had been called to the altar, and everyone was waiting for him to walk down the aisle.

The wedding planner wanted me to capture all this on film.

She said it would be an excellent way for them to remember their big day forever.

As soon as she said this, I knew what angle I wanted my camera on: straight on with an F/2.8 aperture range at ISO 100.

White Balance/Frame Rate

It was a gorgeous day for a wedding.

The sun shone, the bride smiled, and the groom was nervous.

There were many opportunities for great shots of the bride walking down the aisle in her stunning gown.

And during the reception, I captured some incredible moments between father and daughter as they danced under the twinkle lights.

I seized every moment in UHD 4K video at a bursting speed of 30 fps with vivid colors.

Why is this camera the best?

If you’ve been looking for the best wedding camera, look no further than the Z5.

With its ability to capture every detail and moment in incredible quality and clarity, this camera is simply unbeatable.

It features some of the best image stabilization technology on the market today.

Even if your subject is moving, or if there’s a lot of wind or movement in the air, you can still get clear shots with minimal blur.

The camera also features an advanced autofocus system that allows you to adjust focus points as needed, so no matter where your bride or groom goes during their big day, you’ll always be able to keep them focused.

Conclusion

I love this camera because it has everything you need right out of the box and allows you to customize it to your preferences.

Nikon Z5 is the best for those on a budget.

Click here to buy!

Nikon Z5: (Best for those on a budget) Nikon Z5: (Best for those on a budget) Nikon Z5: (Best for those on a budget) Nikon Z5: (Best for those on a budget)

Pros
  • 24MP full-frame sensor
  • 5-axis IBIS
  • Tilting touch LCD
  • High-magnification OLED EVF
  • Dust and splash protection
  • Dual UHS-II card slots
  • Works with Nikon F lenses via an adapter
Cons
  • Z lens library still in development
  • Few third-party Z lenses are available

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III: (Best compact camera system)

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III: (Best compact camera system)

The sky was dark, and the moon was bright.

The wind was howling; it was a night like no other, with a secret wedding on the beach of one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

The bride wore white lace with long sleeves down to her wrists.

A veil covered her face but not her eyes; you could tell she had been crying for hours before she got to this moment when she would finally be united with her groom.

She walked down a sandy path toward the water’s edge, where he stood waiting for her.

He held his hand as she approached him; they clasped hands together tightly as they gazed into each other’s eyes.

My Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III was there to shoot this dreamy wedding.

Features

Effective Megapixel: 20.4 MP

  • Image sensor: 4/3rd Live MOS Sensor
  • ISO range: 200 – 25600
  • Shutter speeds: 1/32000
  • Storage type: SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory
  • Viewfinder: LCD Viewfinder
  • Image stabilizer: 5-Axis Body Stabilization
  • Dimension: 134 x 91 x 69mm
  • Weight: 580g

ISO/Shutter Speed

My camera could shoot at ISO 200 to 25600 and 1/32000 shutter speeds!

That was perfect for this situation.

I took lots of pictures that day.

But one particular shot stands out: The bride dances with her mother, holding a bouquet.

They’re both wearing white dresses made from tulle fabric that floats around them like clouds in the wind as they move across the dance floor together.

This photo captures everything that makes weddings so unique: love and joy.

Aperture/Field of View

The wedding ceremony occurred at sunset, just as the sun slowly descended behind the horizon.

It was a beautiful sight: both bride and groom stood with their backs to me as they exchanged vows under an orange sky that reflected off their faces like gold coins dancing in an ocean breeze.

I shot at f/8 aperture without worrying about whether or not my shots would come out blurry or out of focus, as every moment was taken with crisp details.

White Balance/Frame Rate

I ended the shoot by setting up my camera on a tripod overlooking the ocean and getting shots of the bride and groom walking down the aisle together.

Then, once they were ready for portraits, I moved them closer to shore to capture their expressions as they looked out over their new life together as husband and wife.

With my 60 fps shooting speed and one-touch white balance, I captured kids playing and laughing on the shore and the bride smiling joyously.

Why is this camera the best?

If you’re looking for the best wedding camera, you might want to start by considering this one.

It is a camera that’s been around for a while but still manages to impress with its ability to capture every moment in beautiful detail.

It features a 20MP Live MOS sensor and 3rd generation five-axis image stabilization technology to ensure your photos are sharp and crisp.

It’s also got an ISO range of 200-25600, which means it can easily handle low-light situations.

The build quality of this camera is also excellent; it feels super solid in your hands, and even though it’s relatively small compared to other cameras on the market, it still feels sturdy enough.

Conclusion

Olympus has done an incredible job creating an intuitive interface for photographers new to digital cameras who want the best compact system.

Click here to buy!

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III: (Best compact camera system) Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III: (Best compact camera system) Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III: (Best compact camera system) Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III: (Best compact camera system) Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III: (Best compact camera system)

Pros
  • Strong in-body stabilization
  • Vast Micro Four Thirds lens system
  • Raw capture at 15fps with mechanical shutter
  • Electronic shutter at up to 60fps
  • IP1X weather protection
  • Swing-out touch LCD
  • 4K video
Cons
  • Menu system could use a refresh

Fujifilm X-H2S: (Best APS-C Mirrorless)

Fujifilm X-H2S: (Best APS-C Mirrorless)

It was the last day of my friend’s sister’s wedding when I got a call from the bride.

“Hey,?

It’s me, Olivia.

You’re an excellent photographer, and I need you to shoot my wedding.

The reception is at 8 PM today, and I’ll pay you $1000.”

I was stunned but couldn’t say no; she was my friend’s younger sister, and she’d been through a lot in the past year.

Her fiancé had been injured in a car accident, and she’d lost their unborn child just weeks before their wedding date.

I agreed and started getting ready to go over there.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to get dressed or style my hair or anything like that, so I threw on something that wasn’t too wrinkled, picked Fujifilm X-H2S, and headed over there as fast as possible (which took about half an hour).

Features

  • Model: Fujifilm X-H2S
  • Effective Megapixel: 26.1 MP
  • Image sensor: Stacked CMOS Sensor
  • ISO range: 160 – 12800
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000
  • Storage type: SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory
  • Viewfinder: Electronic Viewfinder
  • Image stabilizer: In-body Image Stabilization
  • Dimension: 3 x 92.9 x 84.6mm
  • Weight: 579g

ISO/Shutter Speed

The bride was beautiful, and the groom was handsome.

The ceremony was simple but elegant, and the party was fun afterward.

The lighting in the church was perfect for shooting with a high ISO range of 160-12800, so I could use a 1/8000 shutter speed to capture all the action without getting motion blur.

Afterward, though, I had to switch to a lower ISO for the reception; it was in a dark room with no windows or natural light coming in from outside.

Aperture/Field of View

The bride and groom are both big on photography, so they wanted to show off some of their favorite shots from the day at their reception.

I used the F/2.8 aperture range on this camera to handle all my shooting needs, from getting great group shots in low light to capturing lovely portraits of people dancing by candlelight.

And my favorite was when the bride’s dad surprised her with a dance performance before walking her down the aisle.

White Balance/Frame Rate

When it came time for the ceremony, I used 4K video recording at 120 frames per second and auto white balance mode to capture everything from start to finish without hiccups or glitches, from the bride walking down the aisle through their first kiss to the husband and wife!

The footage looked fantastic; the colors were crisp and bright, and no matter how much sunlight came through the windows behind them, everything looked great on screen.

Why is this camera the best?

This camera is a dream come true for any photographer who loves film.

It combines the best of both worlds by offering digital photography’s image quality with analog film’s ease and flexibility.

The camera is also equipped with an autofocus system that allows you to focus on subjects quickly and easily, so you can focus on enjoying your big day instead of fiddling with settings all day long.

It also has several features that make it perfect for capturing wedding photography, including a 26-megapixel sensor and powerful stabilization.

Conclusion

Whether you’re capturing an intimate moment at the wedding reception or trying to get some candids of the newlyweds during their first dance as husband and wife, this best APS-C mirrorless camera has your back!

Click here to buy!

Fujifilm X-H2S: (Best APS-C Mirrorless) Fujifilm X-H2S: (Best APS-C Mirrorless) Fujifilm X-H2S: (Best APS-C Mirrorless) Fujifilm X-H2S: (Best APS-C Mirrorless)

Pros
  • High-speed Stacked CMOS imager
  • Snappy focus with subject recognition
  • Dust and splash protection
  • 5-axis stabilization
  • 4K60 ProRes video support
  • Flat profiles for color grading
  • 4K120 slow-motion
Cons
  • Focus accuracy struggles at top 40fps rate

Sony Alpha A7R IV: (Best high-resolution camera for weddings)

Sony Alpha A7R IV: (Best high-resolution camera for weddings)

The sun was setting on a beautiful, clear day in the desert.

The air was cool and crisp, and the sky was a deep, bold blue.

The bride stood with her bridesmaids at the top of a dune overlooking the valley below.

Her veil blew back in the breeze as she smiled at her husband-to-be, who stood by her side.

As he looked into her eyes, he saw that she matched the sky perfectly, and he knew this would be one of those weddings where everything went right.

They had planned everything down to the last detail: from the custom invitation box made of sand dollars to the champagne reception held under an overhang of palm trees just off a white-sand beach.

It was going to be perfect, and they both knew it.

And I knew it, too, as I had a Sony Alpha A7R IVA to cover this sizzling event.

Features

  • Model: Sony Alpha A7R IVA
  • Effective Megapixel: 61 MP
  • Image sensor: Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS
  • ISO range: 100 – 32000
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000
  • Storage type: SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory
  • Viewfinder: Electronic Viewfinder
  • Image stabilizer: In-body Image Stabilization
  • Dimension: 9 x 96.4 x 77.5mm
  • Weight: 665g

ISO/Shutter Speed

I needed to get a shot of the couple walking down the aisle.

The light was just too bright for my camera’s settings.

The high shutter speed was key; I could shoot at 1/8000th of a second, allowing me to freeze their motion and capture crisp images even when moving quickly.

The ISO range also helped me shoot in low light, giving me flexibility between 100 and 32000 ISO.

Aperture/Field of View

There is an area of the desert where you can find some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

It’s where you will find yourself surrounded by sand and sky as far as your eyes can see.

It’s hard to see where one ends and another begins when you’re standing there on those vast dunes.

It was such a beautiful day; the sun was glowing, and many beautiful colors were everywhere.

It made it easy to get great shots with the f/4 – f/22 aperture settings.

White Balance/Frame Rate

One of the biggest challenges of shooting weddings is how quickly everything happens.

You need to be able to take great shots of all these moments as they happen, and reacting quickly is crucial.

My camera lets me shoot 4K video at 30fps, so even if something happened too fast for me to capture with my shutter speed settings, I still got it on video so that my clients could watch their day unfold as they see it without missing anything.

Why is this camera the best?

It is the best wedding camera you can get if you’re looking for a professional camera that is also lightweight and easy to travel with.

Professional photographers have had their eye on this model for years, but it’s only recently been released to the public.

The main reason it’s so popular among professionals is its incredible ISO range.

Even if you’re shooting in low light, your photos will still look great and be able to capture details like never before.

Another great feature of this camera is its fast and accurate autofocus system.

Conclusion

This camera has everything you need to ensure your wedding photos are perfect and that they’ll look like they belong in a magazine.

It’s the best high-resolution camera for weddings.

Click here to buy!

Sony Alpha A7R IV: (Best high-resolution camera for weddings) Sony Alpha A7R IV: (Best high-resolution camera for weddings) Sony Alpha A7R IV: (Best high-resolution camera for weddings) Sony Alpha A7R IV: (Best high-resolution camera for weddings) Sony Alpha A7R IV: (Best high-resolution camera for weddings)

Pros
  • 60.2MP full-frame imaging.
  • 10fps Raw capture.
  • Real-Time Tracking autofocus.
  • 5-axis image stabilization.
  • Big, crisp EVF.
  • Tilting touch LCD.
  • Dual UHS-II slots.
Cons
  • Phase detection doesn’t extend to the edge of the frame.
  • Big file sizes.

Canon EOS 90D: (Best budget DSLR for weddings)

Canon EOS 90D: (Best budget DSLR for weddings)

As the bride walked down the aisle, I waited in front of the church.

The doors opened, and she walked, her beautiful smile lighting up the room.

I couldn’t help but smile back as she walked towards me.

As she reached me, we both turned toward the groom, already standing by our side.

He held my hand firmly as we waited for his bride to join us.

Standing together, they turned and faced each other as a priest began to speak.

As he spoke, I checked my camera settings: everything looked great!

The light was perfect, and I had gotten plenty of great shots before this moment; I knew this would be perfect with Canon EOS 90D.

Features

  • Model: Canon EOS 90D
  • Effective Megapixel: 32.5 MP
  • Image sensor: APS-C CMOS sensor
  • ISO range: 100 – 25600
  • Shutter speeds: 1/1600
  • Storage type: SD Memory Card, SDHC, SDXC Memory
  • Viewfinder: Optical Viewfinder
  • Image stabilizer: Not Available
  • Dimension: 7 x 104.8 x 76.8mm
  • Weight: 701g

ISO/Shutter Speed

I’m not one to shoot the bride and groom exchanging vows and being happy in front of their friends and family.

It’s so much more than that!

I want to capture the moment’s emotion, the dreamy nature of love.

I set my ISO range at 100 – 25600 and my shutter speed at 1/16000 (because you never know what might happen during a wedding).

The result?

Dreamy shots with lots of natural light let me capture every detail in perfect focus, even when I have zoomed out!

Aperture/Field of View

I shot with an aperture of f/3.5-f/22, which allowed us to get some gorgeous bokeh in some shots despite shooting in low-light conditions.

Thanks to the camera’s high ISO capabilities, I captured plenty of detail even when shooting at smaller apertures, so I didn’t have to sacrifice any dynamic range during post-processing.

Combining these two features makes this camera an absolute must-have for any wedding photographer.

White Balance/Frame Rate

I moved to film their vows and other important moments during their ceremony.

I captured these moments in slow-motion at 30 fps to look even more dreamy and romantic than they already did!

Finally, I filmed some shots of them dancing together after the ceremony.

I loved how beautiful everything turned out, and my clients were thrilled!

Why is this camera the best?

It’s perfect for all weddings, from small, intimate ceremonies to significant, elaborate events.

It’s an excellent choice for photographers who want to capture every moment of events in vivid detail without worrying about lighting or angles or getting an angle just right.

It also allows you to capture moments that aren’t necessarily planned, the kind of thing that happens at weddings all the time, like when a guest gets drunk and starts dancing at the table.

With its 24-megapixel sensor, you’ll take professional-quality photos.

Conclusion

Canon EOS 90D is a reliable and versatile DSLR, which means both amateurs and professionals can use it.

It’s the best budget DSLR for weddings, and you must have it.

Click here to buy yours!

Canon EOS 90D: (Best budget DSLR for weddings) Canon EOS 90D: (Best budget DSLR for weddings) Canon EOS 90D: (Best budget DSLR for weddings) Canon EOS 90D: (Best budget DSLR for weddings) Canon EOS 90D: (Best budget DSLR for weddings)

Pros
  • New 32.5MP image sensor.
  • 10fps capture with iTR tracking.
  • Vari-angle LCD.
  • Some dust and splash protection.
  • Optical viewfinder.
  • Mirrorless-quality autofocus for 4K video.
Cons
  • Cramped rear dial.
  • No sync socket.
  • Single memory card slot.

Fujifilm X-S10: (Best camera for weddings under £1000)

Fujifilm X-S10: (Best camera for weddings under £1000)

I’ve never been a big fan of weddings, but when my brother asked me to shoot his wedding with his school sweetheart, I couldn’t say no.

After all, I had Fujifilm XS10 with me.

It was a beautiful day in May.

The sun was shining, and everyone seemed happy: the bride, the groom, and even the flower girl, who made sure to kick up a lot of dirt as she ran ahead of the procession.

I’d taken some great shots when suddenly, it happened: she tripped on her dress and fell flat on her face!

I felt bad for her; she was so excited about being in her first wedding (and also about being able to wear a fancy dress).

But then I realized there was no way this girl would let something as minor as falling stop her from having a fantastic time at this fun-filled wedding.

So, instead of feeling sorry for her, I felt inspired by her strength.

Features

  • Model: Fujifilm XS10
  • Effective Megapixel: 26.1 MP
  • Image sensor: X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor
  • ISO range: 100 – 12800
  • Shutter speeds: 1/32000
  • Storage:  SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory
  • Viewfinder: OLED Electronic Viewfinder
  • Image stabilizer: In-body Image Stabilization
  • Dimension: 126 x 85.1 x 65.4mm
  • Weight: 465g

ISO/Shutter Speed

With an iso range of 100 – 12800 and 1/32000 shutter speed, I got incredible image quality in all kinds of light.

My brother and his girlfriend were married under a giant oak tree on a bright summer day, with warm sunlight streaming through its leaves as they exchanged vows.

The XS10’s ability to handle this kind of dynamic range in high quality helped me get exquisite shots that perfectly captured their joyous day!

Aperture/Field of View

I have a big family, so I had to be careful about how many people I could fit in one shot.

And since my brother’s wedding was outdoors, it was a little problematic.

However, I found that with Aperture Priority mode on my camera, I could get the exposure right for the background and then adjust my aperture for different depths of field.

That way, I could focus on getting everyone in the frame while still having some depth to the picture.

White Balance/Frame Rate

My brother’s wedding was a complete blur.

As you can probably imagine, he was very busy getting ready for the big day, and so was I.

I had to ensure that all my family members were there and everything ran smoothly before the ceremony started.

Irrespective of all the chaotic happenings, I created a cinematic 4K video at 240 fps shooting speed.

Its auto-white balance just saved my day.

Why is this camera the best?

It is small and compact, making it ideal for wedding photographers who want to capture moments without being noticed by the bride and groom.

But don’t be fooled by its size; it has a powerful image sensor that shoots 26MP photos, perfect for large prints or high-resolution images.

It features a wide-angle lens that captures more of the scene than any other camera on the market today.

That means you can get more people into each shot and still have fantastic detail!

Conclusion

If you’re searching for the best camera for weddings under £ 1,000, the Fujifilm XS10 is the perfect option.

It’s got all the bells and whistles of high-end professional cameras.

Click here to buy!

Fujifilm X-S10: (Best camera for weddings under £1000) Fujifilm X-S10: (Best camera for weddings under £1000) Fujifilm X-S10: (Best camera for weddings under £1000) Fujifilm X-S10: (Best camera for weddings under £1000)

Pros
  • Proven 26MP sensor
  • 5-axis IBIS
  • In-camera film looks for creatives
  • Front-facing display
  • Fast, reliable autofocus
Cons
  • No weather sealing
  • Single UHS-I memory card slot

CONCLUSION:

Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.

Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?

Which is your Best Camera for Wedding Photography on a Low Budget?

Is there a camera you love to use for wedding photography that I didn’t mention in this article?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

Related post:

Best cameras for wedding photography:

Best lens for wedding photography Nikon:

Best Sony Lens for Wedding Videography:

Best canon lens for portraits and wedding photography:

2 thoughts on “6 Best Camera for Wedding Photography on a Low Budget: (2024 Guide & Reviews)”

  1. Thank you for this informative article! As a beginner wedding photographer on a tight budget, it’s great to have a comprehensive guide to help me make an informed decision on the best camera for my needs. I appreciate the detailed reviews of each camera and the pros and cons of each option. This has definitely helped me narrow down my search and I feel more confident in choosing the right camera for my wedding photography business. Great work!

    Reply
  2. Great post! As a budget-conscious wedding photographer, I’m always on the lookout for affordable yet high-quality cameras that can deliver great results without breaking the bank. I appreciate the detailed reviews and recommendations in this post, and I’m definitely considering trying out the Canon EOS Rebel T7i for my next wedding shoot. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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