Food photos need shallow depth of field, close focusing and accurate colour. Any modern interchangeable-lens camera works; the lens does the heavy lifting.
For most people, the best camera for food photography is the Panasonic Lumix S5 II with the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS, about £1,480. Under £750 · Under £1,500 · Under £2,500
Lens advice: A 50mm f/1.8 or a 90-105mm macro lens covers most food photography. Natural window light is the cheapest upgrade.
Body £560 + lens £169 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 50mm equivalent · 1196g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £540 + lens £180 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 40mm equivalent · 845g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £420 + lens £280 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 84mm equivalent · 655g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field.
Body £490 + lens £260 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 36mm equivalent · 626g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field.
Body £530 + lens £170 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 84mm equivalent · 963g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £980 + lens £500 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-105mm equivalent · 1420g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £1,150 + lens £340 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 84mm equivalent · 773g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £850 + lens £360 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 85mm equivalent · 961g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field.
Body £1,020 + lens £360 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 50mm equivalent · 1115g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £1,100 + lens £330 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 41mm equivalent · 744g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £1,630 + lens £770 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 100mm equivalent · 1098g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £1,450 + lens £1,040 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 50mm equivalent · 1292g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £850 + lens £1,540 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 85mm equivalent · 1656g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field.
Body £1,840 + lens £540 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 105mm equivalent · 1641g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £1,020 + lens £950 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 50mm equivalent · 1790g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Each pick is the best body and lens we found from that brand within budget, priced with the body used where MPB lists it. Scores weigh the specs that matter for food photography.
For most people, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II with the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS at about £1,480. Under £750: Panasonic Lumix S1. Under £1,500: Panasonic Lumix S5 II. Under £2,500: Panasonic Lumix S1 IIE.
f/2.8-f/5.6 gives soft backgrounds while keeping enough of the dish sharp. Go to f/8 or more for flat lays.
Not essential, but it lets you get close for detail shots of textures and garnishes.
A 50mm f/1.8 or a 90-105mm macro lens covers most food photography. Natural window light is the cheapest upgrade.