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Top 5 Cameras for Artists and Painters: A Guide To High-Quality Reference Photos
If you're an artist then you know how important it is to have quality reference material. Painting from your own reference photos can be especially meaningful because it injects more feeling and emotion into your work. If you're on the search for a camera to take reference photos, there are a few things to keep in mind: high image resolution, accurate color reproduction, and ease of use. You should also keep camera size in mind, because as an artist, you might not always be carrying (or willing to carry) a bulky DSLR. Inspiration can strike anywhere, so you want to be ready.

So, let's go over my top 5 list of cameras for artists looking to take their own photos for reference. These cameras are what I would recommend for artists who need reference and not necessarily professional-level photos. Great reference material doesn't need to be perfect, but rather adequate enough to draw or paint from. That being said, these cameras produce excellent photographs on a reasonable budget.
1. Sony RX100 VII
This camera is ideal for anyone looking for a versatile zoom range in a compact sized camera with a reliable focus
2. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
This camera is perfect for those seeking a pocket sized camera with a versatile lens that performs better in low light than other compact cameras.
3. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
4. Canon EOS R
5. Samsung S22 Plus
I know what you're thinking, a cell phone? Well in this day in age, the camera in your pocket might be one of the best options for on the go and that's why the final recommendation on this list is the S22. The Samsung S22 Plus is a powerful smartphone with an advanced camera system that can produce high-quality reference photos. It features a triple camera setup with a 64-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor, which allows you to capture detailed images from a variety of angles.
In addition to its impressive camera capabilities, the Samsung S22 Plus is also a great option for artists because of the convenience it offers. In today's age, cell phone cameras have become more advanced and can produce high-quality images that rival those of traditional cameras. The Samsung S22 Plus, in particular, has advanced features like pro mode, which allows you to manually adjust settings like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to get the perfect shot. You can capture photos in RAW format, which means you can capture more detail and greater dynamic range from the camera.
Honestly, this is becoming my most utilized camera I own. I absolutely love it and many of my paintings are now born through this phone. I promise you, especially if you know how to edit your photos, you'll barely remember that your working from cell phone pics.

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I'm Chuck Black, landscape and wildlife artist based in Southwest Montana.
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