Optimal Gear for Frame-by-Frame Photography

Best Cameras for Stop Motion Photography

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Most cameras you can find on the market can be used to make a stop motion video . In fact, there are no digital cameras on the market that are created solely for this purpose, which means that you need to search for a camera that can make this otherwise slow process somewhat easier.

Opting for the camera that lets you control the focus and all other settings is probably the best choice you can make because all images you take should look almost identical for the illusion of stop motion to work.

DSLRs , compact cameras or webcams can all be used to create stop motion videos, but with so many different models out there, it may be difficult to choose the best one. That’s why in this article we are going to take you through some of the best cameras for stop motion photography for both amateur and professional photographers.

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The Best Cameras You Can Use to Shoot Stop Motion Videos in 2020

Even though the story of a stop motion video is its most important ingredient, the results you will be able to achieve largely depend on the equipment you have. In addition to a camera, you should also consider getting a tripod, lights and other accessories that can make the process of shooting a stop motion video easier. Here are some of the best cameras you can use to shoot stop motion videos in 2020.

Part 1: Best Webcams for Amateur Stop Motion Photography

If you are looking for the least expensive options, then you should consider using a webcam to capture the footage you will be using to make a stop motion video. In addition, most webcams work with stop motion software seamlessly, so you won’t have any problems importing large amounts of photos.

1. Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam

Price: $99.99

Despite the fact that this Logitech’s model is designed for streaming in full HD, you can still use it for stop motion photography. This webcam has a 78-degree viewing angle which gives you a lot of options while composing your shots. The Logitech Capture feature enables you to adjust camera settings and choose how bright or dark your images are going to be, apply the chroma key effect or create up to six settings profiles you can use whenever you want.

Logitech’s C922x Pro Stream Webcam ships with a tripod which enables you to keep it perfectly still while taking the photos you want to include in the stop motion video you’re making. This webcam is compatible with both PC and Mac computers, although it won’t work on older versions on macOS and Windows OS.

Pros

• Camera settings can be adjusted with Logitech Capture feature
• Produces high-resolution images
• Offers anti-flickering options
• Accurate color depiction

Cons

• Adjusting the focus manually is not an option
• Automatic light correction

2. Besteker 1536P Full HD Webcam

Price: $79.00

This is a plug and play webcam that can capture videos in resolutions up to 2048x1536, and you can use it on both Macs and PCs. Even though Besteker 1536p model is commonly used to record Skype conversations, you can still pair it with a stop motion software and take photos with it. Adjusting the exposure, aperture or ISO values isn’t possible, which makes it a bit difficult to control how bright or dark your images are going to be. The fact that all you need to do in order to set the focus manually is spin the focus lens makes Besteker 1536p Full HD webcam perfectly suited for stop motion videos. Moreover, the webcam is equipped with a high-precision Carl Zeiss lens that features seven layers of optical glass, which guarantees that all photos you take are going to be crystal-clear.

Pros

• Easy setup process
• A 100-degree viewing angle
• Features , MJPEG and YUY2 video coding formats
• One-year warranty

Cons

• Zoom is only available if the webcam is paired with software that supports this function
• Requires additional accessories

3. Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam

Price: $199.00

Logitech Brio Pro is a superstar among webcams since it performs remarkably well when used for live streaming or recording business calls. The webcam is equipped with a powerful facial recognition technology that allows you to keep your devices safe. You can record 4K videos at 30fps or 1080p videos at 60fps with Logitech Brio Pro, although you must make sure that your computer has USB ports that are compatible with this webcam. Keep in mind that the webcam must be plugged into a USB 3.0 port if you want to record 4K videos with it. Logitech Brio Pro has an adjustable field of view, as well as 5X digital zoom which enables you to compose your shots with more precision. The RightLight 3 + HDR feature enables the camera to depict colors accurately even in low light conditions.

Pros

• Suitable for a wide range of purposes
• Equipped with tripod and monitor mounts
• Features a 5X digital zoom
• Adjustable field of view

Cons

• Expensive
• No manual focus

Part 2: Best Compact Camera for Stop Motion Photography

Shooting a stop motion video with a webcam won’t necessarily produce great results. So, if you don’t feel confident enough to use a DSLR camera then a compact camera is your obvious choice. Let’s have a look at what the best compact camera for stop motion photography has to offer.

1. Sony DSCHX80/B High Zoom Point & Shoot Camera

Price: $368.00

A brief look at Sony DSCHX80/B’s list of features will reveal how powerful this point and shoot camera really is. Its 18.2 MP Exmor R® CMOS sensor enables the camera to receive four times more light than regular sensors, while the Bionz X image processor reduces the noise and ensures that all details are captured accurately. Sony DSCHX80/B has the 30X optical zoom Zeiss® lens and it is equipped with an intelligent autofocus technology that runs on a spatial object detection algorithm. The camera also has the Manual mode, which enables you to adjust ISO, aperture and exposure values manually, and the 3’’ Extra Fine LCD multi-angle display lets you see your shot before you take it regardless of the camera’s position. Moreover, One-touch remote technology allows you to control the camera remotely and turn your tablet or a Smartphone into a viewfinder.

Pros

• Features a Manual mode
• 30X optical zoom makes composing shots easier
• Excellent noise reduction capabilities
• Compatible with iMovie and Final Cut Pro

Cons

• Relatively short battery life
• Additional camera accessories are required if you want to use this camera for stop motion photography

Part 3: Five Best DSLR Cameras for Stop Motion Photography

The ability to choose the lens or adjust the camera settings for each shot you take makes DSLR cameras the best choice for stop motion photography. However, you should keep in mind that most DSLRs come with a single kit lens and that you may have to look for additional lenses that are best suited for stop motion photography.

1. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Price: $2.499.00

This is probably one of the best DSLR cameras on the market right now you can use to record videos or take photos. Besides enabling you to record 4K videos at 30fps, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV can also be used to take up to 7 continuous photos. The 30MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 6+ image processor ensure that each shot you take meets the highest professional standards. The camera has the 100-102400 ISO range, which enables you to shoot even under the most difficult light conditions. Furthermore, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is equipped with a 61 point AF system that keeps your images sharp even while you are shooting objects that are moving at great speeds. It is worth noting that the lenses for this camera must be purchased separately from the body.

Pros

• Equipped with a 30MP full-frame sensor
• Excellent low-light performance
• Compatible with a broad range EF mount lenses
• Built-in WiFi and NEC connectivity

Cons

• The display cannot be tilted
• More expensive than most DSLRs

2. Canon EOS Rebel T6

Price: $399.99

Canon EOS Rebel T6 has everything you need to create a captivating stop motion video. The camera lets you take 18 MP photos and it has an APS CMOS Sensor as well as a DIGIC 4+ image sensor. Its ISO range may not be as impressive as the one on the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, but the camera still performs well in low-light conditions. Canon EOS Rebel T6 has a 9-point autofocus system, but you can also adjust the focus and all other camera settings manually. The camera allows you to choose if you want to take pictures in the JPEG or RAW formats. You should opt for the RAW format if you are shooting a stop motion video since this will give you more options during the editing process.

Pros

• Affordable
• Great lens compatibility
• All camera settings are easily customizable
• Offers creative filters

Cons

• Doesn’t have a full-frame camera sensor
• The camera’s display has only 3 inches

3. Canon EOS Rebel T7i

Price: $799.99

Aspiring photographers who don’t want to spend a small fortune on their next DSLR camera should consider getting Canon’s EOS Rebel T7i model. This 24.2 MP camera is equipped with Dual Pixel CMOS AF with phase detection that needs only 0.03 seconds to focus the image. EOS Rebel T7i has a CMOS APS-C sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor that enables you to set ISO values as high as 25600. The touch-screen display can be tilted in a different position, which makes taking both high and low angle shots easier. EOS Rebel T7i offers a number of filters that can be applied to both videos and still images. However, the camera’s continuous shooting mode doesn’t allow you to take more than 6 fps. Adjusting the White Balance or Exposure manually are just a few among numerous options you will have at your disposal if you opt for this Canon’s model.

Pros

• Equipped with a powerful image processor
• Fast autofocus system
• Captures 24 MP photos
• Intuitive interface

Cons

• EOS Rebel T7i is not a full-frame camera
• Doesn’t have an electronic shutter

4. Nikon D500

Price: $1.499.95

If you are looking for a camera that can record 4K videos at 30fps or take 20.9 MP photos, then Nikon D500 may be the right choice for you. The DX-Format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor ensure that all images you take with this camera depict each detail accurately. The camera’s native ISO is 51200, but it can be extended to 1640000 which means that you can take photos even when there is no light at all. Furthermore, the camera features a number of noise reduction options, which enhances its performance in low light conditions. Nikon D500 has an advanced Multi-Cam autofocus sensor module that ensures all photos you take with this camera are perfectly sharp, while you can also use the manual focus if you want to control where in the shot focus is going to be.

Pros

• Excellent video recording features
• Great for both interior and exterior locations
• Fast shutter
• Supports a broad range of storage media

Cons

• Aimed only at professional users
• Requires a lot of additional equipment

5. Nikon D3300

Price: $310.00

When it was first released in 2014, Nikon D3300 was one of the most powerful cameras on the market that had a 24.2 MP CMOS DX-Format sensor. In the meantime, this Nikon’s model has been archived, so you can no longer purchase it from the manufacturer. This DSLR camera can still be found on Amazon, and it can be a great investment if you are looking for an inexpensive DSLR you can use for stop motion photography. Nikon D3300 is compatible with a broad range of Nikkor lenses, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding the lenses that are perfect for your stop motion video project. The camera also offers video recording options, and you can record full HD videos at 60fps with it. The only downside is that you cannot record video clips longer than 20 minutes with Nikon D3300.

Pros

• Great image quality
• All camera settings are easily adjustable
• Excellent lens compatibility
• Offers in-camera image editing features

Cons

• The product is archived

Bonus tip: The Best Mirrorless Camera for Stop Motion Photography

During the process of creating a stop motion video, you will have to take hundreds of shots, which will eventually take its toll on DSLR’s mechanical shutter. That is why cinematographers often use mirrorless cameras that have electronic shutters to capture the footage for their stop motion videos.

1. Lumix S1H Digital Mirrorless Camera

Price: $3.999.99

A full-frame sensor, 6K 10-bit videos or dual native ISO are just a few reasons why film industry professionals love using Lumix S1H. The camera also has the Stop Motion Animation mode, but you must make sure that the Time-Lapse setting is enabled before you can use it. You can take each photo in the stop motion sequence yourself or set an interval in which the camera will take photos automatically. Once you’re done shooting the camera will generate the video for you, so that you can just transfer it to your computer and edit it. If you would like to make professional stop motion animations, then Lumix S1H is one of the best cameras you can choose.

Pros

• Electronic shutter
• Features a Stop Motion Animation mode
• Generates a stop motion video automatically
• Great lens compatibility

Cons

• Hefty price tag

The Features You Need to Pay Attention to While Choosing a Camera for Stop Motion Photography

Sadly, using any digital camera for stop motion photography just isn’t possible, because without certain features you are not going to be able to complete your project. That’s why you should choose a camera that offers the following options

Manual Focus and Controls

Being able to control the focus manually is vital for the success of your stop motion video project. The objects in the shot are moving constantly, which can make it difficult for camera’s autofocus to keep the focus where you want it to be. That’s why the camera you use for stop motion photography must offer the manual focus option.

Moreover, controlling the ISO, aperture and exposure values by yourself is as important as pulling the focus manually, since even the slightest light change can cause a sea of continuity problems.

Remote Shutter Release

The camera must be perfectly still throughout the entire process, and sometimes just placing the camera on a tripod is not going to be enough. That’s why you should opt for a camera that allows you to release the shutter remotely and avoid causing even the slightest vibration of a camera.

Electronic Shutter

Most mechanical shutters have an estimated lifetime of 100.000 shots, but a single stop motion video can easily have thousands of images. That’s why choosing a mirrorless camera that has an electronic shutter can be a good choice, since you won’t have to worry about the number of shots you take.

Conclusion

Having the right equipment for stop motion photography is as important as the story you want to tell in your video. Luckily, cameras from all price ranges can be used to create stop motion animations, which means that you can create a stunning stop motion animation even with a webcam. Which camera for stop motion animation are you using? Leave a comment and let us know.

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Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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