The Sony A7II, though obsolete for many types of photography, makes a fine body for headshots.

As a professional photographer, one of the most common comments you’ll hear is: “You must have a really good camera.” While it’s a natural assumption for those outside the industry, the truth is that the camera is one of the least important elements in achieving high-quality headshots. The real magic lies in lighting, lens selection, and how you use them.

If you know how to control light and use the right lens, you can achieve professional results with almost any camera. In fact, shooting in my professionally-lit studio, I could produce almost the same results with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II, released nearly 20 years ago and now selling on eBay for around $100, as I could with my current workhorse, the Sony A7III. And if I had to, I could even come close using an iPhone’s telephoto lens.

So, if you’re looking to get into headshot photography and wondering what the best camera is, let’s break it down: Cameras are one of the least important factors. The real priority is lighting, followed by lens choice, and only then does the camera body itself come into play.

The Three Most Important Elements of Headshot Photography

1. Lighting: The Key to Professional Headshots

Lighting is the single most important factor in headshot photography. Without good lighting, even the most expensive camera and lens won’t be able to produce great images. Professional headshot photographers invest more in lighting equipment than in camera bodies, and for a good reason.

How to Set Up Headshot Lighting

Invest in a Large Light Modifier: The bigger, the better. A large softbox or an octabox will provide flattering, soft light that minimizes harsh shadows.
Use a Three-Light Setup: A common setup includes a key light, a fill light, and a hair light to add separation from the background.
Consider an Eye-Lighter Reflector: This enhances catchlights in the eyes, making them pop and adding depth to the image.
Control Your Light Placement: Placing your key light at a 45-degree angle to your subject will create natural-looking shadows and dimension.
Continuous vs. Strobe Lighting: Many photographers prefer strobes like Godox or Profoto, while others use continuous lighting options like the Amaran 300c. Both work, depending on your style and preference.

Once you master lighting, your images will look professional, regardless of the camera you’re using.

A selection of vintage lenses from 55mm to 135mm: all foal lengths suitable for headshot photography

2. Lens Selection: The Secret to Flattering Headshots

Your lens choice plays a huge role in how your headshots look. The right lens will compress features, reduce distortion, and produce a natural, flattering image.

Best Focal Lengths for Headshots

85mm to 135mm: This range provides beautiful compression, making facial features appear proportional and reducing background distractions.
100mm Prime Lens: This is my personal preference. It allows me to capture stunning detail while keeping a comfortable working distance from my subject.
Budget-Friendly Option: The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 100mm f/2.5 is an excellent manual-focus lens that delivers incredible results for around $100-$150.

Prime Lenses vs. Zoom Lenses

Prime lenses (fixed focal length) typically offer better sharpness, wider apertures, and beautiful background blur (bokeh).
Zoom lenses like a 70-200mm f/2.8 from Canon, Nikon, or Sony provide flexibility, but they’re often more expensive.

For headshots, longer focal lengths (85mm, 100mm, 135mm) are always preferred because they naturally compress the face, making it look more flattering.

The Sony G-Master 70-200 is my preferred lens for headshots.

3. Camera: The Least Important Factor

Now, let’s talk about cameras. While it’s essential to have a reliable body, any modern DSLR or mirrorless camera will do the job. The camera should be the last thing you worry about when setting up for professional headshots.

Do You Need a High-End Camera for Headshots?

Not at all! Here’s why:

Headshots don’t require extremely high resolution: Even older cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II (21MP) can produce excellent results.
Full-frame sensors help with depth of field, but crop-sensor cameras can work just fine.
Dynamic range is less critical for controlled lighting setups, where you can balance shadows and highlights manually.

Best Camera Options for Headshot Photography

If you’re looking for a camera to shoot headshots, here are some solid choices at different budget levels:

Budget Option: Canon EOS 5D Mark II (Used) – Great full-frame sensor at an affordable price.
Mid-Range Option: Nikon D750 or Canon EOS 6D Mark II – Reliable DSLRs with great color science.
Best Mirrorless Option: Sony A7III – Fantastic autofocus, great image quality, and excellent for hybrid shooters (photo + video).

Again, any of these cameras will work beautifully for headshots. It’s not about the camera—it’s about how you use it.

Why You Shouldn’t Overthink Camera Choice

The best headshot photographers don’t stress over camera bodies. They invest in great lighting, quality lenses, and mastering their craft. Here’s why you shouldn’t overthink your camera choice:

The difference between a $100 camera and a $3,000 camera is minimal in controlled conditions.
Most clients won’t notice if a headshot was taken with a Canon, Nikon, Sony, or even an iPhone.
Your skills as a photographer matter far more than the gear you use.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to get into headshot photography, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that an expensive camera will make you a better photographer. What matters most is lighting, lens selection, and how you interact with your subject.

You can take incredible headshots with a Canon 5D Mark II, a Nikon D750, or a Sony A7III—but without the right lighting and lens, even a high-end camera won’t save a bad shot.

So, focus on mastering lighting, investing in a good lens, and improving your photography skills. Your camera is just a tool—what truly matters is how you use it.

Key Takeaways

Lighting is everything. Invest in high-quality light modifiers and proper placement.
The right lens matters more than the camera. A telephoto lens like a 100mm prime is ideal.
Any modern DSLR or mirrorless camera will work. The difference between brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony is minor in a controlled setting.
Your skills as a photographer matter most. Learn how to direct your subject, control light, and choose the right lens.

So, the next time someone tells you, “You must have a really good camera,” just smile and remember: It’s not the camera, it’s the photographer behind it.

What's the Best Camera for Headshot Photography? It Really Doesn't Matter