WEDDING

Perfect match: the best Canon cameras for wedding videography and photography

Discover the best cameras for high-production wedding videos, and those best suited for capturing both videos and photos of the occasion.
A young couple, photographed from a low angle, stand facing each other in a garden, with the trees and bushes behind them out of focus.

The Canon EOS R5 C is the perfect wedding camera for both video specialists and hybrid shooters. It can switch from a full-featured Cinema EOS video camera to a professional stills camera, with a 45MP sensor capable of delivering stills at up to 20fps as well as long-duration 8K RAW video. Taken on a Canon EOS R5 C with a Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM lens at 1/50 sec, f/1.8 and ISO100. © Kevin Clerc

A wedding album is not enough anymore. Today's tech-savvy couples want top-quality digital photos and videos that they can share with family and friends around the world. Whether you're primarily focused on photos, a hybrid shooter who wants to capture both stills and video on a single camera, or a videography specialist intent on creating a cinematic experience, there's a Canon camera that's perfect for the big occasion.

We spoke to professional wedding shooters and Canon's technical experts to find out the best camera for wedding videography as your main medium and wedding video alongside photography.

A view over the photographer's shoulder of the LCD screen on a Canon EOS R5 C camera showing a bride and groom. The same couple can be seen out of focus in the background.

Combining 8K RAW video and 45MP stills in an incredibly compact yet robust body, the Canon EOS R5 C boasts the full range of high-end Cinema EOS functions, dual card slots, plus professional autofocus. An integral, active cooling system enables full 8K movie capture for as long as you need it.

The best Canon cameras for high-production wedding video

Canon's Cinema EOS range is dedicated to professional, top-end video capture. Some of the latest models such as the EOS R5 C and EOS C70 are designed to pair with the growing range of formidable RF lenses. For hybrid shooters who don't require the specialist features of the Cinema EOS system but still want both pro-grade video and cutting-edge stills capture, the EOS R5 enables seamless switching between the two – see the best Canon cameras for wedding photography and videography below.

Canon EOS R5 C

"The Canon EOS R5 C is based on the EOS R5," explains Canon Europe product specialist Ram Sarup. "They're both hybrid cameras, ideally suited to capturing both stills and video, but approach the mix from different starting points. The EOS R5 is a fantastically capable photographic powerhouse, whereas the EOS R5 C – from Canon's Cinema EOS range – is far more videocentric, making it a seriously cinematic filmmaking tool.

"Building on the same 45MP image sensor and processor as the EOS R5, the EOS R5 C adds an active cooling system that enables extended periods of 8K video capture. Most customers don't yet request 8K video delivery, but shooting in 8K gives you freedom to crop, pan and zoom in post."

The Canon EOS R5 C camera.

Canon EOS R5 C

Capture breathtaking 8K video and 45MP stills with Canon's smallest Cinema EOS camera – it's ready for anything.

Alongside 8K 30p in HEVC and 4K in XF-AVC with oversampling, both highly practical formats used widely by wedding videographers, the EOS R5 C offers multiple 12-bit RAW recording options for video. "This gives videographers the greatest flexibility," Ram explains. "The availability of multiple RAW options, as well as XF-AVC and MP4 formats, really marries the EOS R5 C with the rest of the Cinema EOS line. The maximum 8K frame rate is also increased from 30fps to 60fps, with an external power source.

"Other video-specific features compared to the EOS R5 include a waveform monitor, false colour and timecode terminal, which are key professional-assist tools and features for high-production video capture. Although it's the smallest, most lightweight Cinema EOS camera, the EOS R5 C delivers absolutely beautiful footage. The controls are also enormously customisable, with 13 buttons that you can assign to various functions, so you can shoot just how you want."

Filmmaker Kevin Clerc used the EOS R5 C to shoot a wedding as part of a film about the island of Madeira, and he was impressed by its versatility. He found the eye and face tracking autofocus "very reliable" and loved the Dual Pixel Focus Guide feature, which assists when you're focusing manually. "Such a professional camera in such a small body!" he comments.

Ultimately, the EOS R5 C is ideal for professionals needing a compact, lightweight camera for long-form, high-quality wedding videography, along with the ability to cover an entire wedding from a stills perspective with exceptional resolution, all without the need to switch between different cameras.

Canon EOS C70

The compact EOS C70 was Canon's first RF mount Cinema EOS camera, compatible with the growing range of breakthrough RF lenses.

"A key advantage of the EOS C70 is that it has a DGO (Dual Gain Output) sensor," Ram says. "This outputs the imaging data twice, prioritising highlights and shadows, then combines the two signals, thus extending the dynamic range at the sensor level. As a result, the Super 35mm sensor outputs an incredible 16+ stops of dynamic range with amazing highlight roll-off and shadow detail. It's brilliant for wedding videography, where you want to capture everything from sunny skies and white dresses to dark suits.

The Canon EOS C70 camera.

Canon EOS C70

A new-generation RF mount Cinema EOS System camera featuring Canon's 4K Super 35mm DGO sensor.

"Built-in neutral density filters add to the appeal, ideal for maintaining wide apertures for a shallow depth of field, even under bright lighting," Ram adds. "Dedicated audio controls ensure top-end sound quality, along with mini-XLR sockets for connection with other pro audio kit. Plus, with the Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x, you can use the broad range of Canon EF lenses while maintaining the same Full Frame angle of view alongside an increased light transmission of approximately 1-stop."

Sofia and Elena Costa, who run the Costa Sisters Productions wedding videography company, have built their unique style on creating a sense of fast-paced movement. They shoot with a Canon EOS R5, which they love because of its 8K video capture capabilities and image stabilisation, but mainly with an EOS C70. "One of the great things about the EOS C70 is its face- and eye-detection AF, especially when we're on the go at weddings," says Elena. "The camera's 4K 120fps capture is also great for creating slow-motion footage, ideal for scenes like the first dance, the first kiss and confetti shots. It adds a really cinematic element to the video."

Canon EOS C200

Marco Abba is based in Rimini, Italy, and has been shooting wedding videos with his wife, Stefy, since 2009.

"The EOS C200 has many benefits," says Marco. "The camera is ergonomic to use, the batteries have a long life and the dual SD card slot enables us to have a real-time backup of footage. Also, the main functions are easily accessible through the appropriate keys (such as WB, ND, Zebra and Waveform).

"Using ND filters, we always have a shot angle of 180 degrees with a frame rate of 50fps, even in strong light conditions. We're not forced to close the diaphragm to avoid overexposing our images or even forced to set a shutter speed that is too high. So our images are always very natural and soft."

The Canon EOS C200 camera.

Canon EOS C200

The EOS C200 is a compact and versatile high-performance camera for a wide range of shooters that captures sharp 4K 50P images.

Marco adds that he could not do without the camera's reliable AF. "I'm always sure to have the subject in focus even if I do not see the display clearly because I'm shooting in full sun," he says. At the other extreme, he has found the face detection AF invaluable even in low light conditions, such as when he is shooting the speeches at the reception – even if the speakers move around, the AF remains locked on to them.

A couple holding heart-shaped red balloons against a brilliant blue/purple sky. The image has been taken in such a way that only the tops of their heads can be seen.

"Mirrorless cameras gave me a whole new way of shooting," says Fabio Mirulla, who took this witty shot on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM lens at 1/160 sec, f/6.3 and ISO320. © Fabio Mirulla

The best Canon cameras for wedding photography and videography

We've mentioned that the EOS R5 C is a full-featured Cinema EOS video camera that can switch to shooting 45MP stills. If you don't require the Cinema EOS interface and specialised pro video output options offered by the EOS R5 C, all of Canon's professional EOS cameras are designed for capturing both stills and video. This hybrid capability means you have more storytelling potential in your hands throughout the day – and all without having to carry extra equipment around or employ additional photographers or videographers.

Canon EOS R5

"A superb hybrid camera, the EOS R5 is less videocentric than the EOS R5 C," says Ram. "Even so, it can capture professional-grade video and has different advantages. For people who don't need to shoot long-form 8K video but do need to switch between shooting video and stills instantaneously, the EOS R5 is a perfect choice."

"The separate video recording button of the EOS R5 is a great hybrid feature," adds Canon Europe senior product specialist Mike Burnhill. "It means you can be shooting stills and, just by pressing the video button, start recording video with a whole different set of movie settings, without even needing to take your eye away from the viewfinder or go to any menus. It's perfect when capturing unrepeatable moments, like throwing the bouquet. And for situations like this when it's a tough choice between shooting video or stills, you can simply record video at 8K and extract 33MP stills from the footage."

A Canon EOS R5 camera.

Canon EOS R5

The EOS R5's uncompromising performance will revolutionise your photography and filmmaking.

Canon Ambassador and International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2021 winner Fabio Mirulla shoots photos with a Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6. "The eye-detection autofocus tracking is phenomenal, and really nails focusing every time, even when people are moving around or confetti is flying through the scene," he says. "Now I just leave focusing to the camera and concentrate on composition and timing."

"Face- and eye-detection/tracking autofocus means you no longer need to juggle composition and AF points – the camera takes care of everything for you," adds Mike. "Even with fast f/1.2 lenses with a really tight depth of field, you can rely on consistently accurate focusing in exactly the right place. It gives you a new level of confidence to take more risks and get more creative."

Fabio finds the EOS R5's high resolution very useful. "At several critical times throughout a wedding," he says, "like during the ceremony itself and the speeches, you have to shoot from a fixed position and don't have time to swap lenses. The 45MP resolution means you can crop quite severely and still get great results.

"The live exposure preview is another great feature. I love to play around with shadows and light, and being able to see how the image will look before I even shoot is incredible. IBIS is another game-changer for me. I move around a lot when I shoot, and not having to use a tripod or monopod gives me a whole new level of creative freedom."

A couple embrace, standing in a courtyard garden setting while a group of dancers swirl red fabric around them.

The enhanced subject tracking AF in the EOS R3 ensures that the subjects in your photos and videos remain in focus no matter what is going on around them, whether it's confetti flying around or something more exotic, as in this demonstration shoot by lifestyle wedding specialist Vanessa Joy.

Canon EOS R3

"The Canon EOS R3 is a superb hybrid camera for wedding photography," says Mike. "Of course, it has the IBIS, face-recognition and eye-detection autofocus capabilities of the EOS R5 and EOS R6, as well as a direct video record button like the EOS R5, so you can switch to video without having to go into menus and change any settings. But on the EOS R3, using the electronic shutter makes it possible to shoot stills at up to a phenomenal 30fps, so you can be sure of capturing those definitive moments and fleeting expressions. The electronic shutter also means you can shoot completely silently during the ceremony and for candid shots but, unlike on other mirrorless cameras, it can also used with flash. This saves the need to change between shutter modes for different shots with and without flash.

A Canon EOS R3 camera.

Canon EOS R3

Fleeting moments in time, captured on camera in ways that you never thought were possible. Welcome to the future of action photography.

"Using the custom functions, the stills/video switch can be customised to switch to silent shooting, so just by picking up the camera and feeling the position of the switch, you'll know whether you're in mechanical or electronic shutter mode. It's just so intuitive.

"Another cool thing for wedding stills is that you can use a function button to add a sound effect for the electronic shutter, complete with volume adjustments," Mike adds. "It's great for formal portraits and group shots, so people know you've actually taken the photo, otherwise they can be trying to hold a pose and feeling awkward.

"For cinematic, broadcast-quality video, the EOS R3 can record 6K RAW at up to 60fps internally to a CFexpress card, or oversampled 4K for maximum detail. Canon Log 3 provides greater dynamic range and colour-grading possibilities."

A black and white image of a bride and groom enjoying their first dance. All around them people are taking photographs.

For wedding festivities after dark, Fabio turns to the EOS R6 and its outstanding low-light capabilities. Taken on a Canon EOS R6 with a Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens at 1/200 sec, f/1.4 and ISO5000. © Fabio Mirulla

Canon EOS R6

The Canon EOS R6 is another excellent hybrid camera for stills and video, especially in low light. Fabio says: "I prefer using my EOS R6 for the dance section of the wedding. When it's almost dark, the EOS R6 still autofocuses incredibly quickly and accurately. The vari-angle screen is great for composing dance shots too, as I can rely on the camera for autofocus and hold it high up in the air to shoot over other people. And if I have to use a high ISO setting to freeze motion, image quality remains amazingly detailed and noise-free. In general, once the wedding cake has been cut, I just use the EOS R6."

EOS R6

Canon EOS R6

Whatever you shoot, however you shoot it, the EOS R6 lets you be creative in ways you never thought possible.

Mike adds: "The EOS R6 is particularly compact and affordable, yet has the same autofocus features as the EOS R5, and the same IBIS performance – up to 8-stops with some RF lenses. This is arguably not so vital for stills, where you often need to use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, but it's great for giving freedom of movement when recording video. With 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, Canon Log 3 and HDR PQ options to help videographers capture more dynamic range, it's ready for the range of challenges that weddings can throw at you.

"The fast 20fps stills capability helps 'capture the moment' in situations like throwing confetti or the bouquet."

Canon EOS R

Leipzig-based Canon Ambassadors Julia Blumenthal and Gil Gropengießer are destination wedding photographers and videographers who like to work in a natural and spontaneous way.

"The smaller size of the EOS R makes a difference to us," Gil says, "because the bigger the camera, the more scary it is for the people in front of it.

"We shot video with the EOS R [above] on a pre-wedding shoot in Barcelona in many different lighting situations, from harsh light to shadow light as well as indoors and outdoors. We were blown away by the autofocus. At one point I was running with the EOS R and the couple we filmed were running towards me. We also had the sun coming directly through the lens. But the autofocus was like glue on the couple.

The Canon EOS R camera.

Canon EOS R

A full-frame 30.3MP sensor with impressive detail, ISO performance and Dual Pixel CMOS AF.

"The footage is also easy to deal with at the editing stage," Gil adds. "The colours are beautiful – I love the skin tones – and we had loads of flexibility in the grading. The EOS R gives us everything we need to produce the stuff we love."

David Clark and Matthew Richards

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