Best Cameras For Dental Photography in 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

"Which camera should I purchase for my dental practice?" is a common question from a professional dentist.

Because of advancements in technology, it has been easier for dentists to showcase their services globally. But what are the best cameras for dental photography?

Several high-quality cameras that record minute details of every object have been launched.

As a dentist, I have already researched some models and also used some modern cameras. I'm here to convey my knowledge to you.

A decent camera is a needed and vital tool for current dental photography.

Why?

Because it raises awareness and facts about dentistry and improves the profession and services.

• Why should the patients choose you? 
• Why should people believe you?

 Answer all of the questions using dental photographs from your portfolio.

When advertising your business, just one easy action may accomplish a lot.

Without good images or videos, doctors may be misled, making wrong diagnoses and prescribing improper therapy or medicine.

Dental photography is an absolute requirement for all professionals, regardless of whether they practice orthodontics, prosthodontics, implantology, aesthetic dentistry, or endodontics.

Today, I will discuss the best cameras for clinical photography to help you choose the best camera kit.

Let's dive deep into the topic!

Why Does Dental Photography Be Essential: Is It Worth it?

Everything advances, and so do dentistry. You may ask...

Why does a dentist require modern cameras for dental photography?

Well, there is lots of reason to buy a dental photography kit.

Helps In Early Detection of Oral Problems:

Dental photography can be an effective tool for the early diagnosis of oral health problems.

For Documenting Cases:

It's the dentist's worst nightmare to be sued for negligence. As a result of a hypothetical occurrence, we may also find ourselves in the role of treating a doctor.

The patient's initial state should be documented so the case can be referred later. During the initial assessment, several issues were missed.

This is when a well-taken set of photos might come in handy.

Publishing Articles in a Journal

Every case should be photographed as if it were going to be published, with as little blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids as possible.

Cleaning surgical areas for pictures necessitates persistence and meticulousness.

This mentality, I feel, motivates them to do and execute their procedure at the finest level possible.

We should all practice dentistry as if it were going to be photographed and published in a prestigious dental publication so that our colleagues can see and analyze what we're doing daily.

Consider whether or not your work is worthy of being photographed before you begin.

To Show Before and After Images to Patients

Before-and-after treatment photographs are compelling images that may stimulate and excite patients to follow a treatment plan while demonstrating your unique skill set.

These photos should be shown on your website. Stock photos of patients' before and after appearance may be seen on many medical practices' websites.

Case Presentations

In traditional case presentations, the dentist informed the patient of the problem and then recommended a treatment.

For a standard case presentation, you need proper dental photography.

Buying Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying a Camera for Dental Photography

What to look for when purchasing a camera to use for dental care photography is as follows:

Type of Camera:

Consider the sort of camera you're purchasing. There are several varieties to choose from, including the following:

Compact Digital Cameras:

In dentistry photography, compact digital cameras are by far the most frequent tool.

Smartphone Cameras:

Today's smartphones and tablets all come equipped with cameras of some sort. Digital zoom makes them unsuitable for digital photography since they generate fragmented photographs.

Bridge compact digital cameras:

Advanced compact cameras are a hybrid of the compact and DSLR formats. These dentistry-specific cameras include built-in flash and lens modules, making them ideal for dental photography.

Mirrorless cameras:

The Mirrorless system is the most modern form of camera, and it has many of the same features as a DSLR camera.

DSLR:

A DSLR means digital single-lens reflex. The DSLR camera has a removable body, lens, and flash, all of which may be customized.

The best camera for dentistry photography is a DSLR, as evidenced by the camera's performance.

Because of the high-quality macro photography provided by the camera system, the DSLR has become an indispensable instrument in every dental office.

All cameras require a dental photography setup, including exposure, calibration, and other settings, but not all are equal.

Nikon, Sony and Canon are three of the most widely used and trusted brands of DSLR cameras. Choosing a top-notch model is all that you require.

Camera Body:

The camera used for dentistry photos should have a sturdy structure and excellent quality.

Camera bodies that aren't sturdy or built to last aren't fit for the job at hand. It's also preferable if the camera's body is small, as using a large camera to take dental photos would be cumbersome.

The Lens:

Dental photography requires a macro lens since it is capable of photographing the tiniest of details with clarity and precision.

There are several technological technologies that may be found in a camera, such as a quiet wave motor, picture stabilization, and vibration reduction, that work together to provide high-quality photos that are essential in the dentistry field.

To get the best results, the quality of the lens must be considered.

Flash:

Some cameras for dentistry photography have flash capabilities, including full-manual flash diffuser settings, which provide smoother images.

A macro camera with a macro lens and a ring light is essential if you want high-quality close-up dental images with no shadows and exact colors.

For dentistry photography, the ring flash was designed specifically to provide more precise images.

LED ring flashes, on the other hand, are a bad idea if you want your photos to be bright. You should use the camera's built-in flashes instead of external lights.

9 Best Cameras for Dental Photography: In-Depth Review

One of my best buddies is a dentist, and he recently requested my advice on the type of camera he should get for his brand-new dental clinic.

Because I don't like to answer queries of that nature without having any knowledge of the topic, I decided to take matters into my own hands and conduct a few tests before suggesting one to him.

After spending over a week putting various cameras through their paces, I finally identified some of the superior options. The following is a survey of those photographic devices:

Sony A7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera- Best Overall

My cousin, a dentist, requested me to photograph her for a social media website she's developing to market her dental practice.

I used my Sony A7 DSLR and was amazed by the results. I rate it as the best camera for dental photography in the recent market. Why? Let's find out the reasons now:

The A7 full-frame mirrorless camera from Sony is a high-end premium model. There isn't a better all-around video/picture hybrid camera on the market now than this one.

Sony's Alpha a7 Mirrorless Digital Camera integrates a full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor into an E-mount chassis.

It delivers detail-rich imagery in a small, lightweight, interchangeable lens camera system.

With an ISO range of 100-25600, the 24.3MP sensor captures high-resolution photographs in low light.

The new BIONX X image processor delivers quick processing and operating rates, such as 5 fps burst shooting.

Front-end LSI enhances early picture processing, providing more realistic details and richer tones. 14-bit RAW maintains sensor detail.

A 117-point phase-detection AF system and a 25-point contrast-detection system combine for excellent speed and accuracy.

On the other hand, a new eye AF control delivers perfect eye detection for images that focus on a subject's eye, even when they've turned away.

AVCHD and MP4 allow 24p/60i/60p Full HD 1080 video capture.

Off-camera uncompressed video recording via HDMI is supported, as is a built-in and external stereo recording. HDMI and wifi output allows viewing of 4K still images.

The 3.0" tiltable LCD offers 921.6k-dots and WhiteMagic technology for bright light.

A 2.4M OLED electronic viewfinder provides 100% coverage, a wide viewing angle, and the same 3-lens optical system as the Sony a99 DSLR.

In a word, it is one of the best digital cameras for dental photography.

Canon EOS 6D 20.2 MP CMOS DSLR Camera- Runner Up Choice

I once did dental magazine photography. Dental photography captures minute details. Therefore I wasn't sure which camera to use.

My coworker recommended Canon EOS 6D. It worked amazingly. Because of this, I consider it to be the runner-up option.

It is the most compact and lightweight full-frame DSLR camera ever created. Canon's 6D is the world's second-best DSLR, after the 5D Mark III.

If you want a full-frame DSLR with utmost technical perfection and super-fast focusing for action, the 6D is for you.

Canon 6D is made with polycarbonate and magnesium alloy, like the Nikon D600/D610. The front and back plates are magnesium alloy; the top and bottom are plastic.

6D provides full-frame DSLRs to consumers with a lower price, smaller and lighter body, and easier controls.

During testing, the Canon EOS 6D delivered outstanding photographs. This 20-megapixel, 35mm SLR provides noise-free JPEG photographs from ISO 50 to ISO 3200, with noise emerging at ISO 6400.

ISO 6400, 12,800, and 25,600 have less noise than ISO 51,200 and 102,400. You will get 11 ISO settings as well.

Canon EOS 80D Dual Pixel CMOS AF DSLR

Overall, the Canon 80D is a terrific multifunctional DSLR camera that's well-made and well-balanced. Its layout and ergonomics are typical Canon, resulting in a camera with a simple user interface and many external controls.

Images taken by this camera are immaculate. The 80D's new 24MP sensor improves low- and high-ISO performance, although other cameras still outperform it in terms of image quality.

The performance is superb, thanks to fast burst shooting, increased buffer depth, long battery life, and a more flexible 45-point autofocus.

As a result, the Canon 80D is a versatile camera that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from dental photography to portraiture and more difficult pursuits like sports and wildlife photography.

The 80D video is another standout feature. While it's missing some significant capabilities like 4K, it still delivers decent video quality and a slew of tools for both novices and expert video makers.

Despite its lack of groundbreaking features, the Canon 80D is a superb all-around camera with a decent balance of image quality. If you need a sophisticated function and a reasonable price range, go for it.

Canon EOS 200D Rebel SL2 Kit

If portability matters to you more, then 200D is a more efficient and appealing camera than its predecessor. It's an excellent dental photography camera for beginners.

The SL2 has an excellent grip and remarkable build quality for its pricing. In comparison, Nikon's D3400 (and previous D3000 series cameras) appear to use lower-quality materials. I was amazed by the SL2's build quality after comparing it to the 80D.

The tilt-flip LCD screen's build quality may bother some since its hinge might break. I've always favored a tilt-flip screen over a fixed LCD, and I don't mind the longevity difference. If it troubles you, consider the Nikon D3400 instead.

The SL2 makes changing focusing settings tough. To do so, hit SET to open the main or shortened menu. There's no faster method to go from "One Shot" to "AI Servo."

Connectivity options for the EOS 200D and Rebel SL2 include an onboard microphone input and a connection for the optional RS-60E3 wireless remote cable release.

A Type-C HDMI and USB 2 ports are hidden under a flap on the right primary grip side. Considering the camera's price and size, I wouldn't have anticipated a headphone jack.

Nikon D7500 DX-Format  DSLR

The D7500 provides game-changing resolution, ISO range, and image processing in a small, networked camera.

What about build quality? Nikon replaced magnesium with carbon fiber to make this model lightweight.

Carbon fiber doesn't lose heat as quickly as metal, and I enjoy the weight reduction, but it can break if dropped (rather than denting).

The D7500 has top-tier picture quality, blazing speed, faultless autofocus, 4K Ultra HD video, and pro-grade innovative features in a comfortable, durable body.

This camera is for millennials.

The D7500 combines performance with a sleek, sturdy, and easy-to-handle design. This design is weather-sealed to withstand extreme circumstances.

A pentaprism optical viewfinder and tilting 3.2" 922k-dot touchscreen are also included.

In recent years, Nikon has changed its marketing focus for the D7X00 series to digital photography. It features the quickest frame rate, largest buffer, and most autofocus choices.

Custom U1 and U2 modes are also there in D7500. These choices enable you to store camera mode and aperture/shutter speed/ISO to the main Mode Dial.

Canon EOS 77D DSLR

I'd like to introduce you to another awesome model from Canon- EOS 77D. It's a budget-friendly DSLR camera capable of producing high-quality dental images.

Canon EOS 77D is indeed the company's latest entry-level APS-C DSLR. The EOS 77D has a CMOS sensor with 24.2 megapixels.

Moreover, a Dual-Pixel CMOS AF, a pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.82x magnification for live view stills photography also available.

You'll also get integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC functionality.

An ISO range of 100-51200 is also included in the 5-axis digital stabilizer for movies.

It does not offer the joystick found on higher-end Canon DSLRs. A lock button is just beneath the tight control dial to prevent accidental adjustments to your settings.

Nikon D5600 24.2MP DX-Format DSLR

The Nikon D5600 is a somewhat high-priced DSLR camera for beginners. If you are looking for a "consumer" DSLR, this one has some excellent capabilities and settings packed into a small package, but it's not perfect.

SnapBridge is one of the model's most important features. Even though it isn't smart enough to enable you to manage other camera settings, you may use it to see the live view and shoot images from a distance.

There is no optical low-pass filter on the 24MP CMOS sensor in Nikon's D5600 camera, which has the company's newest EXPEED 4 CPU.

While the 39-point autofocus system can follow subjects in "3D," the combined ISO ranges from 100-25600 and allows for continuous shooting at 5 frames per second.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for easy Android device pairing are all included in the package. The 3.2" touch screen LCD has 1.04M dots of resolution and 1080/60p video.

Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera

If you are looking for a mirrorless camera for dental photography, then the Sony Alpha a6000 model is the one to watch out for. It’s a compact model from Sony.

This camera weighs only 12.13oz and is the same height and breadth as my cell phone.

When I decided to leave Canon in favor of the a6000 and one of the several ultra-compact lenses, I was motivated by the need for a more portable and comfortable daily setup.

When not in use, I've been able to fit both the camera and the Newer 35mm F1.7 inside my jacket pocket. My Tenba BYOB 10 works well when I'm using a larger lens.

Magnesium alloy is used for the camera's body, and a well-designed rubber grip helps keep it steady in your hands.

Next, I'd want to discuss shooting ergonomics and general comfort. As previously said, the Sony a6000's rubber grip is relatively tiny.

It's a good fit for the camera while enabling it to maintain its small size, so I have no issues.

Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR Camera

Canon was the dominant leader in CMOS image sensor technology throughout the early days of digital SLRs. Resolution and ISO range were improved on nearly every new EOS model.

The EOS 70D, Canon's next high-end camera, is also a master class. Using it for dental photos is a viable solution.

For continuous focusing and high frame rates, while photographing sports, the 70D can shoot up to 7 frames per second at full quality for up to 65 JPEGs or 16 raw files.