If you're planning on going out to buy a camera just for the creation of Radiance Fields, you're in luck. If you're wanting to use a camera body that you already have, you're also in luck. Radiance Fields can be created with any camera.
However, if you are in the market for something new, then read on!
While you might tend to shy away from crop sensor cameras because of their increased ISO sensitivity compared to a full frame equivalent, you can actually drop that concern, as Radiance Fields are not constrained by ISO or the accompanying grain. Keep in mind, that if you already have a camera body, you might just want to look at upgrading your lens to shoot with!
Key Considerations for Choosing a Camera Body
Resolution: Higher resolution cameras provide more detail and are better for large prints or cropping.
Price: Finding a balance between performance and cost is essential.
Sensor Size: Full-frame sensors generally offer better image quality, especially in low light, but APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors can be excellent in more affordable bodies.
Autofocus System: Fast and accurate autofocus is crucial for action, sports, and wildlife photography.
Video Capabilities: If you also shoot video, consider cameras with robust video features.
Overall Recommendation
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro. Shooting 6K RAW videos plus the Canon EF Mount ecosystem are both huge boosts, with the added benefit of one of the more affordable cameras on this list.
A close runner up is the Fuji X-H2S. Despite the Fuji brand being a little less established than say Canon or Sony, the Fuji has a bit more versatility than the Black Magic, shooting both stills and videos, with the ability to shoot 6K video. It is an APS-C sensor, but again, you can shoot Radiance Fields with as a high of an ISO as you need.
Top Camera Bodies for Every Budget
Budget-Friendly Cameras
Canon EOS R100 w/ 18-45mm
Resolution: 24.1 MP
Sensor Size: APS-C
Price: $
Why Choose It: The Canon EOS R100 offers a great entry point for beginners. It's quite affordable and comes with a wide angle kit lens as a starter. Additionally, the R100 gives access to the Canon RF mount ecosystem, but note that using full frame lenses with the crop sensor will increase the focal length.
Sony Alpha 6700
Resolution: 24.3 MP
Sensor Size: APS-C Sony E-Mount
Price: $$
Why Choose It: The Sony Alpha 6700 is a compact and versatile mirrorless camera. It's capable of shooting 4K with a high frame rate. Go for the 16-50mm kit. It's quite a bit cheaper than the other kit lens, with a wider focal length and is only $100 more than just the body.
Mid-Range Cameras
Canon 5D Mark IV
Resolution: 30 MP
Sensor Size: Full Frame Canon EF Mount
Price: $$$
Why Choose It: The Canon 5D Mark IV is what I personally shoot with. It's a full frame tank that takes sharp still images and has access to the full Canon EF mount lens line. I pair it with the Canon 14mm lens and it's an amazing system. It's fallen in price over the years, with the move to the mirrorless RF mount, but it's still a capable system. If you're looking to shoot video first, you might want to consider some other options on this list.
Fujifilm X-H2S
Resolution: 26.1 MP
Sensor Size: APS-C
Price: $$
Why Choose It: The Fujifilm X-H2S is a great all around camera. It can shoot 6.2K Open Gate video at 30 fps and can also push to 1/32,000 shutter speed. The Fuji lens ecosystem is a little weaker than say Canon or Sony, but we're only going to be looking at a handful of applicable lenses and the Fuji xf 8mm is great!
Sony Alpha 7 IV
Resolution: 33 MP
Sensor Size: Full-Frame Sony E-Mount
Price: $$
Why Choose It: The Sony A7 IV offers a good balance between resolution and performance. It’s a fantastic all-around camera with up to 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:24K video recording and the Sony E Mount lens ecosystem.
High-End Cameras
Sony Alpha 7R V
Resolution: 61 MP
Sensor Size: Full-Frame Sony E-Mount
Price: $$$$
Why Choose It: The Sony Alpha 7R V is a resolution powerhouse. Its 61 MP sensor delivers incredibly detailed images, making it perfect for landscape and studio photographers who need the best image quality.
Canon EOS R5
Resolution: 45 MP
Sensor Size: Full-Frame Canon RF Mount
Price: $$$$
Why Choose It: The Canon EOS R5 combines high resolution with advanced autofocus and impressive video capabilities. It’s an excellent choice for professionals who need a versatile and powerful camera. You can also pair it with the Canon RF5.2mm Dual Fisheye Lens.
Professional and Cinema Cameras
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
Resolution: 21.2 MP (video-focused)
Sensor Size: Super 35
Price: $$
Why Choose It: The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is designed for filmmakers. It offers exceptional video quality and a range of professional features. I've found the combination of using its 6K video, combined with focus peaking to be extremely helpful when capturing Radiance Fields. Just be aware that this will consume batteries.
Fujifilm GFX100 II Mirrorless Medium Format
Resolution: 102MP
Sensor Size: Medium Format
Price: $$$$$
You might be wondering if you can get medium format level data into a Radiance Field and the answer is yes. I haven't seen too many public examples of people using them, but there is so much data in the medium format files that you can seemingly zoom in infinitely. Keep in mind with great resolution will also come great file sizes and VRAM requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right camera body depends on your specific needs and budget. For beginners, the Canon R100 and Sony Alpha a6700 offer great entry points. Mid-range options like the Fujifilm X-H2S, Canon 5D IV, and Sony 7R IV provide excellent performance for enthusiasts and semi-professionals. High-end cameras such as the Sony Alpha 7R V and Canon EOS R5 deliver top-notch image quality for demanding photographers.