Are you looking for the best camera for stop motion photography? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, finding the right camera can make all the difference in bringing your stop motion creations to life.
When it comes to choosing a camera for stop motion, it’s not about finding a camera specifically designed for this type of photography.
Instead, it’s about looking for certain features that make it easier to capture your vision. From DSLRs to mirrorless cameras to webcams, we’ve compiled a list of 10 great options for you to consider.
But here’s a little secret: the best stop motion camera is actually a still camera, not a video camera. Aardman, the studio behind beloved stop motion films like Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run, switched from video cameras to still cameras and the results speak for themselves.
So let’s dive in and explore the features and options of the best cameras for stop motion photography.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top PickOur Top PickLogitech HD Pro C920 |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → BUY FROM ADORAMA → |
 | Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →BUY FROM ADORAMA → |
 | Nikon D3300 |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Canon EOS Rebel T8i |
| CHECK BEST PRICE →BUY FROM ADORAMA → |
Key Takeaways
- Stop motion animation requires a camera that can capture high-quality still images with precision, and a webcam like Logitech HD Pro C920 is a great option for stop motion projects due to its high resolution and ability to be controlled via software.
- Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 is another webcam option with impressive autofocus and low-light performance, making it suitable for stop motion work that requires frequent adjustments and changes.
- Logitech C270 Widescreen HD offers clear still images and a built-in microphone for noise reduction, making it a versatile option for both stop motion and daily driver webcam use.
- When shopping for a stop motion camera, it’s important to consider factors such as resolution, software compatibility, autofocus, and low-light performance.
- While webcams may not be able to compete with more expensive DSLR or mirrorless cameras, they are a cost-effective and practical option for hobbyist and beginner animators.
- The Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam offers excellent autofocus, lens performance, and a sturdy base, making it a great choice for stop motion creators.
- The Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam provides HDR capabilities, sharp high-res shots, and 5X digital zoom, making it ideal for stop motion videos.
- For professional-level stop motion animation, a DSLR camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is recommended due to interchangeable lens systems, manual controls, and superior image quality.
- The Nikon D810 is a great option for stop motion animation due to its unmatched image quality and ease of use.
- The Nikon D500’s 10fps continuous shooting speed and excellent autofocus make it another strong choice for stop motion animation, although it is more expensive.
- The Nikon D3300 is an affordable option with solid autofocus and color accuracy, although it is several years old.
- Stop motion animation involves capturing a series of still images and then playing them in sequence to create the illusion of movement.
- A DSLR camera is a good option for stop motion animation as it offers manual focus, electronic shutter, and compatibility with a variety of lenses.
- Smartphones and webcams can also be used to create stop motion animation with the help of apps and software.
- To create a smooth stop motion animation, it’s important to set up the camera securely and use a remote control to avoid any camera shake.
- GoPro cameras can be used for stop motion, but their wide-angle lens can distort the image and make it difficult to achieve precise focus.
Best Cameras For Stop Motion: Webcams
1. Logitech HD Pro C920 (best camera for stop motion overall)
The Logitech HD Pro C920 is one of the best cameras to use for your stop motion projects. You can record 1080p video at 30 FPS, but since you’re making stop motion videos, you’ll need to use the still photo feature.
You can control the shots from your computer using stop motion animation software and mount this webcam pretty easily onto anything that resembles a monitor using the handy mount.
It also has automatic compensation for low light so even if you shoot indoors, your photos should come out well.
Why it’s Great for Stop Motion Video
For its size and price point, this webcam can capture at a surprisingly high resolution. This will come in handy when producing content for stop motion as it will give you the level of detail you’ll need.
Another plus is the fact that it can be controlled via software on your computer. This means you’ll be able to capture images “hands-free” without the need to disturb the camera. Within the context of stop motion, this is very important.
Keeping your device still and stable is the only way to maintain consistency throughout the scene you’re creating. The sturdy mount that allows this camera to attach to any monitor-like edge is another bonus.
Pros:
- Great resolution for a webcam
- Can be controlled via software
- Sturdy, shake-free mount
- Long 6-foot cable
Cons:
- Won’t be able to compete with a DSLR or mirrorless camera
2. Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000
This option offers a 2MP camera with a maximum shooting rate of 30fps at 800×600 resolution and 15fps at HD920 x 720p. It is also compatible with all operating systems except Mac OS. If you need a reasonably priced option that’s a great fit for stop motion — look no further.
Why it’s Great for stop motion Video
Logitech partnered with the legendary lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss for this webcam. The result is a super responsive autofocus system that keeps your subjects firmly in focus. For stop motion work, you’ll be constantly tweaking and adjusting your models and scenes.
You’ll need a camera that can focus up quickly on your changes. While a webcam is never going to bring the heavy-duty performance of a more expensive DSLR, the QuickCam Pro 9000 does a surprisingly good job of handling low-light environments.
This thing can adapt quickly to almost anything you throw at it, within reason.
Pros:
- Awesome autofocus for a webcam
- Decent resolution
- Great low-light performance
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- A touch more expensive than the C920
3. Logitech C270 Widescreen HD
This versatile little webcam is compatible with all operating systems and will do a great job in the world of stop motion. With crisp 3MP stills, clear 720p videos, and a built-in microphone for noise reduction, it will also perform very well as a daily driver webcam.
Why it’s Great for Stop Motion Video
The quality of a camera’s still photos should be your primary focus. Fortunately, the 3MP shooter on this webcam is capable of producing some surprisingly clear and attractive images.
Don’t get us wrong, professionals will definitely notice a downgrade here in terms of performance. For a hobbyist, though, we think the price and footprint of this model deserve a lot of praise.
The 2-year limited warranty that comes as standard also brings with it some welcome peace of mind.
Pros:
- Crisp still images
- 2-year limited warranty
- Also a great daily driver webcam
Cons:
- The 3MP sensor does well but it could be larger
4. Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam
Specifically designed for content creators, this webcam packs a whole lot of punch. While the design is geared mainly towards streamers, many of the feature considerations translate very well to the world of stop motion.
Why it’s Great for Stop Motion Video
Both the glass lens and premium autofocus of this model perform a spectacular one-two punch when creating stop motion content. Your models and scenes will immediately come into razor sharp focus.
The lens is designed to capture HD images that are significantly better than you might expect out of a webcam. Add the features described above to a mount that is both easy to use and sturdy once attached and you’re looking at a seriously good webcam for stop motion content.
Pros:
- Excellent autofocus
- The lens performs very well
- Sturdy and easy-to-use base
- Designed for content creators
Cons:
- The design may be a little too industrial for some tastes
5. Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam
One of the first ever 4K cameras introduced by Logitech, this camera comes with some fantastic built-in HDR capabilities. With a roomy wide-angle lens and a built-in mic, the Brio is a fantastic stop motion camera.
Why it’s Great for Stop Motion Video
The quality of your still images is paramount when creating stop motion projects. For many creators, a big part of this process involves getting the color temperature and overall design just right. The HDR capabilities of this stop motion camera are much more impressive than you might expect.
Your images will have great levels of color accuracy and will look fantastic, even in less-than-perfect lighting conditions. The 5X zoom capabilities are also great to have. They’re never going to compete with a premium DSLR, but they perform well to create stop motion videos nonetheless.
Pros:
- Great HDR
- Sharp, high-res shots
- 5X digital zoom
Cons:
- It’s pricey for a webcam
Related
6. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
For professional-level stop motion animation, you should probably be using a DSLR. This is for 3 main reasons
- Interchangeable lens systems
- Manual controls
- Superior image quality
In terms of still-image performance, this might just be the best camera out there for stop motion animation.
The 30.4 megapixel sensor and a slew of other features have more than earned this camera its #1 spot on this list.
Why it’s Great for Stop Motion Video
Canon is a legend when it comes to optical performance and onboard image processing. The DIGIC 6 processor on the Mark IV refuses to show any real signs of age in 2022.
It works in tandem with the beefy sensor on this camera to produce still images that are perfect for your stop motion projects.
With a Canon EOS DSLR camera, you’re gaining access to a considerable lineup of optional lenses. The versatility and performance that come with this option are tough to beat.
Pros:
- Excellent onboard processing
- Canon’s lineup of lenses
- Huge sensor
Cons:
- Costs quite a lot
7. Nikon D810 N
This camera represents great value for money in our opinion. It boasts 36.3 megapixels, a 3.2 inch display, and a shooting speed of 5fps.
It is best known for its image quality, which is unmatched by any other camera in this price range.
The sensor and processing engine of the camera are also quite remarkable. The autofocus is simply superb.
Why it’s Great for Stop Motion Video
If you know that a webcam won’t be enough but still need to watch your budget, this is one of the best cameras for stop motion to go for in our opinion.
The overall optical performance of the D810 far surpasses a lot of the competition at this price point, especially for stop motion photography.
Another thing we love about the D810 is how easy it is to use. When constantly tweaking your stop motion scenes, you’ll come to appreciate the cameras that are effortless to start working with straight away.
Pros:
- Amazing performance for the price
- Easy to use
- Great onboard processing
Cons:
- 5fps is reasonable but not incredible
8. Nikon D500
With a staggering continuous shooting speed of 10fps and a 20.9mp sensor, this is one of the best cameras out there for dynamic photography. It can capture details of extraordinarily high quality.
It comes with a 3.2 inch touchscreen and performs well in a variety of lighting conditions.
Why it’s Great for Stop Motion Video
When creating stop motion projects, many pros like to capture in burst mode to get a bunch of images very quickly. The wide variety of shots captured can provide a great level of contingency when editing images together in post.
The continuous shooting speed of 10fps on the D500 makes this process refreshingly quick and easy. The 153-point autofocus system on this camera is also an excellent addition to the feature set.
Your stills will be razor-sharp almost all of the time, making the D500 one of the best cameras for stop motion.
Pros:
- Speedy continuous shooting
- Excellent autofocus
- Great image quality
Cons:
- Far from a budget option
9. Nikon D3300
In 2022, the D3300 has a handful of years under its belt. Don’t let the age put you off though — this camera still packs a whole lot of punch.
In fact, it can usually be picked up at a significant discount online through Amazon and similar sites.
If you want great performance at a fraction of the cost, consider models like this one.
Why it’s Great for Stop Motion Video
The 3-D tracking autofocus of the D3300 is nothing new, but it still performs very well. Your ever-changing stop motion scenes will stay stubbornly in focus, no matter what you throw at this camera.
Your images will also have excellent levels of both color accuracy and overall quality. This is one of our favorite DSLR cameras when you consider the cost.
Pros:
- Amazing performance for the price
- 3-D tracking autofocus
- Very easy to use
Cons:
- Is now several years old
10. Canon EOS Rebel T8i
Currently, this is one of the most affordable DSLR cameras available and is best suited for beginners rather than those looking to get into professional stop motion.
It offers a 24.2 MP sensor with a 3-inch touchscreen and a 6fps shooting speed. It doesn’t have as many advanced features as the expensive models but is very easy to work with.
Why it’s Great for Stop Motion Video
The main thing that brings us back to Canon EOS cameras is how many lenses they’re compatible with. Despite a slightly higher-than-average price tag, the level of versatility this brings is definitely worth keeping in mind.
You’ll be able to adapt your digital camera to a very broad range of potential shooting environments. Your stop motion projects will be varied, beautiful, and shot in vivid detail.
Pros:
- Compatible with a huge list of lenses
- Decent continuous shooting speed
- Handy touchscreen LCD
Cons:
- The built-in connectivity features can be janky
Related
Stop motion camera buying guide
Manual Focus
Stop motion cameras need to give you the ability to adjust the manual focus of your shot. This is because you need to have more control over your shots and make sure the object or person in your scene is always in focus.
Electronic Shutter
Stop motion cameras should ideally have electronic shutters because they are more durable in stop motion than ones with mechanical shutters. This is because there is less wear and tear on the electronic shutter, meaning your camera will last longer.
Remote
Make sure that you buy a remote control for the shutter release as touching the digital camera again and again will move it and ruin your shot.
What about smartphones?
These days people are even using their smartphones and iPhones as a stop motion camera. There are apps that can turn the smartphone into remote camera for stop motion. And then with decent editing software you can create a pretty decent stop motion animation.
Webcams are the cheapest and easiest way to shoot stop motion videos. They are easy to use because they have no glitches with stop motion software.
How do I take stop motion pictures and video?
You first place an image or an object which is the subject of the stop motion, then capture it with a camera, then move that subject a little and capture it again. Typically stop motion uses figurines made out of clay and other materials.
You then have to repeat this same process again and again to give it a sense of movement. Typically, 12 frames equal a second in stop motion animation. It can go higher than that too.
It all depends on how long you want your stop motion to be. It would be great to do the calculating before the shoot as to know how many frames you have to shoot and hence prepare for it. All the images are then edited into a continuous video with stop motion software and exported as a movie.
For shooting stop motion you will need a camera, a small setup for shooting in and software to edit the Images. You must ensure to set up your camera sturdily so that the frames don’t shake while shooting.
Can you do stop motion with Go Pro?
Gopro is best suited for capturing motion so it doesn’t give you that quality and control. And there are no mentions of it being used for stop motion in the community as well. The still camera is more of a bonus feature, so it’s not that well-suited for stop motion.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of our guide to the best stop motion cameras! We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what to look for in a camera and has helped you narrow down your search.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stop motion artist, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference in bringing your vision to life. Remember, each camera has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your specific needs.
Now that you have a better idea of what to look for, it’s time to start exploring your options and finding the perfect stop-motion camera for you. We wish you the best of luck in your creative endeavours and can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with next!