Many carp anglers spend days, weeks and even years attempting to catch a new PB, maybe a 30lb carp or even a specific infamous carp.
If, or should I say when, you do land this carp of a lifetime or any fish you land, you want to ensure you capture this moment.
Years down the line you can tell the tale of how you caught this monstrous carp and proudly show off your beautiful picture, displaying your prize.
Well, in order to make sure you get that stunning picture or proof of your catch, you need to make sure you use the best camera for carp fishing.
In the camera world, there are a lot of options and these can be very confusing.
In this, best camera for carp fishing article, I am going to explain the types of camera you can use, the benefits of each and recommend some fantastic cameras across different price ranges and types to ensure you end up with one of the best cameras for fishing photography.
Types of Camera
In today’s market, there are a huge number of cameras available from smart-phones right through to full-frame professional DSLR’s.
Let’s talk a little bit about these different types
Best Camera for Carp Fishing - Smart-phones
The smart-phones available today are packed full of features and many come complete with one, or in many cases, multiple cameras.
These high-end smart-phone cameras actually produce some amazing quality pictures with very little effort.
Not everyone understands or wants to understand how to use a DSLR camera, with all of the different settings and options.
Many of us, just want a simple point and press camera that will take very reasonable pictures and a smart-phone could be a good option.
Best Camera for Carp Fishing - Compact Camera
A compact camera, as the name suggests, is much smaller than a typical DSLR and offers a similar point and press method of taking pictures.
This type of camera is perfect for someone who wants good quality pictures without any complicated steps to achieve this.
Perhaps you don’t own a top-end smart-phone or would like something dedicated to taking pictures.
Best Camera for Carp Fishing - DSLR’s
These types of cameras will take much better quality pictures and would be used by someone who is more serious about their photography.
As you guessed, the DSLR’s are also more expensive but like with everything in life, you get what you pay for!
You can also upgrade the lenses on a DSLR’s, with different lenses aimed at specific types of photo. For example, you would probably want a lens aimed at taking portraits rather than landscapes when taking photos of the big carp you just landed.
I will recommend some upgraded lenses where applicable. If you were the go down the route of a DSLR, I would highly recommend upgrading the standard lens kit (provided with the camera). I recently purchased a dedicated lens for my Nikon and the difference is incredible.
I will not recommend any professional equipment, there is no point and you certainly do not need it.
Tripods and Remote Controls
Whenever you take a photograph, a tripod will always be more steady than your hand.
You don’t need to purchase a tripod but if you do go down the route of a good quality compact or a DSLR, a tripod would be a sensible purchase.
Choose a stable tripod with the correct camera mounting plate and enough load capacity.
A remote control is a very handy device if you are fishing alone and don’t have someone to take your photo.
Many anglers set up their camera on a tripod and use the remote to trigger the photo capture.
Remote controls can be a bit fiddly in my opinion and would be a last resort.
If you can get someone to take a few photos, this will save a lot of messing about! If not, a remote control could be a solution for you.
Start with the phone you already own
You do not need a new phone just for catch photos. Try the timer, practise framing the shot before fishing and make sure you can reach the controls without leaving the carp unsupported. Good preparation often makes more difference than another camera purchase.
Sony Alpha 6100 with 16–50mm lens
If you want a separate camera, this Alpha 6100 kit is worth comparing. It includes a 16–50mm lens and has a flip screen, which is useful when practising your framing for self-takes. Learn the timer and focus settings at home so you are not fiddling with menus while a fish is on the mat.
Before you buy: This is a camera-and-lens kit, not body-only. Check the exact lens, battery and charger contents, plus the tripod or remote you intend to use. Keep the camera protected from rain; do not assume it is waterproof.
View Sony Alpha 6100 with 16–50mm lens on Amazon (paid link)
Make the photo quick and safe
Set the camera up before you need it. Keep the carp low over a wet protective mat, take a few well-prepared shots and return it promptly. If the fish is unsettled, skip the photograph. A reliable setup you can use calmly is the best camera choice for your fishing.
