Best Cameras with Focus Stacking: Top 10 Picks (in 2023)

Focus stacking lets you achieve a greater depth of field in your photos, but it can be a hassle to focus several images and then blend them in post-processing.

That’s where focus-stacking cameras come in; they can focus stack images automatically, with no required post-processing software (or time). In this guide, we look at ten of the best cameras with focus stacking!

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1. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Our Pick
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera Body
Image from Amazon
Great for macro focus stacking

The OM-D E-M1 Mark III has a great set of features including a full focus-stacking mode.

Pros
Weather-resistant design
Decent AF system with 121 detection points
Ergonomic design for ease of use
Cons
Some lenses are not compatible with focus stacking

Our top pick is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III. Olympus is a key manufacturer offering built-in focus-stacking cameras, and the OM-D E-M1 Mark III is one of their best options thanks to a great set of features, a robust design, and excellent ergonomics.

OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera Body
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera Body (Image from Amazon)

This camera has a 20.4 MP Four Thirds sensor, and you can expect high-quality photos with great contrast. You also get in-body image stabilization that can compensate for up to 7.5 stops of camera shake.

We like the versatile camera settings and the comfortable design; the E-M1 Mark III is easy to use but gives great control via features like an EV control dial.

The OM-D E-M1 Mark III also includes Olympusโ€™s focus-bracketing and focus-stacking modes. As a result, you can either take a series of shots at different focus points or use the full focus-stacking setting to automatically combine images within the camera. Please be aware, however, that not all Olympus lenses are compatible with the focus-stacking feature, so it is advisable to check before investing in a lens.

2. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Also Great
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Black
Image from Amazon
Great for outdoor use

The OM-D E-M5 Mark III has a weather-sealed design and is great for outdoor focus stacking.

Pros
Compact and lightweight design
High-quality 20 MP sensor
Versatile with a range of interchangeable lenses
Cons
Some may find the button design cluttered

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is technically a lower-spec camera than the OM-D E-M1 Mark III. However, it has some features that are superior and is certainly one of the best cameras with built-in focus stacking on the market.

This camera has a 20 MP sensor as well as a more compact and lightweight design, making it great for focus-stacking macro shots on the go.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Black
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Black (Image from Amazon)

Like the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, this camera also has in-body image stabilization, which provides compensation for up to 5.5 stops of camera shake. We also like that it has a durable, weather-sealed exterior.

Of course, the OM-D E-M5 Mark III includes focus-stacking and focus-bracketing capabilities. The focus-stacking mode offers great control and allows you to easily increase the depth of field in your photos without post-processing software.

3. Olympus OM-D E-M1X

OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1X
Image from Amazon
Great for high-end photos

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X has an ergonomic design with a host of useful features for focus stacking.

Pros
5-axis in-body image stabilization
Live ND filter effect
Simple AF controls
Cons
Expensive

If professional photography is your goal, the Olympus OM-D E-M1X is an excellent option. This is a high-end mirrorless camera that features some noticeable upgrades over the OM-D E-M1 Mark III. For example, it has a vertical grip that allows you to comfortably hold the camera in both orientations.

The E-M1X has a 20.3 MP sensor that offers excellent image quality, and the camera can also perform great in low-light situations. We also like that it has 5-axis image stabilization, which provides up to 7.5 stops of compensation.

OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1X
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1X (Image from Amazon)

AF controls let you easily select different AF points when using the focus-stacking shooting mode. Like other Olympus cameras on this list, the E-M1X features both focus-bracketing and focus-stacking modes. Lastly, it has a live ND filter effect, so you can get the results of an ND filter without needing to mount one on your lens.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is a great camera and is definitely a top focus-stacking pick for professional shooters.

4. Panasonic Lumix G95

Panasonic LUMIX G95 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Micro Four Thirds Lens, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2, 4K 24p 30p Video, Pre-Installed V-Log L, 3โ€ LCD Touchscreen - DC-G95MK (Black)
Image from Amazon
Great for intermediate photography

The Lumix G95 is a well-rounded mirrorless camera with advanced focus-stacking features.

Pros
Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
Includes a decent kit lens
Weather-sealed design
Cons
Button controls may be a little cluttered

One of the best Panasonic focus-stacking cameras is the Lumix G95, which features a 20.3 MP sensor and comes with a 12-60mm lens (a decent kit lens that’s impressively versatile).

The Lumix G95 is lightweight and features a compact design. The body is also comfortable to hold, although it does have a cluttered button layout. Regardless, intermediate photographers should find it pleasing to use.

Panasonic LUMIX G95 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Micro Four Thirds Lens, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2, 4K 24p 30p Video, Pre-Installed V-Log L, 3โ€ LCD Touchscreen - DC-G95MK (Black)
Panasonic LUMIX G95 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Micro Four Thirds Lens, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2, 4K 24p 30p Video, Pre-Installed V-Log L, 3โ€ LCD Touchscreen – DC-G95MK (Black) (Image from Amazon)

The G95 includes a great range of special shooting modes, including focus stacking. Another notable option is the Live View Composite mode; this allows you to create a single image from several RAW shots inside the camera without the need for any additional software.

The Lumix 95 also has image stabilization and a fully rotatable LCD touchscreen. It may not pack the same resolution as some of the other cameras on this list, but it is versatile and offers a great set of features.

5. Panasonic Lumix GX9

Panasonic LUMIX GX9 4K Mirrorless ILC Camera Body with 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power O.I.S. Lens, DC-GX9MK (USA Black)
Image from Amazon
Great for beginners

The GX9 is a decent camera for beginners and allows you to create focus-stacked images with minimum effort.

Pros
In-body image stabilization
Compact and minimalistic design
User-friendly features and shooting modes
Cons
Not the best AF system

Next is the Panasonic Lumix GX9, another relatively inexpensive camera that comes in a bundle with a 12-60mm lens.

It has a smaller body than the G95 and a more minimalistic design, too, which makes it ideal for beginners who have never used a mirrorless or DSLR camera before. It also has an electronic viewfinder and a touchscreen that can be rotated downward 180 degrees.

Panasonic LUMIX GX9 4K Mirrorless ILC Camera Body with 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power O.I.S. Lens, DC-GX9MK (USA Black)
Panasonic LUMIX GX9 4K Mirrorless ILC Camera Body with 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power O.I.S. Lens, DC-GX9MK (USA Black) (Image from Amazon)

The GX9 packs a 20.3 MP sensor, which offers very nice image quality. The autofocus system is okay, and although it can’t quite match the G95’s AF, you should still be able to focus on subjects with relative ease.

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The included focus-stacking technology is excellent, plus the beginner-friendly design means you can create advanced photos with minimal technical knowledge. You can also expect a great degree of stability thanks to the built-in image stabilization (and the image stabilization in the kit lens, too!).

6. Panasonic Lumix G9

Panasonic LUMIX G9 4K Digital Camera, 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera Plus 80 Megapixel High-Resolution Mode, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2.0, 3-Inch LCD, DC-G9 (Black)
Image from Amazon
Great for macro shots

The G9 features excellent IS, a decent AF system, and some useful modes for high-quality macro shots.

Pros
Touch-sensitive LCD
High-quality 20.3 MP sensor
Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
Cons
May not have the best battery life

Our last Panasonic pick is the Lumix G9. This is a high-quality mirrorless camera designed for intermediate photographers; it packs a 20.3 MP Four Thirds sensor and a decent ISO range.

We like that this camera has in-body image stabilization. As a result, you should be able to capture sharp shots in low light and record smooth 4K video without much trouble.

Panasonic LUMIX G9 4K Digital Camera, 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera Plus 80 Megapixel High-Resolution Mode, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2.0, 3-Inch LCD, DC-G9 (Black)
Panasonic LUMIX G9 4K Digital Camera, 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera Plus 80 Megapixel High-Resolution Mode, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2.0, 3-Inch LCD, DC-G9 (Black) (Image from Amazon)

The Panasonic Lumix G9 also has an easy-to-use focus-stacking feature, which – when combined with the IS – makes the camera great for detailed macro shots.

The design is also ergonomic, and you get a large, textured grip. The button layout is also relatively minimalistic compared to other Panasonic cameras. Lastly, we like that this camera has a special high-resolution mode, which takes a series of 20.3 MP RAW images and combines them to create one ultra-resolution 80 MP file.

7. Fujifilm X-Pro3

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera - Dura Silver (Body Only)
Image from Amazon
A retro-style camera

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 has some excellent features and a high-quality, 26.1 MP sensor.

Pros
Excellent AF
Beautiful image quality
Versatile touchscreen and EVF
Cons
Some people may not like the retro design

Fujifilm offers focus-stacking technology in some of its cameras, including the X-Pro3, a high-end, full-frame mirrorless model that’s great for serious photographers.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera - Dura Silver (Body Only)
Fujifilm X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera – Dura Silver (Body Only) (Image from Amazon)

The X-Pro3 boasts a powerful APS-C sensor with an effective resolution of 26.1 MP. This sensor offers an excellent dynamic range and produces fantastic colors. We also like that the camera is easy to use thanks to the LCD touchscreen and the high-quality OLED EVF. This means that you can easily compose your photos using the screen or the viewfinder.

The X-Pro3 has a retro design that isn’t loved by all photographers. However, those who prefer traditional camera designs will appreciate the contrasting black and silver body.

8. Panasonic Lumix S5

Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 4K 60P Video Recording with Flip Screen & WiFi, LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens, L-Mount, 5-Axis Dual I.S., DC-S5KK (Black)
Image from Amazon
Great for vlogging and photography

The Panasonic Lumix S5 has an intuitive focus-stacking mode but also excels at video due to its solid AF system.

Pros
Can record 4K RAW video
Compact and stylish design
In-body image stabilization
Cons
Relatively expensive

The Panasonic Lumix S5 is another impressive focus-stacking camera and the latest model in the Lumix S series. It’s a full-frame mirrorless camera that features a 24 MP sensor and 4K video recording capabilities, including the ability to record in various 4K RAW file formats.

Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 4K 60P Video Recording with Flip Screen & WiFi, LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens, L-Mount, 5-Axis Dual I.S., DC-S5KK (Black)
Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 4K 60P Video Recording with Flip Screen & WiFi, LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens, L-Mount, 5-Axis Dual I.S., DC-S5KK (Black) (Image from Amazon)

Compared to previous models, the S5 also has a vastly improved AF system. Subject tracking is far superior and you can focus with a higher degree of accuracy, too. This is complemented by the in-body image stabilization that can correct for up to 6.5 stops of camera shake.

This camera also has a dedicated focus-stacking shooting mode. You can select two focus points on a subject, and the camera automatically takes the necessary shots and compiles a focus-stacked file.

Finally, we like the S5’s compact body and the high-quality, fully rotatable LCD touchscreen display.

9. Panasonic Lumix GH6

Panasonic LUMIX GH6, 25.2MP Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera with Unlimited C4K/4K 4:2:2 10-bit Video Recording, 7.5-Stop 5-Axis Dual Image Stabilizer โ€“ DC-GH6BODY Black
Image from Amazon
Great for low-light photos

The Panasonic Lumix GH6 has a 25.2 MP sensor that excels at low light photography; it also offers in-body image stabilization.

Pros
Focus stacking and focus bracketing
5-axis in-body image stabilization
Can record 5.7K video at 60p
Cons
Not especially lightweight or compact

The Lumix GH6 is the latest Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera; it packs a new 25.2 MP sensor, so you can expect excellent image resolution and realistic detail in your photos. It also has the new Venus engine, which improves the cameraโ€™s processing speed and power.

Panasonic LUMIX GH6, 25.2MP Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera with Unlimited C4K/4K 4:2:2 10-bit Video Recording, 7.5-Stop 5-Axis Dual Image Stabilizer โ€“ DC-GH6BODY Black
Panasonic LUMIX GH6, 25.2MP Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera with Unlimited C4K/4K 4:2:2 10-bit Video Recording, 7.5-Stop 5-Axis Dual Image Stabilizer โ€“ DC-GH6BODY Black (Image from Amazon)

We like that the GH6 has both focus-stacking and focus-bracketing shooting modes. You can use the focus-stacking mode to automatically create focus-stacked images, or you can use the focus-bracketing mode to take photos (then you can merge the files in focus-stacking software when back at home).

The camera body is a little bulkier, but it still looks great and benefits from the built-in image stabilization. If you want a premium Micro Four Thirds camera for focus stacking, this is certainly one of your best options!

10. Nikon Z6 II

Nikon Z 6II with Zoom Lens | Versatile Full-Frame mirrorless Stills/Video Hybrid Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens | Nikon USA Model
Image from Amazon
Great for professionals

The Nikon Z6 II is a high-end mirrorless camera that has a host of awesome features, including focus stacking.

Pros
Hybrid AF with 273 points
Ergonomic design with a touchscreen
Fully weather-sealed chassis
Cons
Expensive

Our last pick is the Nikon Z6 II, which is capable of creating deep depth of field photos with minimum effort.

This compact mirrorless camera offers top-notch image quality thanks to the 24.5 MP sensor. The Z6 II also features dual card slots, and we like that this mirrorless camera has dual EXPEED 6 image processors, which allow the camera to operate incredibly quickly.

Nikon Z 6II with Zoom Lens | Versatile Full-Frame mirrorless Stills/Video Hybrid Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens | Nikon USA Model
Nikon Z 6II with Zoom Lens | Versatile Full-Frame mirrorless Stills/Video Hybrid Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

You can use the Focus Shift feature to create focus-stacked images. This tool is easy to work with, and – in conjunction with the camera’s other high-end features – you can produce some fantastic results.

Pick the Right Focus-Stacking Camera for Incredible Photos!

We hope you found this guide to the best cameras with focus stacking useful. As you can see, there are quite a few cameras that allow you to produce beautiful focus-stacked images.

We should also mention that there are some Canon cameras, such as the Canon EOS R6, that feature focus bracketing. This is similar to focus stacking, but the mode does not combine the photos afterward. Instead, you simply take a series of focus-bracketed shots, and you must then combine them using focus-stacking software afterward.

If you want professional-grade focus stacking, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a great option. Alternatively, for focus stacking on a budget, the Panasonic Lumix GX9 is the better choice.


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About the Author

Paul Skidmore

Paul Skidmore

Paul loves traveling and photography. He is also a Lightroom and Photoshop expert and likes to test new photo software, apps, and gear. Paul frequently shares his travel photography tips on his travel blog and writes for known photography publications.
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6 thoughts on “Best Cameras with Focus Stacking: Top 10 Picks (in 2023)”

  1. Do any of the Sony full cameras have focus stacking?

    Also does the new Olympus om1 has this facility?

      1. However, it does have a Bluetooth remote. This can be used to take a series of focus stacking pics by pressing the + (focus) button x number of times between frames and then the shutter button. images can then be post processed by programs like Helocon Focus. Oh and the a6400 is weatherized as are the GM lenses, but the e mount mistakenly does not mesh properly with the lens’ gasket which compromises water resistance! Oops Sony!

  2. The Olympus OM-D EM-1 mark 1, can also focus stacking like the mark 3, with a firmware update. Also, with Olympus, only selected lenses can be used for this function.

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