Tablets have not always been known for their good cameras as most companies focus on including responsive screens, longer battery life, pens, and other features to make them similar to a computer.
These additions are due to customers’ use of tablets, employing them for reading, mobile gaming, and other forms of entertainment.
Only more recently have tablets become required to up their good camera game for photography.
While the cameras are still usable for photography, they haven’t often been sophisticated enough to be compared to the best smartphone cameras or even stand-alone cameras.
However, tablets from Apple, Samsung, and a few other brands are becoming increasingly better at taking photos.
Best Tablet cameras at a glance:
- 2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro – Best overall tablet camera
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8 – Best tablet for Windows lovers
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ – Best tablet camera for Android fans
- Lenovo Tab P11 Plus – Best budget tablet camera
- 2021 Apple iPad Mini – Best compact tablet camera
If you wish to get a new tablet, this article will provide information on the best ones with good hardware performance and above-average cameras for photography.
Let’s begin!
1. 2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro – Best overall tablet camera
It’s not surprising to see an Apple product on this list, as they are a reputable brand when considering smartphone cameras for photography.
Currently representing Apple on this list is the latest iPad, the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 (2021).
Often considered the best tablet experience currently available, this device comes with rear cameras, a 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide lens alongside a time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR scanner for depth.
With this setup, you can expect to shoot videos up to 4k at 60fps with Full HD (1080p) at up to 240fps.
It’s worth noting that these camera figures are similar to the previous model, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020), with minor improvements being made.
If the rear camera is all you want in a good tablet, consider going for the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020).
The 2021 model only trump’s its predecessor in processor capabilities and front camera quality.
The latter increased from 7MP to 12MP, coming with an ultra-wide view due to the new “Centre Stage” feature, allowing for better selfies.
The iPad Pro 12.9 M1 (2021) is an excellent tablet with a powerful processor and high-quality cameras, making it worth your money.
- Superfast M1 processor
- Generous battery life
- 4K video at 60fps
- Absence of an auto-centering feature
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 – Best tablet for Windows lovers
Microsoft dominates a large part of the tech industry, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is proof of its efficacy, being a strong contender for best tablet camera.
This 2-in-1 device functions as a tablet and laptop, boasting a 10MP rear camera equipped with snappy autofocus.
The camera on the Surface Pro can produce 1080p HD and 4k videos, rivalling some mid-range cameras in terms of quality.
Furthermore, the front camera comes with a 5MP lens, capable of shooting 1080p full HD videos.
Besides taking impressive videos, the rear camera can also provide clear and clean images, providing more detail in pictures than the earlier Surface Pro 7.
The only noteworthy downside of this device’s camera is the front-facing lens’s inability to handle dim light, leading to grainy videos and images.
Nevertheless, the front-facing camera is perfect for taking selfies and conducting video calls, thanks to Ambient Colour Sensor from Microsoft, improving the colour and brightness of images and videos on the Surface Pro 8.
Alongside the camera, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 comes with an 8 GB ram, 13-inch display, and longer battery life than its predecessor.
It also comes with the latest Windows 12 operating system, allowing it to double as a tablet and laptop.
- 10MP rear camera
- Vibrant 13-inch display
- Doubles as a laptop
- Relatively expensive
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ – Best tablet camera for Android fans
Samsung smartphones are popular for having impressive hardware and cameras, especially with the recent Samsung Galaxy S22.
However, this company also has a few gadgets to amaze tech enthusiasts when it comes to tablets for photography.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is one of many Samsung tablets that offer good camera quality with 13MP and 5MP ultra-wide cameras.
Like most deuces on this list, these cameras allow you to capture videos up to 4K at 30fps.
Furthermore, the front comes with an 8MP camera optimized for video calls and selfies, ensuring you look good in either scenario.
Besides the camera’s efficiency, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ has powerful hardware like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor that quickly completes device tasks.
Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ comes with a 10,090mAh battery that keeps going for hours, allowing you to enjoy your tablet taking pictures outdoors or reading documents indoors.
On the topic of documents and pictures, the S Pen stylus makes editing photos and navigating texts on the 12.4 inches Super AMOLED screen easy.
Ultimately, it’s a powerful tablet with a powerful camera for photography and the necessary software to ensure each photo or video is visually appealing.
- Super responsive screen
- High-resolution camera
- Various shooting modes
- Absence of audio jack
4. Lenovo Tab P11 Plus – Best budget tablet camera
Lenovo, a company owned by IBM, produced the Tab P11 Plus, a more affordable version of the more expensive Lenovo’s Tab P11 Pro.
This version comes with an aluminum unibody design, dimensions of 10.7 by 6.5 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighs precisely 17.3 ounces.
Essentially, it is a slim and light tablet that’s comfortable to hold for several hours while taking pictures.
While the cameras aren’t as exceptional as a dedicated professional camera, they are still worth mentioning. The back camera has a 13MP main sensor, and the front camera has an 8MP sensor for selfies and video calls.
It’s worth noting that the rear camera produces good-looking images and videos in well-lit environments. However, it suffers in poorly lit environments, with images appearing flat and blurry.
The same factor applies to the front camera, as the lens produces decent image quality under well-lit conditions.
However, images and videos are plagued with visible noise and poor focus in darker environments.
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus also has a 7,700 mAh battery, getting you through a moderate use day.
As for power, a MediaTek G90T SoC powers this tablet, allowing you to scan documents, play games, take classes, and perform other tasks with little to no performance issues.
- Affordable
- High performance
- Fairly average camera for photography
- Powerful speakers
- Impressive display
- No promise for OS updates after Android 12
5. 2021 Apple iPad Mini – Best compact tablet camera
Taking pictures with tablets may seem impractical because of their cumbersome size, and if you’d rather opt for a smaller option equipped with a good camera, the 2021 Apple iPad Mini is for you.
This compact tablet has the same 12MP sensor as the iPad Pro, allowing you to shoot 4K videos at up to 60fps with the rear camera.
On the other hand, the front-facing camera also features a 12MP sensor for taking selfies and video calls.
It’s worth mentioning that the front camera on the Apple iPad Mini employs the Centre Stage feature, which automatically centres you in the shot.
These iPad Mini camera specifications work perfectly with an 8.3-inch screen with a high-quality display and vivid colours.
Each task you undertake with this tablet is processed by the speedy A15 processor, ultimately giving you better value for your money.
- Powerful A15 processor
- Centre Stage feature for better selfies
- Compact and portable
- Small screen compared to most tablets – but it is called “Mini” for a reason.
Conclusion
Remember that the tablets in this list aren’t meant to replace a standalone camera but provide decent image and video quality alongside having a functional computer.
However, irrespective of whether you need one of these best tablets for photography, writing, gaming, or movie-watching, the products in this article will meet your needs!
Happy snapping!
DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission from some of the links above. For the benefit of the doubt, please assume all links might be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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