Finding the best tablet camera can be tricky. The advancement of microcomputer technologies has quickly transformed tablets from glorified phones to small, portable cameras and computers.
If you’re a photographer who likes the idea of having an all-in-one travel companion, a tablet could be a great option. The development of these smaller computers has created tiny but powerful camera sensors. We now have tablets with just as many megapixels as DSLRs made in the early 2000s.
Plus, these devices now function with more processing power than it took us to land on the moon! They can perform powerful image editing functions just like a laptop or desktop computer.
Our top choice is the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus. It has a 13 MP camera, a lightweight design, and a great 2K screen to view your photos on. And you get all of this at a great price.
What Is the Best Tablet Camera?
Here is a quick roundup table of our top choices. Keep scrolling below to learn more about each of our choices.
- Experience 2K resolution and 11-inch TDDI IPS display
- Quad speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos®
- MediaTek Helio G90T Tab Octa-Core processor
- 4GB with 128GB memory and Android 11 operating system
- Up to 15 hours of streaming time on a single battery charge
- Powerful Apple M1 chip and all-day battery life
- 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
- TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage for video calls
- Pro cameras, LiDAR Scanner, and Thunderbolt for stunning photos and AR
- Ultrafast Wi-Fi and optional Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
- PC performance and tablet portability
- Edge-to-edge displays with AKG quad speakers and Dolby Atmos surround sound
- Redesigned S Pen included with 9ms pen latency
- High-quality camera
- Fast-charge USB-C port with long-lasting battery
- Immersive 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
- Apple M1 chip for faster performance
- Touch ID for secure authentication
- Advanced cameras for capturing memorable moments
- Supports Apple's Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
- 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and wide color
- A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- 12 MP wide rear camera and 12 MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage
- Available in purple, starlight, pink, and space gray
- Features the highest amount of RAM found in Microsoft tablets
- 13-inch touchscreen, kickstand, and detachable keyboard
- Uses Windows 11 as an operating system
- Intel Evo platform for performance, graphics, and battery life
- Rechargeable Surface Slim Pen 2 for the natural feeling of pen on paper
- Fast 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU for astonishing performance
- 11-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
- 12 MP wide, 10 MP ultra-wide rear, and LiDAR scanner cameras for AR
- 12 MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage
- Superfast Wi-Fi 6E and 5G cellular connectivity
- Sleek design and ultimate mobility with razor-thin bezels
- Blazing-fast LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity
- 13-inch PixelSense Display touchscreen
- Microsoft SQ1 processor for multitasking laptop performance
- Ultra-slim and versatile design transforms from tablet to laptop
- Hi-res touchscreen for browsing, playing, and watching
- 10.5-inch PixelSense 10-point touch display
- 4GB RAM and 64GB SSD storage
- 8 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera
- All-day battery life with up to 9 hours of unplugged power
- Slim, stylish design for easy streaming and browsing
- Dolby Atmos surround sound for an immersive experience
- Front-facing, landscape-oriented camera for video calls
- Great battery life with USB-C charging
- Powerful processing speeds and upgraded memory for more of what you love
Best Tablet Camera
1. Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
| Brand |
Brand
Levono
|
| Front Camera |
Front Camera
8 MP
|
| Rear Camera |
Rear Camera
13 MP, 5 MP (ultra-wide)
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
11 inches
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
13 MP camera, 1080p video at 30 fps
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a great tablet camera for a reasonable price
|
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus makes its way to the top of our list of best tablet cameras with this fantastic Android option. Many features make the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus appealing. But the real winning quality is its affordable price. It’s an ideal option for tablet cameras with a 2K display. It allows you to clearly view your photos on a portable screen.
It has a 13 MP rear camera that also features a 5 MP ultra-wide option. It then has an 8 MP front camera to take high-resolution selfies. The 13 MP camera is amongst the highest quality on this list!
From my experience, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is a great tablet when it comes to the camera. But it could do with some refinement in other places, like facial recognition. But it also has a 15-hour battery life from a single charge.
You can pick this tablet camera up for considerably less than the other options on this list. I recommend this tablet to anyone who plans on using the tablet primarily for photography.
2. Apple iPad Pro 2021
| Brand |
Brand
Apple
|
| Front Camera |
Front Camera
12 MP
|
| Rear Camera |
Rear Camera
12 MP (10 MP ultra-wide)
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
11 inches
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Incredible cameras with impressive photography modes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want an advanced iPad for a reduced price
|
Apple has led the charge on what a small tablet camera can achieve in the modern day. The Apple iPad Pro 2021 features the best iPad camera to date. It has a front-facing 12 MP camera and three types of rear cameras:
- 12 MP wide-angle
- 10 MP ultra-wide-angle
- TOF 3D LiDAR scanner
LiDAR technology uses light pulses to read depth. It is particularly helpful for augmented reality.
The Apple iPad Pro 2021 has a whole load of features that make this tablet camera great. My personal favorite is the Night Mode feature. If you get the chance, go into a room, turn off all the lights, and take a picture. You will be blown away by the detail it manages to extract from a seemingly pitch-black room.
And there is no shortage of extra features. The most attractive ones might be its video capabilities. It can shoot video in 4K at up to 60 frames per second. It has full HD capabilities that can shoot 240 frames per second if you want to capture slow-motion scenes.
And if you are a filmmaker, you can edit videos with professional software. The tablet’s M1 processor can handle it. This is probably the only tablet on this list that can cope with 4K video editing.
Operating the tablet itself is easy. It has excellent battery life and an awe-inspiring Retina XDR screen. The only drawback may be the price tag. But it has the same cameras as the most recent iPads.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
| Brand |
Brand
SAMSUNG
|
| Front Camera |
Front Camera
8 MP
|
| Rear Camera |
Rear Camera
13 MP (5 MP wide-angle)
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
11 inches
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
High-quality 13 MP camera with manual controls
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want manual controls on their tablet's camera
|
If you’re looking to get away from Apple products, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 comes in as a fantastic Android tablet. With a 13 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera, you have enough resolution to take some great images. And if you prefer shooting video, this tablet shoots in 4K at 30 frames per second.
The S7 does have an extra-wide-angle lens that shoots at 5 MP. This isn’t amazing, but having the option to go ultra-wide is a helpful feature.
The camera has a range of features that make photography more accessible to everyone. For instance, there is a hyper-lapse feature to make fast-motion videos. And it has other practical options like shooting panoramas and night images. My personal favorite is using manual controls inside the camera application for more precise settings.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is a great tablet that is easily portable and has a great battery life. These two qualities alone, plus the fact they are a considerable amount cheaper than Apple products, make for a tempting purchase.
4. Apple iPad Air 2022
| Brand |
Brand
Apple
|
| Front Camera |
Front Camera
12 MP
|
| Rear Camera |
Rear Camera
12 MP (10 MP ultra-wide)
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
10.86 inches
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Apple M1 chip for faster processing
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want to take and edit photos on the same device
|
The Apple iPad Air 2022 is an excellent option if you are looking for a powerful iPad with a good tablet camera. This tablet features the M1 chip from Apple, which is a huge improvement from the previous iPad Air models. This will help with the performance of your iPad, but won’t make a difference to the camera quality.
The most notable feature about the iPad Air compared to the iPad Pro is that it only comes with a single camera. This single camera is the same as the main one on the iPad Pro. So the iPad Air may be the choice for you if you don’t need the 10 MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
The Apple iPad Air 2022 still features all the great photography settings for taking and editing your photographs. You will get the time-lapse setting, portrait mode, and slow-motion video. The iPad Air is powerful enough for photo editing software like Photoshop. It could struggle with editing big 4K videos, but I think it could withstand video editing if you need it.
5. Apple iPad Mini 2021
| Brand |
Brand
Apple
|
| Front Camera |
Front Camera
12 MP
|
| Rear Camera |
Rear Camera
12 MP
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
8.3 inches
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Great cameras packed into a compact iPad
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for a compact and portable tablet
|
The Apple iPad Mini 2021 is a great option if you’re looking for a compact tablet camera. The iPad Mini series is perfect for travel. It also allows you to perform various actions you would usually need a laptop or MacBook for. It isn’t quite compact enough to fit in your pocket, but it will happily fit in any compact bag.
Again, the camera is the same one you’ll find on the iPad Air 5th Gen and the iPad Pro. So there is no compromise if you are wondering about the image quality of the iPad Mini. Many people will prefer the iPad mini as it is smaller and lighter to hold than other tablets on this list. But it provides a big enough screen to view and share your images.
The Apple iPad Mini 2021 will be the best tablet camera for many of our readers. This is thanks to the portability that comes with its compact size. Some people may find other tablets on this list hard to carry around. The iPad Mini perfectly balances the compact size and practicality of a tablet camera.
6. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
| Brand |
Brand
Microsoft
|
| Front Camera |
Front Camera
5 MP
|
| Rear Camera |
Rear Camera
10 MP
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
13 inches
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Great processing capabilities, detachable keyboard
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a tablet for photo editing
|
Now, let’s take a look at Microsoft’s number one option as the best tablet camera. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 seems more like a laptop than a tablet. This means it’s a versatile option. And you get the same power as a regular laptop as well. In fact, the Surface Pro 8 has the most RAM out of any Windows tablet.
The rear camera is 10 MP and the front camera is only 5 MP. From a design perspective, the camera is inconspicuous. It’s not as prominent as the ones you find in Apple products. This might make you think that the developers weren’t too interested in pushing the camera’s specs. But the camera does a great job. It still captures enough details to produce good photos.
Window’s Microsoft Surface Pro 8 still gives you full 4K and HD video options. And there are plenty of photography modes and applications to get your creative juices flowing. The Surface Pro 8 is a tablet with excellent capabilities that works great as a portable workstation.
7. Apple iPad Pro 2022
| Brand |
Brand
Apple
|
| Front Camera |
Front Camera
12 MP
|
| Rear Camera |
Rear Camera
12 MP (10 MP ultra-wide)
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
11 inch, 12.9 inch
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Highest processing power on the whole list
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a great camera and a high-performing tablet
|
The Apple iPad Pro 2022 is the go-to option for a tablet with the best performance on the market today. Not only does it have high-performing cameras, but it also has the processing power for detailed edits. Let us start off with the cameras. You get a 12 MP wide-angle and a 10 MP ultra-wide-angle on the rear of your tablet. You also get a 12 MP front-facing camera, ideal for taking sharp selfies.
This iPad features the M2 chip that is now being rolled out across all Mac products. It allows for quicker processing and will be able to handle everything you can throw at it. I don’t know how much of a difference it will make with the iPad. That’s because the last few iterations have been more than fast enough. But it may help if you intend to create big edits or compositions on Photoshop or other editing software.
The Apple iPad Pro 2022 can be very expensive. But if you plan to use your tablet’s camera regularly, this is worth considering. But remember, the 2021 iPad Pro (5th gen) has the same cameras and may be available for less!
8. Microsoft Surface Pro X
| Brand |
Brand
Microsoft
|
| Front Camera |
Front Camera
5 MP
|
| Rear Camera |
Rear Camera
10 MP
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
13 inches
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
10 MP sensor and 4K video
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for an affordable Windows tablet
|
Microsoft’s Surface Pro X comes in narrowly behind its newer version, the Surface Pro 8. In terms of camera capabilities, the Surface Pro X is the same as the Surface Pro 8. The 5 MP front camera and 10 MP rear camera make it a tempting option to buy. Plus, you will find it at reduced prices compared to the latest release, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8.
The Surface Pro X is light and portable. We’ve placed it in this position on the list because of its processing power. You have two processing options when buying this model. Both will be great for photo editing. But if you choose the less powerful option, you may notice some struggles when editing bigger video projects.
The rear camera can support 4K filming. But you will only get HD video from the front camera, which is still great. Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro X will provide pretty great pictures in the right hands.
9. Microsoft Surface Go 2
| Brand |
Brand
Microsoft
|
| Front Camera |
Front Camera
5 MP
|
| Rear Camera |
Rear Camera
8 MP
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
10.5 inches
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Great value for a good tablet camera
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers on a budget
|
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 comes in as a smaller, lighter version of the Microsoft Surface range. The Go 2 has the same front camera as the other Surface tablets. But the rear camera drops down to 8 megapixels. This is sufficient for taking decent photos. But they will not be as high-quality as other options higher up on this list.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 earns its spot on this list of best tablet cameras because it’s a great budget option. The tablet will provide you with all the necessities that tablets offer. And it functions well as a portable device you can use to snap and show photos quickly.
It has AI features such as facial recognition and scanning for text. And you get full 1080p HD video with both the front and back cameras. You will be hard-pressed to find a tablet with the same capabilities for its price.
10. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
| Brand |
Brand
SAMSUNG
|
| Front Camera |
Front Camera
5 MP
|
| Rear Camera |
Rear Camera
8 MP
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
10.4 inches
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
8 MP camera for a good price
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who are looking for a compact and inexpensive tablet
|
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is comparable to the Microsoft Surface Go 2 in weight and size. This is also the case when it comes to price. The Galaxy Tab A7 comes in just slightly cheaper. These budget options have the same camera capabilities with an 8 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera.
Because you can use the Tab A7 as a computer, you can easily edit your images on this device. The A7 can handle imaging software as long as the image sizes aren’t too big. For the photos that this tablet takes, you have plenty of control without compromise.
Buyer’s Guide
What Are the Advantages of a Tablet Camera Over a Smartphone Camera?
The main advantage is that you have a bigger screen to see and share your images. This may seem like a small advantage, but it goes a long way for some people. Nowadays, people use tablets to show off their photography portfolios. This is due to the fact that images look great on a thin digital screen.
Another advantage is that it will help with your framing. It can sometimes be hard to see all the intricate details on a smartphone. With a tablet, you can consider every small detail in the frame before snapping your photograph.
What Is the Best Way to Care For My Tablet Camera?
You should definitely get a case for your tablet. Most cases will have an extra lip around the camera of the tablet. This is a small amount of protection that goes a long way. The lens won’t touch the surface when you put your tablet down.
Another form of protection worth considering is a tempered glass lens to stick over your tablet camera. In my experience, it is not worth it. I have found that it reduces the image quality. If your tablet camera has a flash, it won’t operate the same with this lens on. I ended up taking mine off and not using it again.
What Is the Highest Resolution a Tablet Camera Can Achieve?
You will find that most top tablet cameras are between 12 and 13 megapixels. Our top choice, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, features a 13 MP camera and is available for a great price!
Conclusion: The Best Tablet Camera
After looking through these options, you will see it comes down to how much money you want to invest into your new tablet camera. There are updated tablets released every couple of years. So you can find a bargain with older models. But it could be a good choice to spend a little more money to get something that lasts as technology advances.
Our top choice, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, is an excellent choice if you are looking for a top tablet camera. The tablet itself performs to a high standard and is great to view your photographs on!
