iPad vs. DSLR Photo Booths: Which Is Right for Your Event?

iPad Vs DSLR Photo Booths

Something we're sometimes asked is, when choosing a photo booth, does it make a difference whether it's an iPad-based or DSLR booth. Each has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your event’s needs and your expectations for image quality.

DSLR photo booths use professional cameras, offering higher resolution, better low-light performance, and more control over settings like aperture and shutter speed. This can mean crisp, vibrant photos that look fantastic both in print and online.

On the other hand, iPad photo booths are often more affordable, and the quality of images is now professional level. Having said that, the built-in cameras don’t quite match the quality of a DSLR, but sometimes it takes a trained eye to notice the difference. iPad booths are perfect for digital sharing, GIFs, and quick social media uploads.

And don't forget, all photo quality is affected by lighting. So even a DSLR booth in poor lighting can mean low quality images.

At Shutterpod, by far our most common booking type is the Drop Off Booth. These are iPad booths, and it's more about the experience in the booth than the quality of images. Having people you love with you while you take the selfies, and then being able to stick the phots on your fridge, computer or wall is often more important than judging the quality of the photo.