Best Camera for Wildlife Photography 2023: 12 Top Picks
- By Sebastiaan van 't Hoog
- Updated 8 december 2023
Going into nature for a day to photograph wildlife is not just about the photos, but also about the experience. Of course, beautiful photos are part of it, and for that, you need a fairly demanding camera.
With years of experience as a professional photographer, I have owned many cameras, so I know exactly what to look for if you want to buy the best camera for wildlife photography.
In this article, I will tell you what the best camera for wildlife photography is, and not only that, I will also give you the best price. This way you can get back into nature as quickly as possible, which is what we love most.
Best wildlife cameras listed
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. You can support me without any additional fees. I used some of the products mentioned, not all.
What is the best camera for wildlife photography?
When I first started with photography and went into nature I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t have the right camera and didn’t know what to look for in one. Now, with years of experience, I know exactly what is important in a wildlife camera.
My goal is for you to buy the right nature camera, which does not mean that you have to buy the newest and most expensive camera. I don’t want you to buy the wrong camera that has too many unnecessary features or is lacking in one area.
I didn’t choose just any camera to put on the list, I looked at aspects such as sensor and resolution, but autofocus is also important. Here is a list of all the points that are important.
A camera alone won’t get you very far, we all know that. That’s why I recommend a few good lenses for every camera, so you can find everything here.
Let’s get straight to the first camera!
Best camera for wildlife photography
Canon R6 II
Sebas' take
I just said that you need a fairly demanding camera, and fortunately the Canon R6 II is just that. You have a 24 MP sensor and very good features.
The camera is perfect for me, it feels good in the hand and the autofocus is absolutely amazing. 95% of my photos are well-focused.
I do have a few points I didn’t like, of course, I have to mention them as well.
All in all, I think the R6 II is the best camera for wildlife photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Canon R6 Mark II!
Outstanding features
- 24-megapixel full-frame sensor
- 40 fps burst mode
- Pre-burst of 20 photos (0.5 seconds before clicking)
- Dual memory cards
- Deep learning autofocus on animals
- Built-in stabilization
What I like/dislike about the Canon R6 II
Like
- Ergonomically the R6 II is perfect, the buttons are in the right places and I can easily reach them. The joystick sits right next to my thumb, which makes changing autofocus points easy.
- The camera also feels good in the hand, it doesn’t feel cheap or plasticky. I have fairly large hands and with the R6 II, I have never had any problems with the grip.
- The dynamic range is good, I often shoot underexposed photos with a reasonably high ISO, yet I have little trouble with noise. In my experience, this is better than the original R6.
- The autofocus is very reliable, it quickly recognizes the subjects (provided the settings are correct). However, the camera sometimes has difficulty with multiple birds in the frame.
Dislike
- When you use the electronic shutter, the dynamic range is less. I notice about 2 stops less, which is noticeable in the noise levels in the shadows.
- The buffer is quite small when you use the 40fps burst, namely about 70 photos. 2 seconds of shooting is not long enough for action photos.
- Rolling shutter is certainly present with the electronic shutter, I recommend that you use the mechanical shutter for panning shots.
- Pre-burst is useful, but you can’t save this setting in any custom mode. I also had to wait 5 seconds after I used this function, during which the camera completely blocked.
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Canon RF 600mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 100-500mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 100-400mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon R6 II Review & Tests
Best Nikon camera for wildlife photography
Nikon Z8
Sebas' take
With the arrival of the Nikon Z8, Nikon has set a new standard. I’ve never seen a camera that brings together the best of all worlds.
The most accurate autofocus, fastest burst mode, highest resolution, and best video functions. With the Nikon Z8, you are guaranteed to take the best action photos.
There are countless positive aspects to the Z8, but I focused on the nature photography aspects and I must say, it is the best Nikon camera for bird photography.
Holidays: Get $300 off your Nikon Z8!
Oustanding features
- 46-megapixel stacked sensor
- 8K60p RAW video
- 30 fps, 20 fps RAW, or 120 fps burst mode
- Large buffer
- 1x SD card and 1x CF express Type B
- Professional design and material
What I like/dislike about the Nikon Z8
Like
- You get the highest image quality due to the 46 MP sensor in full-frame format, a stacked sensor that ensures faster read-outs
- Extensive autofocus tracking recognizes the eyes of animals and birds. Nikon knows what’s important to us and focuses on that
- A burst mode of 20 fps RAW, 30 fps JPEG and 120 fps (11 MP) that can capture all the action
- Pre-release shutter captures photos before you press the shutter button, so you’ll never miss a moment
- A large buffer of 1000+ photos in RAW (HE) ensures that the camera never stops shooting
- Despite the shutter that is only electronic, you will not be bothered by rolling shutter effects. The read-out speed is extremely fast and almost equivalent to a mechanical shutter
Dislike
- Choose the right CF-express card so that the camera does not overheat, there are problems that the camera reports a hot card warning
- With a weight of more than 900 grams, it is quite heavy, especially if you have to walk around with a large lens all day
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Nikon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Nikon Z 400mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Nikon Z 100-400mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Nikon Z 50-250mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best Sony camera for wildlife photography
Sony A7 IV
Sebas' take
As the next camera, I recommend the Sony A7 IV, this is the rival of the R6 II and in some areas, the A7 IV is my preference. With a 33 MP sensor, I had no trouble cropping, while you can also use a high ISO.
The ergonomics are also optimal, with a fourth dial at the top, it is an improvement compared to the A7 III. However, you have to pay close attention to the settings, because there are some downsides.
All in all, I think the Sony A7 IV is the best Sony camera for wildlife photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Sony A7 IV!
Outstanding features
- 33MP sensor
- 4K60p video
- FHD120p slow motion
- 11 fps burst mode
- Very large buffer – 800 photos
- Built-in stabilization
- Double memory card slots
What I like/dislike about the Sony A7 IV
Like
- The image quality is very good, which is to be expected. With a wide dynamic range, I had no trouble pushing the shadows or highlights. You do have to expose the photo properly if you use higher ISOs, but that goes without saying.
- I also have little to say about the autofocus, the bird-tracking function works without any problems. The A7 IV does have difficulty recognizing birds if there are branches in front of it, so I manually set a focus point.
- The burst mode is mechanically 10fps, which is a real advantage. However, this speed only applies to compressed lossy RAW, which is slightly lower quality than lossless RAW. With the latter, you can shoot approximately 5fps. The buffer is almost infinite with both options if you use a CF-Express type A.
- Finally, the ergonomics are optimal, with four dials at the top you can quickly adjust the ISO, shutter, and aperture. The grip also feels comfortable even though I have fairly large hands.
Dislike
- I don’t recommend taking photos with the electronic shutter, because the rolling shutter is very present. With a readout of ~30 ms, you get strange artifacts on wings, and the background is also distorted on birds in flight.
- On the downside, the mechanical shutter is quite loud, which can scare birds. I have the feeling that it sounds like quality, not that it can fall out at any moment.
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Sony FE 100-400mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 200-600mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 70-300mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best Canon camera for wildlife photography
Canon R7
Sebas' take
Another very popular camera for nature photography is the Canon R7. With the 33 MP sensor and 1.6x crop factor, that is of course not surprising.
In addition, it shoots 30 images per second with a large buffer, has an AI autofocus system and can film 4K videos.
All in all, the EOS R7 is the best Canon camera for wildlife photography. You have to be quick though, it often sells out!
Holidays: Get $100 off your Canon R7!
Outstanding features
- 33-megapixel sensor
- 4K60p video
- 30 fps burst mode
- Built-in stabilization
- Dual memory cards
- Professional form factor
What I like/dislike about the Canon R7
Like
- As I just said, the 1.6x crop factor is very nice for nature photography, without an extender you get closer to the subject, so a 200mm lens suddenly becomes 320mm
- A professional design ensures that you can hold the camera well, even with large hands
- You can use it for years, it is made of strong material, just like the robust Canon R3
- Image stabilization is nice, if each lens becomes 1.6x ‘longer’. This way you see less movement when you look through the viewfinder
Dislike
- It is and remains an APS-C sensor, so you cannot set the ISO as high as a full-frame counterpart
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Canon RF 600mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 100-500mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 100-400mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Best budget camera for nature photography
Canon R8
Sebas' take
For about the same amount as the R7 you have the Canon R8. Both cameras are very similar, but they are also completely different.
With a full-frame sensor, you have superior image quality, but you do lose the extra 1.6x crop factor, so 200mm is really 200mm.
The R8 is the best budget camera for wildlife photography, especially due to the pre-burst mode that almost no other camera has.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Canon R8!
Outstanding features
- 24-megapixel sensor
- 4K60p video
- FHD180p slow motion
- 40 fps burst mode
- Small and lightweight design
- The best deep learning autofocus
- RF mount, high quality lenses
What I like/dislike about the Canon R8
Like
- A pre-burst mode that starts shooting 0.5 seconds before you press the shutter, so you never miss a moment
- Very good in low light conditions, you can easily set the ISO up to 6400 without seeing much noise
- Splash-proof, which ensures durability and reliability, you don’t have to worry about sudden rainfall
- Autofocus recognizes the eyes of birds and other animals, I know from experience that it does an excellent job
Dislike
- One card slot will not be enough for many people
- You lose the 1.6x crop of the Canon R7
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Canon RF 600mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 100-500mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 100-400mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon EOS R8 Review, Tests & Comparisons
Today's best deal
Best Panasonic wildlife photography camera
Panasonic S5 II
Sebas' take
Panasonic was not the most famous brand for nature photography, but that changed with the Lumix S5 II.
Panasonic has created a camera that sounds attractive to many photographers with the 30 fps burst mode, large buffer, and fast autofocus.
As a hybrid camera, it is also terrific, with a 6K video function it can last for years to come. All in all, the best Panasonic camera for wildlife photography.
Holidays: Get $300 off your Panasonic S5 II!
Outstanding features
- 24-megapixel sensor
- 6K40p or 4K60p video
- FHD180p slow motion
- 30 fps burst mode
- Lightweight design
- Deep learning focus on animals
- Dual memory card slots
What I like/dislike about the Panasonic S5 iI
Like
- With a phase-detect autofocus system, the camera can focus on subjects very quickly and accurately
- With the fast burst of 30 fps, which is complemented by a large buffer of 300 photos, the camera is very reliable in all situations
- Built-in stabilization that reduces shake, especially useful if you have large telephoto lenses. Every movement is clearly visible when you take wildlife photos
- Water-resistant and robust, so you don’t have to worry about the S5 II breaking down at once
Dislike
- There are fewer lenses available for the Panasonic S5 II, because it is a less well-known brand
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Panasonic cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Panasonic S 70-200mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sigma 150-600mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Panasonic S 70-300mm is also fantastic, this is the least expensive lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best camera for wildlife photography beginner
Canon R50
Sebas' take
As a beginner, you want a camera that is not too complicated and large. Fortunately, the Canon R50 is exactly what you are looking for, as the smallest RF camera it is very good for nature photography.
A fast burst, accurate autofocus, and many available lenses make the R50 a unique camera for beginners.
If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on cameras, this is the best camera for wildlife photography as a beginner.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Canon R50!
Outstanding features
- 24-megapixel sensor
- 4K30p oversampled video
- 15 fps burst mode
- RF mount with professional lenses
- Autofocus system of the Canon R6 II
- Small, compact and lightweight
What I like/dislike about the Canon R50
Like
- The smallest Canon camera with an RF mount, it weighs only 375 grams
- Super-fast autofocus that we also see in the Canon R6 II, which can recognize animals and other objects through deep learning, perfect for nature photography
- Perfect for beginners due to the user interface
- A camera that is kind to your wallet
Dislike
- The buffer is small, so you can only use the burst mode for a short time before the camera stops taking pictures
- The build material is not of high quality, so unexpected rain or a fall could bring the camera to an end
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Canon RF 600mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 100-500mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 100-400mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon EOS R50 Review, Tests & Comparisons
Today's best deal
Best Canon camera for bird photography
Canon R3
Sebas' take
If you didn’t think the R6 II was good enough, then you must have the Canon R3. A camera that is just that little bit better for bird photography in every area.
A buffer that is exceptional, a burst of 30 fps, and eye-control autofocus. This is truly a revolutionary camera that you will appreciate.
It may not have the most megapixels, but for that, you get a camera that stands out in every other area. It just is the best camera for bird photography.
Outstanding features
- 24-megapixel stacked sensor
- 6K60p RAW video
- 4K120p slow motion
- 30 fps RAW burst mode
- Limited 195 fps burst mode
- Robust design
- Dual CF Express cards
What I like/dislike about the Canon R3
Like
- With a robust design, the Canon R3 can take a beating or two without it falling apart, you can use it for years to come
- Fast 30 fps burst mode and a large buffer, you can capture all birds in flight with confidence
- Deep learning autofocus that can even recognize the eyes of animals
- Eye-control AF, with which you select focus points based on your sight. Look at the subject and focus on it
- Very good noise performance due to the dual processors, you can easily see up to ISO 6400 without disturbing noise
- Thanks to the stacked sensor, you have virtually no problems with rolling shutter when using the electronic shutter
Dislike
- The CF Express Type B cards are on the pricey side, especially since, ideally, you need two of them
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Canon RF 600mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 100-500mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 100-400mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best Sony camera for wildlife photography
Sony A1
Sebas' take
The Nikon Z8 already seemed like the best thing we’ve ever seen, but it gets even better. With the Sony A1, the photographic aspects are still slightly refined.
With a 30 fps burst mode and 50 MP sensor, the A1 is impressive. Such a fast camera hardly ever comes on the market. You can also use this autofocus system for years to come.
All in all, one of the best cameras for wildlife and bird photography.
Outstanding features
- 50-megapixel stacked sensor
- 8K30p video
- 4K120p video
- 30 photos per second burst mode
- Lightweight design
- Dual CF Express type A card slots
What I like/dislike about the Sony A1
Like
- A compact design, not much bigger than the other Sony A7 series, so you can walk around for a long time
- 50-megapixel to zoom in a lot, even take pictures up to 30 times per second
- Top-notch autofocus that we have come to expect from Sony, which is good for nature photography
- Built-in stabilization that reduces shake, useful on long telephoto lenses
- Despite the high resolution, the A1 has a fast readout speed, so you won’t notice a rolling shutter with the electronic shutter
Dislike
- This is the most expensive camera on the list, so you should consider carefully whether you think it’s worth it
- CF Express type A, which is slower than Type B. As a result, the buffer is smaller than on the Nikon Z8, for example
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Sony FE 100-400mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 200-600mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 70-300mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Highest resolution camera for wildlife photography
Canon R5
Sebas' take
As we have seen, Canon has many cameras for wildlife photography. However, we have not yet found a high-resolution camera. The Canon R5 comes in handy then.
With a 45 MP resolution, it is unique to Canon, especially because of the 20 fps burst mode and fast autofocus.
All in all a great camera for nature photography, if you can use the extra resolution.
Holidays: Get $900 off your Canon R5!
Outstanding features
- 45-megapixel sensor
- 8K30p RAW video
- 4K120p slow motion
- 12 or 20 fps burst mode
- AI autofocus that focuses on animals
- CF Express type B & SD card slot
What I like/dislike about the Canon R5
Like
- Same design as the Canon R6 II, which makes switching easy
- The high resolution ensures that you can zoom in a lot with minimal loss of quality
- Autofocus that focuses perfectly on the subjects, without you having to do anything complicated yourself
- A burst mode that has the perfect speed of 12 or 20 fps, that’s all you need and you don’t really want that with this resolution
Dislike
- The Canon R5 overheats fairly quickly if you shoot 8K30p or 4K60p video
- For the largest buffer, you need CF Express type B, which are currently expensive cards
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Canon RF 600mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 100-500mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 100-400mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Best beginner camera for wildlife photography Sony
Sony A6600
Sebas' take
Despite being released in 2019, the Sony A6600 is still very good for wildlife photography. Sony has released software updates that include deep-learning autofocus.
This allows the A6600 to recognize the eyes of animals, something that is of course useful for us. In addition, it can shoot 11 photos per second, which is fast enough for most situations.
In short, the A6600 is the best beginner camera for wildlife photography from Sony.
Outstanding features
- 24-megapixel sensor
- 4K30p video
- 11 fps burst mode
- Large buffer
- Small, compact and light
- Lots of Sony lenses
What I like/dislike about the Sony A6600
Like
- A burst mode that is more than fast enough, with 10 photos per second, you can capture all the action
- It is very small and compact, making it almost a compact camera. You can easily walk around for a day because of the weight
- Deep learning autofocus has been added, allowing the A6600 to focus super fast on animal eyes, perfect for wildlife photography
- The battery is the best of any camera on the list, you can take more than 800 photos on one battery
Dislike
- The camera is too small for many people, so not every finger can get a grip on the camera. So you see again that too small is not good either
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Sony FE 100-400mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 200-600mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 70-300mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Nikon camera for wildlife photography beginner
Nikon Z50
Sebas' take
Nikon doesn’t have that many beginner cameras, but if one stands out, it’s the Nikon Z50. With a burst mode of 11 fps, it is very similar to the Sony A6600. Autofocus isn’t bad either, the Z50 can recognize and focus on the eyes of animals.
Handy as a nature photographer, and especially as a beginner. The compactness and weight ensure longer walks in nature, because you get tired less quickly.
All in all, the Z50 is the best Nikon camera for wildlife photography as a beginner.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Nikon Z50!
Outstanding features
- 21-megapixel sensor
- 4K30p video
- 11 fps burst mode
- Small, compact and lightweight
- Smart autofocus on animals
What I like/dislike about the Nikon Z50
Like
- The small form factor makes the Nikon Z50 easy to carry, and the lenses made for it are also becoming increasingly compact
- The autofocus is good for nature photography, with a tracking mode on the eyes of animals you will have less blurry photos
- A burst mode that’s perfect for capturing all the action and a buffer that doesn’t fill up quickly makes it good for beginners
Dislike
- The autofocus is not as fast and accurate as Canon’s, according to reviews
The best lenses for wildlife photography
I made a selection of the best wildlife photography lenses, especially for Nikon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for wildlife photography is the Nikon Z 400mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Nikon Z 100-400mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Nikon Z 50-250mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
What to look for in a camera for nature photography
Image quality
The image quality of your photos is determined by several factors. For example, the resolution is an important factor, but your choice of lens is also important.
Cameras that have many megapixels are useful because you can zoom in digitally or print the photo in a large format. If you have a lens that is of low quality, you can also forget it. The photo simply won’t be as sharp as you hoped.
In short, a camera with a lot of megapixels and a good lens is important for wildlife photography, especially the combination of the two should not be forgotten.
Autofocus
In wildlife photography, we often deal with animals that move quickly. Whether it’s flying birds or running deer, the camera must be able to recognize and track the subjects well.
Often the cameras that use deep learning are the best at this, these cameras can recognize the animals, even the eyes, and focus on them. In general, Canon is the leader in autofocus, but other brands such as Sony and Nikon also come very close.
The best cameras for wildlife photography therefore need an excellent autofocus system with 90% of the photos being sharp.
Burst mode
I just said that nature photography is mainly a lot of action, and that is of course fantastic if you have a camera that can go along with the action. If you are looking for a camera for nature photography, you want a camera with a burst speed of at least 10 images per second.
When you have a lower speed you will miss a lot of action and a higher speed will cause the memory card or buffer to fill up quickly.
Some new wildlife cameras have a pre-burst mode, where the camera takes pictures 0.5 seconds before you press the shutter button. The Canon R6 II has this mode and takes 15 photos in the pre-buffer.
You should know that the burst speed is often higher with the electronic shutter, the disadvantage of this is that the readout speed is higher and because of this you will notice rolling shutter with many cameras. Then, for example, the wings or background look unnatural. This effect is gone when you use the mechanical shutter.
ISO performance
To freeze all the action you have to use a fast shutter speed, if there is no bright sunlight then you will have to increase the ISO so as not to get an underexposed photo.
We often go to the forest to take nature photos, where it is already darker by default. Cameras with the best ISO performance are full-frame cameras, where the sensor can capture a lot of light. The APS-C, also called crop sensor, cameras have a smaller sensor that can capture less light.
The resolution also has a lot of influence on the noise performance of a camera. At a lower resolution, each pixel can capture more light than at a high resolution. The Canon R6 II has a 24 MP sensor and will therefore do better with high ISO values than the Canon R5, which has a 45 MP sensor.
Wheather sealing
The name says it all, nature photography often takes place in nature. We can’t always influence the weather, so it’s useful if your camera is weatherproof.
Often professional cameras are weatherproof, so the Nikon Z8, Canon R5, and Panasonic S5 II are all intended for extreme conditions.
If you buy a beginner’s camera for wildlife photography, you will have to look at the weather forecast more often.
Lens selection
Sometimes we are so focused on a camera that we almost forget the other half, namely the lens. Perhaps even more important than a camera, because the quality of the glass also determines the quality of the photo.
Lenses with a large focal length are preferred for nature photography because they allow you to get close to the birds and deer without being physically next to them.
Battery life
The last point is often forgotten. The perfect moments that we all dream of don’t fly by every hour, you sometimes have to wait and walk around for hours to get the perfect shot.
When the moment finally arrives, you don’t want the battery to be empty. That’s why you have to pay close attention to the battery life, cameras like the Canon R3 and the Nikon Z9 have a longer battery life, but they are also on the heavy side.
So take an extra pair of batteries with you when you go looking for birds.
Best camera for nature photography FAQ
What is the best camera for nature photography?
The best camera for nature photography is the Nikon Z8. This camera is very expensive, but when it comes to bird photography and other wildlife, the Nikon Z8 is the best. You can take 46 MP photos up to 30 times per second. Also, the video specs are the best on the list.
What is the best affordable camera for wildlife photography?
The best affordable camera for wildlife photography is the Canon R50. This camera is very good, has a professional focusing system, and can shoot up to 15 photos per second. All very important for wildlife photography, you will take a lot of great photos with the Canon R50.
What is the best beginner camera for wildlife photography?
The best beginner camera for wildlife photography is also the Canon R50. This one hasn’t been out that long, but it has professional functions and is aimed at beginner nature photographers. The user interface is easy to understand and there are a lot of affordable lenses available.
What is the best budget camera for wildlife photography?
The best budget camera for wildlife photography is the Canon R10. This camera costs just under $1000 and has professional features. You have fast autofocus, with animal detection and you can shoot up to 23 photos per second. Everything you want as a nature photographer to take the most beautiful photos.
What is the best point and shoot camera for wildlife photography?
The best point-and-shoot camera for wildlife photography is the Sony RX10 IV. This camera has a super zoom of 24-600mm, which means that you can get close to the birds. The RX10 IV also has super-fast autofocus, which allows you to focus within 0.03 seconds. This is the best point-and-shoot camera for nature photography.
What is the best Canon camera for wildlife photography?
The best Canon camera for wildlife photography is the Canon R6 II. Canon’s R6 II has the latest and most accurate autofocus and can shoot 40 photos per second. It is also a full-frame camera, with excellent image quality. Clearly the best nature photography camera from Canon.
What burst mode is right for wildlife photography?
In general, a burst mode of 10-15 fps is good for wildlife photography. This allows you to capture all the action in great detail, without missing a moment. With a faster burst mode, your cards can fill up very quickly, something that can be very annoying when you’re photographing birds.
What is the best DSLR camera for wildlife photography?
The best DSLR camera for wildlife photography is the Nikon D850. The autofocus is very good, even though it has no object recognition. In addition, you can take 46 MP photos and shoot 7 photos per second. In any case, it will not be the specifications. The Nikon D850 is also affordable nowadays.
What is the best entry-level camera for wildlife photography?
The best entry-level camera for wildlife photography is the Fujifilm X-S20. With a price tag of just over $1000, the X-S20 has the best specs. Fast autofocus, which works with AI, and a burst of 30 images per second make the Fujifilm X-S20 unbeatable for nature photography.
What is the best compact camera for wildlife photography?
The best compact camera for wildlife photography is the Sony RX10 IV. A camera that is very popular, and not without reason. You can shoot 24 photos per second and you have a zoom range of 24-600mm. Impressive specifications, especially for the affordable price. By far the best compact camera for nature photography.
What is the best lens for wildlife photography?
In conclusion
Now it’s your turn to make the choice. There are many wildlife photography cameras that you can choose from. Now that you know the pros and cons of each camera, you can make the choice.
Don’t you want to take professional wildlife photos? Then you can get started with an amateur camera. If you do want to shoot professionally, then professional wildlife photography cameras are perfect for you.
Who is Sebastiaan?
Hi! I am Sebastiaan, the writer of this blog. With years of experience as a professional photographer, I want to share my expertise with you. From recommending cameras and lenses to giving tips that make a world of difference, that’s what I enjoy doing most.
There are tons of different cameras you can buy for under $1500. Full-frame cameras from Canon and Nikon, as well as mirrorless cameras from Sony and Fujifilm, are among the preferred options of professional photographers...