Are you looking for the Best Camera For Wildlife Photography? Wildlife photography is an incredibly interesting and rewarding profession. Capturing animals in their natural habitats can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be quite challenging. To successfully document the wonders of the animal kingdom, you need the right gear.
From entry-level digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras to top-of-the-line mirrorless cameras, we’ve rounded up the 20 best cameras for wildlife photography.
Contents
- 1 1. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- 2 2. Nikon D850
- 3 3. Sony a9
- 4 4. Canon EOS 1DX Mark II
- 5 5. Nikon D500
- 6 6. Nikon D5
- 7 7. Canon EOS 7D Mark II
- 8 8. Fujifilm X-T3
- 9 9. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
- 10 10. Sony a7R III
- 11 11. Canon EOS Rebel T7i
- 12 12. Canon EOS 90D
- 13 13. Panasonic Lumix GH5
- 14 14. Nikon Z6
- 15 15. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
- 16 16. Sony a7R IV
- 17 17. Panasonic Lumix G9
- 18 18. Fujifilm X-T4
- 19 19. Nikon D7500
- 20 20. Sony a6000
- 21 Final Thoughts On Best Camera For Wildlife Photography
1. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a full-frame DSLR camera that offers a fantastic combination of power and performance. Its 30.4MP sensor provides fantastic image quality, and its dual DIGIC 6+ processors offer fast continuous shooting and 4K video. With a 61-point AF system, it’s highly accurate and reliable when it comes to autofocus. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is an excellent camera for wildlife photography, and it’s one of the most popular choices for professional wildlife photographers.
Pros: 30.4MP full-frame sensor; fast, accurate AF system; excellent image and video quality; dual DIGIC 6+ processors; 4K video recording.
Cons: Expensive; heavier than other DSLRs; not designed for high-speed shooting.
2. Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 is a DSLR camera that is designed for both novice and professional wildlife photographers. It has a 45.7MP full-frame sensor, a Premium-grade autofocus system, and a 153-point autofocus system. It also has 9fps continuous shooting and 4K video recording. The Nikon D850 is one of the most powerful and advanced DSLRs on the market, and it makes an excellent choice for wildlife photography.
Pros: 45.7MP full-frame sensor; 153-point AF system; 9fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording.
Cons: Expensive; not the best for high-speed action shots; heavy.
3. Sony a9
The Sony a9 is a relatively new mirrorless camera that offers cutting-edge technology and superb image quality. It has a full-frame 24.2MP sensor, and its 20fps electronic shutter can capture even the fastest-moving wildlife. It also has an incredibly fast and comprehensive AF system and 4K video recording. The Sony a9 is one of the most advanced cameras on the market, and it is perfect for wildlife photographers.
Pros: 20fps electronic shutter; 24.2MP full-frame sensor; fast and comprehensive AF system; 4K video recording.
Cons: Expensive; screen not touchscreen-compatible; no IBIS.
4. Canon EOS 1DX Mark II
The Canon EOS 1DX Mark II is the successor of the venerable 1DX. It has a 20.2MP full-frame sensor, an incredibly fast and reliable AF system, and an impressive 14fps continuous shooting. It is also capable of 4K video recording and offers dual DIGIC 6+ processors for fast and accurate processing. The Canon EOS 1DX Mark II is a top-of-the-line DSLR, and it is perfect for professional wildlife photographers.
Pros: 20.2MP full-frame sensor; fast AF system; 14fps continuous shooting; dual DIGIC 6+ processors; 4K video recording.
Cons: Expensive; not designed for high-speed shooting; heavy.
5. Nikon D500
The Nikon D500 is a DX-format DSLR that is designed for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It has a 20.9MP sensor, a 153-point AF system, and 10fps continuous shooting. It also has 4K video recording and advanced image processing features. The Nikon D500 is an excellent choice for wildlife photographers, and it offers excellent performance for the price.
Pros: 20.9MP DX-format sensor; 153-point AF system; 10fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording; excellent value for money.
Cons: Limited battery life; not designed for high-speed shooting; no IBIS.
6. Nikon D5
The Nikon D5 is a professional DSLR that offers unrivaled performance. It has a 20.8MP full-frame sensor and a 153-point AF system. It also has an impressive 12fps continuous shooting and 4K video recording. The Nikon D5 is the flagship DSLR of Nikon, and it’s an excellent choice for professional wildlife photographers.
Pros: 20.8MP full-frame sensor; 153-point AF system; 12fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording.
Cons: Expensive; heavy; not designed for high-speed shooting.
7. Canon EOS 7D Mark II
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is an enthusiast-level DSLR that offers excellent performance and value for money. It has a 20.2MP sensor, a 65-point AF system, and 10fps continuous shooting. It also has full HD video recording, and it is one of the most popular cameras for wildlife photographers.
Pros: 20.2MP sensor; 65-point AF system; 10fps continuous shooting; full HD video recording; excellent value for money.
Cons: Limited battery life; not designed for high-speed shooting; no IBIS.
8. Fujifilm X-T3
The Fujifilm X-T3 is a mirrorless camera that is designed for both enthusiast and professional wildlife photographers. It has a 26.1MP sensor, a unique integrated AF system, and 11fps continuous shooting. It also has 4K video recording, and it offers fantastic image quality for the price.
Pros: 26.1MP sensor; 11fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording; good value for money.
Cons: Limited battery life; no IBIS; limited touchscreen capabilities.
9. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that offers excellent performance for wildlife photography. It has a 20.4MP sensor, a 121-point AF system, and a blazingly fast 18fps continuous shooting. It also offers 4K video recording and dual processors for fast and accurate processing.
Pros: 20.4MP sensor; 121-point AF system; 18fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording; dual processors.
Cons: Limited battery life; no IBIS; limited touchscreen capabilities.
10. Sony a7R III
The Sony a7R III is a top-of-the-line full-frame mirrorless camera that offers excellent performance. It has a 42.4MP sensor, a 399-point AF system, and a 10fps electronic shutter. It also offers 4K video recording, and it is one of the most advanced mirrorless cameras on the market.
Pros: 42.4MP full-frame sensor; 399-point AF system; 10fps electronic shutter; 4K video recording.
Cons: Expensive; limited touchscreen capabilities; no IBIS.
11. Canon EOS Rebel T7i
The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a beginner-level DSLR that is perfect for novice wildlife photographers. It has an 24.2MP APS-C sensor, a 45-point AF system, and 6fps continuous shooting. It also has full HD video recording, and it offers excellent performance for the price.
Pros: 24.2MP APS-C sensor; 45-point AF system; 6fps continuous shooting; full HD video recording; excellent value for money.
Cons: Limited battery life; not designed for high-speed shooting; no IBIS.
12. Canon EOS 90D
The Canon EOS 90D is an enthusiast-level DSLR that offers excellent performance. It has a 32.5MP APS-C sensor, a 45-point AF system, and 10fps continuous shooting. It also offers 4K video recording, and it is an excellent camera for wildlife photography.
Pros: 32.5MP APS-C sensor; 45-point AF system; 10fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording.
Cons: Limited battery life; not designed for high-speed shooting; no IBIS.
13. Panasonic Lumix GH5
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that is designed for both enthusiast and professional wildlife photographers. It has a 20.3MP sensor, a 225-point AF system, and 12fps continuous shooting. It also has 4K video recording and advanced image processing features.
Pros: 20.3MP sensor; 225-point AF system; 12fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording; advanced image processing features.
Cons: Limited battery life; no IBIS; limited touchscreen capabilities.
14. Nikon Z6
The Nikon Z6 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that is designed for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It has a 24.5MP sensor, a 273-point AF system, and 12fps continuous shooting. It also offers 4K video recording, and it is one of the most advanced mirrorless cameras on the market.
Pros: 24.5MP full-frame sensor; 273-point AF system; 12fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording.
Cons: Limited battery life; no IBIS; limited touchscreen capabilities.
15. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a beginner-level DSLR that is perfect for novice wildlife photographers. It has a 26.2MP full-frame sensor, a 45-point AF system, and 6.5fps continuous shooting. It also has full HD video recording, and it offers excellent performance for the price.
Pros: 26.2MP full-frame sensor; 45-point AF system; 6.5fps continuous shooting; full HD video recording; excellent value for money.
Cons: Limited battery life; not designed for high-speed shooting; no IBIS.
16. Sony a7R IV
The Sony a7R IV is a professional-grade full-frame mirrorless camera that offers top-of-the-line performance for wildlife photography. It has a 61.0MP sensor, a 567-point AF system, and 10fps continuous shooting. It also offers 4K video recording, and it is one of the most advanced and powerful cameras on the market.
Pros: 61.0MP full-frame sensor; 567-point AF system; 10fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording.
Cons: Expensive; limited touchscreen capabilities; no IBIS.
17. Panasonic Lumix G9
The Panasonic Lumix G9 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that is designed for both enthusiast and professional wildlife photographers. It has a 20.3MP sensor, an incredibly fast and reliable AF system, and a staggering 20fps continuous shooting. It also has 4K video recording, dual processors, and advanced image processing features.
Pros: 20.3MP sensor; 20fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording; dual processors; advanced image processing features.
Cons: Limited battery life; no IBIS; limited touchscreen capabilities.
18. Fujifilm X-T4
The Fujifilm X-T4 is a mirrorless camera that is designed for both enthusiast and professional wildlife photographers. It has a 26.1MP sensor, a unique integrated AF system, and 15fps continuous shooting. It also has 4K video recording, and it offers fantastic image quality for the price.
Pros: 26.1MP sensor; 15fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording; good value for money.
Cons: Limited battery life; no IBIS; limited touchscreen capabilities.
19. Nikon D7500
The Nikon D7500 is an enthusiast-level DSLR that offers excellent performance and value for money. It has a 20.9MP sensor, a 51-point AF system, and 8fps continuous shooting. It also has 4K video recording, and it is one of the most popular cameras for wildlife photographers.
Pros: 20.9MP sensor; 51-point AF system; 8fps continuous shooting; 4K video recording; excellent value for money.
Cons: Limited battery life; not designed for high-speed shooting; no IBIS.
20. Sony a6000
The Sony a6000 is a beginner-level mirrorless camera that is perfect for novice wildlife photographers. It has a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, a 179-point AF system, and 11fps continuous shooting. It also offers full HD video recording, and it is one of the best-value cameras on the market.
Pros: 24.3MP APS-C sensor; 179-point AF system; 11fps continuous shooting; full HD video recording; excellent value for money.
Cons: Limited battery life; no IBIS; limited touchscreen capabilities.
Final Thoughts On Best Camera For Wildlife Photography
Wildlife photography is an incredibly rewarding and exciting profession. To capture animals in their natural habitats, you need the right gear. From entry-level DSLRs to top-of-the-line mirrorless cameras, we’ve rounded up the 20 best cameras for wildlife photography. Each camera offers unique features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. No matter what type of camera you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be ready to take stunning photos of all the wonders of the animal kingdom.
