17 Best Cameras For Bird Photography

Want to learn more about the best cameras for bird photography? Photography is a great way to observe and appreciate the beauty of birds. To get the best shots of birds you need the right camera for the job.

As birds can often move quickly and appear unexpectedly, you need a camera that can capture that split-second moment. Many cameras offer features specifically intended for bird photography.

With so many cameras on the market, choosing an appropriate camera for bird watching can be a difficult decision. To help you decide, we have put together this guide to the best cameras for bird photography.

Our List of The 17 Best Cameras For Bird Photography

We are certain, you will find our list of the 17 best cameras for bird photography very helpful. This list offers you the best information on features and the pros and cons of each, to help you make a more informed decision.

Follow below as we’ll go over 18 of the best cameras so you can find the one that’s right for you.

Sony Alpha a99 II

The Sony Alpha a99 II is a high-end full-frame DSLR camera. It is perfect for bird photographers who want to capture detailed shots. This camera has a 42.2 megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor, allowing users to capture stunning images even in low light.

Moreover, the extremely fast VGA Tru-Finder OLED EVF provides an edge to bird photographers. With features such as silent shooting, 4K video recording and an excellent autofocus system, the Sony Alpha a99 II is perfect for bird photography. The camera also offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for transferring images quickly and easily.

Pros:

• 42.2 megapixel full-frame sensor
• Fast VGA Tru-Finder OLED EVF
• Silent shooting mode
• 4K video recording
• Excellent autofocus system

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy

Nikon D500

The Nikon D500 is a multi-media powerhouse with superior speed and performance. It has been a popular choice among wildlife and bird photographers since it was released. Boasting a high resolution, autofocus system, and high burst rate, the D500 is perfectly suited for capturing moments as quickly as they happen.

Nikon has put together a bird photography guide to help users make the most of their D500. It offers extensive tips and information on settings, lenses, and post production software. With the help of the guide, budding bird photographers can quickly become confident with their camera and begin capturing amazing bird images.

Pros:

• 20.9MP DX–format CMOS sensor
• EXPEED 5 processor
• 153–point AF system
• 3.2” tilting touchscreen LCD
• Good battery life

Cons:
• Expensive
• Heavy

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The Canon EOS 5D is a great choice for bird photography thanks to its 30.4 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and 61-point AF system. The Mark IV also features Dual Pixel RAW for capturing unique images as well as 4K video recording and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for transferring photos quickly and easily. The camera is also compatible with Canon’s powerful software for editing images. Additionally, the EOS 5D Mark IV has an impressive ISO range of 100 to 32,000.

Pros:

• 30.4 megapixel full-frame sensor
• 61-point AF system
• Dual Pixel RAW
• 4K video recording
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC

Cons:
• Expensive
• Heavy

Nikon D810

The Nikon D810 is one of Nikon’s top-of-the-line DSLRs, and it’s perfect for bird photography. The camera has a 36.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that captures stunning detail and clarity, even in low light.

The camera also features a 51-point AF system and 5fps shooting speed. Nikon’s EXPEED 4 image processor allows for quick image processing and the extended ISO range of 64-12,800 is great for capturing quality images in any light. The Nikon D810 also features 3D-tracking for improved autofocus and is compatible with Nikon’s flagship image editing software.

Pros:

• 36.3 megapixel full-frame sensor
• 51-point AF system
• 5fps shooting speed
• EXPEED 4 image processor
• Extended ISO range of 64-12,800

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy

Panasonic Lumix GH4

The Panasonic Lumix GH4 is a great choice for bird photography. It features a 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor and 4K video recording. The camera also boasts excellent image stabilization, as well as an impressive burst rate of 12fps.

The GH4 offers excellent autofocus tracking and has an extended ISO range of 100-25,600 that captures stunning images in any light. Additionally, the camera is compatible with Panasonic’s image editing software, allowing users to edit their images quickly and easily.

Pros:

• 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor
• 4K video recording
• Excellent image stabilization
• Burst rate of 12fps
• Extended ISO range of 100-25,600

Cons:

• Not full-frame
• Limited lens selection

Fujifilm X-T2

The Fujifilm X-T2 is a great choice for bird photography thanks to its 24.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor. The camera also boasts an impressive autofocus system and 8fps shooting speed. Additionally, the camera offers 4K video recording as well as Fujifilm’s excellent image processing software. The X-T2 also has an extended ISO range of 100-51,200 and is compatible with Fujifilm’s lens lineup.

Pros:

• 24.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor
• Impressive autofocus system
• 8fps shooting speed
• 4K video recording
• Extended ISO range of 100-51,200

Cons:

• Not full-frame
• Limited lens selection

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a great choice for bird photographers. It features a 20 megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor that captures superb image detail and clarity. The camera also offers a fast and accurate autofocus system that can track birds as they move.

Additionally, the E-M1 Mark II has 6.5fps burst shooting and 4K video recording. The camera also has a built-in image stabilization system and an extended ISO range of 100-25,600.

Pros:

• 20 megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor
• Fast and accurate autofocus system
• 6.5fps burst shooting
• 4K video recording
• Built-in image stabilization

Cons:

• Not full-frame
• Limited lens selection

Sony Alpha a7R III

The Sony Alpha a7R III is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality. It features a 42.4 megapixel Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor that captures stunning detail and clarity. The camera also offers an autofocus system with 425 AF points, as well as 10 fps shooting and 4K video recording. Additionally, the a7R III has an extended ISO range of 100-32,000 and is compatible with Sony’s wide range of lenses.

Pros:

• 42.4 megapixel Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor
• Autofocus system with 425 AF points
• 10 fps shooting
• 4K video recording
• Extended ISO range of 100-32,000

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a great choice for bird photography. It features a 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, as well as Dual Pixel CMOS AF and 65-point ‘all cross-type’ AF system. The camera’s built-in image stabilization system is perfect for capturing birds in flight. The 7D Mark II also offers 10fps shooting and is compatible with Canon’s lens lineup. Additionally, the camera has an extended ISO range of 100-16,000.

Pros:

• 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• 65-point ‘all cross-type’ AF system
• Built-in image stabilization system
• 10fps shooting
• Extended ISO range of 100-16,000

Cons:

• Not full-frame
• Limited lens selection

Nikon D3300

The Nikon D3300 is a great choice for bird photography. It features a 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor that captures excellent image detail and clarity. Furthermore, the camera has a 39-point AF system and 3D tracking for improved autofocus.

Additionally, the D3300 offers an extended ISO range of 100-25,600 and is compatible with Nikon’s lens lineup. The camera also has 5fps burst shooting for capturing fast-moving birds, making it great as one of the best cameras for bird photography.

Pros:

• 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
• 39-point AF system
• 3D tracking for improved autofocus
• Extended ISO range of 100-25,600
• 5fps burst shooting

Cons:

• Not full-frame
• Limited lens selection

Sony Alpha a6600

The Sony Alpha a6600 is a great choice for bird photography. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and a 425-point autofocus system. Additionally, the camera has an impressive 8fps burst shooting speed and 4K video recording. The a6600 also has an extended ISO range of 100-32,000 and is compatible with Sony’s lens lineup. Additionally, the camera offers built-in image stabilization and an impressive autofocus system.

Pros:

• 24.2 megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor
• 425-point autofocus system
• 8fps burst shooting
• 4K video recording
• Extended ISO range of 100-32,000

Cons:

• Not full-frame
• Limited lens selection

Canon EOS Rebel SL3

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a great entry-level camera for bird photographers. It features a 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast and accurate autofocus. Furthermore, the Rebel SL3 has a 4K video recording and an extended ISO range of 100-25,600. Additionally, the camera is compatible with Canon’s impressive lens lineup.

Pros:

• 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• 4K video recording
• Extended ISO range of 100-25,600

Cons:

• Not full-frame
• Limited lens selection

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV is a bridge camera that’s perfect for bird photography. It features a 20.1 megapixel 1” sensor and a 315-point autofocus system. Additionally, the camera offers 24fps shooting and 4K video recording. It is also compatible with Sony’s lens lineup and has an impressive ISO range of 100-12,800. The camera also offers built-in image stabilization for improved image quality.

Pros:

• 20.1 megapixel 1” sensor
• 315-point autofocus system
• 24fps shooting
• 4K video recording
• ISO range of 100-12,800

Cons:

• Limited lens selection
• No built-in flash

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a great choice for bird photography. It features a 26.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF for improved autofocus. Additionally, the camera has a 6.5fps shooting speed and 4K video recording. Furthermore, the camera is compatible with Canon’s lens lineup and has an extended ISO range of 100-40,000.

Pros:

• 26.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• 6.5fps shooting speed
• 4K video recording
• Extended ISO range of 100-40,000

Cons:

• Limited lens selection
• No built-in flash

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a great choice for bird photography. It features a 20.4 megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor and an advanced autofocus system. Additionally, the camera has 5-axis image stabilization and 16fps burst shooting. Furthermore, the E-M5 Mark III is compatible with Olympus’ lens lineup and has an extended ISO range of 100-25,600.

Pros:

• 20.4 megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor
• Advanced autofocus system
• 5-axis image stabilization
• 16fps burst shooting
• Extended ISO range of 100-25,600

Cons:

• Not full-frame
• Limited lens selection

Fujifilm X-T3

The Fujifilm X-T3 is a great choice for bird photography. It features a 26.1 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS IV sensor and a 425-point autofocus system. Additionally, the camera has an 11fps burst shooting and 4K video recording. The X-T3 is also compatible with Fujifilm’s lens lineup and has an impressive ISO range of 100-51,200.

Pros:

• 26.1 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS IV sensor
• 425-point autofocus system
• 11fps burst shooting
• 4K video recording
• ISO range of 100-51,200

Cons:

• Not full-frame
• Limited lens selection

Canon EOS 90D

The Canon EOS 90D is a great choice for bird photography. It features a 32.5 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a 45-point all cross-type AF system. Additionally, the camera has 10fps burst shooting and 4K video recording. Furthermore, the EOS 90D is compatible with Canon’s lens lineup and has an impressive ISO range of 100-25,600.

Pros:

• 32.5 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• 45-point all cross-type AF system
• 10fps burst shooting
• 4K video recording
• ISO range of 100-25,600

Cons:

• Not full-frame
• Limited lens selection

Conclusion On The Best Cameras For Bird Photography

As you can see, these are the best cameras for bird photography. Some are perfect for beginners while others are more suitable for experienced photographers. In the end, it all comes down to what you want in a camera.

If you need a camera that can capture high-quality images quickly, the Sony Alpha a99 II or the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a great choice. If you want something more affordable but still reliable, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a great choice. Whichever camera you choose, you can rest assured that you will be getting quality images.