25 Best Camera For Sports Photography

Are you looking for the best camera for sports photography? Sports photography is an exhilarating form of photography that requires both creativity and technical skills. Photographers in this field must capture the action in a decisive moment, as split-second timing is essential in order to capture the emotion and spirit of the game.

Whether you’re a professional photographer covering a major sporting event or a hobbyist looking to improve your skills and step up your photography game, having the right equipment is essential to ensure that you get the best results. When it comes to sports photography, the camera is the most important piece of equipment.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best cameras for sports photography, and outline their features, pros and cons to help you decide which is best for your needs.

1. Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 is one of the most popular DSLR cameras for sports photographers. It features a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video recording, an excellent autofocus system and 10 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Excellent image quality, fast autofocus, outstanding battery life, 4K video recording.

Cons: Expensive, large and heavy.

2. Sony a7 III

The Sony a7 III is a great mirrorless option for sports photography. It features a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor, 0.02-second autofocus speed, 10 frames per second shooting speed, 4K video recording and excellent battery life.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, good image quality, fast autofocus, excellent battery life.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

3. Sony a7R IV

The Sony a7R IV is a great choice for sports photographers who need the highest level of detail in their shots. It features a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor and 0.02-second autofocus speed.

Pros: High resolution, excellent image quality, fast autofocus.

Cons: Expensive, heavy and large.

4. Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is an excellent choice for professional sports photographers. It features a 20.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system and 16 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Rugged and reliable, excellent autofocus, fast frame rate.

Cons: Expensive, heavy.

5. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a popular choice for professional and amateur sports photographers alike. It features a 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system, 7 frames per second shooting speed and 4K video recording.

Pros: Excellent image quality, fast autofocus, 4K video recording.

Cons: Expensive, large and heavy.

6. Nikon D5

The Nikon D5 is an excellent DSLR choice for professional sports photographers. It features a 20.8-megapixel full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system and12 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Rugged and reliable, fast frame rate, excellent autofocus.

Cons: Expensive, bulky.

7. Nikon D500

The Nikon D500 is a great APS-C DSLR for sports photographers. It features a 20.9-megapixel sensor, 155-point autofocus system and 10 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Fast autofocus, excellent battery life, good image quality.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

8. Nikon D780

The Nikon D780 is a great full-frame DSLR for sports photography. It features a 24.5-megapixel sensor, fast autofocus, 7 frames per second shooting speed, and 4K video recording.

Pros: Excellent image quality, fast autofocus, 4K video recording.

Cons: Expensive, large and heavy.

9. Canon EOS 7D Mark II

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a great choice for amateur and enthusiast sports photographers. It features a 20-megapixel APS-C sensor, dual DIGIC 6 processors and 10 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Fast frame rate, excellent autofocus, good image quality.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

10. Canon EOS-1 DX II

The Canon EOS-1 DX II is a great choice for professional sports photographers. It features a 20.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system and 14 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Rugged and reliable, excellent autofocus, fast frame rate.

Cons: Expensive, heavy.

11. Sony Alpha a7S II

The Sony Alpha a7S II is a great mirrorless camera for low light photography. It features a 12.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, 5 frames per second shooting speed, and advanced autofocus system.

Pros: Excellent image quality, fast autofocus, good battery life.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

12. Sony Alpha a6300

The Sony Alpha a6300 is a great mirrorless camera for sports photography. It features a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, 11 frames per second shooting speed, and advanced autofocus system.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, fast autofocus, good image quality.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

13. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a great full-frame DSLR for budget-conscious sports photographers. It features a 26.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system and 6 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Excellent image quality, fast autofocus, good battery life.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

14. Sony Alpha a6000

The Sony Alpha a6000 is a great budget-friendly mirrorless camera for sports photography. It features a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, 11 frames per second shooting speed and fast autofocus system.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, fast autofocus, good image quality.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

15. Canon EOS 90D

The Canon EOS 90D is an excellent APS-C DSLR for sports photography. It features a 32.5-megapixel sensor, 10 frames per second shooting speed, and advanced autofocus system.

Pros: Fast autofocus, excellent image quality, good battery life.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

16. Sony Alpha a9 II

The Sony Alpha a9 II is a great choice for professional sports photographers who need the fastest autofocus speeds. It features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, 20 frames per second shooting speed and 30fps blackout-free shooting.

Pros: Fast autofocus, excellent image quality, good battery life.

Cons: Expensive, heavy.

17. Nikon Df

The Nikon Df is a great full-frame DSLR for those who want a classic look to their sports photography. It features a 16.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system and 5 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Good image quality, fast autofocus, excellent battery life.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

18. Canon EOS R

The Canon EOS R is a great mirrorless choice for sports photography. It features a 30.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system and 8 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, good image quality, fast autofocus.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

19. Nikon D7500

The Nikon D7500 is an excellent APS-C DSLR for sports photography. It features a 20.9-megapixel sensor, 8 frames per second shooting speed, and advanced autofocus system.

Pros: Fast autofocus, excellent image quality, good battery life.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

20. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is a great mirrorless camera for those who want to capture 4K video. It features a 16-megapixel micro four-thirds sensor, fast autofocus system, and 4K video recording.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, 4K video recording, fast autofocus.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

21. Sony Alpha a5100

The Sony Alpha a5100 is an excellent budget-friendly mirrorless camera for sports photography. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, 6 frames per second shooting speed, and fast autofocus system.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, good image quality, fast autofocus.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

22. Pentax K-1 II

The Pentax K-1 II is a great full-frame DSLR for sports photography. It features a 36.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system, and 6 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Good image quality, fast autofocus, excellent battery life.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

23. Sony Alpha a6500

The Sony Alpha a6500 is a great mirrorless camera for sports photography. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, 11 frames per second shooting speed, and advanced autofocus system.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, fast autofocus, good image quality.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

24. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a great mirrorless camera for sports photography. It features a 20-megapixel micro four-thirds sensor, 121-point autofocus system, and 15 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, fast autofocus, excellent image quality.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

25. Canon EOS Rebel T7i

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is an excellent budget-friendly DSLR for sports photography. It features a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, dual pixel autofocus system and 5 frames per second shooting speed.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, fast autofocus, good image quality.

Cons: Limited lens selection.

Final Thoughts On Best Camera For Sports Photography

Sports photography is a challenging and exciting form of photography, and having the right camera is essential in order to get the best results. We’ve taken a look at some of the best cameras for sports photography, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras and budget-friendly options, and outlined their features, pros and cons.

Which camera will prove to be the best fit for your needs will depend on several factors, such as budget, desired features, and shooting style. We hope this article has given you a better idea of which camera is the right one for you and your sports photography adventures.