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Top 10 Best Cameras for Wildlife Photography

  1. Canon EOS 4000D (Editor’s Choice)
  2. Canon EOS 90D (Luxury Choice)
  3. Kodak PIXPRO AZ401 (Best Value)
  4. Sony Alpha 6000 ILCE6000YB with Lens Kit (Best Autofocus)
  5. Panasonic LUMIX DC Vario FZ82 (Best With Ultra Wide Lens)
  6. Panasonic LUMIX G Vario DC-G9 (Best Professional)
  7. Panasonic LUMIX LEICA TZ70 (Best Portable)
  8. Kodak PIXPRO AZ422 (Best With Big LCD Screen)
  9. Canon EOS M50 (Best Compact)
  10. Sony Carl Zeiss DSCHX400V (Best for Amatuers)

Some cameras perform better than others when it comes to different styles of photography, and wildlife photography is no exception to this rule. Capturing wildlife, especially in its natural habitat, can often depend on just a split second or two of time, making getting the perfect shot more elusive if you don’t have the right camera and lens.

That’s why wildlife photographers prefer fast acting cameras with a rapid continuous shooting speed and an advanced autofocus system. With this in mind, we compiled a list of the top 10 options on the market today to help you find the best camera for wildlife photography.

Whether you are a beginner wildlife photographer or have many years of experience, we have got an option that should more than suit your needs and preferences on our list. Keep reading to figure out which camera will be best for you!

How We Compared Cameras for Wildlife Photography

To find the right cameras for wildlife photography we considered multiple factors, including:

  • Performance
  • Sensor size
  • WiFi connectivity
  • Image stabilisation
  • Autofocus
  • Portability

Our experienced team created the following list after spending countless hours researching products and fact-checking customer reviews. We carefully chose a range of products suitable for every nature lover out there, analysing and assessing the comparison points above.

To know more about our review process, have a look here.

Camera for Wildlife Photography Reviews

Canon EOS 4000D (Editor’s Choice)

The Canon EOS 4000D is our top pick for the best Canon camera for wildlife photography. It is great for beginner to intermediate photographers and has all the features to improve your wildlife photography skills.

This DSLR camera has a 3x optical zoom in the body and comes with an EF-S 18 to 55mm lens for further magnification. The ability to add and switch out a variety of lenses is one of the main reasons wildlife photographers choose DSLR cameras, and this one comes with one to get you started. The Canon EOS 4000D features image stabilisation and has an 18.7-megapixel optical sensor resolution. Together, these features help you capture clear, high-quality images.

An autofocus system with 9 AF points also contributes to clearer, sharper images, even for fast-moving subjects. You can also shoot Full HD videos using the Electro-Optical System. This camera’s Wifi connection paired with the Canon Photo Companion app enables instant sharing of your photos and videos; no need to wait until you get to a computer or laptop.

We love this camera for beginners, but it may not stand up to the standards of more professional wildlife photographers. With a 3 FPS shooting speed, this camera is also a little slower than other possible options on our list, and it lacks a remote control shutter port.

Pros:

  • Wifi connection for instant sharing 
  • DSLR camera with EF-S 18 to 55mm lens included
  • Image stabilisation  
  • Autofocus system  
  • Electro-Optical System movies 

Cons:

  • Lower continuous shooting speed 
  • It might not be ideal for professional-level photography 
  • It lacks a remote control shutter port 

Canon EOS 90D (Luxury Choice)

A top quality design and build can often help to improve image quality in a camera; that’s why we chose the Canon EOS 90D for our list. This wildlife photography camera comes with all the luxury features photographers have come to love in Canon cameras and excels in a variety of lighting situations.

The Canon EOS 90D is a DSLR camera with a 32.5-megapixel sensor. Its large sensor works well in low light and gives you lots of detail in your images. This camera allows for 10 FPS continuous shooting speed when utilising the Intelligent Tracking and Recognition system and 11 FPS when in Live View mode. There are plenty of frames to capture animals as they move and improve your chances of getting the perfect shot.

An EFS-S 18 to 135mm lens comes included with this camera, and even with a longer lens added, it still maintains a balanced feel overall. A variety of white balance settings also help you achieve better image quality with this camera based on the specific lighting and environment.

In addition to photos, you can also shoot quality 4K video with this camera. It also has built-in Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity to make transferring files as easy as possible. Lastly, we love that the screen flips in for protected transport.

If you’re choosing between the Canon 90D (with EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens) and the Canon 4000D (with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens), it really depends on your needs and experience. The Canon 90D is a fantastic option for enthusiasts and semi-pros, thanks to its impressive 32.5MP sensor, speedy 10fps continuous shooting, and 4K video capabilities. Meanwhile, the Canon 4000D is a solid entry-level choice, perfect for beginners or budget-conscious photographers, offering an 18MP sensor and 1080p video. Both cameras capture beautiful images, but the 90D’s advanced features give it an edge for those looking to level up their photography game.

Regretfully, this camera does not allow you to take pictures while you are filming videos, and it has a shorter max recording time of 29 minutes. Our only other potential con for this option is that the preset picture modes could be somewhat less intuitive to access for some users.

Pros:

  • 32.5-megapixel sensor  
  • 18 to 135mm lens included 
  • Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity 
  • Luxury quality and build 
  • Intelligent Tracking and Recognition system 

Cons:

  • Unable to take pictures while filming video 
  • Shorter max recording time 
  • Possibly less intuitive preset picture modes 

Kodak PIXPRO AZ401 (Best Value)

If you are looking for the best affordable camera for wildlife photography that still packs a lot of value, the Kodak PIXPRO Az401 is our top recommendation. It comes equipped with advanced camera settings and has a wide-angle lens so you can capture beautiful images in all kinds of lighting conditions.

This Kodak DSLR camera contains a 16-megapixel sensor and a 24mm wide-angle lens. The lens facilitates 180-degree panorama images as well as HD video recording, based on your shooting preference at the time. You can even capture images from a great distance, thanks to the far-reaching 40x optical zoom.

A large 3″ LCD screen allows you to utilize an electronic viewfinder mode and also allows for some post-editing features without having to transfer your files first. One feature that specifically helps to make this a great camera for wildlife photography is its built-in object tracking feature. This helps the lens focus on a moving target and creates a sharper image in the end. You can also choose between either a black or white camera body just for fun.

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ401 is a great camera for beginners, but it may not be the best option for more experienced wildlife photographers. It also has a shorter battery life and has a very small amount of on-camera storage, so you may want to purchase several rechargeable batteries and an SD memory card to complete your camera kit.

Pros:

  • 40x zoom 
  • 3″ LCD screen 
  • 24mm wide-angle lens 
  • 180-degree panorama or HD video recording
  • Excellent value option 

Cons:

  • Limited internal storage space 
  • Not ideal for more experienced wildlife photographers 
  • Shorter battery life 

Sony Alpha 6000 ILCE6000YB with Lens Kit (Best Autofocus)

The Sony Alpha 6000 is one of the best cameras for wildlife photography due to its incredible autofocus system. It has plentiful autofocus points and advanced stabilisation, even when using the included telephoto lens.

The Sony Alpha 6000 is a mirrorless camera that comes with a telephoto lens kit. Telephoto lenses are great for capturing images from a far distance without sacrificing clarity. Even with the longer lens, it still remains compact overall. It also has a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and an 11 FPS continuous shooting speed which is quite fast comparatively.

This option leaves the competition behind when it comes to its fast hybrid autofocus system and smooth video camera capabilities. The AF system has 179 autofocus points paired with image stabilisation, both of which are ideal in a camera for wildlife photography. Even when animals are moving, this camera will focus on multiple locations to help you achieve a better picture. This mirrorless camera is available in black, silver, or white colours as an added bonus.  

This is one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market but still comes with its flaws. The Sony Alpha 6000 may have a top-quality build for the body, but you could possibly experience a lower quality zoom and lens quality when compared to other top options. In addition, the electronic viewfinder may be a bit grainy and pixelated, but we still love it for its fantastic AF system.

Pros:

  • Mirrorless camera with telephoto lens kit included 
  • It features a superfast hybrid AF system 
  • Compact and portable 
  • 24.3 megapixels 
  • APS-C size sensor 

Cons:

  • The electronic viewfinder could be improved 
  • Not the best zoom 
  • Lower quality lenses 

Panasonic LUMIX DC Vario FZ82 (Best with Ultra Wide Lens)

An ultra-wide lens is a great tool to have in the best camera for wildlife photography as it can help you track wildlife in a large area. If this sounds good to you, the Panasonic LUMIX DC Vario FZ82 could be strongly considered, especially if you are also looking for the best bridge camera.

This camera ensures you won’t miss your shot with a 20mm ultra-wide-angle lens and a 60x optical zoom. Pair this with a 30 FPS continuous shooting speed, and you will have plenty of images to choose from, making the best pose easily attainable. You can also shoot smooth 4K video and choose frames from form film as well.

The Panasonic LUMIX DC Vario FZ82 also has a great autofocus system that fosters sharp pictures, even for beginner photographers. One way it achieves this is with its Post Focus feature. It even permits you to stack focus points on one image so you can create the perfect image with a bit of editing. Wifi connectivity also makes transferring files for heavier editing quick and easy.

You should know that this camera’s image quality could be lacking a bit compared to other top options on our list, especially in low light conditions. Also, navigating the menus could be somewhat less intuitive for some people, but we don’t think it will be an issue once you get the hang of it.

Pros:

  • 20mm, ultra-wide-angle lens 
  • 60x optical zoom 
  • Fast 30 FPS shooting speed 
  • Post Focus feature 
  • Sharp AF system 

Cons:

  • Lower image quality is possible 
  • Not the best in low light conditions 
  • Navigating menus may be less intuitive 

Panasonic LUMIX G Vario DC-G9 (Best Professional)

If you are more advanced and are searching for the best camera for wildlife photography that will live up to a professional photographer’s skill level and standards, we recommend the Panasonic LUMIX G Vario DC-G9. It has a professional quality design and build, advanced software and added durability.

This mirrorless camera features a 12 to 60mm focal length lens with 20.3 megapixels. It contains a Digital Live MOS sensor paired with a Venus processing system and dual image stabilisation to effortlessly achieve ample detail, colour, and brightness without a lot of noise. The large and bright 3″ screen makes viewing your subjects and photos easy as well.

This camera’s AF system impressively shoots typically shoots 20 FPS but can shoot as many as 30 FPS when set to Burst mode. Regardless, the autofocus functions continuously, making tracking moving subjects significantly easier. Our favourite feature on this camera that doesn’t have to do with image quality is that it is splash, freeze, and dustproof, perfect for wildlife photography that almost always happens outdoors.

Unfortunately, the Panasonic LUMIX G Vario DC-G9 has a shorter video recording length that maxes out at just 10 minutes. The video it films may be lacking in low light conditions. Some users may also find it has an extra sensitive shutter, but it still more than deserves its spot on our best camera for wildlife photography list.

Deciding between the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82EB-K bridge camera and the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9MEB-K mirrorless camera comes down to your photography preferences and experience. The Lumix FZ82 is a versatile all-in-one camera featuring a 60x optical zoom, perfect for travellers and hobbyists who want a compact, easy-to-use option. The Lumix G9, on the other hand, is a more advanced mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, catering to enthusiasts and pros seeking high-speed shooting (20fps) and 4K video capabilities. While both cameras deliver impressive image quality, the Lumix G9 provides more flexibility and performance, making it ideal for photographers looking to push their creative boundaries.

Pros:

  • Fast 30 FPS burst mode 
  • Splash, freeze, and dustproof design
  • Professional quality and build 
  • 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor 
  • Dual image stabilisation 

Cons:

  • Extra sensitive shutter 
  • Video may be lacking in low light conditions 
  • Shorter max video length 

Panasonic LUMIX LEICA TZ70 (Best Portable)

We chose the Panasonic LUMIX LEICA TZ70 as the best camera for wildlife photography if you want to prioritise having a compact and highly portable camera body above all else. Its small size is perfect for placing in a large pocket or small bag and will easily travel without weighing you down.

The Panasonic LUMIX LEICA TZ70 features a 12-megapixel sensor with a 30x zoom. It can continuously shoot 20 FPS to help you get the perfect shot with every burst. You can easily look through your photos with the three-inch LCD display and viewfinder screen as well.

An advanced image stabilisation system with five correction points also makes this camera stand out from the competition. It even has full HD video with a time-lapse recording function for added versatility and enhanced creative capability. A control ring, focus peaking, and raw shooting round out the creative features giving you full control of your images at all times.

Unlike the other options on our list, this camera lacks an autofocus system and is manual focus only. It also has a somewhat smaller sensor size, and its Wifi connection may not always be super reliable, but this is most likely due to its more restricted size.

Pros:

  • Fast 20 FPS continuous shooting speed  
  • Compact and portable 
  • Advanced image stabilization 
  • 30x optical zoom 
  • Full HD video 

Cons:

  • Somewhat smaller sensor size 
  • Manual focus only  
  • The wifi connection could be improved 

Kodak PIXPRO AZ422 (Best With Big LCD Screen)

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ422 facilitates a clear view of your images and videos both before and after you start to shoot or film. Many wildlife photographers prefer a large screen as it makes a camera easier to use, so it’s no wonder this one made its way onto our best-of list.

This DSLR bridge camera has a decent sized 16-megapixel image sensor with a 24mm wide-angle lens capable of 42x optical zoom. Image stabilisation, panorama mode, and object tracking all combine to make shooting and filming wildlife in their natural habitat easier than you may have anticipated.

In our opinion, the most outstanding feature of the Kodak PIXPRO AZ422 camera is its large, bright three-inch LCD viewfinder and display screen. This makes it easy to keep track of what you are shooting in real-time and also makes it easier to capture the images and HD videos you want to begin with. In case you are into selfies, you’ll love this camera’s self-timer function too.

This may not be the best camera option for more professional wildlife photographers, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t wonderful for novice and intermediate photographers. Its low light performance could also be lacking, and while this camera claims to have a fast electronic shutter, many users found it to be slower than they expected.

When comparing the Kodak AZ401BK Point & Shoot digital camera mentioned above and the Kodak AZ422 Astro Bridge Camera, it’s essential to consider your photography needs and preferences. The AZ401BK is a user-friendly point-and-shoot camera with a 40x optical zoom, perfect for casual photographers seeking simplicity and ease of use. In contrast, the AZ422 Astro is a bridge camera featuring a slightly better 42x optical zoom and the ability to capture 720p HD video, making it a good option for those who want a bit more flexibility without jumping into interchangeable lens systems. Both cameras offer decent image quality, but the AZ422 Astro’s slightly enhanced features make it a more versatile choice for photography enthusiasts looking for a bit more control.

Pros:

  • Large and bright LCD display screen 
  • Self-timer function 
  • 42x optical zoom 
  • 24mm wide-angle lens 
  • Object tracking and image stabilisation in AF system

Cons:

  • Not ideal for advanced wildlife photographers 
  • Not the best in low light conditions 
  • Slower electronic shutter 

Canon EOS M50 (Best Compact)

The best camera for wildlife photography doesn’t have to be big and bulky, and the Canon EOS M50 proves this to be true. In addition to its compact size, this camera also has a versatile screen interface and even comes in black or white colours to suit your preference.

For a DSLR sized camera, the Canon EOS M50 really packs a punch. It has a durable camera body plus an EF-M 15 to 45mm focal length lens. This mirrorless camera features a 24.2-megapixel sensor and has an 8.3x optical zoom. With 142 AF points and touch and drag capabilities via the screen, your shots will come out looking clear and crisp in various lighting conditions.

For faster shooting, this camera facilitates a 7.4 FPS continuous shooting speed when Servo AF is turned on and 10 FPS with the fixed AF turned on. A rotating display screen also makes this camera easy to use and easy to control. Lastly, the Wifi and Bluetooth connection make for easy transferring of your photo and 4K video files.

With this camera, lower battery performance is possible, and we think the image stabilisation leaves something to be desired. You should also know that this camera lacks a power zoom but don’t worry, it can easily be manipulated manually.

Pros:

  • Compact camera body and lens design
  • 142 AF system points 
  • Wifi and Bluetooth connection 
  • 24.2 megapixels 
  • Up to 10 FPS continuous shooting speed 

Cons:

  • Lower battery performance is possible 
  • Image stabilisation could be improved 
  • It lacks a power zoom function

Sony Carl Zeiss DSCHX400V (Best for Amatuers)

The best camera for beginners wildlife photographers on our list is the Sony Carl Zeiss DSCHX400V. It has all the features that enhance wildlife photography without overcomplicating things or making the process unpleasant, even if you are an amateur just looking to get started.

The Sony Carl Zeiss DSCHX400V bridge camera features both manual and AF systems to give you full control while you learn. It contains a 20.4-megapixel sensor and has a 50x optical zoom plus image stabilisation and 30 FPS continuous shooting speed, all traits that are also good for beginners.

Overall, this camera is fairly compact in size. Even so, the LCD display and viewfinder screen allow for variable positioning, which makes it easier and more convenient to use in all kinds of lighting and from all angles. This camera also has Wifi and Bluetooth capability, so you can use your phone as a remote control to activate its electronic shutter.

Potential cons for this camera include it having a somewhat shorter battery life, and the scrolling dial’s location may make it easier to move it accidentally. Also, Sony’s PlayMemories software is not compatible with Apple products, Mac included.

Pros:

  • Great camera for a beginner wildlife photographer 
  • Variable angle LCD display screen  
  • 50x optical zoom  
  • Fast 30 FPS continuous shooting speed 
  • Compact camera body 

Cons:

  • Shorter battery life 
  • Sony’s software is not compatible with Apple products 
  • Scrolling wheel placement could interfere 

Cameras for Wildlife Photography: Buyer’s Guide

Now that you know about all of your options, all that is left for you to learn is a few basic concepts about cameras so you can choose the best nature photography camera for you and your specific circumstances.

Crop Sensor vs Full Frame Sensor

There are two main categorisations to consider here: crop sensors and full-frame sensors. While these two types signify the size of the frame around the original image, both crop and full-frame cameras work exceptionally well for wildlife photography purposes.

In general, a full-frame camera is often more costly, but it also tends to have better image quality and are often better in low light conditions.

A crop sensor camera is typically less expensive, and it often has more zoom making it a good option for beginners who want to get a close look at wildlife.

What to Look for in the Best Wildlife Photography Cameras

The best devices are often determined by their features, not just their brand name and reputation. The following sections outline the most important traits and features to have.

Sensor Size

The size of a camera’s sensor can make a big difference in image quality with wildlife. Sensors are measured in megapixels, and a bigger number equals a bigger capture space. When photographing wildlife in wide-open spaces outdoors, this can help you cover more ground at one time, leading to a better chance of having wildlife in your frame.

We know this sounds pretty technical to the novice photographer, so if you ask yourself, ‘how many megapixels do I need for wildlife photography?’, the answer is typically somewhere between 10 and 30. But ultimately, the quality of your images will depend on your utilisation of the camera and your improving skills.

Taking pictures of birds in the wild

Low Light Performance

Depending on the type of wildlife you are trying to photograph, dawn and dusk may be the best times of the day for an outdoor viewing trip as many animals are more active at these times of the day. That’s why we think the best cameras for wildlife photography should also perform well in low light. An increased ISO speed brightens the exposure by making the sensor more sensitive and susceptible to light. That’s why we recommend cameras with high ISO performance or a wide ISO range.

If you are interested in learning about the activity times of animals in your area, you can also check the solunar prediction, which often gives added insight into natural wildlife patterns.

Shooting Speeds

The best cameras for wildlife often have a fast frame rate speed as well. More frames per second means you get a better chance of capturing the perfect image. The speed is measured in frames per second (FPS), and while one frame per second can work for some photographers, we tend to think more is better.

You can also choose between an electronic or mechanical shutter, but most people choose electronic shutters for wildlife photography because of their ability to shoot multiple frames super fast.

Autofocus Performance

The best cameras for wildlife photography almost always have a great autofocus system (AF system) with an appropriate focal length. This is because autofocus is much more effective at producing clear, steady images at a moment’s notice.

One way to assess a camera’s AF system is through the amount of AF points. Multiple autofocus points help with better image quality by focusing on several areas around the photo simultaneously instead of just a few.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

For wildlife photography specifically, this means more points equal more accurate focus at a quicker speed, which can be important when tracking and photographing wildlife as they move.

Many photographers believe 50+ AF points are best in a camera for wildlife photography.

Your Best Camera for Wildlife Photography

The Canon EOS 4000D DSLR camera is our Editor’s Choice for the best camera for wildlife photography. It comes with an EF-S 18 to 55mm lens to get your wildlife photography journey off to a good start and features a convenient Wifi connection that pairs with an app. This will give you the ability to share your photos and HD videos immediately if you so choose. It also features an autofocus system and image stabilisation camera technology to improve your wildlife photography image quality overall.

However, it may not be the best choice for professional photographers and lacks a remote control shutter port. It also has a relatively slower continuous shooting speed, but we still think most wildlife photographers will love this Canon camera as much as we do.

Is it the right camera for you? If not, one of the other options on our list is bound to suit your needs.

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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