Best Camera for sports Photography Beginners

What is the Best Camera For Sports Photography Beginners? Just like in sports, capturing the best sports photography or video footage, speed is very important. Additionally, for fast-paced sports like football or skating, adequate memory, quick burst shooting, and quick autofocus cannot be ignored.

In my research, I found out that good sports cameras are not cheap due to their top-notch features for professional use. If you need an entry-level beginner sports camera, it is still possible to get some options with very careful consideration. This article will explain the best beginner options on a budget, plus a couple of top premium-level cameras as well.

If you are a professional and not on a budget, consider the Canon EOS R5 Mark II for the best performance, 8K video, quality autofocus, and cool AI features. Sony A9 III also offers a powerful 120 fps burst rate and speedy functionality. For beginners or if you are on a budget, consider the below options.

best camera for sports photography

1. Sony Alpha A9: Best Overall
2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300: The Best Budget Camera
3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: The Best Budget alternative
4. Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera: The Best Sony Camera for Sports
5. Canon EOS 90D: The Best DSLR
6. Canon EOS M50 Mark II: The Best Mirrorless Camera

Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Digital Camera: Best Overall

• Form Factor: Mirrorless
• Sensor Size: Full Frame (35mm), CMOS
• Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and USB
• Screen Size: 3 Inches
• Continuous Shooting Speed: 20 fps
• Video Resolution: 2160p

If budget isn’t your worry and you need a professional-level camera that features fast auto-focus and captures high-quality images, then this Sony Alpha a9 is for you.

This mirrorless camera can help you capture high-quality videos and images while your child is playing sports. The Sony Alpha a9 has outstandingly fast autofocus that effortlessly keeps up with the fast moves of our young sportspeople.

This is a camera for professional photographers. You can still use it without having professional photography skills. At a glance, the camera looks small and doesn’t have a professional look.

Many features on its body might feel like defects, but you should know how to use and utilize them. The Sony Alpha a9 also has superb ergonomics, even though the body looks small. You might want to purchase the external grip if you feel the camera is too small on your hands.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300: Best Budget Camera

• Image Resolution: 12.1 MP
• Photo Sensor Size: 1/2.3-inch
• Image Stabilization: Optical
• Minimum Shutter Speed: 1/16000 seconds
• Still Resolution: 12.1
• SLR-like-compact
• Automatic Exposure Control

If you are on a budget but still need a good tablet to take perfect action shots for your kids, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is your best pick. It features a 25–600 mm focal length that enables fast and up-close zooming as you shoot.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 features a fast 12 frames per second shooting speed and a high 12.1 megapixel resolution for images.

You will also have an inbuilt zoom on the camera for low-light and indoor shots as your kids play indoor sports. This is the perfect camera for you because it will both give you perfect quality and not cost you too much.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: The Best Budget Camera for Sports

• Form Factor: Ultra Compact
• Effective Still Resolution: 20 MP
• Screen Size: 3-inches
• Photo Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds
• Video Capture Resolution: 2160p
• Viewfinder: Electronic

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV camera is suitable for sports all thanks to its compact body, so it only takes up a little space in your bag. This camera is also lightweight and features all the essential specs you need for sports photography.

The Olympus OM-DE-M10 Mark IV camera is mirrorless and has a micro-four-thirds sensor smaller than an APS-C or full-frame sensor. And what’s even more amazing is that despite its small sensor, the camera still offers stellar image quality.

If you’re a video lover, you will probably fall in love with this camera, which allows you to record 4K videos at 30 fps. This camera also features a burst mode with a rapid shooting speed of 15 fps.

What blew our minds is the 5-axis image stabilization system, which smoothly counteracts camera shake, so blur is significantly reduced, giving you sharp images.

Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera: The Best Beginner Camera for Sports Moms

• Sensor Size: 1-Inch CMOS
• Focal Length: 24-70mm
• Still Images Resolution: 20MP
• Screen Size: 3-inch LCD Fully Articulated
• Video Resolution: 4K at 30p
• Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth

The Sony ZV-1 is another good camera for capturing fast-moving objects like sports events, all thanks to its fast autofocus. Although this camera has been super popular among vloggers, it can also be used as a sports camera.

This Sony ZV-1 has incredible features, especially for someone looking for a camera to record high-quality videos and still photos. With its superb features, like a flip screen, a directional mic, and its fast autofocus system, you have a lot of memories to capture.

Canon EOS 90D- Best DSLR Camera for Sports

• Form Factor: DSLR
• Screen Size: 3-inches Fully Articulated
• Sensor Size: APS-C
• Viewfinder: Optical
• Sensor type: CMOS
• Focal Length: 18mm-55mm

The Canon EOS 90D camera is one of our favorite sports cameras we’ve used so far, and it’s so hard to leave it off of this list. If you love DSLR cameras more than mirrorless ones, then this camera should be your last bus stop.

Looking at its design, this Canon EOS 90D looks much like its predecessor, the Canon EOS 80D. However, the 90D is mid-sized, has several tweaks on the mode dial, and the buttons have been rearranged. 

The 90D exceeded its predecessor and most of its competitors when it came to image quality. With a 32.5 MP sensor, this Canon EOS 90D remains the best DSLR camera Canon has ever released with an APS-C sensor besides the 5DSR, 50MP 5DS, and M6 II.

The Canon EOS 90D has great autofocus, which, of course, is essential for a sports camera. Featuring a dedicated phase-detect AF system, this camera beats its predecessor by offering 45 cross-type AF points.

Thanks to its updated metered system, this camera makes us mesmerized by its face detection even when you’re using through-the-viewfinder focusing.

As for video features, this 90D camera offers 4K recording at 30 fps, but you also have the option of FHD at 120 fps if you want to record slow-motion footage.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II: Best Mirrorless Camera For Sports Mom

• Form Factor: Mirrorless
• Effective Still Resolution: 24.1 MP
• Screen size: 3 inches
• Sensor Size: APS-C
• Connectivity: HDMI

If 4K videos are not your priority, this Canon EOS M50 II is the best mirrorless sports camera you can try. This camera has a compact design and is super lightweight, making it ideal for soccer and sports photographers.

The Canon EOS M50 II features a CMOS sensor with a resolution of 24.1 MP and a DIGIC 8 image processor that enables you to shoot beautiful images no matter the subject.

Not all days are sunny and bright. You might want to capture the events of your child’s game, but the weather is gloomy. The weather won’t be a problem with this camera because it has an excellent ISO range of 100 to 51200.

Another amazing sports feature this camera has is its 5-axis stabilization, ideal for counteracting camera shakes, so you don’t have to worry about capturing blurred images.

Besides its stabilization, this camera allows you to shoot 4K videos at 30 fps with full autofocus.

How to Choose the Best Camera for a Sports Mom

Sports photography is one of the most challenging kinds of photography, and without the right camera, you can end up with hundreds of blurry images that have no use.

For that reason, there are essential features that you need to look for when shopping for a camera as a sports mom.

Below are the important specs you must consider when buying your camera to cope with the fast action on the ground.

Shooting Speed

Sports involves fast action, and thus you need a camera that is capable of taking photos at a fast rate. Ensure that you pick a camera that offers a high burst rate.

Focal Length and Zoom Lenses

Focal length refers to the level of magnification your camera offers. Most cameras have fixed focal lengths, so you can’t zoom, while others have zoom lenses that allow you to zoom in on the action. Try to get a camera with a large focal length and zoom capabilities.

Autofocus Performance

Autofocus determines how well your camera is capable of focusing on moving objects. You need a camera with fast and accurate auto-focus.

Portability and ergonomics

Because you intend to use your camera for sports, you need a camera with good ergonomics for grip and that is lightweight too. Your camera should be easy to carry so that you don’t feel any discomfort when capturing events.

Burst Rate

Burst rate refers to how many frames your camera can shoot in one second. The higher the burst rate, the better your camera. It makes sure you are able to capture those fast action shots during a game.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is when the camera shutter opens to let light into the sensor to create an image. You need a camera with a fast shutter speed because your target objects are moving fast.

Photography Tips for Sports

Know the Game

Before we get down to the essentials, you need to start by knowing the basics of your child’s game. Otherwise, you won’t be ready to shoot during the events when the time comes.

Study your camera.

Cameras are different from your usual phone camera. You need to go through the manual and know how to handle it so that you can use it effectively instead of fumbling on game day.

Focus on the ISO

Games can be played during the day or even in the dark evenings. On those sunny days, use a low ISO between 100 and 200; on darker days, use a high ISO between 1000 and 1600.

Continuous Shooting Mode

If you’re not a professional photographer, you might fail to get the shot you’re aiming for. Using continuous shooting mode, your camera’s shutter continues to shoot as long as you press the shutter release button.

Good camera for a sports mom