The Best Camera for wildlife photography beginners

The best camera for wildlife photography will help you take nice, high-quality animal images, whether on safari or just shooting birds in your backyard.

Shooting wildlife or animals is not easy. After spending a lot of time shooting both animals and birds, I noticed that you need to have some basic understanding of animal behavior. Most of these cameras are versatile and can also be used for diverse tasks like car Photography or wedding Photography.

Additionally, you need to choose a powerful camera that is weather-sealed or well-built for harsh weather conditions and has autofocus to capture animals when on the move, like during a hunt. You need high zoom capacity to shoot animals when far away and many lenses compatible to capture different effects.

The Canon EOS R5 is my best overall option. This choice is mainly because of its versatility, flexibility, and cropping capability, plus a wide 45-megapixel full-frame sensor. Additionally, it features fast shooting thanks to 20 fps, and your animal shots are stabilized by the 5-axis image stabilization.

I found tracking on the camera easy and straightforward, thanks to the stabilization and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II. Overheating and low battery life were a main challenges for this camera. However, it makes up for this with high resolution at 8K video recording and a 4K shooting option at 120 fps for both videos and photos.

If you are a beginner, Canon EOS Rebel T7 offers excellent entry-level specifications to get you started in wildlife photography. It has a wide 24.1 MP sensor and easy to use controls that make it ideal for beginners.

For professional Photographers in search of a premium-level camera, we recommend the Nikon Z9. It offers 8K at 60 fps resolution shooting and a powerful industry defining autofocus. Midrange users can choose between the Nikon D5200 24.1 MP, the Fujifilm X-T4, or the Canon EOS 90D.

Best camera for wildlife photography beginners: Top 3 Picks

1. Nikon Z9: Best Overall
2. Canon EOS R5: Best for High-Resolution Wildlife Shots
3. Sony Alpha A6500 – Best Budget Camera
4. Nikon D5200 24.1 MP – Best Nikon camera
5. Fujifilm X-T4: Best Fujifilm Camera for Wildlife Photography
6. Canon E.O.S. Rebel T7 – Best Canon Camera for Beginners
7. Canon EOS 90D: Best DSLR camera for wildlife photography

Nikon Z9: Best Overall

1. Type: Mirrorless
2. Sensor: Full-frame
3. Megapixels: 45.7MP
4. Autofocus: 493-point hybrid phase
5. Screen type: 3-inch bi-directional tilting touchscreen, 1.04m dots
6. Shooting speed: 120 fps
7. Video: 8K 60p
8. Weight: 1160 g

If you are a professional Photographer and need a camera made or do pro-level Wildlife photography, we recommend the Nikon Z9. It is relatively expensive but balances it off, thanks to the powerful specs. You will not regret buying it since the powerful specifications offer great value for your money.

It has a wide 45.7 MP sensor and a 120 FPS continuous burst shooting speed. What stands out is the powerful autofocus system that allows seamless wildlife photography shooting.

The weather-sealed body and build allow you to shoot in different conditions, making it the most reliable choice for wildlife and nature Photography. Below is an example of a Photo shot by Nikon Z9.

Canon EOS R5: Best for High-Resolution Wildlife Shots

1. Resolution: 24.2 MP 
2. Sensor: APS-C
3. ISO Range: 100-32,000
4. ISO Range Expanded to 100 to 51,200
5. Shooting Speed: 23 fps shooting
6. Electronic shutter
7. Video Quality: 4K at 30fps video

If you’re looking for flexibility, resolution, speed, and other video capabilities, you can never go wrong with this Canon EOS R5 camera. This Canon EOS R5 is a full-frame mirrorless camera and is capable of handling almost everything in cinematography. 

Canon EOS R5 has been around since 2020, and in most battles, it still comes up as the winner as the best all-around camera. First, its biggest and unbeatable flex is the 45-megapixel sensor that offers 8K live recording, 12fps mechanical shooting, and highlights 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization. 

The EOS R5 sensor is only paired with a Digix X image processor in high-end flagship cameras. Getting this R5 camera means you’re set for the future, all thanks to its future-proof 8K recording of up to 30p.

This R5 camera offers 45MP stills, 4K recording at 120fps, and up to 20fps burst shooting besides the 8K recording.

Unlike the EOS R and EOS RP, that has a shorter battery life, the R5 comes with a 17% more limited battery. The only hitch we have noticed so far is the overheating and the fact that it’s a mirrorless camera. The battery also struggles to keep up with this camera’s specs. 

Sony Alpha A6500 – Best Budget Mirrorless for Wildlife

This tiny camera does 11 fps photo speeds and has a 24.2-megapixel APSC sensor. For such a tiny and highly portable camera, this is amazing.

Additionally, the camera has an in-body IBIS image stabilizer that will rid you of shaky videos. Compared to the Sony A6300, the image quality is far more stable and can even shoot 4K videos.

The Sony Alpha A6500 beats other Nikon and Canon cameras for having the world’s fastest autofocus speed at 0.05 sec., making it one of the best mirrorless cameras for music videos and videography.

The small and lightweight body makes the camera highly portable, and you can carry it almost everywhere. Furthermore, the sturdy magnesium-made body is strong and durable.

Thanks to its lightweight portability and great performance, not to mention the Autofocus and in-body IBIS image stabilizer, this camera is one of the best mirrorless cameras for videography.

Nikon D5200 24.1 MP – Best Nikon camera for wildlife photography

• Resolution: 24.1 MP CMOS sensor
• Lens Compatibility: Compatible with various Nikon lenses, including 18-55mm, 18-105mm, and 18-140mm.
• Body Type: Available as both a camera body-only option and in kit bundles with lenses.
• DX-Format: Features a DX-Format CMOS sensor.
• Autofocus: Likely equipped with autofocus capabilities (specifics may vary based on the lens).
• Display: It is expected to have an LCD for easy navigation and image review.
• Megapixels: 24.1 megapixels
• Color Options: Available in black.
• Additional Features: Additional features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, video recording capabilities, and image stabilization may be available but are not detailed in the provided sources.

The Canon EOS packs great features at a very affordable price. Nikon D5200, however, easily beats it as the best budget DSLR Camera for Music Videos. For half the price, you will get the same large 24.1-megapixel sensor that is perfect.

Nikon has classified this camera as an upper beginner’s camera and prides itself on great features for a great low price. You will notice it comes with some features that can only be found in expensive pro cameras.

In this review, I have considered the 18 mm  – 55mm lens because it has great vibration reduction, resulting in great image stabilization. This is nice, especially when shooting in low light conditions, because you can attain high-clarity recordings regardless of light.

The camera comes with all the standard things you get when buying a camera, including a battery. I would, however, recommend you pick a couple of them just to be safe. It does not come with a lens cove, but it would be a great addition for protection, so you can pick that up, too.

This camera plus its lens can be used to shoot sports or quick motion actions without problems. When it comes to video, this camera comes with 1080/ 60, which is better than most cameras in this price range. Fast Autofocus makes it easy and fast to use.

Fujifilm X-T4: Best Fujifilm Camera for Wildlife Photography

If you don’t want an expensive full-frame camera, then the Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless is a brilliant alternative. Fujifilm may not be your popular brand like Canon, but they do have great quality cameras with smaller bodies.

We tried to find a good APS-C camera for videos, and we couldn’t resist it. The camera does produce top-notch videos, and you won’t even need a gimbal. We have used the camera for professional projects, and it didn’t disappoint.

Besides the quality videos, this camera has a good water-resistant body with a fully articulating touchscreen and retro dials.

Now let’s burst your bubble, for this camera, you won’t expect this. The camera is capable of shooting 10-bit footage in 4K at 60 fps and a mind-blowing 240 fps at 1080p.

Canon E.O.S. Rebel T7 – Best Canon camera for Beginners

• Photo Sensor Size: APS-H
• Still Resolution: 24.1 MP
• Image Stabilization: True
• ISO: 100 to 6400 ISO
• Shutter Speed: 1/4000 seconds to 30 seconds
• Exposure Control Type: Manual
• Camera Type: DSLR

If you are a beginner wildlife photographer, the Canon E.O.S. Rebel T7 is your best pick for the most affordable camera. Despite its very affordable price range, this camera packs powerful features that will let you shoot wildlife in high resolution and quality.

One of this camera’s best features is the ISO range and shutter speed. I loved it.

The high ISO range of 100 to 6400 ISO and fast Shutter Speed at 1/4000 seconds to 30 seconds will allow you seamless shooting even in late hours with lower light intensity.

Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC will allow easy wireless connectivity if you like easy live sharing and remote control. The Canon E.O.S. Rebel T7 has a wide field depth and a good aperture range of f/6.0 that will both eradicate any chance of blur shots and create sharp images.

This camera is made with beginner wildlife photographers in mind. It can auto-adjust white balance and high and even low lighting conditions that come with the wild.

An Optical Viewfinder will provide an approximate 95% viewing coverage, while EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software, compatible with both MAC and Windows, will allow you to use your Canon camera as a high-quality webcam.

When taking pictures, a 9-Point AF System and AI Servo AF will allow for precise and fast image autofocus.

Unfortunately, just like the last camera review, the LCD is sharp and clear but rigid and immobile. Additionally, 3 frames per second burst rate is slow compared to other cameras in this review.

If you like autofocus on video, you will also be disadvantaged because this camera lacks an autofocus option for video. Finally, its price is affordable, especially when you factor in its efficiency and diversity for wildlife photography.

Canon EOS 90D: Best DSLR camera

• 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
•  Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• DIGIC 8 Image Processor
• 4K Video
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• 3.0-inch Vari-Angle Touch LCD Screen
• Aspect Ratio 3:2
• Photo Sensor Technology: CMOS Supported File Format JPEG
• Raw Image Stabilization: 1/4000th second
• Battery Life: 1300 photos on a single charge
• Maximum Aperture 5.6 f
• Expanded ISO Minimum: 100
• Metering Description Center-Weighted Average, Evaluative, Partial, Spot

The Canon EOS 90D is the best Canon camera for filmmaking. Despite its powerful features, this camera comes at a very affordable price.

This balance between features and price is unmatched by any other camera in the industry. You will create clear and powerful videos and photographs in high resolution. This is thanks to a large 32.5-megapixel cropped sensor and a powerful DIGIC 8 Image Processor.

For video recording, the Canon EOS 90D comes with a 220,000-pixel AE Metering Sensor capability with 4k resolution at 30 frames per second.

You will have a natural Movie Servo Autofocus mode that will produce professional-level quality output. The subject tracking camera is perfect, thanks to the dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus plus eye and face detection settings.

This makes the Canon EOS 90D a perfect camera for Music videos and short films.

Choosing the best wildlife camera for beginners

1. Camera Type
2. Sensor Size
3. Lenses
4. Image Stabilization
5. Autofocus
6. Burst Rate and ISO Range
7. Weather Sealing
8. Battery Life

Camera Type

The type of camera is important to consider when choosing the best camera. You need to choose between DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and compact cameras. 

For wildlife photography, DSLRs are the better pick compared to other types. Good examples are the Nikon D850 and the Canon 1DX Mark II. They are more versatile and have wider lens options.

If you opt for mirrorless cameras, however, the Fujifilm X100V is small and portable for outdoors and still does not compromise on image quality.

Sensor Size

Cameras with larger sensors are preferable over ones with smaller ones. For the best image quality and good performance, even in low light, we recommend a full-frame or APS-C sensor.

Lenses

For the best experience, we recommend that you invest in a high-quality lens, such as 300 mm or 500 mm. This will be good for close-up shots or wildlife shots zoomed from afar. When choosing a lens, make sure to check whether it is compatible with your camera. 

Image Stabilization and Autofocus

For most wildlife shots, you will be required to hold the camera in your hand. This may cause unnecessary shaking that can blur your shot. Choose a camera with inbuilt image stabilization to reduce blur and camera shaking that can damage your photos.

Sometimes, you will need to add accessories like a sturdy tripod and monopods or further image stabilization. This avoids fatigue when shooting for long hours. The Manfrotto Befree GT is a good example.

Most animals and birds will be moving as you shoot. To capture these moving animals in perfect shots, choose a camera that has a fast and accurate autofocus. We recommend the Nikon D500 and Sony RX10 IV as excellent autofocus camera systems.

Burst Rate and ISO Range

Most shots will be on the move or action shots. Ensure that your camera of choice can shoot at a high burst rate to capture multiple frames per second. 

Sometimes, you will be required to take shots in the early mornings or late evenings. In the wild, these are hours of high activity; the lighting is usually low. To shoot in such conditions, choose a camera with a wide ISO range.

Weather Sealing and Battery Life

Most of the time, wildlife photography will require long shooting hours away from reliable power sources. Choose a camera with a long battery life after a single charge.

Additionally, weather conditions may be unpredictable in the wild. Go for cameras with weather sealing to protect against environmental elements, such as rain, when shooting outdoors. Consider adding accessories like Weatherproof camera Bags for better protection from extreme weather.

The best nature photography camera

Frequently Asked Questions