The Best Camera for wildlife photography beginners among other equipment are a must have. This is because Wildlife photography is more challenging than it seems. It can however be very rewarding if you have patience, grow your skill, and get the correct equipment for the work.
If you are just beginning in the field, it is important to understand the basics of wildlife photography and how you can choose the best camera for photographing wildlife. A good beginner camera for nature photography will help capture both stunning nature sceneries and animal shots during your adventures.
In this post, we have compared different camera types, price ranges and specifications to help you choose the best. We have also considered different brands and price ranges to create a comprehensive list for the best beginner camera for nature photography.
The Best camera for wildlife photography
- Canon EOS R5: Best Overall
- Sony Alpha A6500 – Best Sony camera
- Nikon D5200 24.1 MP – Best Nikon camera
- Fujifilm X-T4: Best Mirrorless camera
- Canon E.O.S. Rebel T7 – Best Canon camera
- Canon EOS 90D: Best affordable camera
- Nikon D850 – Best DSLR camera
Canon EOS R5: Best Overall camera for wildlife photography
- Resolution: 24.2 MP
- Sensor: APS-C
- ISO Range: 100-32,000
- ISO Range Expanded to 100 to 51,200
- Shooting Speed: 23 fps shooting
- Electronic shutter
- 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 and 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 beside the 8K recording.
Unlike the EOS R and EOS RP, that has a shorter battery life, the R5 comes with a 17% more limited. 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.
Pros
- Great ergonomics
- Superb autofocus and stabilization
- 8K raw video recording
Cons
- Overheating issues
Sony Alpha A6500 – Best Sony camera for wildlife photography
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 much 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 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.
Pros
- Fast autofocus
- Silent shutter
- Fast framerate
- Compact body build
Cons
- Limited maximum shutter speed 1/4000
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: Expected to have an LCD display 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 at low light conditions because you can be able to 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 cover but it would be a great addition for protection so you can pick that 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/ 60i better than most cameras in this price range. Fast Autofocus makes it easy and fast to use.
Pros
- Fast autofocus
- Superb image quality
- Impressive shutter speed
- 39-point autofocus technology
Cons
- Lacks touch screen
Fujifilm X-T4: Best Mirrorless Camera for Shooting Wildlife
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 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.
Pros
- Beautiful rugged body
- In body stabilization
- Has classic controls
- Captures 10-bit 4K videos at 60fps
Cons
- Fujifilm could do better with the AF
Canon E.O.S. Rebel T7 – Best Canon camera for wildlife photography
- 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
Pros
- A powerful and Affordable camera for beginners
- Comes with a large 24 MP sensor
- Clear LCD display screen
Cons
- The 3fps burst rate is somewhat slow
- Rigid fit-in-place LCD screen
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 absolutely 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 is able to 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 reviewed 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 really affordable especially when you factor in its efficiency and diversity for wildlife photography.
Canon EOS 90D: Best affordable camera for wildlife photography
- 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 like 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.
Pros
- 3.0 Inch Vari-Angle Touch LCD Screen
- 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 4K Video with Dual Pixel CMOS AF
Cons
- No inbuilt stabilization
Nikon D850: Best DSLR camera for wildlife photography
- Sensor: 46 MP Full-frame Sensor
- No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
- ISO Range: ISO 64 – 25600 expandable up to 32 – 102400
- Touch screen: 3.20 inches with Tilting Screen System
- Resolution: 4K at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
- Optical viewfinder
- Continuous shooting: 7.0 fps
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Product Dimensions: 146 x 124 x 79 mm
- Product Weight: 1015 g
If you are looking for a professional-level camera with 4K resolution capability and a Full frame sensor, then the Nikon D850 is your best pick.
First, this DSLR camera will provide very high-quality output for your wedding and event recordings. This is thanks to its high 4K video recording at 30 frames per second and full HD at 60 frames per second video capability.
Whether you are covering events or shooting in nature, this camera has an impressive 153-point autofocus system and a full-frame sensor at 45.4 MP.
For image previewing you will have a fully tilt able touchscreen interface and a dual card slot system to provide more storage.
When it comes to connectivity, this camera supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to allow file transfer with ease.
You will be shooting many 4K videos so it is important to match up this camera with a good professional Nikon Lens.
Overall this is a perfect professional-level pick that will surely not disappoint.
Pros
- Large High Detail output
- Wide 64 – 25600 ISO range expandable up to 32 – 102400
- Long Battery Life
- Impressive image sensor at 45.7 MP
- Large Viewfinder range
- Allows 4K video recording at 30 frames per second and FHD 60 frames per second video Autofocus
- 153-dot system Double Card slots for more storage
- Easy Connectivity through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Sensitive LCD touchscreen
Cons
- Lacks an inbuilt flash system
Choosing the Best camera for photographing wildlife
- Camera Type
- Sensor Size
- Lenses
- Image Stabilization
- Autofocus
- Burst Rate and ISO Range
- Weather Sealing
- 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. A good example is 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.
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 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 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

Top 3 cameras for animal photography
Product | Rating | Price |
Canon EOS R5 | Best Overall | Check Price |
Canon EOS 90D | Best affordable camera | Check Price |
Nikon D850 | Best DSLR camera | Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many megapixels on a camera do I need for wildlife photography?
You need a resolution of 50-60 MP for daylight shooting. For lower light shooting, 20 to 30 megapixels is recommended.