When it comes to choosing the best camera for wildlife, sports, and action photography, three key factors to focus on are speed, reliability, and autofocus performance. In the past, with SLRs, the flagship models usually translated to being the top models for action photography. The same is still true today, with mirrorless cameras, but speed is now more affordable and expected, and many of the second and mid-tier cameras will have the speed, subject tracking, and durability to keep up with the fast-paced nature of these genres. Here's an overview of some of the best cameras for sports, wildlife, and action photography.
The Champions
Canon EOS R1
Canon's EOS R1 is a flagship camera built for speed and action. It's the true successor to the EOS-1D line of DSLRs and is the type of camera optimized for shooters who can't afford to miss the shot. Some of the specs that make this camera so appealing to sports and wildlife shooters include a 24MP stacked BSI CMOS sensor, a 40 fps continuous shooting rate with the electronic shutter, virtually no rolling shutter, and a Pre-Continuous Shooting mode that buffers up to 20 frames prior to pressing the shutter. Also, perhaps most importantly, the R1 features a revolutionary AF system—Dual Pixel Intelligent AF—that has refined subject detection, subject tracking, and the ability to analyze ball, joint, torso, action, and head information for more "stickiness" when following a moving subject.
Physically, the camera is as durable as one would hope for—it's a fully weather-sealed body, has a built-in battery grip, and the EVF and LCD are among the brightest and highest res in their class, making for a camera that's simultaneously tough and a pleasure to actually use.
Nikon Z9
Similarly, the Nikon Z9 is their flagship model that combines speed, resolution, and durability. It's Nikon's most well-rounded camera, offering high-end capabilities for both photographers and videographers. In terms of sports and wildlife, the key specs are going to be the 20 fps continuous raw shooting (up to 30 fps in JPEG), a huge buffer that allows upwards of 50 seconds of continuous capture, and a Pre-Release Capture mode that begins recording files prior to fully pressing the shutter. Also unique to the Z9, this camera lacks a mechanical shutter, opting for an electronic shutter that can record up to 1/32,000 sec and a stacked sensor design that greatly reduces rolling shutter. In terms of AF, the Z9 has a phase-detection system that works down to -8.5 EV and uses deep learning technology for advanced Subject Detection and tracking.
Matching the specs, the camera is durable and reliable, sporting a weather-sealed magnesium alloy build. It has a built-in battery grip, intuitive four-axis tilting LCD, and utilizes an EN-EL18d battery that provides all-day battery life for long shooting sessions.
Sony a9 III
Sony's top-end sports camera is more of a specialized model and stands to be the only mirrorless camera currently sporting a global shutter. The Sony a9 III is truly purpose-built for speed; the global shutter enables raw capture at 120 fps, a top shutter speed of 1/80,000 sec, and flash sync at any shutter speed. Another handy byproduct of the global shutter design is that it isn't affected by the flickering of indoor lighting, making it a perfect choice for indoor sports shooting. It also has a Pre-Capture mode, which can automatically record images prior to fully pressing the shutter, and a Speed Boost setting, which lets you ramp up your continuous shooting rate in the middle of a burst.
In terms of design, Sony opts for the more modular, integrated grip-less layout, letting shooters choose to add the optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip if more battery life or a vertical-oriented set of controls is required. Without the grip, though, the a9 III is the smallest camera in this class and still manages to be weather-sealed for reliable use in a variety of shooting conditions.
The three top-end models for sports and wildlife shooting are all evenly matched with some small differences possibly swaying shooters one way or another: the Nikon Z9 has the highest resolution sensor (45.7MP) and most multimedia-equipped feature-set, but also has the slowest continuous shooting speed. The Sony, conversely, is the fastest on paper and the global shutter offers some unique capabilities the other two don't, but the camera's design isn't as robust as Canon's and Nikon's. And for Canon, the autofocus capabilities and subject tracking quality is what sets it ahead—it doesn't have the same specs that jump off the page, but its performance is well-rounded and it's not lacking in any meaningful way. Deciding between these giants is going to mainly going to depend on lens selection, design preferences, and whether or not you're already integrated within a brand's system.
The Runners-Up
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
If you're purely a sports or wildlife shooter, the EOS R3 is likely the true runner-up, but its feature-set and ethos is so closely related to the R1 that the R1 is going to be the standout performer almost every time. For something different, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II makes for a more intriguing runner-up, especially for the birding and wildlife crowd.
This is camera was introduced alongside the R1 as the all-arounder model; it brings higher resolution (45MP), more versatile video recording, and many of the same AF and tracking technologies contained in the flagship. Also, despite it not being tagged as a sports or wildlife camera, it still manages an impressive 30 fps top shooting speed along with deep learning-based AF and Eye Control Focus that are perfect for capturing fleeting subjects.
Nikon Z8
For Nikon shooters, if you don't want to spring for the Z9 flagship, the Nikon Z8 has much of the same tech—same speed and AF—but in a smaller, more nimble package. This is another all-arounder type camera that excels everywhere, but for sports and wildlife it's an awesome choice thanks to its 20 fps shooting rate, intelligent 493-point phase-detection AF system, and Deep Learning Technology-imbued subject detection and tracking. Like the Z9, too, this is a camera that excels for videographers, too—think wildlife documentaries, time-lapses, or remote cam setups for sports events.
The main differences between the two cameras are going to be design-related—the Z9 with its integrated grip and matched CFexpress Type B card slots—and the significantly longer battery life of the Z9. The Z8 trades these comforts for a 30% smaller body design and a lower price tag.
Sony a1
Part of a well-rounded lineup, the Sony a1 is actually the flagship of the Sony system—it's a more versatile model than the a9 III with its high 50MP resolution with more speed than most people know what to do with. Compared to the a9 III, though, it's missing the uniqueness of the global shutter that really puts that model over the edge when it comes to sports shooting. If you're looking to photograph subjects beyond just sports (especially just indoor sports), the a1 should jump up into the top spot as a more all-arounder model that's still awesome for the fast-moving things.
For sports and wildlife, the 30 fps shooting is perfect, along with a hybrid autofocus system that intelligently detects, locks onto, and tracks moving subjects with ease. Its physical design is similar to the a9, with a weather-sealed construction, high-res EVF and LCD, and robust connectivity that makes this a true professional's tool when it comes to transferring images in a time crunch.
The APS-C and Micro Four Thirds Alternatives
Distinct from the above full-frame options, APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras offer some distinct advantages to sports and wildlife shooters. The formats—the 1.5x and 2x crops, respectively—make them natural choices for working with long lenses, narrower angles of view, and the smaller sizes of the camera bodies mean you can often use these super-telephotos handheld.
FUJIFILM X-H2S
Truly a multimedia, hybrid camera, FUJIFILM's X-H2S is their best option for sports and wildlife shooting thanks to an impressive stacked sensor design, fast processing speeds, and 40 fps top continuous shooting rate. In terms of focus, this camera is among flagships thanks to a hybrid AF system that uses deep learning technology for intelligent subject recognition and accurate tracking. It's a well-rounded, well-built camera, and among the speediest crop sensor cameras around, and it also has the claim of including FUJIFILM's iconic Film Simulation modes for a bit more in-camera image quality character.
OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II
The OM-1 Mark II, from OM SYSTEM, is a camera that's purposefully designed for adventure. This Micro Four Thirds model takes a no-holds-barred approach to speed and durability, offering up to 50 fps shooting with continuous autofocus and AI subject detection that detects and tracks moving subjects. Coupled with OM SYSTEM's super-telephoto-biased lens lineup, this is a camera and system that's very appealing for birders, wildlife photographers, and nature shooters.
Panasonic Lumix G9 II
On the Panasonic side of Micro Four Thirds, the Lumix G9 II is their photography-intended camera, and it comes with a feature-set that's all about speed and reliability. A higher-res 25MP sensor works with updated processing to achieve a 75 fps shooting rate with an electronic shutter, or 14 fps with a mechanical one, and the G9 II was the first Lumix G-series camera to include phase-detection AF for faster, more responsive focusing.
The DSLRs
Yes, DSLRs are still available. For most photography genres, I'd wholeheartedly recommend switching to mirrorless at this point in time, but sports and wildlife photography are two genres I still see some value in an optical finder if that's what you prefer (and if you have a selection of EF or F-mount super-telephoto lenses). For all intents and purposes, the tech in a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III or a Nikon D6 will still hold up for professional jobs and specialized tasks; they're proven cameras that have only recently become unseated by the mirrorless generation. Both of these cameras, the last in line from Canon and Nikon, have the best autofocus and fastest performance available in an SLR and both have the bright, clear optical finder that's an immense viewing experience when used alongside a bright, long lens. You know who you are if these are the cameras you're still shopping for in 2024, and you should also be aware of the increasingly limited lens selection and potential for other spare parts to be more difficult to come by. Still, they're awesome cameras and provide an awesome shooting experience for these specialized applications.
Any of the above cameras will be a suitable choice for wildlife, sports, or action photography—these are the models that prioritize speed and reliable capture along with durability for working in a variety of shooting conditions. Beyond the cameras themselves, the decision as to which camera is best for you may lie in the realm of which system has the lenses that suit the subjects you are photographing.
What's your go-to camera for sports and wildlife shooting? Or what are you looking for in your next camera for action photography? Let us know in the Comments section.
419 Comments
Hi, that's a great article! Thanks! I need help on buying a new camera. I love spotting planes, but now I use my friend's 7D and it is not as great with focus and fps... It let me down several times during an airshow. I'm looking for a camera that has a great balance between AF and high fps shoots. I was told I should get a full frame, but I'm not sure if I should get that instead of buying cropped sensor with better features (like AF and high fps). I also need to buy zoom lenses, at least 300 according to my spotter friend. I thought the Z6 would work (I can only afford used or refurbished cameras, btw, because I need big lenses) but I've read some reviews of how its focus isn't so good and how there's a blackout on the screen with the burst... I'm so confused. I'm leaning towards Nikon because that's the brand we've always used at home, plus I saw two great lenses that I could use at airshows ( one is 18-300). So yeah, there are so many options. I'm miserable. please help!
Thank you for the article, it was informative!
I am interested in a few types of cameras/lenses.
1. I photography my husband and friends on Pheasant hunts. I am looking at what would be my best choice of camera for moving birds, distance and good clear shots of dogs and hunters
2. Studio shots of dogs and cats. indoors, under lights, easy shots of pets. My best camera/lens for this scenario as well. while getting and all in one would be great, I get that I will need to spend time and money to get what I want out of the cameras.
Any advice?
JoAnn
forgot to mention, I am currently working with an Iphone and a Sony a200, old, I know but, I will retire soon and my next step in life is to do this full time.
I sadly had a camera stolen from my car - the Sony Cybershot DS10 (approx $1600). It was fairly new so I was not fully invested in it as far as understanding it.
I have a high school sophomore who plays basketball, soccer, and runs track. I am a newbie when it comes to sports photos but I really enjoy messing around with it. I love to hike and travel some as well. I have purchased some on-line photography courses and have an interest in dabbling with photography for fun, however right now sports is my focus and will be for the next few years. I like taking photos of the team and each player as she's in action.
I don't have my notes in front of me but a Sony mirrorless camera was recommended.
I am getting an insurance check for about half of the cost of my original camera. I would like to stay under $2000.
What would you recommend? I am not married to a brand. I would say speed, zoom capabilities, autofocus, and room to grow a little with the camera would be my priorities. Oh, also it can get dusty or rainy at soccer. I try to be careful!
Thank you!!!
I am sorry to hear about the loss/theft of your camera equipment. That is never a good predicament to be in. Unfortunately, I am not quite familiar with the Sony DS10 Digital Camera which you mentioned above. I do know Sony had a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H10, a Cyber-Shot DSC-P10, a Cyber-Shot DSC-T10, and a Cyber-Shot DSC-U10, but I cannot find information on the Sony DS10 you mention above. All of the above cameras were point-and-shoot cameras with built-in lenses, and with lenses that had a wide range of optical zoom ranges.
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That being said, I do not quite know what features your previous camera had, but as you state that sports is your main focus, and you are looking for a mirrorless camera, I would recommend considering the Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens, B&H # SOA64001650, along with a telephoto lens for sports usage needs, such as either the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens for Sony E, B&H # SI100400E, or possibly the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E, B&H # TA150500S, though that may be slightly pushing your budget (but with the benefit of a very nice zoom range for sports usage needs). If a more economical lens option is needed, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E, B&H # TA703004563, would work well for your usage needs. I think this would be a good setup for a beginning or serious amateur photographer learning photography and interested in sports.
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While I would still recommend being careful, both the camera and all three lenses I listed above are environmentally sealed from dust and moisture. As they are weather-sealed, you can use them outside in the rain and/or snow. I hope this helps.
Hi, hope all is well. This past year I have decided that I wanted to start a new hobby and that is to take on sports photography and videography. I have read majority of the articles that you all provide on sports photography and they are great and very detailed. You all recommend many great cameras but I’m having a hard time narrowing my search. I’m looking for a camera that I can use for sports portraits, action shoots, and sports videography. I’m not biased towards a camera brand. I will be shooting lots of sports so it must work well with indoor and outdoor lighting. Can you please give 2 camera recommendations? One for someone who has a budget of $1,000 and one who doesn’t have a budget. Hope to hear from you soon and please continue to post more articles on sports photography, I really enjoyed reading them!
As there are few cameras under $1,000.00 that would include a telephoto lens for sports photography, I will list one camera which is a point-and-shoot camera with a built-in lens, but the other two cameras may be slightly over the $1,000.00 threshold. For a point-and-shoot camera, the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II Digital Camera, B&H # PADCFZ1000M2, would be a good option for sports photography and video recording needs. The Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 55-210mm Lens Kit, B&H # SOA6400B55LK, would be a great camera kit for sports stills and video usage needs, but it is currently out of stock. The Panasonic Lumix G7 Mirrorless Camera with 14-42mm and 45-150mm Lenses Kit (Black), B&H # PADMCG7KBK, would be an alternative that would also work, though I personally still prefer the Sony camera.
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If you are looking for a camera recommendation without a price limit, the Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera, B&H # SOA92, and the Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera, B&H # CAER3, would be great cameras for sports photography and video usage needs.
Hi, I'm a beginner enthusiast looking to upgrade to a new camera body well-suited for shooting competitive swimming, usually indoors (often low/poor light conditions). I have an old Canon EOS 60D and enjoy using with my Canon EF 70-200 1:2.8 L lens. Can you recommend what DSLR would be a great upgrade to continue to use the lens? Or do you recommend going mirorless and upgrading both body and lense? Total budget up to $5k. Appreciate any advice you can share.
For your needs, going with a mirrorless camera and an adapter for your current Canon lenses would be a safe bet. A camera such as the Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera used with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is something to consider.
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Hi, I have a Canon 6D Mark II and would like to switch it to mirrorless camera any recommendations? I mostly do food Photography and some portrait & videos.
A great way into the Canon mirrorless line-up is with their EOS R body, BH # CAERB, which would be just fine for shooting portraits, food and videos.
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Plan on Sticking with DSLR CAMERAS A LITTLE longer Already have a Canon 760D and 1200D/ T5 ! Leaning towards a Canon 90 and Canon 5Dsr as next purchase do A little of Everything Photography wise but Really Enjoy Wildlife photography and landscape ? ( Sunsets and Sunrise) as well as Old Buildings would These Two models Be A good Choice for this? And have Several lenses as well
It’s a shame that a micro4/3 camera didn’t make this list. Many professional sports and wildlife photographers use the Olympus (now OM System) EM1 MK3 and the EM1-X. The EM1 series cameras are fast, have great resolution and you can pickup a 300mm (600mm equivalent) for 1/4 the price of a 600mm Nikon, Canon, or Sony. Kinda sucks that all of you so called experts always leave micro 4/3 cameras off every list. Wonderful images can be made with these cameras at very reasonable prices, and if that’s not worth a mention then you have a clear agenda which isn’t do a service to your customers.
I agree. My Panasonic G9 is great for this. Unfortunate that it also wasn't mentioned.
Hi Dave, thanks for your comment about adding the Panasonic G9 to our list. As noted at the end of our story, the cameras included here is far from an exhaustive list, so we'll definitely consider adding the G9 into the mix the next time this story gets an update. Happy shooting and thanks for reading Explora!
Hi, I'm looking for a camera with good autofocus and low light capabilities mostly for shooting small, moving subjects underwater like fish. I am thinking of the Fujifilm xt3 and the Sony A6500. What are your thoughts and would you recommend those or another camera altogether? Thank you!
Both cameras you list above are good options, but I would personally prefer the Fujifilm X-T3 Mirrorless Digital Camera over the Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera. While it is simply personal preference, I do feel the Fujifilm X-T3 is the better overall option, is newer compared to the a6500, has improved autofocus performance, and has better video performance. The main benefits of the Sony Alpha a6500 would be its smaller, lighter size and its built-in Image Stabilization in the camera body. While those are good benefits, I believe the focusing performance and feature set and better battery life of the Fujifilm X-T3 would be more beneficial for your stated underwater usage needs.
Hello! I currently have a Nikon D40. I take photos of my two sons lacrosse games. All is great during the daytime games. Terrible at night. I need to take the next step and purchase a better camera for nighttime sports photo. Suggestion?
To stay within the smaller form factor, but have a faster continuous shooting rate and better low light performance, the Nikon Z 50 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only), BH # NIZ50 would be something to consider. It can accept Nikon Z mount lenses or Nikon F mount lenses with the Nikon FTZ adapter, BH # NIFTZ.
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Hello, my son is a Dirt Bike racer so we are out in the dust, mud, sun, sometimes foggy and cloudy outside weather. I am starting a photography side "hope to be business" of these races and racers in action including jumps corners and so forth. Currently have a older Nikon D3200 and it takes "ok" pictures. Looking now to purchase a new camera to up the game in the photo dept. while at these races. What is the best combo camera and lens for my next camera purchase?
Thank you!!
Being that you have a Nikon camera already, it would be more practical to stay within the same brand for the sake of the control layout. In this case, the Nikon Z 6 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) would be a lightweight option in their mirrorless camera line up with a 12 FPS continuous shooting rate and fast autofocus.
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As for lenses, any current Nikon F mount lenses you might have now would fit this camera along with the Nikon FTZ adapter. BH # NIFTZ.
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Hi. I take pictures for high school football games, portraits, etc. What's the best Canon camera for both sports and family photography, mix of everything?
Hi Barb -
Consider the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera B&H # SODSCRX10M4
Key Features:
Canon 77D would be excellent for your purposes. It's a DSLR, not mirrorless, and it is excellent for outdoor AND indoor sports...featuring fast auto focus and anti-flicker capability which handles arena, gym and ice rink lighting in a way few other cameras can.
I have become the unofficial phtog for my daughter's horse show team.
I have a Cannon EOS T7. It came with a EFS 18-55 mm and 74-300 lens.
I am enjoying the way the photos are coming out in Sports mode and surprisingly the colors are better in food mode with almost the same response time when taking the photo. However, when I am taking sports pictures from a distance (80-120'), the pictures seem so light and grainy, and no way to change the exposure in either mode. In other modes, I can not get the action shot and most want a flash, which I can't do because it scares the horses.
I am really loving this new hobby and am jealous of the quality of online photos from the professionals I see there... what would be a good upgrade to get the quality I am looking for, but less than $3k?
To stay below $3000, the Canon EOS R would be a great option in terms of size, autofocus speed, low light performance and higher resolution.
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I have a 16 year old daughter that participates in tennis and cross country and does sideline photos for cross country and high school and youth football. What is a good start-up camera for her? She has always been a photographer; got her her first digital camera for kids at 5 years old.
A great option to consider would be the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 55-210mm Lens Kit, BH # SOA6400B55LK which has fast/accurate autofocus and a fast continuous rate to keep up with sports such as tennis or cross country.
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I’ve been a coach for over 35 years, but I’m putting my whistle away to watch my son play. I want to stay involved and take candid and action shots at football and baseball games. The thought is to download the photos and make them available to all of the players and families. I have no photography experience, but I will have field access. Do I want photo and video? Not afraid to spend some money, but don’t want to buy more than I need. But let’s be real, those big zoom lenses are cool. Would love to hear you advise. Thanks in advance.
These days, most camera have both photo and video functions so it's a bit difficult to avoid the video aspect. In your case, I feel that the Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera with 18-135mm Lens, BH # CAE90D18135 would be a good way to start with sports photography as well as video. In terms of a longer lens you can use from a greater distance from the action, the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF, BH # SI100400C would be a lightweight option to consider.
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Fabulous. Thank you.
Hello, Which camera, lens & flash would you recommend for photography indoors Volleyball!
Beach Volleyball which lens?
1. Photos
2. Videos
Thanks
In terms of a camera that can handle both photos and videos of indoor/outdoor volleyball games, the Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only), BH # NIZ62 would be one to consider.
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If you were working in close proximity to the action, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens, BH # NIZ7020028 would be suitable.
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Lastly, the right flash would depend on whether it would be placed on the camera or off the camera. We invite you to contact us via Live Chat before 8PM ET or by phone today until 7PM ET so we can go over those options in greater detail.
Hey there--I work at a college athletics department and we are looking to purchase a camera and accessories to help us take indoor (ie hockey, basketball) and outdoor (ie field hockey, football) action shots while also taking good still portrait photos. We are working on a bit of a budget--any suggestions on what camera and accessories would work best?
Hi. I shoot a lot of rugby in NZ with a Canon 7dii and 70-200 2.8. Also an old 6d with Tamron 24-70 2.8 for crowd shots. Love the full frame of the 6d but very limited camera. Would like to upgrade to more modern full frame that could handle low light indoor sports (basketball,netball) and would like a recommendation. Also toying with a longer lense to get to 400 mm and wondered what the best options were. I am only a hobby photographer but do get into print media and get to some high level game but can’t spend top dollar. Any advice appreciated.
I would recommend staying with Canon being that the menu system would be familiar. The Canon EOS R would be the best option for a low-priced full frame camera that could easily handle sports photography. You can pair that with the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Canon EF and the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R for a lower cost lens option with range beyond 400mm.
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I know this isn't supposed to be an exhaustive list, but I would have thought that the Canon R5, with its 20fps electronic (12fps mechanical) shutter would be a good choice, especially when paired with either their new RF 100mm-500mm or inexpensive RF 600mm or 800mm lenses.
Hi Robert, thanks so much for bringing up the Canon R5 (BH #CAER5) for consideration on this list. This full-frame mirrorless option is a great choice for sports, action and wildlife shooters. It was definitely on my shortlist to include, but since the story was limited to only 10 cameras, I opted to include the EOS 90D as a slightly older, more economical APS-C option instead, for photographers on a budget. Additionally, as one of my colleagues pointed out in a comment below, another great mirrorless option from Canon (at a slightly lower price point than the R5) is the Canon EOS R6 (BH # CAER6). Thanks again for the helpful comment, and also for reading the Explora blog!
Great info here, quick question, as someone that shoots events and competitions like dance and other indoor sports as well as some nature photography I generally have problems with auto focusing as well as camera shake for randomly moving people.
My current camera is Nikon D750. Would you say that going mirrorless to something like Z7 II would be worth the trouble and good future proofing? Or switch to a different brand?
Cheers
Sticking with a Nikon mirrorless camera would make for an easier transition from your D750, mainly due to the menu layout being about the same. Going with the Z7 II specifically would give you more autofocus points at your disposal and a higher continuous shooting rate, both which can be helpful for dance and indoor sports photos.
Curious, would the z6 II also be a good option? And would it handle the Nikkor 300mm PF plus a 1.4 teleconverter for BIF? Autofocus speed is most important for my bird photography.
p.s. also coming from a D750
Yes Nikon Z6 II can also work since it has a faster continuous shooting rate, but it has less resolution. Using it along with the FTZ adapter and a Nikkor 300mm PF would be excellent.
Thanks for the info. I'm looking for a camera that shoots continuously but the Canon 7D I've tried to shoot video on cuts out at around 10-12 minutes, same with Sony A5100 . I need to find a camera that can shoot yoga video lessons so the continuous recording needs to be for a much longer time. I'm in the UK and I've read that the cameras are set-up differently here due to import tax. Are there any cameras that can do what I'm looking for? Thanks for your advice.
The Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only), BH # SOA7S3 would allow up 60 mins of internal video recording, which can be extended with the use of a external recorder such as the Atomos Ninja V 5" 4K Recording Monitor with 500GB Angelbird AtomX SSDmini Kit, BH # ATNINJAVAX5K.
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Thanks for this informative article. I’m looking to upgrade from a Nikon D5000 to a DSLR or mirrorless camera you recommend for high school football action shots. I run the social media page for my sons football team and currently video each play with my iPhone in my left hand and instantly update it to Instagram stories and take regular photos with my Nikon at the same time with my right hand. So it needs to me somewhat lightweight so I can carry it around my neck and run from one end of the field to the next. I’d like it to have high fps so I don’t miss a good action shot and I need to be able to zoom in close enough from the sideline to have good clarity of the ball and player. Most shots will be under Friday night lights and with limited time for focus adjustments, a good autofocus option would be great! Basically, I’m asking for great action photos with very little photography talent or skill. 😂 It might be too much to ask for, but I’d love any recommendations you have.
I would stick with Nikon, so that the menu system will be familiar. The Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body with FTZ Adapter Kit, BH # NIZ62LAK would be an ideal option for a lightweight camera with fast autofocus, great low light performance and a continuous shooting rate up to 14 FPS. The included adapter would allow for Nikon AF-S type lenses to work on the Z6 II.
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I've reviewed responses to other queries. I'm photographing birds, much as described by other commenters: documentation, identification, posting on-line. My old Canon Digital Rebel (~15 yrs old) with a 300 mm lens isn't fast enough or enough magnification for this application. Would you recommend staying with the Canon brand for familiarity of controls? What camera body would suffice to meet my needs? Are there other camera bodies with capabilities that might be desirable, though not necessary? Same question for lenses. I generally photograph from 100 to 150' away, though sometimes farther (across a lake yesterday). Are lens multipliers an option? And of course, not too heavy! I don't have a need for video, if this is something that's possible to avoid. I haven't set a price range, hence the good-better-best model scenario. Thanks!
Hi Elisabeth,
I would stick with Canon for the familiarity of control. A great option that is lightweight, offers very fast autofocus and a continuous shooting rate of 12 FPS is the Canon EOS R6, BH # CAER6. This can be paired up with the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM Lens, BH # CA60011RF for greater telephoto range.
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