Wildlife photography is considered one of the most difficult genres of photography. It takes lots of hard work and dedication to take the perfect picture.
However, you cannot take a great wildlife photograph if you do not have the right equipment. To enjoy this sport you need to have a good quality camera.
In the post, I have listed the 7 best cameras for wildlife photography beginners. If you’re just starting your wildlife photography journey, you might not want to invest too much in the camera.
Below are the cameras that are excellent to begin your wildlife photography.
As a professional photographer, I have checked all the cameras and picked the right one which is most suitable for you.
So, let’s dive into:
Are you in a hurry?
I have written a complete guide to the best camera for wildlife photography for beginners. If you’re in a hurry and do not have much time to read the whole article. Here is my best recommendation.
Buying Guide
Before buying a camera for wildlife photography first you need to know what are the important features essential for wildlife photography. Below is the detailed guide:
Size Sensor
The bigger the sensor size the long distance a camera can shoot. Taking photos from a long distance is a common practice in wildlife photography. You make sure of this you have to choose a camera that has a big sensor that can capture far-point images without any noise.
Autofocus
In wildlife photography, you have often taken photos of moving animals. To take a good image you have to use a camera that has advanced autofocus with multiple focus points. With this feature, you will be able to take high-quality images without manually adjusting autofocus.
Burst mode
Burst mode is a function that allows you to take multiple pictures in a single frame. As in wildlife photography every fraction of second matters, and having a camera with advanced burst mode will enhance your pictures.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing is essential in wildlife photography because of the time your camera suffers from dust, rain, and snow. And obviously, you do not want your expensive wildlife camera to get damaged because of the weather.
Image stabilization
Image stabilization is also an aspect to look after because mostly when taking wildlife photos, you have to walk your jeep. A camera that has in-built image stability gives you the advantage to get a stable and less noisy picture.
Lens compatibility
Every camera comes with its lens. So if you already have a lens or planning to use a particular lens make sure it is compatible with the camera you’re buying.
Size and weight
Having a camera that is smaller in size and light in weight is also good for wildlife photography. Most of the time you have to constantly move from one place to another to grab pictures of the animal. If your camera is too heavy it will be very difficult to take photos.
Low light performance
In wildlife photography, most of the high-quality photos come during the early morning or late evening. To shoot at this time your camera must have in-built low-light performance. So that you do not need to stop photography.
Battery life
You have spent lots of time in the field and for this, you need to have a camera that has a long battery life.
Price
With wildlife cameras, you will also need to have equipment like lenses which is also expensive. Keeping all things in mind you have to make a budget. You can decide the price of the camera for wildlife photography.
So, those are the important aspects you should look for while finding a beginner wildlife camera. However, you do not need to work because to make your life easy I have listed all the cameras that are the best cameras for wildlife photography for beginners.
Which are the Best Cameras for Wildlife Photography Beginners?
Olympus OM-D E-M1 X (Best Camera for Wildlife Photography Beginner)
I used this camera and with my experience, I can say Olympus OM-D E-M1 X is one of the best cameras for wildlife photography. Because it can take 60 frames per second. This allows us to take pictures of moving animals without any noise.
With that, it also has a buffer that can capture up to 286 photos even in the RAW format which is amazing and enhance your wildlife photography experience.
Now, Olympus OM-D E-M1 X is available at a discounted price of $2000 which is the best deal (It might get changed in the future).
One thing I love about this camera, it does not need color correcting in the lightroom because its viewfinder can capture real-world color. This is fantastic to capture beautiful colors of wildlife.
The build quality of the camera is excellent. It feels like a premium product in hand because of its factor form and small lenses that enable you to take lovely photos.
However, one thing I do not like about Olympus OM-D E-M1 X. It’s EVF (Electonic viewfinder) is low-resolution, making it difficult to watch the LCD panel in the bright sunlight. While I’m taking pictures of animals, I wasn’t able to see a clear preview of my images. This can be disappointing to the people you love to watch previews of their images instantly. However, when you go in the shade it gets visible.
I think that’s not a big problem and Olympus OM-D E-M1 X is the best camera for wildlife photography.
Check the price of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 X at amazon now!
Pros:
- The OM-D E-M1 X can shoot at 60 frames per second, perfect for animal photos.
- Its buffer can take 286 RAW photographs.
- Compact lenses make the camera easy to carry.
- The camera is a terrific deal at $2000.
- As its live viewfinder captures the real-world color, Lightroom doesn’t need color correction.
- Great build quality and tiny lenses make the camera comfortable to hold.
- It takes great photographs.
Cons:
- This camera’s low-resolution LCD EVF is disappointing for a top-tier camera.
- The obsolete EVF may spoil the experience for EVF enthusiasts.
Nikon Z50: (Best Wildlife Photography Cameras for Beginners)
Nikon is a very popular brand. It does keep it behind in the wildlife photography industry. You might have seen many professional wildlife photographers with Nikon cameras. But, is there a camera that is beginner friendly?
Nikon Z50 is a beginner-friendly wildlife camera. It has a 20.9-megapixel sensor that allows you to take photos of animals from a long distance without any noise.
It is a beginner-friendly camera because its manual setting is so easy to navigate that anyone can understand it.
Also, the camera has in-built wifi which is very important nowadays. You can quickly share your photos on different social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Flickr.
With that Nikon, Z50 has a smart design that is easy to handle, stylish, and comfortable for outdoor trips.
As I mentioned in the buying guide battery life is very important for wildlife photography. Fortunately, this camera fulfills this need because its battery lasts for a day. I have used this camera in the field and was impressed by its battery capacity.
You should consider buying a Nikon Z50 as a beginner wildlife photographer.
Check the price of this camera on amazon now!
Pros:
- The Nikon Z50’s 20.9-megapixel sensor takes great photos.
- Its easy-to-use manual settings make it suitable for novices.
- Sharing wildlife photographs on Instagram is easy using the camera’s Wi-Fi.
- The Z50 is easy to carry on long outdoor adventures and is elegant.
- The camera’s battery lasts days.
Cons:
- Although their clarity and quality, the Z50’s lenses are restricted.
- The lone Z DX lens on the roadmap is priced similarly to the two included in the kit.
- An adapter increases the cost and bulk to utilize other Z lenses.
- No in-body stability.
Canon EOS 90D: (Good beginner camera for wildlife photography)
Just like Nikon Z50, Canon EOS 90D also gives long-battery life. This allows you to take wildlife photos without any breaks.
The interesting thing about this Canon EOS 90D is its auto-focusing mechanism that enables to capture of photos of moving animals in high quality.
It makes it easier y as a wildlife photographer because as a beginner you do not want to adjust focus points manually.
I had used the previous version of Canon EOS 90D and could say the autofocusing feature is quicker up to 40%.
Also, it gives good-quality pictures in low-light conditions. I took some shots in the late evening and the dim dark sky, this camera is taking quality photos of the animals.
Canon EOS 90D has an eye-focusing mechanism that quickly tracks moving objects. This feature is great for a beginner photographer because you do need to do manual work.
The camera has a 32 mp sensor that takes photos in high-resolution. The sensor allows you to take pictures of animals from a distance and I must say this camera is very good from a distance.
When clicking pictures of birds every second counts thanks to Canon EOS 90D fast burst rate of 10/11 fps that allows you to capture moving birds without any loss of shot.
If you want to record videos of your wildlife adventure then go with this camera. It records video in 4k resolutions giving detail of every scene.
Also, Canon EOS 90D has eye AF function well for portrait photos.
Consider buying this camera if you want to begin your wildlife photography journey.
Check the price of Canon EOS 90D now!
Pros:
- A faster-focusing mechanism catches ephemeral moments.
- Good low-light performance for great photographs in less-than-ideal settings.
- Long-lasting battery, essential for fieldwork.
- An eye-focusing device that swiftly follows moving objects, helping inexperienced photographers capture amazing shots.
- Detail-producing 32mp sensor.
- 10/11 fps burst rate captures fast-moving animals.
- 4K footage for wildlife filmmaking.
- 45pt AF with Face Recognition and improvements.
- Understated Eye AF pictures.
Cons:
Live view is required for Eye AF, which might be slow.
Sony A6600: (Best Camera for Wildlife Photography Beginner)
Sony A6600 is best for wildlife photography because it is built to withstand tough conditions. This makes them an excellent choice for a wildlife photographer who spends lots of time on the ground.
The camera features built-in image stabilization that helps you take stable photos using slow shutter speeds in low light.
After you take your perfect shot you can immediately see your image in the electronic viewfinder. This gives you a chance to take another photo if you’re not satisfied with the first one.
I listed this camera in the list because Sony A6600 is beginner friendly. You can easily navigate to its settings and update it according to your needs.
Also, it can be used with older lenses by using a Sony LE-ae alpha 5-mount converter.
The quick burst mode of this camera allows you to experience exciting moments in wildlife photography. You can take multiple photos in a second by clicking the shoot button. It has a large buffer for more shorts.
Sony A6600 features a wide range of focus settings. However, if you’re a beginner it also has an autofocus mechanism that allows you to take high-quality images from a distance. The focus mechanism is very good at eye-focusing to take wonderful photos of animals.
I used the previous version of this camera, the Sony A6600’s major improvement is its large grip which makes it easier to hold large lenses.
Also, Sony A6600 can take pictures in dim light settings because of its high ISOs with reduced noise levels. You can take pictures of animals in low-light conditions.
However, I do not like the built-in flash quality of the camera. Also, the LCD panel of the camera is not a touch screen which may be a downside for some users.
Besides this, Sony A6600 is a very good beginner wildlife photography camera.
Check the price on amazon right now!
Pros:
Wildlife photographers that work in harsh situations can choose the Sony A6600.
Even with slow shutter speeds in low light, the camera’s image stabilization offers solid shots.
Preview your picture before snapping it using the electronic viewfinder.
The Sony Le-ae alpha 5 mount converter makes the camera easy to use with older lenses.
The A6600’s burst rate captures thrilling events as they happen, with a bigger buffer for additional images.
The camera’s eye focus, subject tracking, and focus settings surpass expectations.
The A6600’s bigger grip makes holding larger lenses easier.
The camera can take passable photos in low light with decreased noise at higher ISOs.
Cons:
Some people may dislike that the menu cannot be touched.
Nikon D500: (Best Camera for Wildlife Photography Beginner)
The Nikon D500 camera has excellent built-in quality with a soil feel and comfortable grip. This makes it very easy to handle and take pictures from any angle.
The camera buttons are well-designed making it very easy to navigate through the settings and make quick adjustments.
Nikon D500 features an articulating screen that enables it to take bright, crisp, and practical photos at different angles. You can be creative with your wildlife photography with this camera.
It has a dual card slot that allows easy storage and backup of your images which is especially useful in wildlife photography. You do need to worry about your camera space while taking multiple shots of an animal or bird.
The Nikon D500 has a feature-rich and responsive menu option making it easy to access a large range of options.
In large spaces, the camera also has long battery life. You can use the camera without worrying that it will die. It also has a 200-shot buffer which is excellent for shooting wildlife and sports photos. The excellent focusing technology and a burst mode that allows a user to take images quickly – 10 frames per second are really impressive.
Not only that, I used this camera and found it can also record high-quality videos with sound and a range of connectivity options.
While using it for wildlife photography. I found you should need to carry some extra battery for extended 4k shoots. Also, though it is light in weight as compared to other cameras in this range you may find it a bit heavier.
In my experience, this is a wonderful camera to buy if you’re a beginner in wildlife photography.
Check its price on amazon right now!
Pros:
- The Nikon D500 is robust and easy to hold.
- The button placement is well-thought-out and accessible, making setting adjustments rapid.
- The bright, sharp, and practical articulating screen makes framing tough angles simple.
- Dual card slots make picture backup and storage straightforward, particularly for weddings.
- The camera’s responsive menus provide several possibilities.
- The 200-shot buffer and long battery life enable sports photography.
- With a 10 fps burst mode and great focussing, the D500 is great for sports and wildlife photography.
- The camera can capture video with high-quality sound and several connection choices.
Cons:
- While lighter than other cameras, some users may find the D500 big.
- For lengthy photography or 4k video recording, a battery grip may be needed despite the great battery life.
- Some photographers may miss in-body image stabilization on the D500.
- The camera is expensive for its class.
- Some specialized video cameras have better video recording.
Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV: (Best Camera for Wildlife Photography Beginner)
After experimenting with lots of cameras I tried Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV. It is designed especially for wildlife photography because of its fast autofocus and long zoom range.
It has a 24-600mm lens which gives the camera a great focal range, making it suitable for capturing images of animals in the distance. This feature is essential in wildlife photography because you do not want to scare animals by going close to them.
Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV can take photos in high resolutions because it has a 20.1 MP 1′′ backlit Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor. This allows users to take quick shots in high-quality.
The camera has a special feature called Dynamic range optimizer that makes it easier to take pictures in light challenging conditions. This feature enhances bright and dark areas in the photos making them look great.
This camera is water and dust-proof making it excellent for wildlife photography. You can take this camera in hard condition without any worry.
Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV is no doubt the best camera for wildlife photography for beginners.
Check this price on amazon now!
Pros:
- With its rapid focusing and extended zoom range, the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV is built for wildlife photography.
- For distant animal photos, the 24-600mm lens has a wide focus range.
- A 20.1 MP 1′′ backlit Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor offers fast, high-resolution picture shooting.
- DRO evens out bright and dark regions, making it simpler to take photographs in difficult lighting settings.
- Water and dustproof, the camera is more durable than others.
Cons:
- Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV may cost more.
- The camera is heavier than others, which may bother some users.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000: (Best Camera for Beginner Wildlife Photography)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000 is another best cameras for wildlife photography for beginners. I used this camera, and the most impressive thing about it is that it has 20x zoom capabilities that allow you to capture high-quality and detailed images from a distance.
Also, the camera has a 4k resolution which is great for shooting wildlife videos. I shoot many videos and am amazed by the colors and clarity of pictures.
The camera has many features such as Offers manual, automatic, aperture priority, and shutter priority settings, you can navigate to these settings easily and make the ideal camera mode to click a good wildlife photo.
I have taken many multiple photos using its burst mode. It is really smooth and quick which allows the user to take multiple pictures of an animal or bird.
In Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000 there is also an option called Auto-bracket that allows shooting three pictures at different exposures to assist in achieving the perfect photo.
Also, I love how it works in low-light conditions. I took several pictures and get impressed by their picture stability, even with moving animals.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000 features a flexible LCD panel and viewfinder options for shooting outdoors or in dim lighting. You can use it to shoot photos of wonderful wildlife in the early morning or late evening.
One thing which is better than the sony camera is its touch screen panel which is very easy to navigate. I love how smoothly and effectively I am able to switch between the settings.
To enhance this beginner friendliness this Panasonic camera also has a customized menu option that helps you to put all your commonly used settings in one place.
Of course, as It is a beginner wildlife photography camera. There is no option to change the lens. You have to use its in-built lens which is no doubt great.
While taking pictures of birds in portrait mode I notice it lacks focus depth. However, this might happen because I have used many professional cameras.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000 is a perfect camera for beginners who are starting their wildlife photography journey.
I highly recommend this product.
Check the price on amazon right now!
Pros:
- 4K resolution and 20x optical zoom provide detailed shots from afar.
- Manual, automatic, aperture priority, and shutter priority settings
- Burst mode captures numerous photos quickly.
- To get the ideal shot, the auto-bracket takes three photos at varying exposures.
- Low-light picture stabilizer works effectively.
- Flexible LCD panel and viewfinder for outdoor or low-light photography
- Touch displays or buttons make menus simple.
- Quick configurable menu for popular choices
Cons:
- Cannot change lenses, restricting photography.
- Portrait photography’s shallow focus
Is Canon or Nikon better for wildlife photography?
Canon cameras are better than Nikon for wildlife photography because they provide a great variety of lens choices which is advantageous to capture pictures of animals from a distance. Canon cameras are especially known for wildlife photography and sports photography.
Canon cameras have the best telephoto lenses available which are important for wildlife photography. With that, it also includes advanced image stabilization technology which helps take crisper pictures when utilizing telephoto lenses.
Is a DSLR or mirrorless better for wildlife photography?
A DSLR camera is better than a mirrorless camera when it moves to professional wildlife photography because DSLR cameras provide a variety of lens options that you can use to take pictures in different conditions.
Conclusion
I hope after reading this article you’ll be able to find the best camera for wildlife photography.
Have you used any of these cameras? If yes, tell me your experience.
Do you have other favorite wildlife photography cameras that I haven’t mentioned in this article? Tell me in the comment box.
Thank you for reading 😊
Hey, I’m Madhuresh an SEO content creator with over 5 years of experience. I found Just Tech Helps to provide the latest tech gadgets information. As a regular contributor to Just Tech Helps, I stay up-to-date with the latest technology and share the knowledge with readers through in-depth product reviews and informative guides.