The 6 Best Cameras For Wildlife Photography - Fall 2024

The OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II is the best camera for wildlife photography that we've tested. The Mark II offers a few improvements over its predecessor, including a deeper buffer and improved autofocus. As a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera, it's relatively portable and rugged, with a weather-sealed body and excellent ergonomics. Compared to full-frame models like the Nikon Z 6III below, equivalent lenses are also significantly smaller, reducing the overall size of your kit even when using telephoto lenses to capture far-off wildlife like birds.

Another benefit of the smaller sensor is that it allows for better in-body image stabilization (IBIS), with a five-axis IBIS system that works incredibly well to get steady shots at longer focal lengths. The camera also has a quick burst rate, including a pre-burst 'Pro Capture' mode that ensures you won't miss a critical moment. The biggest downside of the OM-1 is that its AF-C tracking isn't as reliable with very fast-moving subjects as the top AF systems from Sony or Canon, but it's still effective for most scenarios. If you're looking to save some money, the OM SYSTEM OM-1 or the even older Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III are both still great options, despite lacking the latest processing power and autofocus.

If you prefer a full-frame sensor for its noise advantage in low light, consider the Nikon Z 6III. It's a beast for wildlife photography, thanks to a partially stacked sensor that reduces rolling shutter distortion and a useful suite of features for nature photographers. That includes remarkably quick burst shooting, with a 14 fps mechanical burst rate, a 20 fps electronic burst rate, and a pre-burst mode. There's even a faster 'High-Speed Frame Capture' mode that lets you shoot bursts of up to 120 fps, although this mode comes with some limitations, including an APS-C crop in its fastest setting. The camera's autofocus is also excellent, with a wide range of automatic subject detection modes and effective AF-C tracking.

Beyond its performance, the camera is also very well-built, with weather-sealing and outstanding ergonomics, plus a very effective IBIS system and an exceptionally high-resolution EVF. That said, this is also a hybrid camera with advanced video features and a price tag to match. If you're looking for a full-frame model that is well-suited to capture wildlife photos and fetches at a slightly lower price, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is another great choice. However, its burst shooting capabilities fall slightly behind, and it has a lower-resolution EVF.

While the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II is the best camera for nature photography if you need something rugged and compact, an APS-C option like the Canon EOS R7 has its own advantages and comes at a lower price point. With a remarkably quick 15 fps mechanical burst rate and a highly sophisticated autofocus system, the R7 is tailor-made for wildlife shooters. It has a very solid battery life and feels great in the hand, with excellent ergonomics and intuitive controls. It also has a fantastic IBIS system for steadier handheld shots.

Telephoto lenses for the R7 are generally less portable than Micro Four Thirds options. However, they're still typically smaller than full-frame alternatives with equivalent fields of view, allowing you to shoot far-off subjects without too much bulk. Ultimately, if you don't need the portability of a Micro Four Thirds kit, this is one of the best cameras for birding and wildlife at its price point. The Sony α6700 is another fantastic upper mid-range choice, with one of the best AF systems on the market and a very wide range of native and third-party lens options. However, it has worse ergonomics, a smaller viewfinder, and a slower max burst rate.

As far as mid-range options go, the Canon EOS 90D is well worth considering. Like the Canon EOS R7, it has a higher resolution sensor than most APS-C cameras, giving you more leeway to crop your photos. It can also shoot at a respectable 11 fps burst rate, though that drops to seven fps when using continuous tracking AF. Although its autofocus system isn't as fast as the autofocus on newer, mirrorless alternatives, it still tracks moving subjects well overall.

The biggest trade-off is that you don't get IBIS for steadier handheld shots. It also doesn't have the largest image buffer, which can slow you down when shooting extended bursts. That said, Canon's EF/EF-S mount includes some excellent lenses, and they won't run you as much as full-frame mirrorless options. Plus, the camera feels well-built, is weather-sealed, and has comfortable ergonomics, making for an excellent all-around shooting experience.

Shooting wildlife on a budget can be tricky, considering how quickly the cost of zoom and telephoto lenses can add up, but the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best cameras for nature photography if you're on a tight budget. Like the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II, it's an MFT camera, so there's a well-established stable of lenses to choose from, and they're typically smaller and cheaper than larger format equivalents, making it easier to take longer telephoto lenses on the go for far-off animals like birds.

Beyond that, the camera is lightweight and portable, and it's one of the few cameras at this price point to feature five-axis IBIS. It can also shoot at up to 15 fps in its e-shutter in silent mode, so you can fire off extended bursts without scaring away more skittish animals. Add in a solid battery life and a decent AF system, and this little camera is hard to beat for beginners or wildlife photographers on a budget.

If you prefer the convenience of an all-in-one camera, the Sony RX10 IV is one of the best bridge cameras on the market. Naturally, you won't get the same image quality or dynamic range as you would with one of the interchangeable lens options above. However, it does have a stacked 1-inch type sensor that puts it above your average bridge camera. The sensor is bigger than most bridge cam sensors, resulting in better-than-average image quality, and its stacked design also means a faster readout speed, allowing for burst shooting at up to 24 fps and reduced rolling shutter distortion.

Its built-in lens is also quite versatile, with a max full-frame equivalent focal length of 600mm, giving you plenty of range for far-off wildlife. On top of that, it has a good autofocus system to track moving wildlife, and its well-constructed, weather-sealed body gives you some peace of mind in adverse weather conditions. While interchangeable lens cameras are the way to go if image quality is your top priority, the convenience of having such a long zoom lens in an all-in-one package makes this a great option for birding and hiking enthusiasts.