Best 35mm Film Cameras
| Last Updated: December 30, 2020
Wildlife photography is an experience of a lifetime for many professional photographers. It takes you to the most beautiful locations and shows you incredible moments, and your job is to save those moments and share them.
The best affordable camera for wildlife photography is the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera. It offers the best possible quality without compromising its easy-to-use design and technology. You’ll be able to find a wide variety of lenses, an essential feature for wildlife photography.
Remember that wildlife photography might require a significant investment. Still, the essential tools you’ll need are the right camera and the right lenses.
In today’s article, we’ll tell you the best cameras for wildlife photography. We also discuss everything you need to know to start as a wildlife photographer.
5 Best Cameras For Wildlife Photography
- Best Affordable Camera for Wildlife Photography: Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
- Best Point and Shoot Camera for Wildlife Photography: Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
- Best DSLR Camera for Wildlife Photography: Nikon D500 DX-Format Digital SLR
- Best Beginner Camera for Wildlife Photography: Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ401-BK 16MP Digital Camera
- Best Compact Camera for Wildlife Photography: Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera Compact
Best Affordable Camera For Wildlife Photography: Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor Size: CMOS
- Sensor Resolution: 24.1 MP
- Lens Mount: EF-S
- Image Stabilization: IBIS
- Video Resolution: Full HD
- Weight: 1.04 pounds (400g)
What Makes This Camera The Best Affordable Camera For Wildlife Photography?
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a perfect affordable option for wildlife photography. It offers the features you need to get the best out of your wildlife experience. It has many advantages over other models in the market.
Canon’s T7 has fast autofocus, which is a necessary feature for wildlife photography. It also comes with an excellent image sensor capable of shooting in low light moments of the day. With this model, you get a high-quality image at a more than fair price.
The Canon T7 also offers a wide variety of lenses. Its CMOS image sensor provides the most vibrant colors possible. The camera also comes with built-in WiFi to upload your pictures to your phone or laptop immediately. Furthermore, it allows you to record Full HD videos in nearly any light.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Users praise the camera’s easy-to-setup technology and the fast autofocus. They say it is excellent for new photographers or more experienced hobby photographers. Users also praise the lens availability for the model.
Overall, they agree the Canon T7 is the best affordable camera for wildlife photography and beginner photographers. It can also get you the best possible shot of landscapes with the correct settings.
Features and Considerations
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is an affordable model that gives you the necessary features you’ll need for wildlife photography. It is a lightweight camera with an excellent image sensor and fast autofocus.
Additionally, the Canon T7 offers a solid design that is easy to set up and a wide variety of lenses. The camera can also record Full HD videos if necessary, and its adaptability is perfect for any situation.
Best Point And Shoot Camera For Wildlife Photography: Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
- Camera Type: Waterproof Digital Camera
- Sensor Size: CMOS
- Sensor Resolution: 12 MP
- Lens Mount: F2.0
- Image Stabilization: IBIS
- Video Resolution: 4K or Full HD
- Weight: 9 ounces (250g)
What Makes This Camera The Best Point and Shoot Camera For Wildlife Photography?
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a waterproof digital camera with a powerful processor and an excellent image sensor. It is the best point and shoot camera for wildlife photography thanks to its shooting speed, which gives you around ten frames per second.
This model has a high-resolution CMOS image sensor capable of getting clear pictures even in low light. The camera also offers a powerful and long-range zoom, which is imperative for many wildlife photographers.
You can shoot videos at 4K or Full HD with the Olympus TG-6. It allows you to take pictures in different formats like JPEG or RAW. Additionally, the camera’s waterproof system will enable you to dive until 50 feet (15m) underwater. Its in-built weather seal is perfect for wildlife photography.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Most users agree that the Olympus TG-6 is an excellent compact camera with a fast processor that delivers vibrant, colorful photos. So, if you are looking for a camera with the power to shoot continuously, the TG-6 is your best option.
It is reliable, with an excellent design, capable of withstanding harsh conditions and situations.
Features and Considerations
One of the main features the Olympus TG-6 offers is its waterproof and weather seal technology. You can use it underwater for photos or videos, or go to a desert or a snowy mountain. In any situation, there is no inconvenience with the camera.
Another strong point for Olympus is its image sensor and macro picture features. You’ll be able to get the best resolution for your closeups and the most precise possible image. Additionally, the camera also records 4K and Full HD if you need to record videos while taking wildlife pictures.
These features make the Olympus TG-6 one of the best digital cameras for wildlife photography for 2021.
Best DSLR Camera For Wildlife Photography: Nikon D500 DX-Format DSLR
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor Size: DX CMOS
- Sensor Resolution: 20.9 MP
- Lens Mount: F1.4
- Image Stabilization: IBIS
- Video Resolution: 4K or Full HD
- Weight: 3.75 pounds (1.7kg)
What Makes This Camera The Best DSLR Camera For Wildlife Photography?
Thanks to its incredible image sensor and powerful in-built processor, the Nikon D500 DX-Format is the best DSLR camera for wildlife photography. Combining both features, the D500 gives you the best possible image quality in the least amount of time.
It also offers you the possibility of shooting ten frames per second for up to two hundred frames without lagging. It comes with an in-built WiFi connection and Bluetooth and allows you to record videos at 4K.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers believe that the D500 is an excellent DSLR camera for wildlife photography. They praise the camera’s image sensor and speed. They think that the model’s autofocus is far superior to Nikon’s previous versions.
Features and Considerations
The D500 offers you features like an excellent image sensor for vibrant, colorful pictures and the possibility of shooting continuously without any interruption. The camera also gives you the chance to record 4K videos. However, keep in mind that it consumes a lot of battery in a short time.
Best Beginner Camera For Wildlife Photography: Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ401-BK 16MP
- Camera Type: Digital Camera
- Sensor Size: AZ 401
- Sensor Resolution: 16 MP
- Lens Mount: 24mm
- Image Stabilization: OIS
- Video Resolution: HD
- Weight: 1 pound (450g)
What Makes This Camera The Best Beginner Camera For Wildlife Photography?
The Kodak PIXPRO Astro AZ401 is the best beginner camera for wildlife photography because of its easy-to-use design and technology. The camera’s optical image stabilization allows you to shoot in different situations without worrying about blurry photos.
Another strength of the PIXPRO Astro is the battery. The camera allows you to use AA batteries, so you don’t have to worry about charging while in the wild. Additionally, the camera offers a 40x optical zoom and a 24mm lens for the best possible results.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers praise the camera’s zoom and believe it is an excellent tool for Astro pictures. They also agree that it is a good value for your money and that the camera gives high-quality images in most situations. It is the best possible camera for wildlife photography beginners.
Features and Considerations
The PIXPRO Astro offers a 40x optical zoom capable of shooting clear pictures of the moon. It also allows you to record HD videos and has a suitable image sensor for vibrant colors.
Best Compact Camera For Wildlife Photography: Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera Compact
- Camera Type: Mirrorless Compact Camera
- Sensor Size: APS-C
- Sensor Resolution: 24.2 MP
- Lens Mount: E mount
- Image Stabilization: IBIS
- Video Resolution: 4K or Full HD
- Weight: 0.16 ounces (4.5g)
What Makes This Camera The Best Compact Camera For Wildlife Photography?
Sony’s Alpha a6400 is a mirrorless camera considered by many as the best compact camera for wildlife photography. The model offers a wide variety of lenses and an excellent optical zoom for closeups. It also has the world’s fastest 0.2 seconds autofocus, making it a perfect ally for wildlife photographers.
The camera also allows 4K and Full HD video recording. It has an excellent image sensor capable of delivering clear images in low light moments. The LCD touchscreen enables the camera for intuitive photos and smooth videos.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers agree that the a6400 is an excellent improvement over the previous a6000 model, which was already a good camera for wildlife photography. They praise the ergonomics of the camera and the speed of the autofocus.
Features and Considerations
The Sony Alpha a6400 offers users the necessary features for wildlife photography. It includes the world’s fastest autofocus, a 24.2 MP sensor, real-time eye-focus technology, real-time tracking, and a fully tiltable LCD screen for self-recording.
Overall, a6400 is an excellent camera for wildlife photography and photography in general.
Wildlife Cameras FAQ
What Specs Should a Wildlife Photography Camera Have?
Having the right camera for the job means knowing the right features your camera needs to get the best possible results. A camera needs a suitable image sensor, autofocus, and other features to work in wildlife photography.
Here’s a list of the necessary features a camera needs for wildlife photography.
Sensor
It is imperative in photography to get a clear image of the moment. This is particularly true in wildlife photography. Most of the time, you’ll be shooting during the moments of less light of the day, and you’ll still need a clear image.
A camera with a suitable image sensor will give you what you need. All you have to do is look for a camera with a wide dynamic range. The dynamic range gives you the possibility of shooting at low light and recovering the image in post-production.
Megapixels
Having many megapixels can be tempting, especially for those that crop the picture in post. However, lots of megapixels also mean less frame rate and dynamic range in most camera models.
If you are looking for a wildlife photography camera, you need to look for 20 megapixels at full-frame.
Autofocus
The camera’s ability to focus on images in a short amount of time is imperative for wildlife photography. The autofocus also needs to select a small focus point and have different focus points to choose from.
You’ll also need to look for a camera with autofocus capable of focusing on moving objects or objects in low light.
Lens Availability
Suitable lenses are a must for any type of photography, and more so for wildlife photography. Lenses must be lightweight but powerful and with a good zoom and focus range.
Keep in mind that the lens you use is as critical as the camera you’ll be getting.
Ergonomics
Photographing wildlife means adapting to the situations to get the best possible shot. To achieve this, you’ll need a camera that is easy to set up in the least amount of time.
With your new camera, you should be able to adjust settings using minimal button pressing and without having to look away from the viewfinder.
Speed
Photographing action or moving objects is an essential part of wildlife photography. For it to be done correctly, you’ll need a camera with a good speed, which means that you’ll need to take a considerable number of frames per second.
Fast cameras can give you ten frames per second, while cheaper, slower cameras can reach a maximum of three frames per second.
Full Frame or Crop Factor
The crop factor of a camera depends on the model. DSLR cameras with smaller sensors have a crop factor, giving you the required magnification if you use a shorter lens.
On the other hand, a full-frame camera gives you the possibility of getting a more precise image when shooting in low light. With a full-frame camera, you’ll get more depth and color in each picture, another critical feature for wildlife photography.
In the end, it will come down to your budget. If you are starting out, a camera with a crop factor can be a better ally than a full-frame one.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
You’ll find yourself in different rough places like deserts, lakes, jungles, or mountains. Each one can have an impact on your camera, and that’s the reason you need a camera that can endure harsh conditions.
Look for cameras with in-built quality weather sealing and invest in a cover to protect your camera from snow, water, or sand.
Are Mirrorless Cameras Good for Wildlife Photography?
The new mirrorless camera models are some of the best options for wildlife photographers. They already excel in street photography, but you can now use them for wildlife photography with the new features they offer. They are fast, easy-to-use, and most importantly, easy to carry.
Mirrorless cameras have most of the features a DSLR offers, but with the benefit of being less bulky. Most mirrorless cameras will offer you a full-frame image sensor inside a small body. This design is critical for wildlife photographers that have to carry multiple cameras for their work.
Here are the advantages of using a mirrorless camera for wildlife photography:
- It has a balanced and compact camera body.
- It is lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- It has an excellent full-frame image sensor.
- It has a powerful processor for fast shooting.
- You get real-time exposure and focus peaking.
- You can check the histogram before taking the picture.
- Mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder, which is an improvement from standard viewfinders in DSLR cameras.
Here are some of the disadvantages of using a mirrorless camera for wildlife photography:
- The lens availability is scarce, and you’ll have a hard time finding the right lens for your camera.
- It requires you to unlearn all you know about cameras if you’ve been using a DSLR before.
- Mirrorless cameras are still new to the market, so it will take some time to get the definitive model for wildlife photography.
Why Do Wildlife Photographers Sometimes Carry 2 Cameras?
Photographers tend to carry multiple cameras for one reason: time. Sometimes, getting the perfect shot means being ready when the moment appears in front of you.
Having only one camera requires you to set up the camera for a specific photo. If you don’t have your camera setup for the image, then you miss the moment.
If you use two cameras or more during your wildlife photos, you’ll be prepared for many different situations. You can have a camera setup for a wide shot with a lot of light and the other format for a close up over the shadows.
Many wildlife photographers agree that having two or more cameras can make the job easier. Although, it is not a must if you are just beginning in the wildlife photography field. Use what you can, but if you have the possibility of using multiple cameras, go for it.
How Many Batteries Should I Carry with Me?
In photography, the standard is to carry two fully-charged batteries per camera, especially if each camera has a different battery type. However, in wildlife photography, you might need more than two depending on the amount of time you’ll be staying in the wild.
You won’t find easy access to energy or a place to charge your batteries. If you are out for more than a day or two, you’ll need to consider packing extra batteries for each camera.
If you’ll be staying out for long periods, pack two or three batteries per day.
What Type of Lens Do I Need for Wildlife Photography?
The type of lens will always depend on the kind of photography you are doing. If you want to get the best close-ups of wildlife fauna, you’ll need a lens with a good zoom and focus range. If you want landscapes and group pictures of many animals, you’ll need to get the proper lens for them.
Most of the photos you’ll be taking will require lenses with a good zoom for you to get close enough for the best shot. Keep in mind that the type of lens will vary depending on the camera model and brand you are using.
Here’s a list of the best wildlife photography lenses for the most used brands and models:
For Canon and Nikon cameras:
- Sigma 70-300mm Macro-Telephoto
- Sigma 500mm HSM Sport Lens
- Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens
- Tamron 16-300mm All-In-One Zoom Lens
Only Canon:
- Canon EF-S 18-200mm IS Standard Zoom Lens
- Canon EF 100-400mm II USM Lens
- Canon 70-300mm USM UD Lens
Only Nikon:
- Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 80-400mm VR Zoom Lens
- Nikon 70-200mm ED VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
- Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200-500mm ED Lens
- Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm VR Lens
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor DX 18-200mm ED VR II Lens
Conclusion
Wildlife Photography is a unique calling that requires a set of skills and equipment to be done correctly. If you want to start doing wildlife photography, you’ll need to meet those requirements.
First of all, you’ll need the right camera. It must be lightweight, easy to use, and fast for you to shoot a picture at the right moment. You can get a mirrorless camera or a DSLR, it can be compact or fully equipped, but it needs to have the features mentioned above. It is recommended to get two cameras or more for wildlife photography.
Next, you’ll need the right set of lenses. Most of the wildlife pictures you’ll take will require a lens with a good zoom and focus range. A macro-telephoto is the right choice, and you can always get 18-200mm, depending on your camera.
Overall, wildlife photography requires care and passion, and if you have it go for it. The tools are secondary if you have the motivation.
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