If you are looking for a camera for wildlife photography, then you might be asking yourself “what’s the best camera for wildlife photography?” or maybe even “which camera is good for wildlife photography”. It can be hard to choose a camera. But with some research you’ll find out which brands and types of cameras will do the best job of capturing your images.
There are a handful of factors that determine the best camera for wildlife photography. You might even consider this your holy grail. However, with an infinite number of options, it’s hard to narrow down what will be best for you. That’s where I come in — I’ve constructed a top ten list of cameras that are great for capturing wildlife images and put them into perspective with my own personal usecase.
What’s the best camera for wildlife photography? I have been asked this question by many photographers. The answer is simple: It depends…. but you can get details about cameras and their prices below.
What camera is good for wildlife photography
What’s the best camera for wildlife photography? To make things even more complicated, there are so many different types of cameras out there with varying qualities and features…but I’d like to help you out. If you want trigger happy photos of wildlife but don’t have the budget for top of the range gear, a mid-range point and shoot could be just what your looking for.
Have you been wondering what camera is best for wildlife photography? I’m sure we all have. Well, it might be a good idea to take a look at some of the best cameras out there before you just purchase whatever one your friend or relative has and send them a check for your birthday!
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned wildlife photographer, capturing the drama and beauty of wild creatures in their natural settings is an alluring endeavor.
Choosing the ideal camera to produce amazing photographs may be time-consuming, challenging, and frequently expensive. It can feel like traversing a maze.
You may take stunning photos without spending a fortune; we have done a ton of research and selected the best wildlife photography cameras under $500.
Finding your optimal camera setup on any budget will be easier with the help of my instructions below!
Best camera for wildlife photography under 500
What’s the best wildlife photography camera and lens combo for under $500? Here are four different systems to check out.
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Criteria
For wildlife photograph in this price range, we are distilling things down to a few essentials. Namely what will be important is facilitating a passion for photographing wild animals, and one way to achieve that through gear is by getting results that are unlike anything you’ve been able to capture with a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera. Therefore, listed below are mid-range consumer DSLR and mirrorless cameras with worthy specs for wildlife beginners, along with a telephoto lens that calculates to at least a 300mm after the sensor’s crop factor is figured in (to make it 35mm equivalent).
New Versus Used Camera Gear
In this comparison of wildlife kits under $500, I’ve chosen to stick with used prices.
For the sake of getting the best bang for your buck, it’s wise to check reputable sellers for their stock of used camera gear. I understand if picking up used gear is a scary thought, but if done right, there should be almost no discomfort when you buy used. That can mean buying from a place that stands behind their used merchandise with returns accepted, lots of photos of the exact item you’re getting, a detailed description of its condition, and good communication. If you ever feel like you’re taking a gamble on buying something used, back away and keep looking.
Buying used gear almost always means getting a better model of equipment for the same price as something not as good but brand new. At this stage where you’re hunting for a kit under $500, it means saving a couple hundred dollars, but when the philosophy is taken to the really expensive high-end stuff, it starts to become a matter of saving thousands. I highly recommend getting used to the secondhand marketplace sooner rather than later, especially for wildlife photography.
For the pricing of this article, I’ve decided to go with B&H Photo’s used department prices on real items that were in a condition of “8+” or better. B&H generally has average pricing for their used gear that might not be as cheap as eBay, but again they have a solid reputation that allows buyers to still save money while also not taking any big risk. I pulled the prices on March 13, 2019, and while these exact listings might not be there anymore, it’s a good gauge for where the market is at for them right now and you should still expect to pay around this amount for the cameras and lenses once you find them.
Without further ado, here are four different brand choices to get started with wildlife photography for under $500.
Nikon
Camera: Nikon D5300 – $399.95
Lens: Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED – $84.95
Total: $484.90
Pros: The Nikon D5300 features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, which when combined with the NIKKOR 70-300mm at the telephoto end, gives a 450mm equivalent field of view with a healthy amount of photo resolution. The DSLR camera has no optical low-pass filter which means sharper images at the cost of possible moire patterns. Moire patterns are common in fabrics, something a wildlife photographer probably doesn’t need to worry about.
Cons: The D5300 is only capable of 5 fps continuous burst shooting, which can be harder to hit those exact perfect animal gestures that happen in a fraction of a second. Neither the camera body or lens has optical image stabilization, so there will be greater dependence on higher ISOs and faster shutter speeds to prevent camera shake blurring.
Shot with the Nikon D5300 and Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED lens. Photo by Matjaž Mirt via Flickr, used under Creative Commons.
Canon
Camera: Canon EOS 7D – $379
Lens: Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM – $89.95
Total: $468.95
Pros: Canon APS-C sensors have a crop factor of 1.6x rather than a 1.5x that is typical of other brands. That means just a little more reach, and in this case the 300mm end of the lens becomes 480mm in equivalent field of view. The Canon 7D can also do 8 fps continuous shooting which is good for fidgety perched birds as well as birds in flight. The lens is one-third stop faster on both ends of its variable aperture range compared to the Nikon and Sony lenses shown here.
Cons: Like the Nikon DSLR, there’s no optical image stabilization in either the body or lens. The 7D sensor is also falling toward the low end in terms of resolution, with only 18 megapixels to work with.
Shot with the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM lens. Photo by Mark O’Leary via Flickr, used under Creative Commons.
Sony
Camera: Sony a6000 – $269.95
Lens: Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS – $219.95
Total: $488.90
Pros: The 24.2-megapixel Sony a6000, like the previous two options, also has an APS-C sensor, and has a good number of megapixels to work with. The mirrorless camera is able to shoot up to 11 fps continuously which tops the charts in this comparison. Also a big bonus, the 55-210mm lens features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization. While image stabilization can’t help with animals that are moving too quickly and giving you motion blur, it can help with subjects in low light that tend to pause their movements, like a deer or owl.
Cons: The biggest downside to this kit is it has the most limited reach, sitting at only a 315mm equivalent at its most telephoto. Battery life will also be more poor than the previous DSLRs.
Shot with the Sony a6000 and Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS lens. Photo by Kim Dung Ho via Flickr, used under Creative Commons.
Micro Four Thirds
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10 – $278.95
Lens: Panasonic 45-200mm f/4-5.6 G Vario MEGA O.I.S. – $219.95
Total: $498.90
Pros: This is the only combination on this list that has image stabilization in both the camera body and lens for maximum strength low light assistance. Because the OM-D E-M10 uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor, the crop factor is 2.0x and the 45-200mm lens becomes 90-400mm equivalent. The mirrorless camera shoots at 8 fps for a good number of photos to work with in fast moving situations. Like the Canon, this Panasonic lens is one-third stop faster on both ends of its variable aperture range compared to the Nikon and Sony.
Cons: The combination of the Micro Four Thirds sensor being smaller than the APS-C sensor of the other three, plus a comparison low of 16.1 megapixels, means image quality will likely degrade easier than the others if doing postproduction work. Battery life will also be more of a concern than the Nikon or Canon.
Shot with the Panasonic 45-200mm f/4-5.6 G Vario MEGA O.I.S. lens. Photo by Crosa via Flickr, used under Creative Commons.
Next Steps
There we have four different camera and lens combinations that will put you on the right foot for capturing wonderful wildlife images. Remember to pick up a memory card for these, and as for the rest of the accessories, such as extra batteries, my advice is to wait. Test the camera setup in your hands for a while and see what you might actually be missing. You may find that you actually don’t use up a battery as fast as you thought you would, and recharging just the one that came with the camera works fine. Try not to spend money where it isn’t needed, and at this stage try and let go of the thoughts of gear acquisition altogether. Right now it’s about exploring the craft of photography and learning all about wildlife subjects, not about what upgrades come next. When you need to upgrade or add more to your kit, you’ll know it.
Best Camera for Wildlife Photography Under $500
1
What is the best beginner camera for wildlife photography?
With the growing passion for wildlife photography, people tend to look for cameras that produce better
results than smartphones or point-and-shoot cameras. You will require a wholesome investment to
purchase a camera capable of these results, but some alternatives might not leave a financial debt.
There are many choices of quality cameras that you can acquire within your budget to enhance your
wildlife photography experience. These are cameras with a price range of up to $500 and are suitable
for tourists looking for the ultimate photography experience at a low cost. They can also prove effective
for a safari photographer who wants a short-term use of the camera and later resell or dispose of it.
They include; read also >>best camera for african safari 2021
Best Camera for Wildlife Photography Under $500
- Nikon D5300
- Panasonic Lumix GX80
- Sony a6000
- Canon EOS 7D
- Nikon Coolpix B500
- GoPro Hero 7
- Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
- Canon EOS Rebel T6
- Micro Four Thirds – Olympus OM-D E-M10
Nikon D5300
The camera features an APS-C sensor with 24.2-megapixels that provides a 450mm field of view when
combined with the NIKKOR 70-300mm at the end of the telephoto. The sensor gives photos a healthy
amount of resolution. The camera also produces sharper images because it lacks an optical low-pass
filter. The DSLR camera can shoot continuous burst images of 5 fps and lacks proper image stabilization.
The Nikon D5300 has a higher dependence on fast shutter speeds to prevent blurring when the camera
shakes. You can acquire the camera with a budget range of $400-$500 inclusive of the lens.
Micro Four Thirds – Olympus OM-D E-M10
This camera provides image stabilization with its lens to allow you to shoot in low light assistance for
maximum strength. The camera has a crop factor of 2.0x because it uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor and
magnifies the 45-200mm lens to 90-400mm. It shoots at eight fps to produce some quality photos in
fast-moving situations. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 is mirrorless and has a shorter battery life than the
Nikon or Canon. The camera costs around $290, while the additional lenses cost approximately $219. It
works well with the Panasonic 45-200mm lens or the 4-5.6 G Vario MEGA O.I.S. best camera for african safari 2021
Panasonic Lumix GX80
The Panasonic Lumix GX80 is a mirrorless, pocket-sized camera that comes with a Micro Four Thirds
sensor. The camera offers a 45-150mm telephoto with an additional 12-35mm standard lens. It also
comes with a 5-axis image stabilization, Post Focus, and Light Speed AF. It has a high-resolution
electronic viewfinder at the back with a tilting touchscreen. The camera shoots videos and still photos
with a 4K ultra definition. The continuous shooting speed of 8 fps allows you to capture quality videos
and photos of up to 16.0MP. Panasonic Lumix GX80 comes with two zoom lenses for under $500.
Sony a6000
The camera costs around $280, while the Sony E 55-210mm or 4.5-6.3 OSS lenses cost around $230
each. The Sony a600 has an APS-C sensor and comes with 24.2 megapixels. The camera is mirrorless and
can continuously shoot up to 11 fps. The lenses also have image stabilization that helps with subjects in
low-light situations. Although the camera has a limited reach of 315mm for its most telephoto, it is ideal
for wildlife photographers looking for animals that pause during movements at night.
Canon EOS 7D
The Canon EOS 7D has an APS-C sensor with a crop factor of 1.6x. The lens constitutes more reach
making the 300mm lens end to become 480mm. The camera has an 8fps continuous shooting range
ideal for capturing little perched birds and those in flight. The lens lacks optical image stabilization. It
also has a sensor that produces lower resolutions of 18 megapixels only. The camera costs $390 with
additional lenses costing between $80 and $100.
Nikon Coolpix B500
This camera model is appropriate for wildlife photographers who do not wish to carry heavy photo gear.
It produces a fantastic photo quality because of the 40x optical zoom lens and a dynamic zoom range of
80x. The Nikon Coolpix B500 has additional features like NFC technology and Wi-Fi connectivity capable
of transferring photos between your devices. It also has a compact design with zoom and prolonged
battery life. The camera is worth an outstanding $300. The price makes it ideal for one-time users.
GoPro Hero 7
This camera is hugely distinguished from its competitors under $500 by a durability factor. GoPro Hero 7
is water-resistant that makes it ideal for underwater video shooting. The camera has a hyper-smooth
video stabilizer that allows you to film marine life with smooth results and capture quality travel
pictures. It also comes with touchscreen and voice control features. A well-laid menu makes the camera
user-friendly. The camera has a live streaming feature that allows YouTube vloggers to share their
wildlife experiences instantly with their fans. The DSLR camera costs a little under $500.
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
This camera is an entry-level version of the Canon G9 X. The pocket-size camera has a CMOS matrix that
allows you to capture wildlife photos with 5472×3648 resolution. It has a 3-inch touchscreen that makes
you shoot videos in harsh daylight conditions. Its Wi-Fi compatibility allows you to synchronize with
other gadgets and share unlimited content over the internet. You can also control the camera remotely
when it’s connected to your devices.
Canon EOS Rebel T6
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is one of the best cameras suitable for wildlife photographers with low
budgets. The camera has an 18.0 megapixel CMOS image sensor together with a DIGIC 4+ image
processor. These qualities allow the camera to capture high-quality videos and photos even in low-light
environments. The integrated Wi-Fi and NFC modules enable you to share images with friends through
the web. You can also adjust the camera to your requirements through its Scene Intelligent Auto Mode.
In conclusion, your $500 budget can get you a mirrorless camera, a compact camera, or the latest entry-
level DSLR for an ultimate wildlife photography experience. The choice will depend on your
requirements, but you should observe crucial features like megapixels, fps, camera modes, ISO, video
quality, and viewfinder. Furthermore, a good camera should include additional functions like
- convenient
- touchscreens,
- Wi-Fi
- NFC connectivity
- effective filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beginner camera for wildlife photography?
Canon EOS 7d Mark II is the absolute best camera for wildlife photography beginner, mainly due to its stellar autofocus. With a 65-point AF system, it makes capturing fast-moving subjects in sharp focus much more realistic. Also, this system can function in low light, which is helpful when shooting in the early morning or at dusk. Since it’s so user-friendly, this is definitely the best starter camera for wildlife photography.
Which camera is best for wildlife photography Nikon or Canon?
The D5 is king at Nikon and is among one of the best wildlife photography cameras in the world.Nikon’s D5600 digital SLR camera is made for creating a more connected world. Working with the SnapBridge app, it stays in constant communication with your smart device. Its very-angle monitor brings fresh perspectives to each scene while offering a range of intuitive touch operations. Its newly added time-lapse movie function lets you record impressive videos entirely in-camera. And everything you take — whether images or videos — can be transferred to your smart device effortlessly. So go out, get creative, and share your artistic view.
What kind of camera should I look for in wildlife photography?
1. Autofocus (AF)
As you look through the viewfinder on your camera, you will see the autofocus points. These are what the camera uses to focus on your subject. Autofocus is VERY important for photographing birds and other wildlife. It’s rare when an animal is sitting still for long. Nothing is more frustrating than missing an incredible shot because your subject was moving and your camera couldn’t focus in time. Cameras will advertise a certain number of autofocus points. As a general rule, the more AF points the camera has, the better the Autofocus will perform. But as you can imagine, this adds to the cost to produce and manufacture.
