7 Best Cameras for Wildlife Photography Beginners

This article presents seven picks for the best camera for wildlife photography beginner so you can choose the perfect equipment that is easy to use, but still advanced enough to capture the best wildlife frames. Together with a brief description for each, we also present some relevant specs such as dimensions, weight, resolution, power source, ISO, and others. Also, you can read about the pros and cons for each camera.

Whether you are a learning birder, or you are interested in documenting other wildlife, capturing photos of your experience is absolutely critical. Being able to capture a moment in time where you experienced something new: like seeing a specific bird for the first time ever, or you happened to stumble upon a moose from a distance (be careful!). To be able to relive it in the future with others in photo form is a tremendously fulfilling experience. Our hope is that we can demystify digital cameras to the point where you’d feel safe making a purchase knowing that you’ll be able to operate the camera right away, and that you can take beautiful pictures without being an expert. Below, you will find our top 7 picks to help you get started on your journey.

1. Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR Camera

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.

2. FujiFilm X-H1 Mirrorless Digital Camera

This is one of the few mirrorless cameras that can hold a place within the DSLR lineup. It is fast enough to capture wildlife, while its AF system is designed for low light performance. Because the AF system is now compatible with apertures as small as f/11, you don’t have to sacrifice it when using a wider range of lenses and teleconverters. All these make the FujiFilm X-H1 the best camera for wildlife photography beginner who loves sophisticated technology.

3. Nikon D500 DX-Format Digital SLR

This camera comes with a professional level AF system, just like other more advanced cameras from Nikon. This is the best camera for a wildlife photography beginner who wants to keep things simple. However, this does not affect its performance. Despite being simpler, the camera can still produce professional photos even when used by a beginner. It also comes with weather sealing, a feature that is essential for wildlife photography. On top of that, it has a nice ISO range that works great in those tricky morning and evening lighting situations, which makes it the third best camera for wildlife photography beginner.

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4. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II 4K Mirrorless Camera Body

With an advanced electronic shutter, this mirrorless device is the best camera for wildlife photography beginner who wants to look like a pro. This shutter allows you to capture images at up to 18 fps with continuous autofocus tracking. It can even buffer up to 35 frames as soon as you press it, allowing you to catch beautiful shots of fast-moving animals and other breathtaking wildlife scenes.

5. Panasonic LUMIX GH5 Body 4K Mirrorless Camera

Here we have the best camera for wildlife photography beginner who knows his way around a professional camera. Utilizing its mechanical shutter, the LUMIX GH5 can capture images with continuous AF at up to 9 fps in full-resolution. The body of this camera has moisture and dust protection, so it stays safe even if you leave it linger in harsh outdoor conditions. Such features make the camera ideal for wildlife photography in more exotic areas, but it can face cold without trouble, too. The camera can take flawless pictures even at -10 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body

Nikon offers us a more advanced option, as D850 is the best camera for wildlife photography beginner and professional alike. The resolution is a phenomenal 45.7 megapixels, while you can switch to an electronic shutter setting for silent shooting. You can also switch it to DX mode with 30 fps for incredibly fast shots. This will reduce the resolution of the image to 8.6 megapixels, but it allows you to take pictures of speedy animals and other natural phenomena.

7. Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

With a maximum continuous shooting rate of up to 10 fps, this is definitely the best camera for wildlife photography beginner in terms of speed. It can also focus fairly quickly in low light situations, which is vital when tracking wildlife movements. The camera is also equipped with high contrast features, assuring some great high-quality shots, while the rechargeable battery can last you a long time.

Conclusion

Choosing the best camera for a wildlife photography beginner can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not familiar with such technicalities. However, this guide leads you through seven camera suggestions by presenting their most important specs and details. This way, any beginner can make an easier pick for a camera to suit all their needs.

We were very impressed with the capabilities of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR Camera and think it’s the best starter camera for wildlife photography overall, but if you know your way around a camera, the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 might be your best bet. If you have used a different brand to learn wildlife photography, please share it with other beginners who are in need of help. The comment section is right below.