Best Cameras for Bird Photography (2024)

Few experiences measure up to the thrill of spotting an elusive bird species. We can name one that beats it though: having your camera in hand and capturing a photo of the bird!

But it takes more than just patience and a keen eye to bring back a stellar bird photo. It also requires the right camera.

And, whether you're a beginner looking for budget-friendly options to get you started with photography while bird-watching or a seasoned pro seeking high-end models for publication-ready images, we've got you covered when it comes to recommending the birding camera that's right for you.

Let's look at the best cameras for bird photography, exploring the digital camera world, and examining the range of options for capturing shots of wild birds on the ground or in the air.

Contents

1. How we picked the best cameras for bird photography
2. Sony Alpha 1
3. Canon EOS R3
4. Nikon D850
5. Canon EOS R5
6. Olympus OM-D E-M1X
7. Sony Alpha 7R III
8. Nikon D7500
9. Sony Alpha 6400
10. Canon EOS Rebel T8i
11. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
12. What to look for when shopping for the best camera for bird photography
13. How many megapixels do you need for bird photography?
14. Are DSLR cameras good for bird photography?
15. Is mirrorless better than DSLR for bird photography?
16. Is a full-frame camera better for bird photography?
17. How to choose the best camera for bird photography for YOU

We at Conservation Visual Storytellers Academy have extensive experience in nature and wildlife photography. Our writers and editors use the major camera systems available and have decades of experience in the field.

To choose the best recommendations for you, we combine personal experience, insights from fellow pros and industry experts, editorial and user reviews, and details from manufacturers. We carefully weigh the pros and cons of each item and put only what we feel is the best selection available into our recommendation guides.

We've curated a selection of camera bodies to meet the needs of different bird photography goals and budgets. Factors we consider include weight, ISO capabilities, autofocus points, frames per second, buffering, image stabilization, and more features that allow you to have the best bird photography experience. We focused on bodies that offer interchangeable lenses since bird photography requires using various telephoto lens options. We also included a mix of entry-level and professional camera bodies and a variety of camera manufacturers.

For advice on what to consider in a bird photography camera and how to choose the right camera body for you, use the table of contents to jump to those sections.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS (35.9 x 24 mm)
• Effective Megapixels: 50.1
• Autofocus Points: 759 (in-phase detection)
• Continuous Shooting Burst Rate: 30 fps
• Buffer: 155 compressed RAW frames or 165 JPEGs at 30 fps
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-32,000 (expands to 50-102,400)
• Weight: 1.6 lbs (with battery and memory card)
• Price Range: $$$

WHAT WE THINK

Considered by many to be the best camera for bird photography, the Sony Alpha 1 boasts a 50.1MP Exmor RS full-frame sensor and a BIONZ XR engine for superior image processing.

The sensor's design provides high image clarity, impressive sensitivity up to ISO 102400, and a 15-stop dynamic range.

It also enables fast shooting at 30 fps and phase-detection AF, along with lossless compressed raw files for flexible post-production editing.

This camera body is quickly becoming a top choice among professional photographers, with many folks switching from Canon or Nikon to the Sony system.

The Alpha 1 maintains a familiar form factor reminiscent of other Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. Essentially, it feels like Sony has combined the best features of the A9 Mark II, the A7S Mark III, the A7R Mark IV, and added 8K video capabilities into one incredible birding camera.

No wonder many photographers feel this is the best mirrorless camera available right now.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS (36.0 x 24.0 mm)
• Effective Megapixels: 24.1
• Autofocus Points:1053
• Continuous Shooting Burst Rate:~30 fps with electronic shutter and up to 12 fps with mechanical shutter
• Buffer: 540 JPEG or 140 RAW files at 30 fps
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-102,400 (expands to 204,800)
• Weight: 1.81 lbs (camera body only), 2.2 lbs (incl. battery and memory card)
• Price Range:$$$

WHAT WE THINK

Powered by a DIGIC X Image Processor, the Canon EOS R3 is a powerhouse that takes mirrorless technology to the next level.

The back-illuminated stacked 24.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor allows for faster read-out speeds and less “rolling shutter” distortion, resulting in cleaner low-light photos and the ability to capture true 14-bit RAW files in electronic shutter mode. It is impressively lightweight for being a relatively large camera body.

And, of course, the blazing fast burst mode ensures you'll never miss a single flick of your subject's wing.

With the durability of an EOS-1D series camera and the sophistication of the EOS R5, the R3 not only stands out but quite nearly stands alone.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Type: DSLR
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
• Effective Megapixels: 45.7
• Autofocus Points: 153 (99 cross-type)
• Continuous Shooting Burst Rate: 7 fps (9 fps with a grip)
• Buffer: 51-54 fps of 14-bit RAW files with lossless compression
• Image Stabilization: No
• ISO Sensitivity: 64-25,600 (expands to 32-102,400)
• Weight: 2.02 lbs (camera body only)
• Price Range: $$$

WHAT WE THINK

The Nikon D850 boasts a 46MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with extraordinary technical performance, making it perfect for not just bird photography but all types of wildlife photography.

The D850 offers impressive features such as 45.7MP imaging and uncropped 4K 30p video, which we love.

However, a big drawback is the relatively slow 7 frames per second for continuous shooting, and the buffer tops out at 51 frames when shooting RAW. For capturing the sudden movements of speedy birds or aerial acrobatics, this means far fewer keepers overall compared to cameras that can handle double the number of frames per second.

That said, this is still a doozy of a camera and one that easily holds its own alongside competitors.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS (36 x 24 mm)
• Effective Megapixels: 45
• Autofocus Points:1,053
• Continuous Shooting Burst Rate: 12 fps (mechanical shutter), 20 fps (electronic shutter)
• Buffer: 182 RAW images at 12 fps
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-51,200 (expands to 102,400)
• Weight: 1.62 lbs (incl. battery and memory card)
• Price Range: $$

WHAT WE THINK

The Canon EOS R5 is a bird photographer's dream.

Its 45MP CMOS sensor, teamed with the DIGIC X image processor, delivers high-resolution images and 8K raw video recording, while its astounding 20 fps speed is perfect for capturing birds in flight.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, enhanced with Deep Learning technology, ensures smooth, intelligent focusing on fast-moving subjects.

Add to that the five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, and you've got sharp, shake-free shots even in challenging conditions.

With these features packed into a familiar yet refined design, the R5 is a game-changer that beautifully marries speed, resolution, and focus precision.

While it's considered a mid-range, we're deeply impressed with a camera capable of so much while staying at a reasonable price range. We're not surprised so many pros are choosing to add this gem to their kit.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Live MOS Micro Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm)
• Effective Megapixels: 20.4
• Autofocus Points: 121 (cross-type)
• Continuous Shooting Burst Rate: 60 fps
• Buffer: 49 RAW frames and 49 JPEG frames at 60 fps
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• ISO Sensitivity: 200-25,600 (expands to 64)
• Weight: 2.20 lbs (incl. batteries)
• Price Range: $$

WHAT WE THINK

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is all about reliability, speed, and versatility.

Its 20.4MP Live MOS sensor and dual TruePic VIII image processors allow for quick continuous shooting, and with a sensitivity range up to ISO 25600 and a sophisticated 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system, you can expect sharp images even in challenging conditions.

The camera also features on-chip phase-detection points and contrast-detection areas for fast and precise focusing.

Its integrated vertical grip – the first of its kind in a Micro Four Thirds camera – makes for improved ergonomics and handling, whether you're shooting horizontally or vertically.

Overall, we're very impressed with this camera, especially considering the affordable zoom lens options from Olympus that you can pair with it for a fantastic bird photography kit.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor (35.9 x 24.0 mm)
• Effective Megapixels: 42.4
• Autofocus Points: 399 (phase-detection), 425 (contrast)
• Continuous Shooting Burst Rate: 10 fps
• Buffer: 76 Large/Extra Fine JPEGs, 28 uncompressed RAW images, and 28 for uncompressed RAW + Large/Extra Fine JPEGs
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• ISO Sensitivity: 100–32,000 (expandable to 50-102,400)
• Weight: 1.45 lbs (incl. battery and memory card)
• Price Range: $$

WHAT WE THINK

The Sony Alpha 7R III is a standout choice for bird photography. Its 42.4MP sensor delivers stunning image quality that brings out the finest details of our avian subjects.

The high-speed shooting at 10fps, coupled with an exceptional autofocus system featuring 399 phase-detection and 425 contrast AF points, ensures you'll never miss a moment, even with the fastest of flyers.

The broad dynamic range and adjustable ISO sensitivity offer flexibility for varying lighting conditions, making this an excellent camera for those extra-early morning or late evening outings where low light or contrasty light is a challenge.

Finally, the 5-axis in-body image stabilization and Pixel Shift Multi Shooting feature guarantee high-resolution, blur-free images.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic beginner, the Alpha 7R III is a reliable partner for your bird photography adventures.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Type: DSLR
• Sensor: DX-Format CMOS (Crop Factor: 1.5x)
• Effective Megapixels: 20.9
• Autofocus Points: 51
• Continuous Shooting Burst Rate: 8 fps
• Buffer: 50-100 Raw files depending on the bit depth and compression settings. For JPEGs, the buffer can accommodate up to 100 images.
• Image Stabilization: No, but some Nikon lenses that can be used with the D7500 come with Vibration Reduction
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-51,200, Expanded ISO 1,640,000
• Weight: 1.41 lbs (body only)
• Price Range: $

WHAT WE THINK

The Nikon D7500 is a top choice for bird photographers. Its 20.9MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor ensure high-quality images, while the impressive ISO range provides excellent low-light performance.

The camera's durable design is well-suited for outdoor environments, and the tilting rear touchscreen allows for creative shooting angles.

With its blend of resolution, speed, and handling, the Nikon D7500 is a reliable companion for any bird photography enthusiast.

For those looking for an affordable camera for bird photography that has all the necessities without over-stretching the budget, this is a fantastic option.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS (23.5 x 15.6 mm) (Crop Factor: 1.5x)
• Effective Megapixels: 24.2
• Autofocus Points: 425 (phase- and contrast-detect)
• Continuous Shooting Burst Rate: 11 fps
• Buffer: Can maintain its top speed for 46 RAW+JPEG, 49 RAW, or 114 JPEG shots
• Image Stabilization: No, but there are a number of Sony e-mount lenses available that do include image stabilization
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-32,000 (expandable to 102,400)
• Weight: 0.89 lbs (with battery and memory card included)
• Price Range: $

WHAT WE THINK

The Sony Alpha 6400 (aka a6400) is a prime choice for bird photography. Its 24.2MP Exmor CMOS sensor delivers high-quality, noise-free images, which is crucial for capturing detailed bird portraits.

The impressive ISO sensitivity range is perfect for shooting in various light conditions.

The camera's 4D FOCUS system, with its rapid and precise focusing, ensures you won't miss those quick-moving bird shots.

Plus, the practical body design with a flexible LCD touchscreen makes shooting from tricky angles a breeze.

Overall, the Sony a6400 is packed with features that meet the unique demands of bird photography, making it a worthwhile companion for any bird enthusiast.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Type: DSLR
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS (22.3 x 14.9 mm) (Crop Factor: 1.6x)
• Effective Megapixels: 24.1
• Autofocus Points: 45 (all cross-type phase-detect)
• Continuous Shooting Burst Rate: 7 fps
• Buffer: 170 JPEG Fine images in a single burst and up to 40 images when shooting in RAW format
• Image Stabilization: It does not have in-body image stabilization; however, many Canon lenses, including the 18-55mm kit lens often paired with the T8i, do come with built-in optical image stabilization. Additionally, the T8i offers electronic image stabilization for video, but this feature is not available for stills
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-25,600
• Weight: 1.13 lbs (incl. battery, recording media)
• Price Range: $

WHAT WE THINK

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i DSLR Camera stands out as a strong choice for bird photographers. Its 24.1MP APS-C-format CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor deliver high-resolution stills, perfect for capturing bird details.

The swift and precise focusing systems, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF and a 45-point all-cross-type phase-detection system, are perfect for tracking moving birds.

With its easy-to-use touchscreen LCD and connectivity features for effortless image sharing and remote control, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i combines user-friendly design with advanced imaging capabilities, plus great battery life, making it an ideal companion for bird photography enthusiasts.

We absolutely love this option and consider it one of the best cameras for beginners, especially for folks looking for a camera at a lower price point so they can dip their toes into this realm of wildlife photography while still watching their budget.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Live MOS Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13.0 mm)
• Effective Megapixels: 20.3
• Autofocus Points: 121
• Continuous Shooting Burst Rate: 15 fps
• Buffer: Continuous shooting of up to 150 ORF (Olympus Raw Format) images at 10 fps with a mechanical shutter. The buffer can hold about 30 photos before the camera slows down, but it clears in about 6 seconds when using a UHS-II card. In high settings, its buffer depth provides 42 RAW images and virtually unlimited RAW images in low settings.
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• ISO Sensitivity: LOW (approx. 100)-25,600
• Weight: 0.84 lbs (incl. battery and memory card)
• Price Range: $

WHAT WE THINK

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a solid choice for bird photographers. This compact camera boasts an impressive 20MP sensor and refined Continuous Autofocus, ensuring stunning image quality and precision, even in low light.

Its Micro Four Thirds sensor and swappable lenses offer flexibility, while the user-friendly and responsive interface makes it a joy to use.

The camera's attractive SLR-styled body is solidly built.

Perfect for beginners and seasoned photographers alike, the E-M10 Mark IV excels in its niche, making it a reliable companion for capturing those perfect bird shots.

BEST PRICES

Choosing the right camera for bird photography can feel a bit daunting. We're here to help ease the process a bit.

From sensor size to autofocus systems, continuous shooting rates to ISO sensitivity, each aspect plays a critical role in capturing those breathtaking shots of our feathered friends.

Let's dive in and uncover what makes a camera truly “fly” in the realm of bird photography:

1. Sensor Size and Resolution: A bigger sensor captures more light, ensuring top-notch image quality even in low-light situations.
2. Autofocus System: To capture those quick and unpredictable bird movements, a fast and accurate autofocus system is a must.
3. Frames Per Second (FPS): Increase your chances of capturing the perfect moment with a high FPS rate.
4. Durability and Weatherproofing: As outdoor shooting is common in bird photography, a robust and weather-sealed camera is a must.

Remember, the best camera for you depends on your needs, budget, and experience level. We'll discuss how to choose the right camera for YOU a little further down.

Photo: Jaymi Heimbuch

This is a question worthy of hot debate.

In general, most photographers find that a camera with at least 18 megapixels is plenty for bird photography. But again, it all depends on your personal requirements and how you plan to use your images.

The more megapixels, the more information you have to work with. If you can't get close to a bird and it's small in the frame, having plenty of megapixels makes it easier to crop in during post-processing and still have a nice, big final image.

Sometimes photographers get wrapped up in megapixel envy, upgrading every time a new camera with more megapixels comes out. Just remember: another way to get nice, tight bird images is to use your feet and some naturalist strategy.

As long as your camera has in the neighborhood of 18 megapixels or more, you're good to go. Focus on skill and strategy, with megapixels being a helpful ingredient.

The takeaway: while megapixels are important, they're just one aspect of what makes a great bird photography camera. Other factors like the autofocus system and frames-per-second rate also play a significant role in capturing stunning bird images.

Photo: Jaymi Heimbuch

In short, yes. Both DSLR and mirrorless cameras are great for bird photography.

(They're both definitely better than any superzoom camera since interchangeable lenses and fast focusing are critical for serious bird photography.)

It's really all about finding a camera that fits your requirements and shooting style.

So with that in mind, let's reframe the question:

The question of whether a mirrorless camera is better than a DSLR for bird photography is interesting because it really depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both types of cameras have their strengths and can be excellent choices for bird photography.

Mirrorless cameras have made significant strides in recent years, particularly in terms of autofocus speed, which is essential when capturing sharp images of birds. Many mirrorless models also offer superior AF tracking systems, making them particularly effective for photographing birds in flight.

However, mirrorless cameras do have some drawbacks. For instance, they generally have shorter battery life than DSLRs and also require a longer boot-up time.

On the other hand, DSLRs are traditionally favored for their robustness and longer battery life. They also often provide a more extensive selection of lenses, which can be beneficial depending on the type of bird photography you're interested in.

So, whether a mirrorless camera is “better” than a DSLR for bird photography can largely depend on the photographer's personal preferences and requirements.

Here's our full breakdown of the pros and cons of mirrorless vs DSLR cameras. 

Photo: Jaymi Heimbuch

Choosing between a full-frame or crop sensor camera for bird photography can be a bit like deciding between two species of birds – each has its unique features and advantages!

While full-frame sensors generally offer greater dynamic range and better low-light performance, they're not always the best choice for bird photography.

This is because bird photography often requires long telephoto lenses, and crop sensor cameras provide an effective magnification that can be beneficial, especially when photographing small birds like sparrows and warblers, or sensitive birds like owls.

However, one significant benefit of a full-frame camera is the improved image quality when shooting at high ISOs. The larger sensor means individual pixels are bigger, which can provide cleaner images.

Ultimately, whether a full-frame camera is “better” for bird photography can largely depend on your specific needs and shooting style.

If you require higher-quality images at high ISOs and better low-light performance, a full-frame might be your go-to.

However, if you need that extra reach provided by the crop factor, a crop sensor camera could be a better choice.

When choosing the right camera body for bird photography, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. After all, this is a bigger and more specific decision for your bird photography adventures than if you were choosing a bird feeder camera for your yard (though that's a fun way to snap pics, too!).

Ultimately, what matters most are your personal needs, budget, and shooting style.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

❂ Performance

How well does the camera perform in real-world scenarios? Consider its autofocus speed, high-ISO performance, and frames-per-second rate – crucial aspects for capturing stunning bird images. You may also want to consider the maximum shutter speed to ensure you can freeze movement for sharp in-flight shots (though most cameras today have a max shutter speed that is plenty fast).

❂ Budget

How much are you willing to invest? While you certainly can spend a lot on high-end gear, remember that the best camera for you is the one you can afford and comfortably use.

❂ Ease of use

Bird photography can be demanding. Having a camera that's easy to handle and intuitive is critical, especially when you need to react quickly to capture fleeting moments. Consider the size of the camera body compared to your hands, button placement, and other features to ensure you're truly comfortable using it.

❂ Future-proofing

It's essential to consider how a camera body will serve your needs as your photography skills evolve. A camera that can grow with you is a smart investment. If you're highly serious about bird photography and plan to dedicate significant time to growing your skills, it may be worth investing in a higher-end camera that can keep up with you as you improve.

❂ Compatibility

If you already own fast telephoto lenses or other accessories, make sure they're compatible with the new camera body or that a lens mount is available. This can save you a significant amount of money in that you won't have to buy all new lenses.

❂ Weight and size

Bird photography often involves fieldwork. A lightweight and compact camera body can make a big difference as you're carrying your gear to locations. If you plan to do a lot of hand-held shooting, keep a camera's weight in mind. The weight of cameras and large lenses can really add up when you're holding it steady for minutes at a time.

Your camera is an extension of your vision. While there's a vast array of choices out there, remember that the best camera for you is the one that aligns with your specific needs, budget, and style.