You may be one of the people who is currently involved in the world of animal photography, especially bird photography, which is known to be very challenging and very valuable.
This discussion is very suitable for those of you who are looking for the best camera for birding. You can find many references and information that you can use to determine your choice later.
You may not be able to control the birds so that you can and want to photograph them, but what you can control is the camera which will support your skills in photographing dynamic birds.
Key Features to Consider When Selecting a Camera for Bird Photography
The quality of the shot and the results of the bird images you photograph will be largely determined by the quality of the lens and camera itself. The following are the main features that you should not ignore when choosing a special camera for shooting and obtaining images of birds:
- Sensor with high-level resolution
- Focus system that runs automatically, easy, and fast
- Shooting with the best burst level
- Image stabilization can be effective
- Worth it for long-range zoom or telephoto lenses
- The camera body is sturdy and can be used in various situations and weather
- ISO with high quality
- Has a very fast response
- Light and easy to carry anywhere for high mobility
5 Best Camera for Birding
Well, knowing all of that, here are several camera recommendations for you to choose.
1. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the choice of many people who are interested in taking and shooting birds in the wild. This is much sought after and chosen by people who like photography, cameras, and especially for those who like photographing birds, the mirror less camera feature from Canon allows you to do many things.
This camera is equipped with a full-frame sensor with a capacity of 24 megapixels, equipped with a DIGIC for shooting speed of 40fps; this camera also has a dynamic range that will amaze you.
You can have RAW-type files which have very high resolution from this camera; you can see details in images that are even too bright or too dark.
Another thing you can find is a camera body that can be positioned stably and well using 8 stops IS, and this will be very helpful for those of you who don’t bring or don’t like carrying an additional tripod.
2. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80
You can get the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 for less than $500 which is the best and affordable choice. This camera features an optical zoom of up to an incredible 60x magnification; in addition, there is also a digital zoom of up to 60x, which can provide a focus distance from 20 to 1200 mm, also with a constant aperture of f/2.8.
The internal image on this camera is considered very stable and good, allowing it to shoot RAW files with quality reaching 30fps when using burst mode has images with quality that is considered good by many people, but there will be a little noise at ISO above 800.
3. Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV
This Sony camera is a camera choice for use by laypeople or just for general shooting, and can also be used by pro-level photographers. However, the features offered by this camera will make competing cameras with much higher prices feel a little disadvantaged, but this is precisely what consumers are looking for the most.
The design of this camera is very well made. It has a sturdy and ergonomic body, made from magnesium alloy which makes it fit to be stated as the best camera for birding.
This camera has a zoom lens measuring 24-600mm; the range of this lens is at the same level as the Nikon Coolpix p950 camera which is the best type of bridge camera in the same class, however, the image quality of the Sony camera is considered better.
This camera is equipped with 5.5 stop type image stabilization, equipped with a backlight sensor with a capacity of 20 megapixels, then reinforced with a relatively high shutter speed, namely 1/32000 second, making it work at 24fps using bursts with electricity like making videos.
The shooting process is continuous and efficient due to the super-fast reading speed and high buffering speed, namely 249 sequential jpegs, up to 110 RAW files. In tracking mode, you’ll find that Sony’s autofocus mode is great and reliable. This camera is equipped with Sony’s A9 system with a camera that costs 5,000 dollars.
4. Fuji X-H2S
The Fuji You can get images with sharp and detailed colors. Fuji has 19 built-in film emulations and attractive colors, which you can apply when using video mode. The sensor can take fast readings with a continuous shooting speed with the ability to reach 40fps and can take 200 pictures at once.
Shooting can be done with burst and Live View, no need for power outages. The results of taking pictures in low light are also very good, equipped with a very reliable autofocus feature. This camera also has a motion detection feature which will certainly be very useful when used to photograph birds that move continuously.
The ergonomic design makes it easier for you to take pictures in the open air, you will find a large handle that will make your movements easier. You can consider a Fujifilm X-T4 type camera if you want a more affordable price, however, its performance is not much different from bird-in-flight shooting.
5. Sony A1
The Sony A1 is a camera that is suitable for professionals doing photography and video at an appropriate price. It has a new camera design like other Sony releases (A9 II), where there is a handle on the body that allows you to use it comfortably.
The camera has a stacked sensor with a resolution of 50 megapixels, and 5-axis stabilization, then there is a viewfinder with 9.44 million dots that will amaze you, it also has a refresh rate of up to 240 fps without any blackout process when applying the e-shutter feature.
Producing photos with the best and highest resolution from the Sony A1 is a great advantage for those of you who like photographing distant birds and cropping them to produce large image sizes. The camera’s reading speed is very fast for shooting bursts reaching 30fps. AF accuracy can produce images 28/30 in focus.
That’s a review of the best camera for birding that you can use for your hobbies and work. Hopefully, this review is useful and inspiring.