Photographing nature is great. It gets you outside, walking, and in touch with your environment. It is also stimulating, has the ability to provide you with great images and provides opportunities for you to learn new skills.
As the environment is forever changing – evolving, dying, growing, blooming – it as challenging to shoot, as it is inspiring. No matter what gear you own, you cannot control nature. It is unpredictable, always in a constant state of flux.
The right gear can go a long way in helping you get the best out of the environment. Wide angle and zoom lenses, as well as comfy bags that are all weatherproof provide great staples for snapping outdoors; but if you don’t have the right camera no amount of gear will help with the challenge of snapping your surroundings.
Nature photography is as rewarding as it is challenging. In this list we will go through some of the best cameras you can find on the market in order to better shots of nature. Some things to consider before we start are shooting speed, autofocus, low-level light performance and pf course lens adjustability.
We will cover a camera for everyone from the absolute to beginner to the experienced nature snapper. We will cover a camera for everyone inclusive of ability, budget and knowledge.
Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera
The Sony A9 is one of the best full frame mirrorless cameras on the market. Whilst it is expensive, it offers everything any nature photographer could ever want for.
The Sony A6 is a lightweight high-performance camera. Lenses for the A9 are generally cheaper than its DSLR counterparts making it the perfect camera for adding extras at a later date increasing your adaptability.
Consider also that this camera has an excellent auto focus as well as extremely fast shooting speed and you can understand why the Sony A9 is top of our list. For any nature photographer out there looking to get the ultimate camera – this is the best you will find on the market at the moment.
Pros
- Super lightweight (socially in comparison to similar spec DSLR’s).
- 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor for great shooting capabilities.
- AF system offers 693-point focal point phase detection.
- Includes AI based real-time tracking.
- Silent shooting mode.
- Weather-proof body.
- High resolution tru-finder electronic viewfinder.
- 100-51,200 ISO range.
- Electronic shutter speeds of up to 1/32000 sec.
- 35mm full frame shooting.
- 4K recording.
- Touch screen.
- Bluetooth capabilities.
- Image stabilization.
- Anti-image flicker.
- Anti-distortion shutter operation.
- Real time AF for both humans and animals.
- Extremely long battery life.
- Blackout free shooting.
Cons
- Extremely expensive.
- Probably wouldn’t suit a beginner as this camera has lots of features.
Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Fujifilm X-T30 is an all purpose mirrorless camera. This camera offers great value for money – prefect for beginners to more advanced nature shooters – you will get a 26.1 mega pixel APS-C sensor, weather resistant body and 425 auto focusing points for fast tracking moving objects and subjects.
Fujifilm, known in the photography world for their vivid sharp contrast color producing cameras also included 4K filming, an electronic viewfinder and 16 built in ‘film’ simulation modes so you emulate some of their famous 35m film cameras.
The Fujifilm X-T30 is a great mirrorless camera for anyone looking to shoot nature who also wants a great everyday cmarea that will function just as well for everyday use.
Pros
- All purpose mirrorless camera.
- 26.1 megapixel APS-C sensor system.
- Weather resistant body, perfect for taking out in all weather conditions.
- 425 autofocusing points for fast racking moving objects and subjects.
- 4K video filming capabilities if you want to record as well.
- 16 built in ‘film’ simulation modes that recapture some of Fujifilm’s most iconic 35mm film cameras. This is a great added touch for photographers looking to get that vintage feel and aesthetic from a digital, modern camera.
- Weight only 389 grams making this camera extremely lightweight to take on your travels.
- Great value for money and unbeatable on price with the specifications on offer.
Cons
- Buttons are small and next to thumb grips.
- Terrible battery life in comparison with more expensive models.
- Can be fiddley to use – as buttons are small.
- Offers plenty of features but will be limited with other camera models on this list.
Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera
The Sony RX100 is a pocket-sized camera with a 20.1 megapixel sensor. Don’t be fooled by the cameras small body though, this camera has plenty to offer any budding nature photographer.
This camera comes with a superior built in zoom lens, steady shot focusing, HD video functions and has a fully waterproof body.
On top of that this camera shoots great pictures in low level light conditions, is reasonably priced and has an excellent battery life. The Sony Rx100 offers plenty of shooting capabilities in a small body at a great price.
This camera is perfect for any outdoor adventure and plenty of other formats of photography.
Pros
- Tiny body – this camera fits into a regular sized pocket.
- Light weight.
- Waterproof body for all weather condition snapping.
- HD video capabilities.
- f/1.8 and 6 x 28 x 100 mm lens zoom functionality, built in with the camera.
- Steady shot stabilization.
- LCD touch screen.
- The 20.2 MP Exmor CMOS sensor means this camera can take extreme low-light shots.
- Ultra slim aluminum body.
- Burst mode shots.
- Customizable front ring for altering focusing capabilities.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Best point and shoot camera but lacking in other specifications that other cameras on this offer.
- Basic, easy to use but probably limiting for more advanced nature photographers.
OLYMPUS Mirrorless DSLR OM-D E-M1X
The Olympus Mirrorless DSLR OM-D E-M1X is an excellent camera for shooting outdoors, specifically nature photography. Offering in built image stabilization, with up to 7 stages of correction. The camera includes AI based subject detections making it great for shooting subjects that are moving, as well as static.
The lightweight compact body means you can take this camera with you anywhere. Perfect for travelers, wildlife and nature photographers of any ability – ready to take on your next trip or adventure.
Built in AF/AE tracking and speeds of up to 18 fps mean you’ll never miss a shot again. Pro buffer mode means you can take up to 35 shots per second! This camera was built for outdoor photographers.
Pro
- Built in image stabilization.
- Light weight body.
- Speeds of up 18 fps.
- Pro buffer mode means you can take up to 35 shots per second.
- AF and AE tracking.
- 7 stops of image correction abilities.
- AI based subject detection.
- Compact body.
- Weather sealed body.
- Silent mode so you don’t scare your subjects.
- Four thirds sensor lens will magnify up to two times the viewing finders scope producing a similar effect to that of a zoom lens.
Cons
- Heavier and bigger bodied than other models covered.
- Not an “all round” all purpose camera. Great for nature photography and outdoor exploring but lacks capabilities for other shooting options.
Nikon Z6 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Z6 FX-Format mirrorless camera is great full frame camera for any photographer looking to shoot outdoors. It shoots especially well when snapping nature and wildlife.
The 24.5 megapixel sensor is sharp and produces great images whilst the 12 FPS proves to be extremely fast – great for shooting moving subjects. On top of this the the Nikon Z6 offers burst mode – where a burst of 25 RAW images are produced so you never miss a part of the action.
With an ISO range of 100 – 51,200 and a plethora of Z mount lenses on the market, as well as the promise of more to come this camera is a great option for any wildlife photographer.
Pros
- Fast full frame camera.
- Great low light performance.
- 24.5 megapixel shooting.
- 273 AF points.
- 12 FSP.
- ISO range of 100 – 51,200.
- Burst of up to 25 RAW images at any time.
- Host of Z mount lenses are on the market, and new additions are added all the time making this camera highly adaptable.
- Excellent value for money.
- 4K filming and slow motion filming options.
Cons
- Short battery life.
- Requires an adapter for F mount lenses.
- Provided HDMI cable is too big.
Conclusion
In this article we have covered a wide range of cameras that are best suited for nature photography. The cameras range in both price and specifications to suit a wide variety of photographers ranging from beginners to advanced snappers.
Remember that shooting in the wild is difficult and unpredictable. Whilst lenses, camera bags and other gadgets can help you out, without a good camera you will have no chance of taking great shots.
Consider getting one of these cameras before your next trip, adventure or expedition into the wild!
