The best cameras out there for all your bird photography needs
So, you enjoy being at one with nature and watching our chirpy, feathered friends go about their day?
As great as bird watching is, being able to snap your experience means you can collect your memories to look back on.
With a quality camera, then you have first-hand proof that you really did see that California Condor.
The camera market is massive – this means they’re plenty to choose from, but it can also feel overwhelming.
Don’t get in a flap, instead, keep on reading for a lowdown on what you need to consider when searching for the perfect camera for bird photography.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to look for when choosing your bird camera?
Investing your hard-earned money into a quality product can seem somewhat daunting – but your search doesn’t have to be a chore.
When searching for the perfect bird camera to help enhance your photo-snapping experience, then consider the below factors.
Cost
Is it a bargain or does it push the boundaries of your budget?
If it’s cost-effective then does it include all the necessary features?
Affordable is great and all – but not if it’s lacking that all-important zoom feature that you’re so desperately seeking.
Feedback
As shiny and appealing as that camera can be, if the majority of reviews say it sucks, then chances are it SUCKS!
Okay, so most items have the odd negative review – maybe they got unlucky and were one of the few to be sent a faulty item.
Or maybe they just like complaining – let’s face it, on every product, regardless of what it may be there’s always someone who likes to moan about it.
Take note of both the positive and the negative feedback and do the math to work out if it’s likely that this bird camera will go the distance.
Features
Is night time photography important to you? In which case you’ll need a bird camera with low light performance.
You also need to take note of the autofocus quality, shutter speed, and if it uses USB charging and WiFi connectivity?
See Also: The Best Superzoom Camera For Birding.
Best Camera for Bird Photography Available Today
1. Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body Wi-Fi Adapter Kit
The Canon EOS has dual pixel CMOS AF which allows you the freedom of taking pictures and shooting videos like you’re a professional.
Not only can you create high quality HD videos but there’s high speed continuous shooting up to 10.0 fps.
The 65-point auto-focus system means your snaps will be incredible.
The camera’s robust ergonomic design makes gripping it easy – white the intelligent viewfinder makes changing your settings a breeze.
The included WiFi adaptor kit makes transferring your images onto your phone and tablet easy.
Pros
- Produces clear images
- Cutting edge auto focus
- Fast shutter speed
- Well-designed
- Excellent dynamic range
- Wide selection of Canon lenses
Cons
- Short battery life
- On the pricey side
- Doesn’t come with lens as standard
This investment camera may be on the pricey side but you get what you pay for. It’s well designed, has impressive dynamic range, and produces clear images that will impress. Also recall that if you want to master the profession of remote video editor, open vacancies can be viewed on the website Jooble.
2. Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera
Receive professional quality at an affordable price with the Lumix FZ300.
Don’t miss a moment with the impressive 4K photo technology and 4K high resolution video.
The 12.1-megapixel high sensitivity sensor makes it easier to take pictures to impress.
This camera’s sturdy and durable design is made to withstand both dusty and gloomy weather surroundings, while it fits perfectly into your hand.
The image stabilizer minimizes blurry image issues.
The 4K photo mode feature gives you free reign on creativity, while the full range zoom will give you the perfect shot during both sunny and low light conditions.
Pros
- Quick and quiet zoom
- High quality 4K video
- Good RAW shooting ability
- Weather resistant
- Plenty of features
Cons
- Varying focus quality
- Picture quality varies depending on surroundings
This camera looks the part and has heaps of features. The focus quality may not always be the best, but the zoom is impressive and it withstands harsh weather conditions.
3. Campark Trail Waterproof Camera
This camera captures the moment come day-or-night.
With 0.3 trigger speed, a movement sensor, and 3 passive infrared sensors you can quickly capture the bird’s movements without compromising on quality.
You can save on power while maintaining high motion capture.
Rain or sun, this waterproof camera is ready to go. It’s sturdy, durable and has an impressive 120-degree wide angle lens.
It includes a USB cable but you can also use batteries.
It also comes with a tree mount, and it’s camouflage design looks the part and also means it will blend into its surrounding.
Pros
- Long lasting battery life
- Included wall mount is easy to use
- Easy to set up
- Good performance
- Clear night vision images
- Affordable price
Cons
- Uses micro SD card which can be fiddly to use
- Close up images may blur
- Instructions come in small print
- Fixed in place
The Campark is easy to use and produces quality imagery. If used frequently it may not last the distance, but it’s nifty price tag suits bird watchers after something for casual use.
4. Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Digital Camera
The Lumix was made for those point-and-go moments.
The long 60X zoom makes focusing on those spotted birds easy peasy.
Record with the impressive 4K video and photo feature.
Capturing the moment is easy with the fast rate and fluid with 30 frames per second.
Select your focus point and use the focus stacking feature to get creative.
You can get snappy and happy with the useful low-light capture – great for owl spotting!
The Lumix is the perfect size for holding, and it has an ergonomic grip.
What’s more, it’s USB and WiFi connecting friendly – so you can easily connect it to your mobile device.
Pros
- Good dynamic range
- Great 4K video feature
- Quality frame-by-frame selection
- Automatic HDR
- Built-in creative effects
- Effective zoom feature
- Perfect for sunny day snaps
Cons
- No focus ring
- Not waterproof
- On the complicated side to use
- Images lose sharpness when fully zoomed
The Lumix FZ80 allows you to zoom up close to wildlife, while the dynamic range means your photos won’t disappoint.
5. Canon PowerShot SX420 Digital Camera and Complete Accessory Bundle
Be a wildlife snapping expert in no time with this Canon SX420 complete bundle.
Included are a hand grip, gripster tripod, 64GB memory card, card reader, microfiber cleaning cloth, spare battery, spare charger, screen protector, and a cleaning kit.
The built-in lens has an expansive 42X optical zoom, while the versatile intelligent IS (image stabilizer) system minimizes camera shaking.
You can easily switch between the auto and scene modes – while its graspable size makes transporting it simple.
Pros
- Quality zoom feature
- Beginner friendly
- Good video quality
- Small and lightweight
- Value for money
Cons
- Blurry screen
- Grainy low light images
- Short lasting battery life
This Canon bundle is value for money and comes with everything needed to get you started. It’s small, lightweight and its impressive zoom feature is unlikely to disappoint.
6. D7500 Dual Zoom Lens kit
Make your own bird watching movie with the D7500, as it allows you to make HD videos with stereo sound.
Not only does it deliver on image quality but there’s also a tilting LCD screen with touch functionality.
Achieve sharper low-light image with the wide standard ISO range.
Their autofocus is in a class of its own – leaving you to snap that finch with ease.
It has a durable and easy to hold design, pro grade creative tools, quick speed and impressive image quality.
Pros
- Quiet shooting mode
- Sync to technology for easy image transfer
- Great live view
- Portable design
- Good low light settings
Cons
- Menu settings can be confusing
- Temperamental auto focus
- On the pricey side
This camera pretty much has it all. It’s great for beginners and once you get the hang of it you can use it to take high quality pictures that can be easily synced to your phone and laptop.
Final Thoughts: Which camera for bird photography is best?
When it comes to cameras for bird photography everyone has their own budget and aims for what they want out of it.
The more affordable cameras do the job, but they may not satisfy a pro.
Therefore, it has to be the Canon EOS 7D MarkII as the dynamic range and cutting edge auto focus will help you get the perfect bird snap.
If you don’t quite have the budget for this, then I would suggest the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Digital Camera.
The 4K video features, quality frame-by-frame selection, and long 60X zoom mean you can get up close and personal with the birds, without having to leave the safety of the ground.
