Doing wildlife photography is not an easy task to do. It requires a lot of patience, passion, and the best wildlife cameras you can find. There are different types of cameras for different purposes and you need to get the best one for yourself. If you are looking to buy the best point and shoot camera for wildlife photography, then you have come to the right place. We are going to be sharing with you guys our picks for the best wildlife cameras. So stick around and find out.
What are Point and Shoot Cameras?
Before we get into our list let us talk a little about what a point and shoot camera actually is. As the name suggests, it is a simple automated camera which gives you the freedom to point where you want to and click pictures, without any kind of technical expertise. Mostly point and shoot cameras are equipped with automatic viewfinder and autofocus, so you can take pictures without wasting any time. These cameras are compact and portable while being less bulky than most of the other cameras.
How to Choose the Right Camera?
Before you go to buy any camera, you need to keep in mind some of the features, which a camera must have. If you are aware of what to look for in a camera, then you can easily buy the right camera for your needs while saving some money as well.
Automatic Viewfinder and Focus
Your camera should be equipped with an automatic viewfinder and autofocus. This lets you take pictures without even wasting a single moment. You can never miss a single shot especially while doing wildlife photography. Sometimes when you are out waiting for the perfect shot, your object can move away quickly while you are setting focus manually. An automatic focus lets you put focus automatically on the object, so you can save some time and get the perfect shot every time.
High ISO
ISO of your camera means the sensitivity of your camera’s lens to the light. The higher your ISO is the more sensitive its lens will be to the light and you will be able to take clear pictures, even in the low light settings. When you are out doing wildlife photography sometimes waiting for the perfect shot takes patience and time. Waiting for too long can mean that you can lose sunlight and will have to manage in the low light. In this situation a camera with high ISO will provide good results even when it is almost dark out there.
Wide Aperture
The wider your aperture is the more light your camera can take in. It is really important for clear pictures which are extremely detailed and perfect every time. Having a wide aperture is necessary for wildlife photography and can provide good results in low light as well. Wide aperture will help you take perfect pictures.
Long Battery Life
As we mentioned earlier, that wildlife photography takes patience and it means waiting for a long period of time. If your camera is not equipped with a long life battery, you cannot take pictures for longer period of time. Without a good battery life, you cannot keep taking clicks without interruption. When you are on the go or taking pictures in the wild, you cannot keep changing your battery when you run out of it. So going for a camera with a long life battery is the best option for you.
Durable
Shooting in the wild is not always welcoming. Sometimes the conditions and places are unforgiving and too hard to handle. If your camera falls or takes a bump, it can get damaged. You need to pick a camera which is strongly built and can take a good amount of beating. You can find good quality durable cameras in the market which are able to withstand falls, bumps, and pressure. So pick a camera which can stay with you so you can shoot your pictures, without having to worry about getting your camera damaged.
Lightweight and Portable
If you are looking for the best point and shoot cameras, then you need to find one which is portable and lightweight. Your camera should be lightweight so you can take it with you wherever you go. Lightweight camera makes it easy to carry it around all day long and lets you take pictures, without getting sore hands. If your camera is portable then it will be really easy for you to keep in your bag or travel with it. If your camera is heavy or bulky, then it can cause problems while you are waiting for the perfect shot for long hours.
Water Proof and Dust Resistant
When you are outside shooting wildlife you can get stuck in rain or other extreme temperature conditions. If by any unfortunate incident your camera falls in to a puddle of water, then it could get damaged. Similarly too much dust can also be really harmful for the camera. So your camera should be weather sealed, so it can be safe and sound even while it is raining outside or if there is dust around.
Choose the Best Affordable Camera for Wildlife Photography
Now let us not waste any more time and get right to the list of the best cameras you can buy, for wildlife photography. Below mentioned are our picks for the best cameras.
Nikon D7200 DX-format DSLR Wildlife Camera
Nikon has always been the one solution for all your photography needs, and this time is no difference as well. Nikon D7200 DX is a great camera which is certainly worth every penny you spend. It has a 24.2MP DX-Format APS-C CMOS Sensor, which can take surprisingly detailed pictures. Autofocus is also pretty decent with a 51 points AF system. The ISO ranges from 100 to 25,600 which is remarkable. You can shoot full HD 1080p videos at 6 fps. It weighs in at just 1.5lbs so it is not too heavy and easy to carry around with you. Another great thing about this camera is that it is weather sealed, which means it is water resistant, and dust resistant, so you can take it anywhere without worrying about having it damaged.
Pros
- Improved image quality with 24.3 megapixel resolution
- APS-C CMOS sensor provides great zooming
- Wi-Fi & NFC capabilities can make online image sharing easier
- Great frame-rate for the price (6 fps)
- Fast and accurate AF system
Cons
- LCD screen is fixed
- Low-light performance could be better
Canon EOS-1DX Mark II DSLR Camera
Next on the list is a masterpiece by Canon known as Canon EOS-1DX Mark II. You get a 20.2 MP full frame sensor which is really good for capturing the wildlife. Video shooting abilities are also pretty good of this camera. You can shoot up to 4K videos at 14 fps. ISO ranges from 100 to 51200, so you can get bright images even while in the low light settings. Auto focus performance is really good thanks to 61 points AF system. It weighs in at 3lbs which is a bit heavier than other cameras, but the body is quite strong build and durable. You can use the camera in rain and other unwelcoming conditions thanks to the weather seal.
Pros
- Full-frame sensor
- Frame rate at 14 fps
- Excellent low-light performance
- ISO range 100-51,200
- 4K video
- Great AF capabilities
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Heavy
- Touch screen functionalities are limited
Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera
Sony Alpha A7 III features a 24.2MP full frame sensor. You can shoot up to 1080p videos at 10 fps. AF functions are also good with a Hybrid AF. You get 117 phase detection points and 25 contrast detection points. It gives you ISO range of 100-51200. It is really lightweight so it is easy to hold and even easier to carry around with you into the wild. It also features smart connectivity options like NFC and Wi-Fi, so you can share your pictures online without any kind of hassle.
Pros
- In Body Steady Shot
- Customizable buttons
- 24.3 megapixel full-frame sensor
- Lightweight
- Fast electronic viewfinder (EVF)
- Wi-Fi & NFC connectivity
Cons
- Weak Battery life
- No silent mode
Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera
Nikon D750 FX-format is a powerful digital SLR camera which can provide you stunning results. You get a 24.3MP CMOS sensor and can shoot up to 1080p videos at 24 to 65fps. The body is really compact and portable which makes it a great travel buddy. You can carry it around with you when you are looking for wild animals to take pictures. It weighs in at just 1.65 lbs, so you can hold it with ease and without putting too much stress on your wrists.
Pros
- Wireless communication
- 24.3MP CMOS sensor
- EXPEED 4 image processor
- 1080p video recording
- Auto ISO
Cons
- No 4K video
- No Bluetooth
Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera
Last one on the list but certainly not the least is Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR camera. With a 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, you can take clear and crisp pictures. It lets you shoot 1080p videos at 10 fps and provides good low light performance as well. Powerful ISO provides bright images without grain and noise. You can use it in outdoor settings in a carefree manner as it is weather sealed. Shutter is also very quiet so you can take pictures without even alerting the wild life.
Pros
- Rapid frame rate of 10 fps
- Cross-point AF system
- Excellent ISO
- Easy to use
- Very quiet shutter
- Decent low light performance
Cons
- Low Battery life
- No Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity
Some useful Tips for Wildlife Photography
If you are new to the wildlife photography then it can be a bit tricky task to get the perfect pictures. Here are some useful tips for you guys to keep in mind, if you want to get the best results every time you are out in the wild.
Keep in mind the Wildlife Protection Laws
The first and most important thing to keep in mind, is that you are out to take pictures of the wild animals and not to disturb them in any way. Never destroy their peace just to get a picture. You should just take pictures of wild animals and cherish the moments. Never let your actions harm the wildlife in any way. Also never trespass in their habitat as it can be stressful for them and a bit dangerous for you as well.
Never Use Flash
It is recommended that you try to take pictures in day light only. Never use flash of your camera while taking pictures of wild animals. When you use flash it can alert these animals and they might get away and never come back. Also it can be really dangerous for you as well. If any wild animal gets flash light in its eyes it could make the wild animals aggregated, and it might try to attack you. So in any case, just try to get the shots in broad day light and keep the flash away.
Keep Extra Battery and Memory Card
While you are out shooting wildlife, you might need to wait for a long period of time. While doing so you can run out of battery. So you should keep an extra battery with you at all times, because you won’t find any socket in the wild to charge the dead battery of your phone. Similarly if you run out of storage space then it can be a big problem for you. So keep an extra battery and storage with you in your bag so you can always keep shooting.
Be Prepared to Wait
When you are out to capture pictures of the wildlife, you must be prepared to be patient and wait. Capturing the perfect shot takes a lot of time and you need to wait for the animals to show up. Sometimes you need to stay in a single position for a long period of time. If you are not patient enough then you won’t be able to get the perfect pictures.
Know the Environment
You should know the environment and where you can find animals. Do a visit of the place to get to know where animals gather or rest, so you can set the frame accordingly afterwards. If you are unaware of the environment, then it could be difficult for you to capture the right pictures and save time as well.
Use a Tripod
It is always recommended to use a tripod or a stable place to rest your camera. You will be required to wait for a long period of time, but holding the camera with your hands can be a bit tiring for your arms and wrists. It can also cause blurriness in your pictures. Use a tripod so you can get stable images of the animals without any kind of lack in the picture quality.
Gear up
While you are out in the wild to take pictures you need to dress up accordingly. Make sure to wear the clothes which are comfortable for you and in which you can walk around easily. Don’t wear clothes which are too tight because you won’t be able to sit in a position easily for a long period of time. Wear comfortable shoes which can help you move around and run freely in the wild areas.
Stay Safe
It is very important to get the perfect pictures but it is also really important to stay safe as well. Never risk your safety just to get a picture. Don’t get too close to the wild animals as it can be a threat for your life. Stay far away at a safe place from where you can take pictures and where animals cannot reach. It is never safe to be too close to the wildlife. Also never get inside any body of water, because it might be full of dangerous creatures which could be venomous. If any unfortunate incident happens, then getting first aid could be difficult.
Final Word
Well these were the best cameras for wild life photography. All of these are majorly point and shoot cameras so you can use them very easily. We also added in a buyer’s guide and some useful tips, so you can get the best pictures every time. Make sure to pick the best point and shoot camera for wildlife photography which is perfect for your every need.