The best cameras for sports photography
Cameras (1 - 5)
| Best price |
| Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM | Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM | Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM | Canon EOS R3 | Canon EOS R5 | Sony a1 | Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Sony Alpha a9 II | |
| Image |  | | | | |  | |  |  |  |
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| Continuous shooting (mechanical)The number of frames per second that can be captured in continuous drive mode when using the mechanical shutter. | ||||||||||
| Continuous shooting (mechanical)The number of frames per second that can be captured in continuous drive mode when using the mechanical shutter. | 20 fps | 20 fps | 20 fps | 20 fps | 20 fps | 30 fps | 20 fps | 30 fps | 40 fps | 20 fps |
| Weather-sealed (splashproof)The device is protected with extra seals to prevent failures caused by dust, raindrops, and water splashes. | ||||||||||
| Weather-sealed (splashproof)The device is protected with extra seals to prevent failures caused by dust, raindrops, and water splashes. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dual card slotsIt has two memory card slots, allowing you to store more photos without switching cards. This is particularly useful on long shoots when you need more space. | ||||||||||
| Dual card slotsIt has two memory card slots, allowing you to store more photos without switching cards. This is particularly useful on long shoots when you need more space. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Focus pointsThe more focus points the more flexibility in picking which part of the scene to focus on. They also give the image sensor a better probability in identifying the right area of the scene to focus on in more automatic modes. | ||||||||||
| Focus pointsThe more focus points the more flexibility in picking which part of the scene to focus on. They also give the image sensor a better probability in identifying the right area of the scene to focus on in more automatic modes. | 5940 | 5940 | 5940 | 5940 | 5940 | 1053 | 5940 | 759 | 4897 | 693 |
| Fastest shutter speedA faster maximum shutter speed allows taking pictures of fast moving subjects without blur. | ||||||||||
| Fastest shutter speedA faster maximum shutter speed allows taking pictures of fast moving subjects without blur. | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s | 1/32000 s |
| Sensor shift stabilizationWith sensor shift, the image sensor (rather than the lens) moves to counterbalance any vibration of the camera. This means the image will be stabilised regardless of what lens is being used. | ||||||||||
| Sensor shift stabilizationWith sensor shift, the image sensor (rather than the lens) moves to counterbalance any vibration of the camera. This means the image will be stabilised regardless of what lens is being used. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Megapixels (main camera)The number of megapixels determines the resolution of the images captured with the main camera. A higher megapixel count means that the camera is capable of capturing more details. However, the megapixel count is not the only important element determining the quality of an image. | ||||||||||
| Megapixels (main camera)The number of megapixels determines the resolution of the images captured with the main camera. A higher megapixel count means that the camera is capable of capturing more details. However, the megapixel count is not the only important element determining the quality of an image. | 45 MP | 45 MP | 45 MP | 45 MP | 45 MP | 24.1 MP | 45 MP | 50.1 MP | 24.2 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Maximum ISOWith a higher light sensitivity (ISO level), the sensor absorbs more light. This can be used to capture moving objects using a fast shutter speed, or to take images in low light without using a flash. | ||||||||||
| Maximum ISOWith a higher light sensitivity (ISO level), the sensor absorbs more light. This can be used to capture moving objects using a fast shutter speed, or to take images in low light without using a flash. | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO | 102400 ISO | 51200 ISO | N.A. | 102400 ISO | N.A. |
| Battery life (CIPA)CIPA is an independent, standard measurement that determines how many shots a camera can take before the battery dies. | ||||||||||
| Battery life (CIPA)CIPA is an independent, standard measurement that determines how many shots a camera can take before the battery dies. | 320 shots | 320 shots | 320 shots | 320 shots | 320 shots | 760 shots | 320 shots | 530 shots | 580 shots | 690 shots |
| WeightWe consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products. | ||||||||||
| WeightWe consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products. | 738 g | 738 g | 738 g | 738 g | 738 g | 1.01kg | 738 g | 737 g | 670 g | 678 g |
| Wi-Fi connectivityThe device can connect to Wi-Fi. | ||||||||||
| Wi-Fi connectivityThe device can connect to Wi-Fi. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Things move pretty fast in the world of sports, and if you’re in charge of photographing every shot, goal, and win, you’ll need to ensure you’re equipped with the right camera for the task. Continuous shooting features help, as do weather-sealed designs. But, there’s more to choosing the best camera for sports photography than the exterior design and a few simple features. Here’s what to look out for.
Continuous shooting at high-resolution
Fast, continuous shooting is useful for catching action shots. This is, without a doubt, one of the most important features when comparing cameras for sports photography. Look for cameras that shoot continuously at least 14 frames per second. Top-tier professional (and more expensive) cameras such as the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and the Nikon DL24-500 shoot continuously at 60 frames per second while other popular cameras such as the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III shoot at 20 frames per second.
Dual card slots
Few cameras today have dual card slots even though it’s a pretty desirable feature. With two memory card slots, you can store more photos without switching cards. This is particularly useful on long shoots when you need more space or when you’re out on the field and can’t stop to replace the memory card for fear of missing out on some important action. While it’s not a feature in most cameras, standard pro-grade cameras such as the Nikon D6 and the Sony Alpha a7 III have this feature.
Sensor shift
This is a mouthful, but you’ll want to also be sure to look out for something called sensor-shift image stabilization. With sensor shift, the image sensor (rather than the lens) moves to counterbalance any vibration of the camera. This means the image will be stabilized regardless of what lens is being used. The in-camera technology relies on accelerometers to detect movement. When it does, it automatically recalculates the direction and speed in which it needs to move the sensor to compensate. Needless to say, if you’re shooting a bunch of fast-moving players and need to ensure the ball is also in focus, this will come in handy.
Weather-sealed
Whether you’re a professional wildlife photographer or a sports photographer, a photographer of any kind needs to ensure that their expensive equipment is always protected. If you’re a sports photographer, chances are that you’re outside a lot and need to brave frequent weather changes. Look for a camera that is weather-sealed, which means that it comes with additional seals to protect against water splashes and dust.
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