10 Best Cameras for Fishing Photography in 2024 (With the Lenses)

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Recently I got the following question:

What is the best camera for (carp) fishing?

And that’s the topic I wanted to cover here today and help you make an educated buying decision.

Now, in 2024, it’s probably hard to buy a bad camera but I realize that the constant research and choosing the one among so many options might be intimidating for anglers.

So, I want to make your life easier and answer your question(s) as best as possible.

Here’s a table that’ll give you a quick look of my top 10 roundup and the reasons to buy the product. For further details, simply click ‘review>’ in respective row.

Update: I’ve also written a post on the top rated UNDERWATER fishing cameras this year.

When choosing which product to include, I didn’t focus on the ‘latest and the greatest’, but rather on great price-quality ratio options, even if they are older models.

In any case, whether you’re a complete newbie or an enthusiast, bootstrapped or not, you’ll find a good option that works best for your needs, skills, and budget.

Now…

I will start with mirrorless options because lately people prefer them more over bulkier DLSRs.

I’m sure by the end of this article, you’ll find a decent camera for fishing stills and scenic shots of your surroundings.

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1. Canon EOS M10

Budget-Friendly Compact Camera for Fishing

Type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Weight: 301 g | Resolution: 18 MP | Sensor size: APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) | LCD: Tilting | Touchscreen: Yes | Weather-sealed: No | ISO: Auto, 100-12800 (boost to 25600)

Reasons to Buy:

• compact, even pocketable, body
• great image quality for its category
• Wi-Fi and NFC function available

Reasons to Avoid:

• no viewfinder
• not the best battery life (so keep a spare battery handy!)
• can’t charge it with USB cord

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Listen:

It’s my understanding that most of you are just looking for a non-complicated, decent enough camera to take a few photos while fishing.

If that’s the case, I suggest you have a look at Canon M10 mirrorless compact with interchangeable lenses, the design and ergonomics of which are as simple as possible.

Now…

Despite EOS M10 being compact, it has a 18 MP sensor and therefore produces great quality images.

I mean have a look at this image below:

OK, I know it’s no fish but still you can acknowledge its pretty awesome image quality, right!? 😉

You may wonder…

Why do I recommend this option if EOS M systems get complaints about its slow focus?

This is because having super fast autofocus only matters if you’re heavily into sports or bird photography. But if you’re looking to take stills only of your catch/portraits/trophy shots, then you’ll be totally fine.

So, don’t worry about camera’s autofocus not being lightning fast if you’re not taking shots of fast moving objects.

As a (carp) fisherman/angler, you’ll love every other aspect of this compact:

• it’s lightweight,
• easy to setup and use,
• has good self-take abilities,
• offers high resolution flip up touch screen, and,
• produces images of excellent quality.

Not to mention that Canon M10 has a pretty low price tag.

Alternatively, you could go for a cheaper EOS M3 and pair it with the 22mm prime lens if you want to achieve good images with blurry background (known as “bokeh”).

Both of these models would be a great budget choice for fishermen.

Find the Best Deal

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2. Sony a6500

Best Prosumer Compact System Camera

Type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Weight: 453 g | Resolution: 24 MP | Sensor size: APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) | LCD: Tilting | Touchscreen: Yes | Weather-sealed: Yes | ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (boost to 51200)

Reasons to Buy:

• convenient, durable body
• truly amazing image quality
• extensive videoshooting capabilities in Ultra HD resolution
• clear viewfinder and flip-up display
• amazing autofocus system
• low digital noise at high ISO values

Reasons to Avoid:

• SD card fills up fast with 4K (tip: get one that’s at least 64GB)
• no headphone jack
• pretty weak battery life (tip: have a couple extra batteries handy)

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This camera is absolutely great.

Back in 2017, Sony a6500 received a prestigious EISA award as the “best prosumer compact system camera”.

(Which is just a fancy name for “hybrid/mirrorless camera”.)

It’s also a great choice if you’re into both video shooting and still photography.

What’s so special about it?

One of the main features worth noting is it’s 5-axis image stabilization which will come handy for both photographers and videographers. 

Basically this stabilizer compensates for the camera’s shake even when used with lenses without the “Optical SteadyShot” system (which also makes handheld shooting easy).

Sony a6500 also offers fast 425-point phase-detection autofocus and a touchscreen.

When framing through the viewfinder, the LCD screen  has an ability to work like a touch pad, where you can select focus area with your finger…

…while still keeping your eyes on the viewfinder (see image below). 

The level of image quality and details that a6500 produces definitely make it one of the best mirrorless models on the APS-C camera market.

(If you prefer light and compact ones, definitely consider it.)

Now, I could go on and on about this baby but I think you’re not gonna be interested in hearing all the boring technical characteristics.

Point is…

Sony a6500 is a beautiful one, especially if you’re a traveller and a hybrid shooter. (And it certainly works for anglers to capture fishing photography).

It’s an excellent camera in terms of:

• quality of images and videos,
• burst rate,
• functionality.

The touch screen and 5-axis stabilization are a pleasant bonus and the last argument in favor of Sony a6500 when shopping.

Pair it with the 50mm f/1.8 lens and you’ll be blown away with what this camera can do!

Find the Best Deal

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3. Panasonic Lumix G7

Great 4K Mirrorless Under $1000

Type: SLR-style mirrorless | Weight: 410 g | Resolution: 16 MP | Sensor size: Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) | LCD: Fully articulated | Touchscreen: Yes | Weather-sealed: No | ISO: Auto, 160-25600

Reasons to Buy:

• easy to hold and manage
• high burst rate and image buffer
• best video capabilities in its camera segment
• fully articulated LCD screen

Reasons to Avoid:

• no headphone jack
• plastic construction
• lacks in-body image stabilization

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If you love 4K, you’ll likely love Lumix G7.

This particular Panasonic model under $1000 offers great price/quality ratio, especially considering the lens is included in the price.

If you love sharing your fishing trip photos on your blog or social media, then it’s another reason to pick this one up.

Why?

Because Lumix G7…

• comes with a built-in Wi-Fi to transfer photos,  
• has an accurate face and eye detection autofocus,
• works well in low-light situations (carp photography at night anyone?),
• offers panoramic and time-lapse (interval) shooting,

… Just to name a few.

If you’d like a camera that you can use for self takes while fishing that has a flip screen, self timer or intervalometer, offers great video capabilities, and is easy to use, then Panasonic Lumix G7 will fit your requirements.

As already mentioned before, this camera has good autofocus system and intelligent Auto settings which will be simple for you to use.

You can also use it with an intervalometer and because this model is light, you can mount it on a bankstick with the Gardner tilt adaptor.

All in all:

It’s a nice DSLR alternative with high quality video and photos.

Find the Best Deal

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4. Nikon D5300

One of the Best Budget DSLRs for Beginners in 2024

Type: Compact SLR | Weight: 480 g | Resolution: 24 MP | Sensor size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) | LCD: Fully articulated | Touchscreen: No | Weather-sealed: No | ISO: Auto, 100 – 12800 (25600 with boost)

Reasons to Buy:

• low price tag
• fully rotating LCD screen
• excellent image quality with high detail
• great work in Auto mode
• built-in Wi-Fi and GPS features
• virtually no digital noise at high ISO values
• post-processing functions in the camera itself

Reasons to Avoid:

• no touchscreen
• small image buffer size when shooting in RAW + JPG
• not the best video capabilities

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The truth is:

If you are a beginner photographer on a budget (whether it’s fishing photography, portraits or landscapes), then Nikon D5300 is one of the best investments you can make.

It’s one of those brilliant DSLR kits that won’t break the bank.

So, what’s so special about it?

Well…

• it’s light and compact,
• comes with a fully articulating LCD screen,
• produces great image quality even in dim light situations,
• has a Wi-Fi function that’ll help you sync your camera with your smartphone,
• offers a GPS feature which will tie your images to specific locations.

How awesome is that?

Now, if Nikon D5300 caught your eye and you’d like to learn more about it, I actually wrote a detailed review here (with sample photos).

I probably will sound like a broken record on my blog, but many will agree with me that Nikon D5300 is one of the best investments you can make as an amateur photographer.

Especially if your budget limit is $500-700, you are a total beginner when it comes to photography, and would like to get great portraits/trophy shots.

Now:

In terms of lenses, to achieve the best fishing photos as an angler, I recommend you pick up the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G, because…

• it autofocuses,
• it very sharp, and,
• it really gives you that background blur that most photographers love.

Note that the D model won’t autofocus with that camera body, so make sure you get the G model!!!

(But don’t get me wrong, if you get the kit version, I’m sure you’ll be satisfied with the results too.)

Bottom line…

It really might be an ideal DSLR for beginners, especially if you specialize in portraits (or taking shots of yourself with a catch) and capturing scenic shots of wherever you are.

Find the Best Deal

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5. Canon Rebel T6i

One of the Best Entry-Level DSLR (For Fishing Pics Too)

Type: Compact SLR | Weight: 555 g | Resolution: 24 MP | Sensor size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) | LCD: Fully articulated | Touchscreen: Yes | Weather-sealed: No | ISO: Auto, 100 – 12800 (25600 with boost)

Reasons to Buy:

• accurate autofocus system
• works very well in Auto mode
• fully articulated and responsive touch screen
• large buffer for JPG photos
• great image quality at high ISO values
• remote control available

Reasons to Avoid:

• no HDR and interval timer shooting
• not very well optimized Wi-Fi power consumption
• not an ideal option for those who prefer creating videos

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Look:

Before I mentioned a Nikon camera, but if you’re a Canon fan, then Rebel T6i would be my first choice when choosing a budget entry-level DSLR.

Best of all?

It works for a variety of shooting scenarios:

• social media photography,
• sporting events,
• capturing moments during your travels,

And you’ll certainly be able to use this camera for fly fishing, carp fishing, angling photography.

(Note: If you like to shoot videos on a regular basis, Rebel T6i is worse than Nikon D5300 in terms of video capabilities. Do keep this in mind!)

And if you like to share your fishing photos on social media, it’ll be easy because T6i has Wi-Fi and NFC features built-in.

As for the image quality, it’s pretty awesome.

Compared to Canon’s older models, there’s an improvement in color rendition (especially with artificial lighting). Check out the image below of an angler holding a tuna fish.

There’s also one of him holding a carp, using the same camera body and lens. 

Both of these images were taken with Rebel T6i and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.

The 18-135mm is one of the best lenses for carp fishing photos that you can get. It’s also the one I recommend to Canoners who specialize in sports photography.

All in all:

T6i is a great all-around camera for any enthusiast.

Because of its features and characteristics, the Rebel T6i became one of my most recommended entry-level DSLRs for beginner/enthusiast photographers.

So, if you are into angling photography and are looking for a good entry-level camera that has…

• 24 MP sensor for great images,
• pretty fast autofocus system,
• articulated touchscreen, 
• Wi-Fi and NFC features included,

… the Rebel T6i might be the right choice for you.

For portrait photos with a nice bokeh effect (background blur), consider getting a 50mm f/1.8 lens.

My detailed review here.

Find the Best Deal

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6. Nikon D3400

Great Starter DSLR to Learn Photography (Under $500)

Type: Compact SLR | Weight: 445 g | Resolution: 24 MP | Sensor size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) | LCD: Fixed | Touchscreen: No | Weather-sealed: No | ISO: Auto, 100-25600

Reasons to Buy:

• compact and light DSLR with good ergonomics
• pretty awesome image quality and autofocus
• its Guide mode will literally teach you how to take pics
• Full HD video at up to 60 fps
• best bang for your buck

Reasons to Avoid:

• fixed LCD, no touchscreen
• no ultrasonic sensor cleaner
• RAW images harder to process compared to newer models

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If for some reason you don’t like Nikon D5300 or Canon Rebel T6i, then have a look at Nikon D3400.

The truth is…

This model and the newer Nikon D3500 are one of the most popular entry-level DSLRs for beginner photographers in 2024. 

There are 3 major reasons why I’d recommend this camera for anglers here:

• it has a low price tag (under $500),
• it’s easy to use (especially with the Guide mode available),
• it provides nice image quality (even in low light/evening time conditions).

Keep in mind though:

Unlike the previously mentioned cameras, the LCD on D3400 isn’t articulated and isn’t a touchscreen.

(One of the reasons why I placed it after D5300 and T6i).

Check out my full review here.

Overall, I think it’s a great starter DSLR to consider for fishing photography.

And if you’re on a budget looking for your first gear, it’s a great choice indeed.

In fact, this is the kind of camera that’ll help you start your photography journey from scratch and it’ll be ready to grow with you.

(Perhaps that’s why it’s super popular among beginners.)

Pro tip regarding SD memory cards:

Get a better card with a good recording speed, so that the camera does a good job with continuous shooting. (For example, several thousand frames in JPEG format will fit into your 64GB memory card.)

If you’re gonna use a DSLR exclusively for fishing, capturing natural scenery, and then posting them on social media, you’ll definitely be fine.

Find the Best Deal

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7. Nikon D750

Awesome Full-Frame DSLR for Angling Photography

Type: Mid-size SLR | Weight: 750 g | Resolution: 24 MP | Sensor size: Full-frame (35.9 x 24 mm) | LCD: Tilting screen | Touchscreen: No | Weather-sealed: Yes | ISO: Auto, 100-12800, expandable to 50-51200

Reasons to Buy:

• fabulous image quality
• friendly interface (if you have some experience with DSLRs)
• amazing performance in low light situations
• fantastic dynamic range
• interval mode
• Wi-Fi is built-in
• Full HD video shooting at 60 fps
• you get a lot of value for your money

Reasons to Avoid:

• it’s not a 4K body
• no touchscreen
• absence of 1/8000 shutter speed
• not a quiet shutter compared to Canon cameras

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I’ll say this…

If you’re looking for an advanced DSLR for angling photography, then Nikon D750 is a no-brainer!

I mean, as of 2024, this is probably one of the best full-frame cameras under $1500 that you’ll find on the market today.

(Or under $2000 with the 24-120mm f/4 lens.)

Without a doubt, the level of image quality is absolutely stunning. 

One of the things about Nikon cameras is that they have a great colour rendition, meaning that unlike Canon, they have warmer colour effects.

And this means that your fishing photos will be beautiful all year around.

Don’t get me wrong, Canon cameras are great too. In fact, some people prefer colder colours, especially anglers (at least, from what I’ve seen).

It’s probably more a personal taste, but I personally love the images Nikon D750 produces. 

Even in low light it’s simply awesome.

Look, Nikon D750 is one of the DSLRs that I can talk about forever.

In here though, I try to use as simple language as possible and get straight to the point on features that you’ll love as an angler/fishing photographer.

Without a doubt, it offers excellent value for the money.

There are really a lot of reasons behind it, and if this camera caught your eye, I encourage you to read my full Nikon D750 review here to understand what’s so special about it.

Point is…

If you’re getting into the professional market, you can’t go wrong with this camera as a start.

(And the GLOWING reviews confirm it.)

Find the Best Deal

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8. Canon 80D

For Keen Photographers As Well As Anglers

Type: Mid-size SLR | Weight: 730 g | Resolution: 24 MP | Sensor size: APS-C (22.5 x 15 mm) | LCD screen: Fully articulated | Touchscreen: Yes | Weather-sealed: Yes | ISO: Auto, 100-16000 (expands to 25600)

Reasons to Buy:

• fully articulated LCD touchscreen
• high burst rate of continuous shooting
• large image buffer in JPEG
• great, detailed image quality up to ISO 3200
• fast AF in LiveView and video-shooting
• built-in Wi-Fi and NFC

Reasons to Avoid:

• doesn’t shoot 4K
• buffer image size in RAW is limited to 25 frames
• no GPS feature available
• doesn’t support UHS-II memory cards

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Here’s what I noticed:

Canon 80D (and its predecessor) are one of the most common cameras among anglers/carp fishing photographers.

And to be honest, I’m not surprised.

As someone who knows about cameras, Canon 80D is simply awesome. I think it would make a great semi-professional camera for fishing trips because…

• it’s a user-friendly semi-professional camera,
• it’s super sharp, and,
• has a very accurate autofocus system,
• produces fabulous images,

… just to name a few.

The ergonomics of 80D is a successful compromise between size and convenience.

What I’m trying to say is that this Canon doesn’t take up as much space as its full-frame brothers, and it’s pretty comfortable to shoot with.

Not to mention that you’ll enjoy operating it using the touch interface.

As an angler, you’ll also likely enjoy shooting remotely using the Canon Camera Connect application.

By connecting your DSLR to your smartphone via the built-in Wi-Fi/NFC, you can send JPEG files to the smart device in full resolution. 

Look:

Even though Canon 80D was released in 2016, it remains to be one of the top crop-sensor DSLRs today.

While it doesn’t offer any revolutionary technologies, it does have a nice set of features and characteristics that you’ll enjoy as an enthusiast angling photographer.

Many will agree with me that this model offers great price-quality ratio and can be considered a successful camera in the semi-professional market. 

Now…

When it comes to lenses, have a look at 17-55mm, which is the best walk-around lens for APS-C Canon DSLRs.

Also, the 50mm f/1.8 one will be awesome for your fishing trophy shots (with a nice bokeh effect). 

Find the Best Deal

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9. Pentax K-1

For Both Landscape and Angling Photography

Type: Mid-size SLR | Weight: 1010 g | Resolution: 36 MP | Sensor size: Full-frame (35.9 x 24 mm) | LCD screen: Tilting | Touchscreen: No | Weather-sealed: Yes | ISO: Auto, 100-819200

Reasons to Buy:

• accurate autofocus
• unique tilting LCD screen
• excellent image quality at high ISO units with no digital noise
• built-in Wi-Fi and GPS features
• 5-axis stabilization
• quality handheld shooting in bracketing mode, HDR and even Pixel Shift
• you get a lot of value for the price

Reasons to Avoid:

• not the fastest autofocus compared to other full-frame DSLRs
• pretty low speed of continuous shooting
• small image buffer
• difficult to master right away for people new to Pentax technology

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Look:

It’s my understanding that wherever you’re (kayak) fishing, it might be very scenic there.

Then it’s logical to assume that some of you anglers might want to take not only prize catches, an odd shot of an animal/bird that you spy, but also landscapes.

And if you want a professional level DSLR, I encourage you to look at Pentax K-1.

This digital camera offers…

• lowest level of digital noise,
• a very effective image stabilization (for handheld shooting),
• fabulous image quality (even in low light),
• widest dynamic range,

… just to name a few.

Not to mention that it comes with the most affordable price tag possible in the category of top-performing full-frame cameras (WITH the lens).

Check out the video below where Mattias shares the 5 reasons why Pentax K-1 is still worth buying in 2024:

Keep in mind: If you’ve used Canon or Nikon in the past, you’ll need time to get used to it.

Pentax has a bunch of so-called “unique technologies” which makes it difficult to master right away. For some the design and interface might seem “damp” with an unusual choice of functions/modes/control buttons.

(This is true for both version I and II.)

Overall, I’d say it’s an affordable full-frame beast for your fishing trips.

Pentax K-1 is suitable for any type of shooting really:

• low light images,
• weddings,
• portrait shots,
• product photography,
• landscapes.

And it’ll certainly be a great choice for fly fishing photos too.

In fact, we know that carp are active day and night, and that a large part of carp angling takes place during evening/night time. So if that’s your thing then you’ll likely enjoy shooting with a Pentax camera.

If you’re into landscape photography as much as angling photography, then definitely check out the Pentax K-1.

It’s probably one of the most underrated full-frame DSLRs right now.

Find the Best Deal

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10. Canon 5D III

Best (Fishing) Camera for Advanced Photographers

Type: Mid-size SLR | Weight: 950 g | Resolution: 22 MP | Sensor size: Full-frame (35.9 x 24 mm) | LCD screen: Fixed | Touchscreen: No | Weather-sealed: Yes | ISO: Auto, 100 – 25600 in 1/3 stops (50-102400)

Reasons to Buy:

• crisp photos with a creamy background 
• magnesium body with moisture protection elements
• excellent viewfinder and LCD screen
• large coverage of autofocus points
• HDR mode available
• wide possibilities for videographers
• variety of AF settings

Reasons to Avoid:

• pretty large and heavy
• no peaking focus when shooting videos
• should you ever have to repair, the costs will be high

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So…

For those anglers who also have advanced photography skills, I decided to include a full-frame Canon 5D III to my list.

This DSLR is beautiful for a number of reasons.

Specifically:

• great autofocus,
• fantastic image quality especially when coupled with a right lens,
• excellent usability/ergonomics,
• weather sealing and high battery life make it possible for harsh conditions,

(Just to name a few.)

It’s important to emphasize that it’s a professional-level camera, so if you’re a total beginner consider other options I mentioned above.

To be able to manage Canon 5D III well and produce truly fantastic fishing images, you need to have a prior experience in photography (and DSLRs).

Look:

Many will argue that Canon 5D III is the jack of all trades, as it does everything well.

While it’s a professional full-frame camera, an enthusiast with experience would be able to handle it pretty well.

Now, if you want to get truly magical images when shooting angling photography, considering coupling it with a medium telephoto 85mm f/1.8 lens.

And if you really want to get a professional FX Canon DSLR but the budget is limited, then you can definitely choose Mark II or the original 5D, but make sure you get a good lens!

(Good glass matters more than the body itself.)

Find the Best Deal

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How to Take Good Pictures of Fishing?

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If you’re interested in getting better at (angling) photography, in the video below Troy shares his quick tips for better fish photos.

Check it out:

Solid advice, indeed.

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Additional Points to Mention

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In this section, I’d like to provide more tips when it comes to photography.

• Point/tip #1:

Choose a good body, but remember that it’s the lens that matters more. Sometimes it’s better to buy an older camera model, but invest in a stellar lens.

• Point/tip #2:

As a rule, most starter cameras come with a kit lens that are good enough. Here’s a guide on kit lenses in photography and their uses.

However, if you choose 35mm or 50mm lenses, then they will take your images to a whole new level.

(Keep in mind that with a 35 or 50mm prime lens, you will need a larger distance between you and the camera than when using a zoom lens.)

• Point/tip #3:

Lately, many beginners and advanced photographers alike prefer mirrorless options because they are more compact and easier to use. Old-school photographers often prefer classic DSLRs.

• Point/tip #4:

If you like warmer colours in the images, consider Nikon over Canon. Nikon cameras are known for their excellent color rendition capabilities.

• Point/tip #5:

If you don’t want to carry bulky cameras around, consider shooting with your smartphone or choose nice big sensor compacts.

(Some are so compact, they can even fit in your pocket).

• Point/tip #6:

Bokeh is a photography term for “background blur”. Most photographers absolutely love it. (And I’m sure you will too!)

• Point/tip #7:

Consider using an intervalometer as opposed to remotes. They will make your self-take photos effortless.

Alternatively, with some cameras you could just download an app on your smartphone and use it as an intervalometer (seeing yourself on your smartphone). 

• Point/tip #8:

If you end up buying a APS-C (crop) sensor camera, it’ll likely be better to take a 35mm vs 50mm lens. (The latter might be a bit too much for tighter swims.)

As an example, Canon 80D has an APS-C sensor that has a 1.6x crop factor, meaning that a 50mm lens will behave like an 80mm lens would on a full-frame DSLR.

• Point/tip #9:

Whatever camera you end up choosing, make sure to get a couple extra batteries. Especially if you like doing videos or shoot in LiveView mode.

• Point/tip #10:

Often photographers have the following setup:

• ND filters,
• tripod,
• lighting/flash,
• spare batteries handy,
• good memory cards.

Even if carp fishing, fly fishing, angling photography is your primary focus, these things will be handy for you when out in the field.

• Point/tip #11:

If you happen to fish on cold weather days, I have a list of amazing gloves with finger caps that will work for anglers as well.

Definitely check them out!

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Best (Fly) Fishing Photography Cameras 2024

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So…

I used my photography knowledge to share my top 10 best cameras for angling photography that you can use in 2024 (and beyond).

The list included mirrorless, compact and DSLR options across various price points.

Here’s a recap of products covered:

==> If you’re a beginner photographer and want to learn the nuts and bolts of how your camera works, check out this photo course for beginners.

Now…

I’d like to hear from YOU:

• Which of the options here you liked the most?
• What is your level of photography skills?
• Do you have any tips to share for taking good fish photos?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

P.S. Would you like me to update this post with some action cams for underwater fishing photography?

Comment below!

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