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5 Best Cameras for Sports Photography 2024 (For Beginners, Pros, Moms, Motorsport)

5 Best Cameras for Sports Photography (2024)


What Cameras Do Sports Photographers Use? (2024 update list)


Look, I believe that choosing and buying specialized photo equipment should be a fun process.

And that’s exactly what I’m here to help you with today.

In this list, I’m sharing the top 5 best cameras for sports photography (beginner and advanced folks) in 2024 across various price points.

It gets better! I’ll also include the recommended lenses for action shots.

These options work for a variety of events/team sports: football, basketball or soccer matches (sports moms), motorsport, and/or capture other fast moving objects.

Whatever you decide to choose, remember, for this photography genre, fast focusing and high frame rate is what you need to look for.

Best Camera for Sports Photography 2024

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

Image

Product

Reasons to Get It

1. Canon T6i

Great cheap DSLR for beginners

  • budget friendly

  • great work in Auto mode

  • articulated touchscreen

  • 5 fps burst rate shooting

2. Canon 7D II

Best value in the Canon line up

  • top ergonomics

  • fine-tuned autofocus

  • burst rate up to 10 fps

  • high battery life

3. Nikon D500

Great for sports (under $2000)

  • excellent AF system

  • advanced ergonomics

  • burst rate up to 10 fps

  • sweet IQ & wide DR

4. Sony a9

Official EISA Award winner

  • 5-axis stabilization

  • weatherproof

  • high ISO & wide DR

  • 4K video shooting

5. Nikon D5

The best DSLR for pro level photos

  • top quality in low light

  • up to 200 frames in RAW

  • high battery life

  • the AF ideal for sports

NOTE: If you’re a pro photographer, looking for the best mirrorless camera for sports, consider reading this Nikon Z9 review (with a real-life field test).

As Ken Rockwell said, currently the “Nikon Z9 is the world’s best sports and action camera  because it shoots extremely well at 120 FPS with full autofocus and autoexposure tracking, something no other camera can do.”

In my latest update, I also included 3 action cams for sports/adrenaline lovers, that are not GoPro and that offer an excellent price-quality ratio.

Without further ado, let’s start with a good entry-level DSLR at a low-price point that will help you take pretty awesome photos – the Canon Rebel T6i/EOS 750D.


1. Canon EOS Rebel T6i

Best Camera for Sports Photography Beginner

Type: Compact SLR | Weight: 555 g | Resolution: 24MP | LCD: Fully articulated | Touchscreen: Yes | Weather-sealed: No | ISO: Auto, 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)

Canon EOS Rebel T6i Digital SLR with EF-S 18-55mm is STM Lens - Wi-Fi Enabled

Reasons to Buy:

  • excellent work in auto mode
  • responsive touch screen and tilting display
  • continuous shooting up to 5 fps
  • large buffer when shooting in JPG
  • high quality images up to ISO 3200
  • NFC and Wi-Fi connection
  • video shooting with smooth and fast autofocus

Reasons to Avoid:

  • the camera is not the latest and the greatest
  • no direct focus point selection when viewed through the viewfinder
  • non-ideal skin tone when shooting with automatic white balance
  • a small amount of buffer when shooting in RAW

Look:

While the Canon Rebel T6i (or 750D outside the US) is not ‘the latest and greatest’, it’s still a sweet choice in many ways.

Here are my 3 reasons why you should consider it:

The kit lens isn’t good for this genre though!

(The T7i is the newer model but it’s also a bit more expensive.)

As I mentioned before sports require fast focusing and high frame rate. Well, when it comes to T6i, we are seeing a lot of improvements compared to its predecessors.

This Canon supports shooting at an exposure of 1/4000 to 30 seconds. During the continuous shooting, it can output up to 5 fps in JPG and up to 8 fps in RAW.

So, it is useful for reportage shooting (to avoid photos with a mouth open and/or eyes closed), for group photos, and, during the important moments of sports-related events.

The updated CMOS sensor offers a 24 MP resolution.Together with the new sensor works DIGIC 6 processor. Even though DIGIC 6 may be well-familiar to us from the professional models, it was installed in this entry-level DSLR for the very first time.

This processor provides good image clarity and minimizes noise even at high ISO values. For example, images at 6400 ISO are of very good quality. Not over-saturated with noise, eating up the detail.

But even greater improvements have been made to the phase detection autofocus used for shooting through the viewfinder. Instead of the 9 autofocus points that are often found in entry-level bodies, in this one we see 19 of them.

All points are cross type and they cover a large area of the frame. This means that when shooting, you can manually select not only individual points, but entire groups of points. 

==> Read my full review here.

If you ever wonder what is the best budget camera under $1000 for new photographers, then consider this gear.

Canon EOS Rebel T6i (EOS 750D) has received a lot of improvements in comparison with its predecessor, which makes it a very tasty purchase.

Such a workhorse with a bunch of advantages included:

  • the 24-megapixel sensor,
  • the tenacious autofocus performance,
  • and the availability of Wi-Fi and NFC modules,

… all make the Rebel T6i a very good investment in your photographic future.

Which lens to get for motion shots?

Most of the kits come with the 18-35 lenses but those are not long enough, so that’s why you should get 18-135mm lens for sports photography.

Find the Best Deal


2. Canon 7D II

One of the Best DSLRs for Sports Photos (Under $2000)

Type: Mid-size SLR | Weight: 910 g | Resolution: 20MP | LCD: Not articulated | Touchscreen: None | Weather-sealed: Yes | ISO: Auto, ISO 100-16000

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Reasons to Buy:

  • Advanced ergonomics and fine-tuning controls
  • excellent fine-tuned autofocus
  • burst rate up to 10 frames per second
  • high image quality
  • work with two memory cards of different types
  • full HD video shooting with an abundance of fine settings
  • built-in GPS and high battery life

Reasons to Avoid:

  • the screen doesn’t support touch control
  • the screen isn’t articulated
  • lack of 4K video
  • comparatively high price

Truth is…

Canon EOS 7D Mark II is one of the most advanced APS-C sensor DSLRs at the moment.

In fact, it is one of the best Canon cameras for sports on the market today. It’s also one of the best DSLR cameras under a $2000 budget (with the kit lens that you can use for this type of photography).

There is no abundance of secondary functions in it common for newer models, but everything a professional photographer or a videographer needs is always at hand.

This is a real workhorse with lots of capabilities.

It has excellent autofocus, both when viewed through the viewfinder, and when using the display. It also has the highest speed of continuous shooting and a large buffer.

Last but not least is this DSLR’s high ISO performance and a 20 MP sensor which allows you use it literally in any situation: from the “greenhouse” conditions of the studio to the dynamic reportage.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II simply shoots: confident in any conditions, without requiring any technical tricks or special shooting techniques from the photographer.

Basically, it doesn’t interfere with the photographer’s work, and that’s what matters.

During the test, there was not a single time that I had any complaints about the autofocus, to the speed of work, or the quality of the image.

The result is always predictable, and this allows you to select the optimal settings before shooting.

All in all:

Canon 7D Mark II is the best value in the Canon lineup for sporting events.

I recommend this one to those photographers who are interested in stable operation of the camera in any conditions.

First of all, we are talking about professional reportage shooting and related genres, including action, sports, and adventure photography.

Mark II will also be an excellent working tool for a wedding photographer.

Lovers of natural photography should also pay attention to this model. Why?

Because photo hunting and macro photography is the native element of Canon 7D II.

Which lens to get for this body?

As I mentioned earlier this glass is a good one to get because it’s long enough for moving objects. If you’re on a budget, it’s always better getting a used 7D II body but absolutely do get that 18-135mm.

Find the Best Deal


3. Nikon D500

One of the Best Nikon DSLRs for Action Shots

Type: Mid-size SLR | Weight: 860 g | Resolution: 21 MP | LCD: Tilting | Touchscreen: Yes | Weather-sealed: Yes | ISO: ISO 100 – 51200 (expandable to 50 – 1640000)

Nikon D500 DX-Format Digital SLR (Body Only), Base

Reasons to Buy:

  • excellent autofocus system: fast, sensitive and tenacious
  • continuous shooting at a rate of 10 fps
  • excellent ergonomics
  • quick and convenient focusing in Live View mode
  • close to professional video and audio recording capabilities
  • low level of digital noise
  • wide dynamic range and a well-stretched RAW

Reasons to Avoid:

  • a bit “damp” wireless communication with SnapBridge
  • not the latest and greatest gear

Truth is…

Nikon D500 is one of the most amazing digital cameras ever produced by Nikon, equipped with a DX format sensor.

You’d think that full-frame products successfully took over the world and wonder what a “professional crop sensor body” could offer to a demanding photographer.

Well, a lot actually.

First let’s start with the boring technical features.

The Nikon D500 uses a new 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor and a new Expeed 5 image processor. High burst rate (10 frames per second) and 153 points of autofocus, located throughout the frame area are an excellent offer for that kind of money!

It is complemented by an inclined touch screen, which makes it even more convenient.

The D500 also has excellent video capabilities and allows you to shoot in 4K. Another bonus is the promising wireless technology based on the SnapBridge application. Among other features is an XQD card slot, and an optional SD card slot.

Now…

Who is the Nikon D500 NOT for?

First of all, the D500 is not for those who really need a full frame counterpart.

In this category I include photographers engaged in staged portrait photography, as well as those who prefer landscape photography.

They are often able to work with a single point of autofocus, can totally live without the continuous shooting, and they don’t always need high ISO.

Also, this Nikon is not for those who are looking to buy their very first DSLR.

All the charms of this camera will be appreciated only by an experienced photographer, meanwhile it will be difficult/frustrating to master for a beginner.

Who is the Nikon D500 for?

Nikon D500 will be appreciated by those who work in the reportage genre. After all, the speed and accuracy of the device are beyond praise.

It can easily become the main tool of a photo-reporter, sports photographer, traveler, blogger, or a street photographer.

People working with telephoto lenses (animal photographers, photography spotters) will benefit from the D500 too because its lenses give a magnified image 1.5x stronger!

A sensitive, even at aperture F8, autofocus will make it possible to shoot with a powerful teleconverter (extender).

The Nikon D500 will also be an excellent second camera in the arsenal of a wedding photographer.

I’ll say this:

What we have here is an interesting and in many ways unique camera.

By all means Nikon D500 is a powerful tool for action sports photography.

Advanced photographers who have experience with other cameras will certainly understand how good this DSLR is.

This beauty has a lot of admirers and is in demand by many photographers.

Best sports lens for this body:

If you use D500 with the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom, then you have an amazing combo to crush it in sports photography. This glass is at a relatively lower price-point.

The new ones are a bit better but the older one will be just a bit cheaper if you are on a lower budget. (Don’t worry you won’t see that much of a difference in the lenses overall).

Find the Best Deal


4. Sony a9

Top Mirrorless for Sports. Official EISA Award winner.

Type: SLR-style mirrorless | Weight: 673 g | Resolution: 24 MP | LCD: Tilting | Touchscreen: Yes | Weather-sealed: Yes | ISO: Auto, 100-51200 (50-204800)

Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera: 24.2MP Full Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Continuous AF/AE, 4K Video and Built-in Connectivity - Sony Alpha ILCE9M2/B Body - Black

Reasons to Buy:

  • built-in five-axis stabilization system
  • fast and confident autofocus with native and non-original lenses
  • speed of continuous shooting up to 20 frames/s
  • buffer up to 200 frames in RAW and 360 JPEG
  • great ISO performance
  • accurate color rendering, good work of the automatics and white balance
  • wide dynamic range in RAW
  • Full HD video shooting up to 100/120 fps

Reasons to Avoid:

  • it is preferable to shoot in RAW at ISO above 6400 for optimum results
  • the battery life is lower than that of high-end DSLRs
  • the speed of continuous shooting with a mechanical shutter is limited to 5 frames/s
  • the display may overheat

Guess what?

At the one of the EISA Awards events, Sony a9 was voted as the best all around mirrorless camera.

Now…

Sony a9 is a high-speed full-frame mirrorless that’s designed to go head to head with Canon and Nikon’s flagship professional DSLRs.

Today we already see that mirrorless products also excel in reportage, sports and many other genres.

At the same time, for the more “mobile” photographers in sports, weddings and other events (in comparison to those working for photo agencies), the transition to A9 can become a technical step forward.

An undeniable advantage of Sony ILCE-A9 is its speed.

The a9 presents a high rate of burst of up to 20 frames/s, and a large buffer of up to 200 RAW frames, as well as an impressive ISO performance.

Even though smart modes of autofocus (such as focusing on the eyes, Lock-on AF and priority in the recognition of faces) require some time getting used to, they can significantly facilitate photographer’s work.

The 5-axis stabilization in this hybrid works well (both for photos and videos).

I must say that it’s also great for video shooting:

There is 4K and slow-motion shooting of 100/120 frames/s in Full HD. There is only no support for S-Log profiles, however the rest of the traditionally wide range of features is preserved.

Sony a9 should definitely appeal to the lovers of continuous shooting.

You’ll see why when you shoot sports competition events and will be able to select the most successful shots of jumping or running.

All in all:

Sony a9 is one of the best mirrorless cameras for action shots in 2024.

As of today, it is the most functionally powerful products of all existing, both mirrorless and DSLR categories. 

With this in mind, its high cost doesn’t seem surprising then.

Truth is, if you are looking for the “complete package”, then the Sony a9 price tag will definitely justify itself.

Not to mention that it was an official EISA winner as the best mirrorless camera.

Which lens to get for this body?

Given that we are talking about sports, the best lens that’s recommended to buy along Sony a9 is Sony 70-200 GM fixed zoom lens.

Find the Best Deal


5. Nikon D5

One of the Best Nikon DSLR for Any Pro Level Photography

Type: Large SLR | Weight: 1415 g | Resolution: 21 MP | LCD: Fixed | Touchscreen: Yes | Weather- sealed: Yes | ISO: Auto, 100-102400 (expandable to 50-3280000)

Nikon D5 20.8 MP FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body (CF Version)

Reasons to Buy:

  • continuous shooting up to 12 fps with autofocus
  • large buffer: up to 200 frames in RAW
  • impressive image quality
  • video shooting in Full HD format at 60 frames per second
  • dust and waterproof construction & excellent ergonomics
  • awesome battery life
  • ability to work with two memory cards
  • silent shooting in Live View mode

Reasons to Avoid:

  • no built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
  • there is no focus peaking or Log Gamma profiles

Now…

Nikon D5 is a serious choice for a reportage (documentary) photographer.

Everything in this product, every little thing is set up to ensure a simple and guaranteed result when shooting in any conditions.

1) It’s not afraid of dust and moisture.

2) It easily, if not the best out of all cameras, deals well with the lack of light.

3) D5’s autofocus works so stably and quickly that you simply forget about it.

4) The speed of the continuous shooting and the large volume of the frames in RAW can guarantee you catching the right moment in any photo-shooting scene.

5) The resource of the battery makes it possible to shoot for a day without stopping or limiting yourself with the number of frames.

In other words:

Nikon D5 is primarily a working tool that is designed to facilitate the work of a professional photographer to such an extent that he doesn’t think about the technical side of shooting at all.

(That is the main advantage of this DSLR.)

Especially it would be worth noting the updated system of an autofocus with 153 points, which works amazingly well.

Also, a separate praise deserves the image quality at high ISO. The touch interface that we see present in this Nikon model has limited functionality, yet still is really a convenient and thought-out management tool.

Without a doubt:

Nikon D5 is one of the best DSLRs for sports photography today.

It is an excellent choice for those photographers who really do shoot in difficult conditions and are required to guarantee the result.

These include reportage photography, sports and wedding photography, and the shooting of wildlife. I definitely recommend this camera if you’re a photographer in the aforementioned fields.

However…

If you are a landscape and/or portrait photographer, I suggest you have a look at other models: both because of the mass-dimensional characteristics, and because of the not too wide possibilities for RAW-files.

Which lens to get for (motorsport) action shots?

We now established what is the best DSLR if you are into sports.

If you decide to go with Nikon D5 instead of Sony a9 mirrorless, then the recommended sports lens for it would be Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 Sports DG Lens.

Find the Best Deal


Best Action Cameras for Extreme Sports 2024


In this section, I won’t be talking about big type of cameras.

Instead we’ll talk about the action cameras for extreme sports like surfing, mountain biking and/or skiing.

The ones that are small, light, and waterproof camcorders that you can use to capture photos/record your adrenaline-full activities.

Now…

One of the most popular action cams on the market right now is GoPro Hero 9. But in here, I want to offer excellent GoPro alternatives.

If you want an action cam for extreme sports, that’s not a GoPro, consider these alternatives:

  1. Sony FDR X3000R – One of the best camcorders right now.
  2. COOAU – Sweet little 4K action cam, best bang for your buck.
  3. Apeman – Best budget stabilized action cam (under $100).

As you can guess, unlike mirrorless and DSLRs, these are super light, compact and cost a lot less.

(But it also means a totally different level of quality.)

This section won’t be as detailed as when I talked about DSLRs but it should help you guide in the right direction in terms of good price-quality ratio.

==> Here’s a full list of the best action cameras and camcorders this year.

Without further ado, let’s get started. 


Best Action Photography Camera Right Now


Sony Action Cam FDR-X3000R Wi-Fi GPS 4K HD Video Camera Camcorder & Remote + Mounts + 64GB Card + Battery/Charger + Shooting Grip + Tripod + Case Kit

Sony FDR X3000R

Quick Specs:

  • Weight: 4.1 oz/114 g (incl. battery)
  • Photo resolution: 12MP
  • Video resolution: up to 4K at 30fps
  • Touchscreen: None
  • Waterproof: Up to 60 m (with housing)
  • Battery life: 8 hours inactive, 1 hour recording

Look:

While GoPro Hero7 is a good overall action cam that MANY bloggers recommend, in my opinion it doesn’t really have a good sound.

And if I were to choose between these two, I would probably place Sony FDR X3000R first in the list, and Hero7 second.

So, what’s so special about this Sony camcorder?

Well…

First of all, you can use Live View remote to capture your adventures.

Second of all, it features a Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization that works in any resolution, even when shooting video in 4K. 

Another strong point of this action cam is the built-in stereo mic. It allows you to make realistic recording with high-quality sound at a pretty high level.

And finally, unlike other action cameras, Sony FDR X3000R offers better image quality in low light conditions.

VERY IMPORTANT:

Be sure to turn off the recording ONLY on the camcorder itself, and not on the remote!! Otherwise, stopping recording via Wi-Fi will result in broken files.

==> Check the exact price on Amazon.


Best Bang for Your Buck 4K Action Camera


COOAU 4K 20MP Wi-Fi Action Camera External Microphone Remote Control EIS Stabilization Underwater 40M Waterproof Sport Camera Time Lapse with 2X1200mAh Batteries and 20 Accessories

COOAU

Quick Specs:

  • Weight: 15.8 oz/447 g
  • Photo resolution: 20 MP
  • Video resolution: up to 4K at 30fps
  • Touchscreen: None
  • Waterproof: Up to 40 m (with case)
  • Battery life: 60 min on 4K, 90 min on 1080P

I’ll say this:

The features this little sports cam offers, in my opinion, is the best bang for your buck. It costs less than 100 bucks and you get vivid and incredible footage of your adventures. 

The things you’ll love about COOAU:

… Just to name a few.

As you can see, one of the things with this product is that it comes with an external mic which don’t often come with other action cams.

This means that you can use it for situations where it’s not easy to collect sound or in noisy places. Some people use the said external mic for vlogging purposes for their YouTube channel.

Honestly, if you’re looking for a quality action cam and don’t want to spend a lot, this will be your best bet.

==> Check the exact price on Amazon.


Ideal Action Cam for Water Sports


APEMAN Action Camera 4K 20MP WiFi Ultra HD Underwater Waterproof 40M Sports Camcorder with 170 Degree EIS Sony Sensor, 2 Upgraded Batteries, Portable Carrying Bag and 24 Mounting Accessories Kits

Apeman A80

Quick Specs:

  • Weight: 15.8 oz/447 g
  • Photo resolution: 20 MP
  • Video resolution: up to 4K at 24fps
  • Touchscreen: None
  • Waterproof: Up to 40 m (with case)
  • Battery life: 90 min on 4K, 120 min on 1080P

Many people ask:

Why pay 2-3x more when you can get a budget action cam that offers pretty much the same capabilities/features as other high end products like GoPro?

That’s a valid question.

You CAN go with budget options as long as they DO offer quality.

Well…

I think this Apeman model certainly does.

Resolutions supported: 4K/24p, 2K/30p, 1080/60p, 1080/30p, 720/120p, 720/60p, 720/30p, 850×480/30p(WideVGA), 480/240p, 480/30p, 240/30p.

Note:

I think you should know that it’s max is 2K (UHD 24p) 2160 interpolated to 4K. The quality is up to par but  I think if you use this resolution then it’s best to use a stabilizer.

The thing is that Apeman A80 has its own digital image stabilizer, but it only works in HD 30p 1080 x 720 resolution. H.264 MP4 compression format is the perfect format for YouTube.

And this is where you don’t see any shaking going on.

(By the way, that’s one of the reasons why certain action cameras are so expensive… because they are packed with optical and digital image stabilization features.)

In any case…

If you’re looking for your first budget option, especially for water-related action shots, then definitely consider this device!

==> Check the exact price on Amazon.


Sports Photography Camera Buying Guide



Before you shop for a camera, let’s discuss some of the essential purchasing considerations.

  • The Continuous Shooting Rate

When choosing the right camera for sports photography, the continuous shooting rate is essential. The faster the camera’s continuous shooting rate, the more photos it can capture in X-amount of time. If you are looking for the best results, look for a camera with a continuous shooting rate of at least 30 fps.

  • The ISO Sensitivity Range

The ISO sensitivity range is crucial when it comes to a camera. This will determine how sensitive your camera is to light. The lower the ISO range can go, down to 64, the better the camera is for brighter conditions; the higher the ISO range is, the better the camera will be for low light situations.

  • The Image Processors

Next is the image processor, which is the camera’s brain, for all intents and purposes. Do some in-depth research into processor types before buying.

  • Body Image Stabilization

If you are planning to do sports photography, your camera should have body image stabilization. This means that the camera’s sensor can move to compensate for shake and hand movement, resulting in much less blur and clearer images.

  • Real-Time Eye AF Tracking & Sophisticated AF Tracking

Eye AF tracking and sophisticated AF tracking is another feature to investigate. This allows a camera to quickly track fast-moving subjects, particularly their eyes and faces, to allow for fast autofocusing.

These features enable cameras to automatically adjust the exposure depending on the situation. This is a vital feature when it comes to your camera’s auto capabilities.


A Few Tips on Taking Better Action Shots


In here, I’d like to share a few basic tips.

1) Preparation

Prepare for the sports event. Learn about the game and the players, get as much info as you can so that on the field you are fully ready.

2) Find your style

I know I know, everyone says this but it’s true. Professional sports photographers are always alert and find ways to get that shot taken. They often try to predict the moment and that’s why they happen to be “in the right place at the right time”.

3) Position

The position you take directly depends on the type of sports you’re shooting and how you plan to shoot it. Try to find a convenient spot and take note of lighting. Also, having knee pads will certainly help!

4) Background

Background determines how good your image is. Pay attention to it and try to take shots of players with abstract background. If you don’t want posters to grab attention, what you can do is open up aperture to create a bokeh effect.

5) Choose the right shutter speed

Many beginners make the mistake of using the fast shutter speed. This way racing cars, for example, will look as they are standing still.

If you shoot fast-moving subjects at a speed of 1/2000 sec, then you won’t be able to picture the movement. Try using a slower shutter speed of 1/15-1/60 (depending on sports) and this way you’ll be able to add more dynamic to your photos.

6) Autofocus modes

It’s critical to understand that when your subject is moving, you need to adjust autofocus so that your camera understands that it needs to constantly follow the scene you’re shooting. Turn on the tracking focus.

(If needed, read the manual instructions/guide for accurate autofocus.)

7) Selling your photos legally 

Thanks to the question by one of DWB readers, we created an article that covers copyright and your legal rights as a photographer when you sell your shots. Check it out!

Anyway… 

There’s a lot to cover, especially depending on what exactly you’re shooting. You can also have a look at my article on sports photography tips (even if you are a beginner).


Choosing the Right Gear for Sports Photos


5 Best Sports Cameras with The Best Lenses for Sports Photography (2023)
75.0mm · ƒ/7.1 · 1/100s · ISO 250

All of the aforementioned products are absolutely great. Some of them are full frame sensor, a couple of them are APS-C sensor (so keep the crop factor in mind).

They are not all expensive cameras. You can find across various price points, whether you are looking for digital cameras for beginners under $1000 or under the $5000 price tag, or more advanced gear for professional sports photographers.

In fact, all of the products mentioned are used by the pros and it shows that the quality really is top-notch (especially Sony a9, Nikon D5, and Canon EOS R with advanced autofocus systems).

Let’s recap:

Best Cameras for Sports Photography 2024


  • Canon T6i – Excellent beginner sports camera under $1000 today.
  • Canon 7D II – Best value in the Canon line up for sporting events in 2024.
  • Nikon D500 – Awesome tool for action sports shots (under $2000).
  • Sony a9 – Best mirrorless camera for sports 2024. Official EISA Award winner.
  • Nikon D5 – The absolute best DSLR for any professional level photography.


I’ve also included the advanced photography lenses. And all the glass chosen here are great for sports photos as well.
As many of you may know, it’s the lens you have that’s more important.

So…

If you are on a budget, it might be a better idea to get a cheaper body BUT a stellar lens.

Note that the options listed here are not great for those who prefer shooting landscape images or portrait photography, for the reasons mentioned earlier in the post.


Cameras for Action Shots for Beginners and Pros


As you can from the comments below, I LOVE hearing from you!

So, leave your questions on the best cameras for sports photography (for beginners too) in 2024 and I’ll get back to every comment I get as soon as I can. 

Do include the following:

  • what is your current budget,
  • what is exactly is that you (plan to) shoot the most,

And/or any other thoughts on choosing the gear for action shots!

For example, what would you recommend to sports moms? What do you think is the best camera for recording youth sports? How about video cameras to record team sports like volleyball, basketball, soccer, or football games? Let us know!

Click here to jump straight to the comment form.


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