The best camera for wildlife photography in 2024

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X pro camera mounted with an Olympus M.Zuiko 300mm f/4 IS Pro lens
(Image credit: James Artaius)

The best cameras for wildlife photography will help you to get sharp and stunning animal shots of all kinds fauna, from backyard birds to the zebras of the savannah. I've spent a lot of time using these kinds of cameras, both out on photo safari in Africa and at the world's first drive-through safari park, which I'm lucky enough to live near. So, I've spent a lot of time using these kinds of cameras!

Wildlife is one of the most challenging subjects to photograph, so this is one of the most difficult camera choices you'll face. Personally, my pick is the Canon EOS R5 – a camera I bought myself because it boasts the best autofocus on this list, with phenomenal image quality, weather-sealing and a great range of lenses.

Animal paparazzi
Photographer James Artaius using an Olympus camera on photo safari in Africa
Animal paparazzi
James Artaius

I've enjoyed animal photography for years, whether it's photographing them at zoos and sanctuaries or documenting them in the wilderness. I had to be super selective about the kit I took on photo safari to Africa, so I've done plenty of research into the optimum wildlife setup!

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

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SpeedWith a burst rate of 7fps is offers a good start fro beginners4 / 5
FeaturesIts massive 24-2,000mm lens is a major draw to this camera and beats everything out there 5 / 5
ValueProbably the best price to features ratio on this list5 / 5
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Speed23fps on its electronic shutter means you will certainly capture the action 4 / 5
FeaturesWith 24MP stills and Phenomenal autofocus this is perfect for wildlife5 / 5
ValueWith its super AF and 24MP stills its a great price for enthusiasts 4.5 / 5
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Speed20fps via its electric shutter is great , but not the best on the list3.5 / 5
FeaturesMassive 45MP sensor and 8K video means you can capture stunning wildlife visuals5 / 5
ValuePricey to most, but for 8K video and 45MP, it's good value4.5 / 5
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Speeda blistering 120fps you'll never miss a moment and is perfect for capturing humming birds 5 / 5
Featureswith its 120fps, 4K 60p video and zero rolling shutter - this is the perfect camera for wildlife content creators 5 / 5
ValueThis is a good as it gets for Sony, so it cost a fortune 4 / 5
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Speed120fps for 11MP, or 30fps full res 4.5 / 5
Features45MP stills, 8K video and pro grip body make this pro-grade camera a tank5 / 5
ValueIt's very well priced when you consider how much the Sony A9 III costs, but this is a massive leap from prosumer to pro-grade4 / 5
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SpeedUp to 40fps full-res with electronic shutter4.5/5
FeaturesGorgeous image quality, 6.2K video, subject-recognition AF4.5/5
ValueIt's definitely expensive for APS-C, but you get a lot for your money.4/5
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SpeedThough 120fps is the headline, you'll realistically use 50fps – still plenty!5/5
FeaturesIP53 weather-sealing, subject recognition – though resolution is low 4.5/5
PriceTerrific value considering what you get4.5/5
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Speed10fps is still very nippy for a DSLR4.5 / 5
Features32MP stills, uncropped 4K this is a great option for those want still want a DSLR4 / 5
ValueIts features might look dated compared to mirrorless cameras, but its a good price for a solid wildlife camera4.5 / 5
James Artaius
Editor

James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.