The most important thing with the best sports cameras, as with many of the best sports figures, is speed! I've photographed all kinds of sport – from basketball to boxing, high jump to hurdles and swimming to skateboarding – and trust me: you're going to need fast burst shooting, fast autofocus and fast memory.
This means that the best cameras for sports photography are also some of the most expensive, because they're packed with each manufacturer's most powerful tech. When you're paying top dollar, you want to be sure that you're getting the top performance – luckily, I've tested every pro sports camera on the market and I'm here to tell you which is best for you.
Cutting to the chase, for all-round performance you can't do any better than the Canon EOS R5 Mark II; it has the most reliable autofocus, the best stabilization, in-camera AI features and can even shoot 8K. For pure speed, it's got to be the Sony A9 III with its blistering burst rate of 120fps. And for video, it's the Nikon Z8 with its slew of options and great record times.
You can't go far wrong with any choice on this list, though, so here's my roundup of the best cameras for sports photography having tested them all…
I've been photographing all kinds of sport since 2014, from motorsport to combat sports, from pickup games to the Olympic level. That covers ball sports like basketball and soccer to choreographed events like floor gymnastics and professional wrestling!
Quick List
The best all-round sports camera for my money, the R5 Mark II offers 45MP stills with in-camera upscaling to 180MP, along with 40fps bursts, 8K 60p video and the best AF system available.
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For sports videography, the Z8 offers all the power of its big brother in a smaller, more rig-friendly form factor. Get epic 8K, 4K and 1080p video with all the codecs you could ask for.
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Best Sony
I've never used a camera like this before! Its global shutter sensor redefines the game, with unbelievable 120fps full-res shooting, flash sync at any speed and AI-powered autofocus.
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At under a grand in the US and UK, this is both the cheapest camera and the best for beginners. With 24.2MP stills at up to 23fps and 4K 60p video, it's amazing bang for your buck!
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Want a DSLR? The 1D X Mark III is still a heck of a camera in my book, with its incredible AF system, rapid-fire bursts, optical finder – and battery life that makes mincement of mirrorless!
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Want a DSLR? The 1D X Mark III is still a heck of a camera in my book, with its incredible AF system, rapid-fire bursts, optical finder – and battery life that makes mincement of mirrorless!
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The best cameras for sports photography
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Best camera for sports photography overall
1. Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want the best AF: Canon's Dual Pixel Intelligent Autofocus is simply the best I've ever used, bar none.
✅ You want the best stabilization: At up to 8.5 stops, the image stabilization on the R5 Mark II is just unreal.
❌ You want pure video: It's a 4K and 8K monster, but it needs an extra cooling grip to achieve longer record times.
❌ You want the best lens selection: There are no full-frame third-party autofocus lenses for the RF mount.
🔎 Canon EOS R5 Mark II The A9 III is faster, and the Z8 records video for longer, but the R5 Mark II simply does everything better.
This is the single most advanced camera on the market right now, packed with so many features that it's almost ridiculous!
It captures 45MP stills, but it can upscale them to 180MP in-camera with zero loss of quality. It shoots 8K 60p RAW video, can fires continuous bursts of 40fps (RAW and JPEG), boasts Eye Control AF (which enables you to move focus points simply by looking at your subject) and has the most incredible autofocus system.
Using Canon's latest, AI-powered Dual Pixel Intelligent AF system, not only can it detect and track subjects, but thanks to the new Action Priority mode it can recognize and predict movement – such as a spike in volleyball or an alley oop in basketball – so that it always knows which player to focus on. (This is currently limited to basketball, soccer and volleyball, though more sports may be added in with firmware.)
With Face Priority AF, you can also program up to ten faces in order of importance – so again, the camera will know to keep the star player in focus rather than jumping to a bench warmer just because his face might be a bit clearer.
There's also Canon's best-in-class in-body image stabilization to consider. This is good for up to 8.5 stops (in the center; Canon is the first brand to disclose its efficacy in the corners, where it's rated at 7.5 stops) and it makes such a huge difference when you're using the big pro lenses.
While it doesn't have the Sony's top speed, truth be told 40fps is absolutely more than enough (I never shoot above 20fps). But if video is key for your shooting, the Z8 offers longer native shooting times (though the R5 Mark II can achieve extended shooting with an optional cooling fan grip). And while it's not yet on sale, the Canon EOS R1 offers even better autofocus performance at the expense of resolution.
Honestly, though, everything else that this camera offers just blows its rivals out of the water. The autofocus system alone transforms the way that the biggest ball sports are shot, and the Neural Network Image Processing doesn't just quadruple the resolution of your images – it can also denoise them by two stops, cleaning up high-ISO) shots or adding crispness for even slight sensitivity boosts.
Read my Canon EOS R5 Mark II review
Best camera for sports videography
2. Nikon Z8
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want to be future-proof: With video capture up to 8K 60p, in all the high-end codecs, you're good to go!
✅ You want value: Thousands cheaper than its rivals, the Z8 offers truly incredible value for money.
❌ You need a versatile screen: The four-way tilt screen is okay, but full articulation is preferable for video.
❌ You want full memory card flexiblity: With one SD and one CFexpress, capture is limited by the card you use.
🔎 Nikon Z8 Essentially a Z9, but in a smaller more manageable form factor. Its video capabilities are simply unmatched in this category. ★★★★★
Am I cheating by choosing the Nikon Z8 for sports videography? I don't think so.
While it's almost identical to the Z9, its biggest difference – the conventional mirrorless camera form factor – is a crucial one, as its big brother is more of a big bother for handheld or gimbal-based video shooting.
With the Z8, you get all the same video horsepower in a more rig-friendly body. That means up to 8K 60p and 4K 120p internally, in 12-bit RAW and 4:2:2 ProRes RAW HQ. It also means 8- or 10-bit H.265 and Apple ProRes RAW.
Due to the Z9's larger design and better heat dispersion it does have slightly longer recording times, but the Z8 still delivers around 120 minutes of 4K 60p or 90 minutes of 8K 30p – both of which are still very impressive.
The only other downside, common to the Z9, is the lack of fully articulating screen – something that I really, really prefer for video (and for stills, too, for that matter).
However, the double-axis swing system does enable you to adjust the screen more than a regular tilt-only affair, and given all the Z8's other upsides I can forgive this relatively minor irritation.
Read my full Nikon Z8 review
| Lab results | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (ISO 200) | 38/60 | ★★★★ |
| Dynamic range (ISO 200) | 13 EV | ★★★★ |
| Noise (ISO 200) | 40 decibels | ★★★★★ |
Best beginner camera for sports photography
3. Canon EOS R10
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want bang for buck: You simply won't find a better specced, sports-suitable camera at this price!
✅ You need speed: With 23fps electronically and 15fps mechanically, the R10 offers super-fast stills shooting.
❌ You need stabilization: As an enthusiast body, there's no image stabilization – so you'll need to rely on lenses.
❌ You want peace of mind: There's only a single memory card slot, so there's no backup in case of card failure.
🔎 Canon EOS R10 For awesome autofocus and big bursts on a budget, this is a fantastic option – and the APS-C crop works in your focal length favor, too. ★★★★½
Of all the cameras in Canon's mirrorless lineup, I think the R10 is the most overlooked.
For less than a thousand bucks in the US and UK it gives you the same flagship autofocus system found in the EOS R3 – and using the mechanical shutter, it's actually faster than the R3 (and the Sony A1, for that matter) as well. Heck, the electronic shutter is faster than the Canon EOS R5 and R6!
Some people feel that an APS-C sensor is a strike against sports camera, but on the contrary – I think it can be an advantage, because that 1.6x crop factor effectively increases the focal length of your lenses. Stick a 300mm lens on this camera and it gives you an amazing reach of 480mm – how can you not love that!
Since this is an enthusiast-level camera there are, of course, some compromises – the biggest one being the lack of in-body image stabilization (though lots of Canon RF lenses have optical stabilization, so you won't be completely unsupported).
While 4K video goes all the way up to 60p, this does invoke a crop (though the oversampled 4K 30p and FullHD 120p are uncropped), and there's only a single memory card slot.
Still, given everything else it offers for such a low price, this is both the best cheap sports camera and the best beginner sports camera you can get right now. It's time to give this camera the respect it deserves!
Read my full Canon EOS R10 review
| Lab results | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (ISO 200) | 26/60 | ★★★ |
| Dynamic range (ISO 200) | 12 EV | ★★★★ |
| Noise (ISO 200) | 41 decibels | ★★★★★ |
Best Sony camera for sports photography
4. Sony A9 III
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You need maximum speed: Firing 120 full-resolution frames every second, nothing can match the A9 III!
✅ You want to sync flash at any speed: The global shutter has many benefits, not least the total liberation of flash.
❌ You need maximum sensitivity: The global shutter limits ISO to 250-25600 (expandable to 125-51200 for stills).
❌ You don't like correcting color: Sony's color science often requires fixing in post to achieve accurate tones.
🔎 Sony A9 III There has never been a camera like this. For sheer speed, it leaves every other camera in the dust – you'll never miss a moment with the A9 III. ★★★★★
The Sony A9 III is an absolute monster. If raw speed is what you need, then look no further – because this camera is an absolute Gatling gun, rattling off 120 frames every second. And unlike the Nikon Z8 / Z9, that's 120 full-size frames in both RAW and JPEG.
This is thanks to the game-changing global shutter sensor, with instant full-sensor readout that eliminates rolling shutter and banding – something that's increasingly relevant, in a sporting world that uses so much LED illumination – and also enables you to sync with flash at any speed.
The A9 III boasts a dedicated AI processor to power its predictive autofocus system, which 90% of the time is incredibly effective – though it's not quite as reliable as Canon's AF, occasionally losing subjects that "zig" when it expects them to "zag".
The only real downsides to the camera are the more limited sensitivity of ISO250-25600 (expandable to 125-51200 for stills), which is a compromise of global shutter technology, as well as Sony's color science that often needs repairing in post-production – especially if artificial light has been used.
Otherwise, this is a camera that literally doesn't miss a moment of the action. If you're an elite sports stills shooter, this is the most elite camera that exists.
Read my Sony A9 III review
Best DSLR camera for sports photography
5. Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You need ruggedness: Weather-sealed, this brick-like DSLR is as robust as they come!
✅ You want unrestrained capture: Twin CFexpress Type B slots won't be throttled by an SD card.
❌ You need resolution: 20.1MP is still plenty, it pales next to other sensors on this list.
❌ You want the latest tech: For more advanced AF to image stabilization, this is old-school DSLR technology.
🔎 Canon EOS-1D X Mark III This is the best DSLR you can buy for sports. Great AF, and fantastic ergonomics. ★★★★★
Mirrorless cameras have surged ahead of DSLRs in nearly every respect, but the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III skillfully integrates the strengths of both technologies, making it a standout option for sports photography.
This camera's unmatched battery life is a significant advantage, allowing for continuous shooting without the worry of running out of power—I’ve yet to deplete a battery in a single session. Moreover, it retains an optical viewfinder, a feature still cherished by many traditional photographers for its clear, direct view and reliability.
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is a harmonious blend of proven and cutting-edge technology. It supports modern formats like HEIF files and HDR PQ, which enhance image quality and dynamic range. Dual CFexpress card slots ensure rapid data transfer and ample storage capacity, essential for high-speed photography.
The camera also boasts 12-bit internal 4K RAW recording, offering superior video quality. One of its standout features is the innovative Smart Controller, which provides a more intuitive and efficient alternative to the conventional joystick, enhancing the overall user experience.
Additionally, the camera’s advanced Deep Learning Autofocus system delivers precise and accurate focusing, even in fast-paced environments. The inclusion of the EF mount further extends its versatility, granting access to one of the most comprehensive and diverse lens selections available on the market.
This rich lens ecosystem enables photographers to tailor their gear to virtually any shooting scenario, solidifying the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III still as a robust and adaptable tool in the world of sports and action photography.
Read our full Canon EOS-1D X Mark III review for more details
| Lab results | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (ISO 200) | 24/60 | ★★★★ |
| Dynamic range (ISO 200) | 13 EV | ★★★★★ |
| Noise (ISO 200) | 45 decibels | ★★★★★ |
Best camera for family sports photography
6. Sony RX10 IV
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want simple shooting: This is a very friendly camera, able to go full auto or fully manual.
✅ You want the best zoom range: The RX10 IV's fixed lens has a phenomenal 24-600mm focal range.
❌ You have quick reflexes: The zoom is slow, and you can't zoom while continually focusing.
❌ You want the best quality: The smaller sensor delivers good quality, but it's no match for full frame or APS-C.
🔎 Sony RX10 IV This is the best DSLR you can buy for sports. Great AF, and fantastic ergonomics. ★★★½
Okay, what if you're not shooting for Getty or Reuters? What if you're shooting your kids playing soccer, rather than the all-stars at an NBA game? You might want to consider a bridge camera – and I think the RX10 IV is a great choice.
A bridge camera combines all the functionality of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but in a much more user-friendly form factor. And instead of interchangeable lenses, bridges are "all-in-one" cameras with a built-in lens – and a ridiculous zoom range!
The RX10 IV's lens is an unbelievable 24-600mm – a lens that doesn't exist on DSLR or mirrorless cameras, so you would have to buy a whole bunch of lenses to cover that same range. And it would cost you thousands! This will take you from those up-close shots when players are right in front of you, all the way down to the end zone.
On top of the wild zoom range, this camera has a 20.1MP sensor, reliable phase detect autofocus with continuous AF tracking, a burst speed of 24fps, 4K 30p / FullHD 120p video, slow-motion footage up to 1000fps… so what's the catch?
Well, the camera uses a smaller 1-inch sensor – which is much smaller than a full frame, APS-C or even Micro Four Thirds sensor. While it still produces great images, it doesn't offer as much detail as larger sensors and doesn't handle low light situations as well – and you have less headroom to crop into your images without losing quality.
The battery life is pretty lean, as well, clocking in at about 400 shots – which is reduced the more you use the zoom, the built-in flash, or when you record video. It's a pricey purchase, too, but ultimately you might find that the advantages of this camera might outweigh the compromises.
I find the Sony RX10 IV ideal for casual sports photography – whether it's rec center pickup games or peewee football. When I just want some cool shots of my friends or family playing, to share on social media or print for a photo album, this gives me way better quality and a way better zoom than my phone – and I love the results.
Read our full Sony RX10 IV review for more details
How to choose the best camera for sports photography
One of the most important features of a sports camera is a good burst mode. This refers to how many frames per second your camera can capture; the faster it is, the more likely you are to capture that winning mid-action shot. Mirrorless cameras blow DSLRs out of the water here, offering up to 120fps compared to the 16fps top speed of their mirrored counterparts.
However, a great burst mode means very little without a good buffer depth to accompany it. This refers to the number of continuous photos that a camera can take before it needs to pause (at which point the camera needs to process, preventing you from shooting again until the buffer clears). If you're shooting in JPEG, you'll find that there will be a larger buffer than if you're shooting in RAW. However, professional cameras should be capable of decent buffer depths for RAW files as well.
Another super important feature of the best camera for sports photography is fast and efficient autofocus. Without an autofocus system that's able to keep up with the action, you'll likely end up with a lot of misfocused images. Look for good coverage of autofocus points and especially subject detection offered by the latest cameras; these have been trained by AI algorithms and can automatically detect and track things like the faces, eyes and heads of human subjects, as well as driver helmets and vehicles for motorsports.
How we test cameras
When I test a sports camera, I don't go out and shoot brick walls or landscapes – I take it courtside, ringside and trackside to see how it performs in real-world shooting scenarios. Sometimes I'll test cameras on pick-up games on the blacktop or at the local rec center, other times I'll photograph Olympic athletes at the top of their game – the important thing is, I'm stress testing these cameras in actual sporting events.
This enables me to really torture their autofocus systems along with their burst shooting, buffer depth and battery life – and that's when shooting both stills and video. I push these cameras as hard as I can with outdoor shoots under bright light, as well as indoors with the often miserable light that you find at sports halls – which helps see what the ISO can do, and how well the AF holds up in tough lighting!
After that I pass the cameras to our lab manager, Ben Andrews. He then puts them through a series of thorough resolution, dynamic range and noise tests under scientifically controlled conditions using two key testing tools: Imatest Master and DxO Analyzer. This assesses:
1. Resolution (ISO-12233): We use a resolution chart based on ISO-12233 from Applied Image inc to indicate the limit of the camera’s vertical resolution at the centre of the frame. The higher the value, the better the detail resolution.
2. Dynamic range (DxO Analyzer): This is a measure of a camera’s ability to capture detail in the highlights and shadows. We use DxO’s transmissive chart, which enables us to test a dynamic range of 13.3 stops.
3. Noise (DxO Analyzer): We use the dynamic range transmissive chart to analyze the signal-to-noise ratio for RAW and JPG files at every sensitivity setting using DxO Analyzer. A higher value means the signal is cleaner.
FAQs
Do sports photographers shoot in RAW or JPEG?
Professional sports photographers tend to shoot in JPEG, as it is faster and more efficient – both in terms of shooting and uploading their files. In general, many sports photographers shoot in JPEG + RAW, so that a high-quality "negative" is retained for editing purposes.
What type of camera does a sports photographer use?
Professional sports photographers typically use full-frame flagship cameras from the "big three" manufacturers. These include DSLRs like the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and Nikon D5, and mirrorless cameras such as the Sony A1, Canon EOS R3 and Nikon Z9. These offer large sensors with good ISO performance, high dynamic range, and fast continuous shooting speeds. Many semi-pro and enthusiast photographers opt for APS-C DSLR or mirrorless cameras. These feature physically smaller image sensors, but their the 1.5x / 1.6x crop factor increases the effective focal length of lenses. Beginners and casual shooters are advised to opt for bridge cameras. Unlike interchangeable lens cameras, these have fixed lenses with large – sometimes extreme – focal ranges. They are also simple to use and operate, in many ways, like point-and-shoot cameras.
Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for sports photography?
Traditionally DSLRs have been favored for sports photography due to their absence of lag and better battery life, compared to mirrorless cameras that have historically experienced latency in their electronic viewfinders and cannot achieve the same battery performance.These days, however, mirrorless cameras can achieve lag-free, blackout-free shooting. Combined with their increasingly superior specifications (particularly in terms of autofocus, burst speeds and stabilization), they are becoming more and more popular… even though they still cannot match DSLRs' battery life.
Is a full frame camera better for sports photography?
All things being equal, a full frame camera will yield the highest quality images. However, using a crop sensor camera gives the advantage of increasing the effective focal length of lenses. For APS-C cameras this can turn a 500mm lens into an 800mm lens, while bridge cameras can achieve astonishing focal ranges such as 24-2000mm that are impossible to achieve on a full frame camera.
