Best camera for beginner nature photography

Saturday April 29, 2023

By Jeff Meyer

When you first start out shooting nature photography you can sometimes feel pressured to learn everything at once. When you’re learning, you’ll be trying many different techniques that will provide the foundation for just about everything you’ll ever want to do with your camera. That’s why the best camera for beginner nature photography is one that offers ease of use but enough advanced features for you to grow with it as you develop your skills.

Whether you’re shooting in your garden or at a local nature reserve, you want a camera that can withstand the elements and be capable of capturing a variety of subjects, whether it’s a fast-moving insect or fungi in the low light of a forest floor.

Many photographers feel they need the best full-frame camera to shoot nature photography, but the best APS-C or Micro Four Thirds format cameras tend to be more affordable and can give you more reach given their crop factor. For instance, a Micro Four Thirds camera has a 2x focal length magnification factor, turning a 300mm lens into a 600mm lens, for example, whereas an APS-C format sensor has a 1.5-1.6x focal length magnification making a 300mm lens look like a 4500mm or 480mm optic. For more on crop factor, check out our guides on when to use APS-C lenses instead of full-frame and our breakdown of APS-C vs full-frame sensors.

When you’re looking at the best beginner cameras, you’ll usually find that their AF systems perform great in good light but may struggle a bit in low light. The best camera for beginner nature photography will have a lot of AF points spread across the frame. You can look for the cameras with the most AF points, but also check how sensitive these AF points are in low light.

Build quality is also important when choosing a camera for nature photography. Because you’ll be shooting outside in all sorts of conditions, the best camera for beginner nature photography should be able to withstand the cold, drizzle, wet grass, muddy fields, even lying down on sandy beaches. You’ll want a camera with a metal alloy body, if your budget allows for it. Also check that your intended camera has weather-proof seals along any joints and around the controls.

With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best options for budding nature photographers. We’ve shot with all of these cameras, and you can read our more in-depth reviews, linked below, for a deeper analysis. For a deeper dive into the many different camera types and features available, check out our range of camera buying guides.

Although the Nikon Z6 and Z7 are exceptional cameras, not all photographers prefer a full-frame option. Luckily, Nikon has the Z50 mirrorless camera that caters to those who desire an alternative. Experienced photographers will appreciate the Z50’s solid build and extensive feature set.

Capturing fast-moving subjects with precision is effortless thanks to the Z50’s exceptional autofocus system, even in low light conditions. In addition, the camera has Subject Tracking and Eye AF modes that are indispensable for portrait and social event photography.

Subject Tracking is available in Auto-area AF mode and is beneficial for subjects that move unpredictably. By selecting a tracking point on the screen or viewfinder, the Z50 will track the subject’s movements while keeping it sharp in Continuous AF mode.

The Z50 has a new 20.88Mp APS-C format sensor that pairs with the Expeed 6 processing engine. This combination allows for a native sensitivity range for stills of ISO 100-51,200, with expansion settings up to ISO 204,800. The video range is ISO 100-25,600.

Thanks to the Expeed 6 processing engine, the Z50 can shoot up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus and exposure metering in Continuous High Plus mode. The maximum rate in Continuous High mode is 5fps.

Find the best deals on the Nikon Z50 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Nikon Z50 Review: updated for Vlogging

The Sony A6600 is Sony’s flagship APS-C format mirrorless camera and it’s aimed at enthusiast photographers and videographers who want to shoot in a variety of conditions. Inside is a 24.2MP Exmor CMOS image sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, and a front-end LSI that is present in Sony’s full-frame cameras, improving both still and video image quality.

One of the Sony A6600’s remarkable features is its in-body image stabilisation system, which provides a 5.0-step shutter speed advantage, employing a 5-axis stabilisation system.

The camera’s autofocus system is equally impressive, with 425 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points, offering an autofocus acquisition time of 0.02 seconds. Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, powered by AI-based object recognition, improve tracking performance and speed for both humans and animals. The Real-time Eye AF technology helps photographers focus on composition, making it an exceptional feature for portrait and pet photography.

The Sony A6600 supports high-resolution internal 4K movie recording in Super 35mm format, without pixel binning, and includes interval shooting for time-lapse videos. Moreover, its 180-degree tiltable 3.0-type 921k-dot (approx.) LCD touch screen adds to the camera’s overall usability.

Although the Sony A6600 may have a different form factor than the full-frame Sony A7 series, it employs similar technology, which enables the camera to capture stunning images and videos with a broad range of subjects.

Find the best deals on the Sony A6600 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Sony A6600 Review

The Canon EOS R10 is an excellent choice for enthusiast photographers who want a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that’s ideal for travel or nature photography.

Despite being smaller and lighter than the Canon R7, the EOS R10 still boasts impressive features and technology that make it more versatile than the EOS M-series cameras such as the Canon EOS M50 Mark II. It has a capable AF system with subject detection and can produce high-quality images up to ISO 12,800.

Although it sits below the R7 in Canon’s mirrorless camera line-up, the R10 shares many features with the flagship model. It features the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology, allowing for phase detection focusing with every pixel capable of being used by the focusing system. This enables you to focus anywhere across the image.

While the R7’s AF system is sensitive down to -5EV, the Canon R10’s is sensitive down to -4EV. Additionally, the EOS R10 features Canon’s intelligent subject detection system, allowing you to focus on people, animals, or vehicles. If Eye detection is activated, the camera will prioritise the eyes of any detected subjects, making it an excellent option for people, pet and wildlife photographers.

Find the best deals on the Canon EOS R10 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Canon EOS R10 first look Review

Canon has equipped the EOS RP with a well-specified autofocus (AF) system that’s impressive. As with most Canon cameras, the imaging sensor is a Dual Pixel CMOS AF device, which employs phase detection. This type of focusing is generally quicker than contrast detection.

The Dual Pixel design means that each photoreceptor is divided into two, enabling all of them to play a role in focusing. The camera features 4,779 user-selectable AF points that cover 88% of the frame’s width and 100% of the height.

Canon claims that the RP’s AF system can function in lighting as low as -5EV when using an f/1.2 lens. This is one stop behind the EOS R, but it’s still remarkable.

The camera has Face and Eye detection capabilities, with Eye detection functioning with continuous AF.

Find the best deals on the Canon EOS RP at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Canon EOS RP Review

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV may resemble compact cameras with smaller sensors, but it’s a mirrorless camera that accepts Micro Four Thirds mount lenses.

The camera’s mini-DSLR styling, similar to other Olympus OM-D cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, includes a 2,360,000-dot electronic viewfinder at the centre of the top plate. A touch-sensitive 3-inch 1,037,000-dot LCD on the back of the camera can be tilted up or down, making it easier to capture landscape orientation images from above or below head height. This LCD can also be flipped down through 180°, making it useful for taking selfies or vlogging.

Despite its entry-level classification, the OM-D E-M10 IV comes with advanced features such as Olympus’s Live Composite and Live Time modes, which make it easier to capture long exposure images and light painting shots.

You can find the best deals on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Review

The Fujifilm X-T30 II may be getting a bit old now, but Fujifilm still hasn’t introduced a successor and it remains one of the best cameras for beginner nature photography.

Most of the X-T30 II’s enhancements over its predecessor are the result of firmware and algorithm improvements. For instance, it now boasts enhanced autofocus algorithms similar to those seen on the X-T4, resulting in faster focusing and improved low-light sensitivity of up to -7.0EV when paired with the XF50mm F1.0 lens. The Face/Eye detection feature has also been refined and is more dependable, but it’s only useful when taking pictures of humans.

The X-T30 II also comes with two additional Film Simulation modes, Classic Neg and Eterna Bleach Bypass. Additionally, there are controls to adjust Clarity, Tone Curve, and Monochromatic Color, while the Auto White Balance can be set to White Priority and Ambience Priority. Furthermore, the Color Chrome FX Blue option enhances blue subjects.

The X-T30 II has a new feature that the X-T30 lacks – the ability to record 4K video continuously for up to 30 minutes.

Find the best deals on the Fujifilm X-T30 II at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Fujifilm X-T30 II Review

Despite being listed as discontinued, the Nikon D3500 can still be found on sale, and is one of the best cameras for beginner nature photography, if not one of the best cameras for beginners overall.

The D3500’s monocoque body houses an APS-C (DX) format sensor with 24.2 million effective pixels, paired with an Expeed 4 processing engine that delivers high-quality images.

Although the D3500 AF system has just 11 individually selectable points, it’s quick and can capture moving subjects in focus, even though it may not be as impressive as the AF system of the average mirrorless camera.

As a DSLR camera, the D3500 features an optical viewfinder that presents a natural view of the scene without any interpretation by the camera. There’s also a fixed 3-inch screen on the back with 921,000 dots that can be used to compose and review images in Live View mode, although the Live View autofocus system may be sluggish.

The Nikon D3500’s Guide Mode is an excellent feature that makes it a preferred choice for beginners. It teaches photography and camera controls using plain language, making it easier for users to learn.

Find the best deals on the Nikon D3500 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Nikon D3500 Review

The EOS M50 Mark II has been one of Canon’s most popular mirrorless camera, even if the EOS M system will be no ore. The M50 Mark II was a minor refresh of the original, but builds on its capabilities. For starters, it retains the same 24Mp APS-C format sensor and Digic 8 processing engine as its predecessor.

Like its predecessor, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is capable of shooting 4K video at up to 24p, but with an additional 1.5x crop applied to the framing. The autofocus system is based on contrast detection for 4K video, while the phase detection system enabled by the Dual Pixel sensor design is active for Full HD or stills shooting.

The key upgrades of the Mark II include eye tracking in both stills and video modes, vertical video recording, and the ability to stream live to YouTube video using a smartphone hotspot.

Find the best deals on the Canon EOS M50 Mark II at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Canon EOS M50 Mark II Review

If you’re after a compact full-frame camera that boasts Sony’s impressive autofocus and noise control systems, the Sony A7C is a great choice and won’t break the bank. It’s the smallest camera in the Sony A7-series cameras, with a flat-topped rectangular body that resembles the Sony A6600, and it features a vari-angle screen instead of a tilting monitor. Inside, the A7C has the same 24Mp sensor and core features as the Sony A7 III.

The A7C is an attractive option for travel and everyday photography when paired with the small collapsible FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 kit lens.

However, Sony made a few compromises in handling when shrinking down the A7C. There’s no joystick on the back of the camera, and there’s only one control dial. Additionally, the electronic viewfinder is the type of unit more commonly found in APS-C format cameras.

If you’re willing to forgo the vari-angle screen and don’t mind a slightly larger camera, the Sony A7 III, which sits above the A7C in the range, is a great alternative and costs a bit less.

Find the best deals on the Sony A7C at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Review

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