Best Camera For Nature Shots

This is a guide covering the best cameras for nature photography.

In this all-new guide you'll learn about:

Best overall camera for nature photography
Best Canon camera for nature photography
Best Nikon camera for nature photography
Best Sony camera for nature photography
Pros and cons
Price
Important features
And more

Let's dive in.

10 Best Cameras for Nature Photography

Click/tap on each camera name to jump to that section. At the end of each section, there is also a link to jump back to this table to make it easy for you!

In a hurry? Check out our top pick!

Taking photos of nature can be fun.

You get the chance to practice your skills in breathtaking views and capture animals in their natural habitat.

But to be able to have the best results, you also need to have the right camera for the job.

For those who are looking for the best cameras for nature photography, we've come up with some cameras from top brands including Sony, Nikon, Canon, and Lumix.

Looking for the best camera for nature and wildlife photography?

We'll give you a look at some of the pros and cons of each camera that we are going to feature.

This way, you get to decide which one fits your requirements.

What is the Overall Best Camera for Nature Photography?

1. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Whether you are shooting landscapes shooting portraits of wild animals, we believe that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is the overall best camera for nature and wildlife photography.

Weather-sealed and protected from the elements, it can last even in brutal weather conditions. It has a 26MP full sensor that provides crisp images.

Plus, it takes clear photos with tolerable noise even when you are using high ISO for low-light situations. It has an ISO sensitivity of 100 to 40,000.

You also don't have trouble getting your shots into your phone with its built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Shooting wild animals isn't a problem with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. It has quiet shooting mode plus you get to shoot 6.5 shots per second.

The only downside to this camera is the fact that it has low autofocus on some lenses such as Sigma lenses.

Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon 6D Mark II.

Pros

Crisp images
ISO sensitivity from 100 to 40,000
Built-in WiFi
With Vari-Angle screen
Quiet shooting
6.5 fps continuous shooting

Cons

Slow autofocus on some lenses

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What is the Best Canon Camera for Nature Photography?

2. Canon EOS R

As for the best Canon camera for nature photography, we find the EOS R to fit this category.

It is the first full-frame mirrorless camera that came from Canon and it's been known not only as one of the best cameras for nature photography but also a favorite among vloggers and travel enthusiasts.

Because it is a mirrorless camera, it is lighter than your bulky DSLRs. But does it mean that it isn't made for rugged situations?

It has a weather-sealed design that makes it perfect for outdoors.

When it comes to its features, you get a 30MP full-frame sensor with dual pixel autofocus.

If compared to a DSLR, you get the image quality of 5D Mark IV at the investment level of a 6D Mark II.

It can do well shooting elusive animals in its habitat with its 8fps shooting capability not to mention its ability to shoot videos in 4K.

And if you are shooting during sunset, it has a good performance even when shooting in high ISO. The only thing that you might not like about this camera is the fact that you get fewer lens options.

Pros

Good performance in high ISO
Lightweight
30 MP sensor
Weather-sealed
Shoots 4K videos
8fps

Cons

Fewer lens option than DSLRs

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What is the Best Nikon Camera for Nature Photography?

3. Nikon Z7

If you happened to be a Nikon user and looking for the best camera for nature and wildlife photography, you might want to check the Nikon Z7.

The Nikon Z7 has a powerful BSI 45.7MP full-frame sensor that comes with 493 focusing points.

It is also weather-sealed making it a reliable camera outdoors with unpredictable weather conditions.

It also has a decent image stabilization making it easy to use even if you don't have a tripod.

And when it comes to shooting in low-light conditions, you don't have to get frustrated because it does well in high ISO settings.

And unlike other cameras that will require battery replacement, it has decent battery life.

So what's the downside to the Nikon Z7? Though it is one of the best cameras for nature photography, it is not as easy to use as other Nikon cameras.

It takes some time to figure everything out.

Pros

45.7 MP full-frame sensor
weather-sealed
493 focus points
Decent battery life

Cons

Not as user-friendly as other Nikon cameras

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What is the Best Sony Camera for Nature Photography?

4. Sony a7R III

When it comes to the best Sony camera for nature and wildlife photography, we'd recommend the Sony A7R III.

Many of the improvements brought to the table by Sony on the A7R III were even carried over to the A9.

For starters, it has a 42.4 MP full-frame sensor, the same sensor used on the A7R II. However, some improvements are worth sharing including the faster and more advanced image processor.

And also, it performs decently when using high ISO, something that you don't get from the A7R II.

It is also considered a fast camera shooting at 10fps which is a huge jump from its predecessor's 5fps. So what are the things that you might not like?

Power up time is a bit slow. But other than that, you get a superb camera that comes with a great battery as well.

Pros

42.4 MP full-frame sensor
10fps
Performs well in high ISO
Great battery life

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5. Sony Alpha a6400

The Sony Alpha A6400 Mirrorless Camera is a lightweight option for those who are looking for a camera that they can bring to the wild.

It is arguably the best camera for landscape photography and more thanks to its outstanding 24.2 MP sensor with great light sensitivity.

You also get a 425-point phase-detection fast AF allowing you to shoot with accuracy especially if taking photos of moving animals.

But what makes it one of the best cameras for nature photography is the fact that it is lightweight and weather-sealed allowing you to work regardless if it is raining or not.

You also get a screen that allows you to work even in weird angles.

Plus, you can also transfer the photos you capture via WiFi and Bluetooth.

But the biggest downside to this camera is perhaps its inability to stabilize shots.

So don't forget your tripod in case you are going to use this in the outdoors.

Also, check out a full list of the best lenses for Sony A6400.

Pros

Great light sensitivity
Superb autofocus
Lightweight
Weatherproof design
Transfers files via WiFi and Bluetooth

Cons

No image stabilization

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6. Nikon D750

The Nikon D750 is considered an "entry-level" full-frame DSLR.

However, you can't deny with its specs that it can easily be considered a good camera whether for shooting landscapes or shooting photos of animals moving around in the wild.

It has a 24.3 MP sensor paired with the EXPEED 4 image processor that you see from the D810.

It also has the same metering and AF as the D810. It is notable for its tilting LCD plus you get built-in WiFi connectivity that makes it easier to transfer the photos.

You can use the camera well regardless if it's a well-lighted or dim situation.

It gives nice colors and a well-controlled noise level even when you boost the ISO towards its upper limit.

It also shoots up to 6.5fps which is enough for most nature photography enthusiasts.

But is it perfect? Not exactly. Its autofocus feature is an area that needs improvement.

The outer areas are not covered.

Pros

6.5 fps
Superb sensor and image processor
Tilting LCD
Built-in WiFi

Cons

Outer edges are not covered in its AF

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7. Sony Alpha a6500

The Sony Alpha A6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera is something that even photographers new to Sony cameras can figure out.

It has a user-friendly configuration plus it has a compact design that makes it easier for photographers to pack in their bag.

It offers great image quality with its 24.4MP sensor and the BIONZ X Image Processor.

It can even perform well when you need to use high ISO in low light situations.

Taking photos of moving subjects is not an issue with the Alpha A6500. It is fast at 11fps.

However, the only thing that you might not like about this camera is the fact that it tends to miss when it comes to focusing on a particular area.

Also, check out the best lenses for the Sony A6500.

Pros

Easy to figure out
11fps
Great image quality
Does well even in high ISO

Cons

Focus is not as accurate

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8. Panasonic LUMIX GX85

The Panasonic Lumix GX85 is known for its 4k video making it a favorite by YouTube content creators.

Though it only has a 16MP sensor, we still consider it as one of the best cameras for nature photography given its ability to take steady shots with its dual image stabilization.

You also get high-speed autofocus in case you are shooting photos of moving animals in the wild.

The only thing that you might not like about this camera is the limited number of lens options compared to DSLRs.

Pros

Lightweight
Superb image stabilization
Fast autofocus

Cons

Limited lens options
16MP

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9. Panasonic Lumix G9

The Panasonic Lumix G9 is another mirrorless camera known mostly for its 4K video capability.

But with its 20.3MP resolution and ability to capture sharp images, it is only right to have it included in the list of best cameras for nature photography.

It also has a rugged design that can withstand splash and freezing temperatures.

It is also popular among pro photographers for its dual image stabilization that can lessen wasted shots in the wild.

However, when it comes to its focus, many consider it to be mediocre in this department.

Though it doesn't have a good number of lens options and not the best autofocus, you still get to enjoy it especially when you have to deal with rugged weather conditions.

Pros

With 20.3 MP sensor
Takes sharp images
With dual image stabilization
Splash and freeze proof

Cons

Mediocre AF
Fewer lens options than DSLRs

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10. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a 30MP full-frame sensor.

It is known for taking superb photos making it a favorite by many photojournalists and wedding photographers.

And when it comes to shooting landscapes and wildlife, it can beat many of the DSLRs in the market today.

It is quick and responsive plus you get to shoot up to 7fps in burst speed.

And when it comes to shooting photos of moving animals, you get to enjoy fast autofocus minimizing the missed opportunities.

The only downside is that its AF is not as good when it comes to low contrast objects. Other than that, it is a solid camera that you can depend on.

Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon 5D Mark IV.

Pros

30MP full frame sensor
Robust design
7fps
Fast autofocus

Cons

AF is not good in low light

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Concluding Remarks

Hope you enjoyed this buyer's guide on the best cameras for nature photography.

If you are looking for the best camera that you can bring outdoors to shoot landscapes and wildlife, might as well try to compare at least five options that we've mentioned in our list.

Try to consider not only your budget but the ability of the camera to shoot not only beautiful landscapes but even moving subjects.

Also, check out a list of the best lenses for wildlife photography.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

John is a photography enthusiast by heart. He shoots both film and digital with a preference leaning towards his 1960s Canon QL19 and the robust Nikon F2. As for digital, he loves to take handy mirrorless cameras on his trips. Over the last 12 years, he's had experience using different brands of lenses and cameras making it handy in giving unbiased reviews on anything that is photography gear related.