{"id":172487,"date":"2022-08-12T19:00:19","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T18:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/?p=172487"},"modified":"2022-08-12T20:02:17","modified_gmt":"2022-08-12T19:02:17","slug":"best-cameras-for-bird-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/buying-advice\/best-cameras-for-bird-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Best cameras for bird photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best cameras for bird photography \u2013 which is also referred to as \u2018bird in flight\u2019 or \u2018BIF photography\u2019 \u2013 need to be fleet and agile.<\/strong> Birds are some of the trickiest photographic subjects out there, and nailing a sharp, in-focus shot of a bird in flight is an ongoing goal for many photographers.<\/p>\n

Autofocus is critical; a camera needs to be capable of locking onto a moving subject and keeping focus as the subject continues to move (this is commonly referred to as Tracking AF<\/strong>). Some modern cameras have started including dedicated bird photography AF modes, which are designed to keep the eyes of a bird in focus for perfect avian portraits. Cameras with fast burst modes are advantageous too, to ensure you don\u2019t miss the perfect moment.<\/p>\n

Of course, these tend to be high-end cameras for enthusiasts and professionals. We\u2019ve included a few of those on this list, but have also added some more budget-friendly models, as not everyone has the kind of cash that the flagship cameras require. Every camera on this list has been tested by our team, and every model on here is one we personally recommend.<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s dive straight into the best cameras for bird photography!<\/p>\n

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Here are our picks of the best cameras for bird photography:<\/h2>\n

Best camera for bird photography overall:<\/h2>\n

OM System OM-1<\/a><\/h2>\n

Price | \u00a31,999 \/ $2,199 (body only)<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Best\t\t\t

Best camera for bird photography – OM System OM-1. Photo credit: Joshua Waller<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

At a glance:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Mirrorless camera<\/li>\n
  • 20MP Four Thirds Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor<\/li>\n
  • 50fps with C-AF<\/li>\n
  • 1053-point AI detect Quad Pixel AF<\/li>\n
  • 5-axis in-body stabilisation (up to 8EV)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The OM-System OM-1 – the first mirrorless cameras from the brand formerly known as Olympus, is an absolute revelation for bird photography. All of its features synergise perfectly for capturing images of birds in flight \u2013 its class-leading 1053-point Quad Pixel autofocus, its ability to shoot Raw files at 50fps with continuous autofocus, its comprehensive weather sealing that\u2019s perfect for long birding sessions spent outdoors.<\/p>\n

    We were hugely impressed by the OM-System OM-1 when we reviewed the camera, especially the fact that its 50fps burst shooting is blackout-free, so you need never lose sight of your flying subject.<\/p>\n

    Two members of the AP team also put the camera through its paces for a bird photography shooting session<\/a> and had a chance to test out the dedicated Bird Detection AF mode. We found it enabled us to get sharp shots of birds time and time again.<\/p>\n

    Pros:<\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Blackout free 50fps C-AF<\/li>\n
    • Comprehensive weather sealing<\/li>\n
    • Class-leading stabilisation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Cons:<\/h3>\n
        \n
      • 20MP is on the low side<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Read our full review of the OM System OM-1.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n