Home » Wildlife Photography » Gear » Cameras » Best Wildlife Cameras under $2000
Written by Antonio Cala.
Purchasing a camera for wildlife photography can be an expensive investment. Fortunately, there are budget-friendly options available that can produce excellent results without breaking the bank.
When looking for the best budget cameras for wildlife photography under $2000, there are several factors to consider. These include image quality, autofocus performance, durability, and portability. It’s also essential to choose a camera that can handle the demands of wildlife photography, such as fast-moving subjects and challenging lighting conditions.
After getting our hands on a lot of cameras and conducting extensive research and analysis, we put together this article with our top picks for budget wildlife cameras under $2000.
For a complete analysis of all wildlife cameras, not just from Sony, make sure to check out the ultimate guide to wildlife photography cameras.
Feel free to check out this summary of our recommended cameras for wildlife under $2,000, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
Our Pick For
The Absolute Best Wildlife Camera under $2,000
The Olympus OM-1 camera is a fantastic option under $2,000 for intermediate wildlife photographers, offering a blend of advanced features and excellent image quality at a reasonable price point.
Here are some reasons why it is a great choice for wildlife photography:
Pros:
Cons:
The Olympus OM-1 presents an excellent value proposition for intermediate wildlife photographers, offering advanced features, superb image quality, innovative technology, and reliable performance at a superior competitive price point.
Our Pick For
Runner Up
The Canon EOS 90D is a compelling budget option for wildlife photography, offering a blend of advanced features and versatility. There are lots of features packed into this camera that retails for less than 2000 bucks.
With its 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor, the camera delivers high-resolution imagery, ideal for capturing intricate details in wildlife scenes.
The 45 cross-type autofocus points enable swift and accurate focusing on moving subjects, essential for wildlife photography. Its impressive burst mode of up to 10 frames per second allows photographers to capture fast-paced wildlife action effectively.
Pros:
Cons:
In summary, the Canon EOS 90D stands out as a strong choice for intermediate photographers on a budget, due to its affordability, high resolution, advanced autofocus system, impressive burst mode, and 4K video capability. It’s our preferred option together with the OM-1.
Our Pick For
Best Compact Camera under $2,000
The Sony RX10 IV is our preferred option for a camera under $2000 if what you’re looking for is a compact camera. This camera offers speed, reach, and versatile recording capabilities, making it a compact solution for multimedia image-makers. The key features that make it ideal for wildlife photography include:
Pros:
Cons:
With its exceptional zoom range, image stabilization, and autofocus capabilities, the Sony RX10 IV offers wildlife photographers a compact yet powerful tool to capture stunning wildlife moments at a competitive price point.
Best Budget Cameras for Wildlife Photography
(Under $2,000)
There are several key features to consider when choosing a camera for wildlife photography, especially if you’re on a budget. Here are some of the most important features to keep in mind:
The size and quality of the camera’s sensor are crucial for capturing high-quality wildlife photos. A larger sensor can capture more light, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. A high-quality sensor will also produce images with less noise and better color accuracy.
Autofocus is another essential feature to consider when choosing a wildlife camera. Fast and accurate autofocus is crucial for capturing images of moving animals. A camera with a high frame rate will also allow you to take multiple shots in quick succession, increasing your chances of capturing the perfect shot.
The lens is another critical component of a wildlife camera. A lens with a long focal length will allow you to get closer to your subject without having to physically move closer. Look for cameras with interchangeable lenses, as this will give you more flexibility in terms of focal length and aperture.
Finally, a wildlife camera should be durable and weather-sealed to withstand the elements. Look for cameras with a rugged build and weather-sealed body to protect against dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
When considering wildlife photography cameras under $1000 the Olympus OM-1 and the Canon EOS 90D stand out as the absolute best choices under $2000.
The Olympus OM-1 boasts a compact design and exceptional image stabilization, making it a great option for those who prioritize portability and versatility. Additionally, its weather-sealed body allows for worry-free shooting in various environments.
The Canon EOS 90D, on the other hand, offers impressive autofocus and burst shooting capabilities, making it an excellent choice for capturing fast-moving wildlife. Its high-resolution sensor and 4K video recording capabilities also make it a great all-around camera for both photography and videography.
For those who prefer a point-and-shoot camera, the Sony RX 10 IV is the best option available. With a 24-600mm zoom lens and fast autofocus, this camera is perfect for capturing wildlife from a distance. Its compact size and ease of use also make it an excellent choice for beginners or those who want a more straightforward shooting experience.
For beginners, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a great option for wildlife photography. It comes with an 18-55mm lens and a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, which allows for high-quality images. The camera also has a fast autofocus system, which is essential for capturing fast-moving wildlife.
The Sony Alpha a6000 and the Fujifilm X-T30 are both excellent mirrorless cameras for wildlife photography on a budget. The Sony Alpha a6000 has a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and a fast autofocus system, while the Fujifilm X-T30 has a 26.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and a compact design.
The Nikon D3500 is a great camera for bird photography on a budget. It has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and a fast autofocus system, making it easy to capture birds in flight. The camera also has a long battery life, which is essential for long days in the field.
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 and the Nikon D3500 are both excellent budget-friendly cameras for wildlife photography beginners. They both have fast autofocus systems and high-quality sensors, which allow for great image quality. Additionally, they both come with kit lenses, which are great for beginners.
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a great lens for wildlife photography with a Nikon on a budget. It has a long focal length range and image stabilization, which makes it easy to capture sharp images of wildlife. The lens is also relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry around in the field.
The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and the Nikon COOLPIX B500 are both great options for wildlife photography cameras under $500. They both have long zoom lenses and image stabilization, which makes it easy to capture sharp images of wildlife. Additionally, they are both relatively lightweight and easy to carry around in the field.
If you would like to read more about camera options for wildlife photography, make sure you check out our Master Guide to Wildlife Photography Cameras.
For even more specific options, you can check out our other reviews below:
Camera Type
Skill Level
Budget
Brand
Planned activitiy
During your research, you might want to consider checking out articles from various publications that provide insights into some of the options available for affordable cameras for wildlife photography.
Below are a few resources that caught my interest.
The Best Camera for Bird Photography Under $2000 – thephoblographer.com
What is the best camera (under $2000) for birdwatching/wildlife photography – Reddit.com
Born and raised in Southern Spain, Antonio quit his job in 2013 to travel the world full-time with his wife Amanda for 10 years straight.
Their passion for adventure and wildlife encounters took them to visit 150+ countries and experience countless of wildlife experiences. They cycled 25,000km + from California to Patagonia, sailed over 10,000NM around the Caribbean & Sea of Cortez, rode their motorbikes 30,000 kms+ across West Africa (Spain to South Africa) and visited Antarctica, among many other adventure expeditions.
Today Antonio runs Adventure Fix with Amanda, where they share their knowledge about the places they’ve visited and the ones still remaining on their list.
Co-Founder of Adventure Fix
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