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The Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras for Wildlife Photography
by Keenan Hursh
Last week I wrote an article on the best cameras for landscape photography currently available. We discussed some of the key factors to consider when selecting an ideal camera for shooting landscapes and then provided a curated list of our selected favorites here at BCJ. Today we’re going to do the exact same thing but with a focus on wildlife photography.

Wildlife photography is an exciting and captivating art form that immerses photographers in the untamed beauty of the natural world. It's a pursuit that requires not only technical prowess but also a deep connection with the wilderness and its inhabitants. As you venture into lush forests, vast savannas, or remote wetlands, your camera becomes a window into a world teeming with life and wilderness stories waiting to be captured and shared.

Wildlife photography offers a unique opportunity to witness and document the remarkable behaviors, intricate patterns, and untamed essence of animals in their natural habitats. It's a journey that often demands patience, respect, and an understanding of animal behavior.

Whether you're capturing the tenderness of a mother nurturing her young, the grace of a predator in pursuit of its prey, or the humor in the antics of a playful mammal, wildlife photography allows you to tell stories that unfold in the heart of nature.

But you’re only able to capture these magical moments with the right equipment. Wondering into the wilderness with your iPhone isn’t going to cut it. And when it comes to having the right equipment the best place to start is the camera itself. Of course, you’ll want a decent lens and some other essential accessories but in today’s article, we’re going to focus on camera bodies specifically.

Let’s get into it!


What Makes a Camera Great for Wildlife Photography?

So, what actually makes a camera ideal for wildlife photography? What are some specific factors or specifications that you should be looking for? Let’s break this down and take a look.

Continuous Shooting Speed:
In my opinion, one of the most important factors that makes some cameras better than others when it comes to wildlife photography is their ability to capture fast-moving action. Many wildlife species move quickly or are constantly in motion so having the ability to capture many images in a fast sequence and short period of time greatly increases your odds of getting a tack-sharp and stunning shot. 

This ability is referred to as a camera’s burst mode or maximum continuous shooting speed. Technically this is how many images a camera can capture in a specified amount of time (usually measured in frames or images per second).

A camera that can capture many images in a short amount of time is ideal for wildlife photography. Anything at or above 10-12 frames per second is ideal but many cameras can go well beyond this, especially with the introduction of electronic shutters in many modern cameras. 12 fps is great for a mechanical shutter, but many electronic shutters can surpass 50-50 frames per second. I could spend an entire article discussing the differences between mechanical and electronic shutters but unfortunately, we don’t have time for that today. 

Bottom line you want a camera with a really fast burst mode to increase your odds of capturing a stunning wildlife image.

Fast and Accurate Autofocus:
And while we’re on the subject of speed and capturing fast-moving subjects, you’ll also want a camera with an advanced and powerful autofocus system that can quickly and accurately track whatever it is you're photographing. 

Luckily many high-performance modern cameras have incredibly powerful and accurate AF systems. Many of these systems actually utilize artificial intelligence deep learning models to accurately identify and track subjects. This allows your camera to identify animals, people, and even eyes to ensure that your images are perfectly focused where you want them to be. 

Be sure to thoroughly research any camera you’re looking at and make sure the AF system is up to speed when it comes to photographing wildlife. 

Low-Light Performance: 
Another important factor to take into consideration is a camera’s low-light performance and overall sensitivity to light. Many wildlife encounters happen during dawn, dusk, or in shaded areas. Additionally, when shooting at high shutter speeds and using a telephoto or super-telephoto lens the amount of available light is reduced further. A camera with excellent low-light performance and minimal noise at high ISO settings allows you to photograph in challenging lighting conditions without sacrificing image quality.

Many modern mirrorless cameras perform exceptionally well in low-light situations and their sensors are able to capture images at quite high ISO values without introducing much noise at all. Mirrorless cameras far surpass DSLRs in this realm.

Dynamic Range:
Another important factor to consider when photographing wildlife is your camera’s native dynamic range. Dynamic range is the range of light that your camera can capture in a single image from darks to highlights. Having a higher dynamic range allows you to capture more details in an image and to shoot in a wider range of lighting conditions. Imagine a dark bird flying in a bright sky or perhaps a lightly colored animal in front of dark foliage. A camera with excellent dynamic range preserves details in both extremes, ensuring your images aren't marred by overexposed highlights or underexposed shadows.

Image Stabilization: 
When shooting with long telephoto lenses or in challenging conditions, in-body image stabilization (commonly referred to as IBIS) reduces the risk of blurry shots, allowing for sharper images even when shooting handheld. This added stabilization also allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds and improve performance in low-light situations.

Lens Compatibility: 
And finally, wildlife photography often requires long telephoto lenses to bring distant subjects up close. Ensure your camera is compatible with a range of telephoto lenses to meet the specific needs of your wildlife encounters. Having the option to attach high-quality prime and zoom lenses is an absolute must when photographing wildlife.

The Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras for Wildlife Photography 

Now that we’ve covered some of the most important factors to consider when choosing an ideal camera for wildlife photography, let’s take a look at our top pics here at Backcountry Journeys. Of course, this is just a short list of some of the most capable wildlife cameras that we’re excited about. There are plenty of other incredible cameras out there. 

Here are our top pics for the absolute best full-frame mirrorless cameras for wildlife photography:


Canon EOS R3
Specs:
  • Price: $5,500 USD
  • 24MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor
  • 6K60 Raw and 4K120 10-Bit Internal Video
  • 30 fps E. Shutter, 12 fps Mech. Shutter
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, Eye Control AF
  • 5.76m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
  • Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization

The Canon EOS R3 is a top-tier mirrorless camera that excels in capturing stunning wildlife images no matter where you are. As Canon’s current flagship model, its 24.1-megapixel full-frame sensor provides excellent image quality, while the advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system ensures quick and accurate autofocus performance. You can even control where the camera focuses with your eye as you look through the 5.76 million-dot EVF. The EOS R3 is known for its exceptional subject tracking, thanks to its deep learning technology that recognizes and tracks subjects with precision. It also has built-in image stabilization, and a weather-sealed body, making it an exceptional tool for any serious wildlife photographer. If you shoot on the Canon system and want the absolute best camera body for wildlife, then this is what you’re after!

Nikon Z9
Specs:
  • Price: $5,500 USD
  • 45.7MP Ful-Frame FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
  • 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
  • 8K 30p and 4K 120p, 10-Bit Internal Video
  • Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
  • 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection

The Nikon Z9 is a high-performance and incredibly capable flagship mirrorless camera that combines outstanding image quality with professional-grade performance. Its 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers stunning detail and clarity, even in challenging lighting conditions. The Z9 features a new hybrid autofocus system with 493 focus points, providing excellent subject tracking and accuracy with the assistance of AI deep learning models. With its impressive 20 fps RAW continuous shooting speed and up to 30 fps when shooting JPEG and robust build quality, the Z9 is a game-changer for wildlife photographers using the Nikon system.

Sony a7R V
Specs:
  • Price: $3,900 USD
  • 61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
  • 8K 24p, 4K 60p, FHD 120p 10-Bit Video
  • AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System
  • 9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
  • 10 fps Shooting with AF/AE Tracking
  • 8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization
  • Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots

The Sony a7R V is a high-resolution mirrorless workhorse that caters to photographers who demand uncompromising performance when capturing wildlife images. Its 61-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers incredible detail and dynamic range, ensuring every shot is captured with razor-sharp clarity and stunning color. The a7R V features Sony's advanced AI-assisted autofocus system, enabling fast and accurate subject tracking. With its 10 frames per second continuous shooting speed, 8-stop IBIS, a fast and accurate EVF, and a range of professional features, the a7R V is a versatile tool for anyone serious about wildlife photography!

Canon EOS R5
Specs:
  • Price: $3,900 USD
  • 45MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • 8K30 RAW and 4K120 10-Bit Internal Video
  • 400MP In-Camera Files with No Software
  • Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization
  • 12 fps Mech. Shutter, 20 fps E. Shutter
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1053 Points
  • Subject Tracking with Deep Learning
  • CFexpress & SD UHS-II Memory Card Slots

The Canon EOS R5 is a very impressive, feature-packed mirrorless camera that excels in wildlife photography. Its 45-megapixel full-frame sensor produces high-resolution images with excellent detail and low noise performance. And with all these pixels you’ll be able to significantly crop images without losing detail. The EOS R5 boasts an incredibly advanced, AI-assisted autofocus system with 1053 focus points as well as subject and animal eye-tracking, making it ideal for wildlife photography. It also offers impressive image stabilization capabilities. With its versatile feature set, durable build quality, and reliable performance, the EOS R5 is a top choice for wildlife photographers using the Canon mirrorless system.

Sony a1
Specs:
  • Price: $3,900 USD
  • 50MP Full-Frame R BSI CMOS Sensor
  • Up to 30 fps Shooting, ISO 50-102400
  • 8K 24P, 4K 60p, FHD 120p 10-Bit Video
  • AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System
  • 9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
  • 8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization

The Sony A1 is a flagship mirrorless camera designed for professionals who demand the best. It boasts a remarkable 50-megapixel full-frame sensor, which delivers stunning image quality with exceptional detail. The A1 also offers an impressive 15-stop native dynamic range making it great for all kinds of shooting conditions. Its advanced, AI-assisted autofocus system ensures precise subject tracking and real-time eye detection, even for fast-moving wildlife subjects. And with exceptional IBIS, great weather sealing, and other top-tier features the a1 is a truly great camera for wildlife photography!
Nikon Z8
Specs:
  • Price: $4,000 USD
  • 45.7MP Full-Frame FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
  • 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
  • 8K30p and 4K120p Video, 10-Bit Internal
  • Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
  • 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
  • CFx Type B & SD Memory Card Slots

The Nikon Z8 is a relatively new, incredibly exciting, and powerful camera from Nikon all in a relatively compact and lightweight form factor. This camera is practically a Z9 but in a much smaller and easier-to-manage body. With a stunning and high-resolution 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor you’ll be able to capture beautiful wildlife images. This camera can also handle quick bursts of up to 20 frames per second in RAW when shooting fast-moving subjects. On top of that the Z8 features very advanced and wicked-fast autofocus capabilities with 493 focus points and AI-assisted subject detection. The Z8 is one of the best cameras on the market right now for wildlife photography!

Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Specs:
  • Price: $2,500 USD
  • 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • 4K60 10-Bit Internal Video, C-Log 3
  • External 6K ProRes RAW Recording
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
  • 12 fps Mech. Shutter, 40 fps E. Shutter
  • Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization
  • 3.69m-Dot OLED EVF

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a very capable and versatile mirrorless camera that combines speed, performance, and high-quality imaging. With its 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, the R6 Mark II delivers excellent image quality across various shooting conditions. It features Canon's reliable Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, providing fast and accurate autofocus performance while utilizing AI-assisted subject recognition. The R6 Mark II also offers impressive low-light capabilities, high-speed continuous shooting at 12 fps, and a weather-sealed and durable design. With its well-rounded feature set, the EOS R6 Mark II is a reliable tool for wildlife photographers and is available at a very reasonable price point.

Nikon Z7 II
Specs:
  • Price: $3,000 USD
  • 45.7MP Full-Frame FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
  • 10 fps Continuous Shooting
  • UHD 4K60 Video; N-Log & 10-Bit HDMI Out
  • 493-Point Phase-Detect AF System
  • 3.6m-Dot OLED EVF
  • 5-Axis In-Body Vibration Reduction
  • Dual Memory Card Slots

The Nikon Z7 Mark II is a truly great full-frame mirrorless camera known for its high-resolution capabilities and robust performance. It features a 45.7-megapixel sensor that produces incredibly detailed images with excellent dynamic range. The Z7 Mark II utilizes Nikon's advanced autofocus system, delivering fast and accurate subject tracking. With a great continuous shooting speed, a 3.6-million dot electronic viewfinder, and built-in image stabilization, this camera is well-suited for wildlife photographers who prioritize image quality and versatility. And all of this comes in a lightweight and compact package set at a reasonable price.

Conclusion
Alright, we’ve made it to the end. This has been our selection of some of the absolute best full-frame mirrorless cameras when it comes to wildlife photography. I genuinely hope this article has been informative and will maybe even help some readers who are searching for their next camera. Photographing wildlife is an exciting and incredibly rewarding art form and having the right tools at your disposal makes it all that much better. 

I wish you all the best of luck on your next wildlife photography excursion.

Until next time! 










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 AUTHOR 

Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.

When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.

At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.

Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.

Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.

You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshmedia.com

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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
CONTACT US
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8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

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Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

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