You may feel under pressure to learn all the techniques at once when you start shooting nature photography. You’ll learn many techniques as you experiment with your camera. The best camera for beginners is one with a simple interface, but also enough advanced features to allow you to develop your photography skills.
You want to use a camera capable of handling the elements, and capturing different subjects.
What features does a beginner nature photographer need in a camera?
The best APS C and Micro Fourth Thirds formats are more affordable, while their crop factor can allow you to get closer to your subject. A Micro Four Thirds sensor can magnify a focal length by 2x, making a lens of 300mm look like a 600mm lens. An APS-C format has a 1.5 to 1.6x magnification, which makes a lens of 300mm appear as a lens 4500mm or 480mm. Check out our guides on When to use APSC lenses instead full-frame, and our breakdown on APSC vs. full-frame sensor sizes for more information on crop factor.
You’ll find that the AF system of most beginner cameras works well in bright light, but can struggle in low light. The best camera for beginners is one that has a large number of AF points. Look for cameras that have the most AF point. However, you should also consider how sensitive the AF points in low-light are.
When choosing a camera to use for nature photography, the build quality is equally important. The best camera for nature photography beginners should be able withstand all kinds of weather conditions. You’ll be taking pictures outside, in rain, on muddy fields and even while lying down. If your budget permits, you’ll want to choose a camera that has a metal-alloy body. Check that the camera you are considering has weatherproof seals around any joints or controls.
What are the best cameras to buy for beginners in nature photography?
Let’s look at the best choices for aspiring nature photographers. You can read more detailed reviews of each camera by clicking on the links below. Check out our buying guides for a more in-depth look at the different types of cameras and features.