Sports photography can be easily performed using the latest smartphones. However, it is best to use a sports camera to shoot professional-looking videos. Yet, not everyone has the budget to invest thousands of dollars in a single camera.
With the advancement of camera technology, you no longer need to worry about low budgets. Also, the rise of small sports photographers has led to the widespread release of cameras suitable for fast-paced sports events.
Due to the excellent effects and a wide range of features, here is a list of the best sports cameras you must consider.
Sports action camera
1. AKASO V50 Pro - 4K Sport Camera
It has the function of shooting 4K video. This is what makes AKASO V50 unique.
It has electronic image stabilization. This helps to provide better image stability while shooting action shots. This is one factor that makes AKASO V50 Pro stand out. It is a small cam you can carry to record videos as you are involved in the sport.
Pros:
- 4K videos at 30fps
- Small and lightweight
Cons:
- Poor battery life
2. AKASO V50 Elite - Camera for Sport Action Shots
The first thing that caught my attention with the AKASO V50 Elite camera was the ability to shoot 4K video at 60fps. Most 4K cameras, whether they are action cameras or ordinary cameras, record at a resolution of 30 fps. The V50 Elite can shoot 4K video at 60fps and Full HD and 20MP images, ensuring high-quality shots.
A handy feature added to this model is the voice command feature. The voice command function is very convenient when you are bungee jumping, riding a bicycle, or turning on or off the sports camera. You can almost operate the camera "hands-free."
Pros:
- A tonne of free accessories.
- Very low price
- Longer battery life. The Akaso V50 Elite comes with two rechargeable 1050mAh batteries.
Cons:
- At higher resolutions, the battery can get warm.
Best video camera for sports
3. Sony a7 III
The Sony a7 III is an excellent full-frame mirrorless camera suitable for enthusiast photographers and professionals.
We are delighted to see Sony's iconic autofocus system becoming part of Alpha. The 693-point phase-detection autofocus system and 425 contrast-detection points work together to provide 93% coverage and better focus: even in dark conditions, the focus will not shake.
Pros:
- Great dynamic range
- Accurate AF system for capture sport motion
- Compact and durable body
Cons:
- Limited touchscreen control
4. Sony Alpha A6600
For sports enthusiasts who like to invest in APS-C cameras, the Sony Alpha A6600 is a good choice. Sony has some incredible features added to the Alpha A6600.
The camera has an excellent performance in sports photography. Enthusiastic photographers can shoot images at 11fps or 8fps. The buffer capacity can store up to 116 JPEG images or 46 Raw files, which is reasonable for the target audience.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Great tracking mode
- Compatible with several lenses
Cons:
- Limited connectivity option
- Poor control layout
5. Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Due to similar functions and performance, Canon EOS M6 Mark II can also be called Mini Canon EOS 90D. Canon is a much-needed upgrade for the M6, and it has taken some bold moves to make this version more interesting than the first. With a 32.5MP Dual Pixel AF CMOS sensor, the camcorder can film sports in UHD 4K video at 30p and 25p.
It can provide impressive speed under good lighting conditions, but it may be a little shaken in dark conditions. The full-resolution 14fps shooting speed makes the Canon EOS M6 Mark II an ideal choice for sports photography. The resolution may be reduced to 18MP, and RAW images are captured at 30fps. With the buffering speed of 54 JPEG or 21 raw files, you can capture a good set of images. Furthermore, the battery can take about 305 photos, but more measures can be taken through effective power consumption.
And its super autofocusing system lets you point and shoot a clear image, which is convenient for sports photography. However, built-in image stabilization and viewfinder are missing in this sports video camera.
Pros:
- Super-high resolution APS-C sensor
- Lightweight and compact
- Speedy max burst rate
Cons:
- No built-in viewfinder
- Limited lens range
6. Nikon D5
Nikon D5 is one of the latest versions; it has an EXPEED 5 processor, 20.8MP FX-format CMOS sensor, and Multi-CAM phase detection autofocus, and an ISO range as high as 10240. It is great for capture videos in motion with its well-designed autofocus processor and 153 autofocus points. Photographers who want to capture fast-paced sports games or animals running at the fastest speed in the wilderness will be happy with a maximum continuous frame rate of 14 fps. A slight reduction to 12 fps will surely capture the dynamic moments of precise focus for those who need automatic exposure and focus. Photographers engaged in video work will be satisfied with D5's 4K UHD video recording capabilities.
Pros:
- 12fps continuous shooting speed
- 4K video resolution
- Advanced autofocusing system
Cons: N/A
7. Panasonic S5
The Panasonic S5 camera is a 4k sports camera. It was very successful and remained one of the best-selling action cameras on Amazon. Therefore, we include it in the list here.
This is an extreme sports professional camera with a 150° wide-angle lens. This is a very sturdy sports camera with excellent video quality and many basic functions.
And its lithium battery allows you to shoot videos and take up to 120 minutes of images. This is 1080p/60 fps.
Pros:
- Great optical zoom
- Super Sampling technique for better HD videos
Cons:
- Poor performance at high ISOs
Best camera for sports photography
8. Nikon D500
To achieve flagship performance in a compact DX-format body, the Nikon D500 DSLR camera is another product recently launched on the market. It is equipped with a 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor. Like D5, it has the same EXPEED 5 processor and 153-point Multi-CAM 20K phase-detection autofocus function. Sports shooters can easily take advantage of the ten fps continuous shooting rate, with a maximum of 200 frames in one continuous shooting. The original sensitivity range of ISO 100-51200 and the extended ISO 50-1640000 can cope with harsh lighting conditions. The D500 can also provide up to 4K UHD video recording at 30 fps.
Pros:
- 12fps continuous shooting speed
- Advanced autofocusing system
Cons: Poor control layout
9. Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
The new Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has a 20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, dual DIGIC 6+ processors, and 61-point high-density for the absolute latest flagship version mesh autofocus II with 41 cross-shaped points and -3 EV sensitive center point. This durable magnesium alloy body is specially designed for professional photographers. It can output 16 frames per second in live view, 14 frames per second when used with the viewfinder.
The extended sensitivity range from ISO 50-409600 can achieve better low-light performance. The weather-resistant Canon EOS-1D X Mark II supports 4K resolution video and Full HD shooting for slow-motion playback. The built-in GPS module allows for geotagging and automatic time synchronization in the camera. At the same time, the optional WFT-E8A wireless file transmitter supports Wi-Fi sharing and wireless remote control.
Pros:
- Super-high resolution APS-C sensor
- Lightweight and compact
- Speedy max burst rate
Cons:
- No built-in viewfinder
- Limited lens range
10. Fujifilm X-T4
For those who wish to utilize Fujifilm's history in traditional film-based photography, several film simulation modes can mimic some of the classic film types in the compact Fujifilm X-T4. Which offers a 16.3MP APS-C X- Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR processor II, both enable its highest continuous shooting speed to reach eight frames per second. Digitally split images and focus highlight peaks can achieve fast and efficient manual focusing. The built-in wireless connection allows instant sharing of photos and videos to your Android or iOS mobile device, as well as remote camera control and surveillance.
Pros:
- 4K video resolution
- Advanced autofocusing system
Cons:
- Poor performance at high ISOs
11. Canon 1DX III
Another Canon product is the Canon 1DX III, a dual DIGIC, and 20.2MP sensor. It has a continuous shooting rate of 10 fps. This fast motion capture relies on the phase-detection autofocus system, a good choice for sports and wildlife photographers. The combination of dual image processors and CMOS sensors supports the original ISO range of 100-16000, which can be expanded to ISO51200. For users who work across platforms, full HD 1080p video recording supports up to 60 fps and benefits from Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which can quickly focus during the video and live view.
Pros:
- Super-high resolution APS-C sensor
- Lightweight and compact
- Speedy max burst rate
Cons: N/A
12. Nikon D5600
Nikon D5600 is equipped with a 24.35MP sensor, an image processor, optimized for high-speed shooting at 8.3 frames per second, and has a competing ISO range of 100-51200. Twenty-seven different phase-detection points. An optional anti-aliasing filter can improve image quality and overall versatility, resulting in higher resolution and clarity or preventing moire. The sensor-shift design can compensate for up to 4.5 levels of camera shake.
Pros:
- 12fps continuous shooting speed
- 4K video resolution
- Advanced autofocusing system
Cons: N/A
Conclusion
While far from exhaustive, this list is meant to be a springboard into the pool of advanced, fast cameras 2020 has to offer for all of you sports enthusiasts. As every photographer knows, cameras will only get smaller, faster, and more technologically advanced as the year goes on.
