Best Mirrorless Camera for Sports Photography in 2024
As technology continues to advance, mirrorless cameras have become increasingly popular among sports photographers. These cameras offer a range of features that make them ideal for capturing fast-paced action, from high-speed continuous shooting to advanced autofocus systems. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best mirrorless cameras for sports photography in 2024.
Nikon Z9: The Ultimate All-Rounder
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Nikon Z 9 | Flagship professional full-frame stills/video mirrorless camera | Nikon USA Model | $5,496.95 | Buy on Amazon |
The Nikon Z9 is arguably the best all-round camera for sports photography in 2024. Its 45.7MP sensor delivers stunning high-resolution stills, allowing you to capture every detail of the action. The Z9’s speed capabilities are impressive, with burst shooting at up to 120fps with 11MP low-res JPEGs, 30fps with full-res JPEGs, and 20fps with RAW files. The autofocus system is also top-notch, rivaling Canon’s market-leading AF technology.
For video enthusiasts, the Z9 offers 8K 60p video capture, making it a versatile tool for both stills and video. The integrated vertical grip provides better balance when using large pro lenses and ensures extended battery life, allowing you to shoot all day without worrying about running out of power.
Nikon Z8: The Sports Videographer’s Dream
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Nikon Z 8 | Professional full-frame mirrorless stills/video hybrid camera | Nikon USA Model | $3,496.95 | Buy on Amazon |
If your focus is primarily on sports videography, the Nikon Z8 is the camera for you. While sharing many similarities with the Z9, the Z8’s more compact form factor makes it ideal for handheld or gimbal-based video shooting. It boasts impressive video capabilities, including 8K 60p, 4K 120p, and 12-bit RAW and 4:2:2 ProRes RAW HQ internally.
The Z8 offers slightly shorter recording times compared to the Z9 due to its smaller body, but it still delivers around 120 minutes of 4K 60p or 90 minutes of 8K 30p recording. The only downside is the lack of a fully articulating screen, which some videographers may prefer. However, the double-axis swing system provides more flexibility than a regular tilt-only screen.
Sony a9 III: The Speed Demon
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Sony Alpha 9 III Mirrorless Camera with World's First Full-Frame 24.6MP Global Shutter System and... | $5,998.00 | Buy on Amazon |
When it comes to sheer speed, the Sony a9 III is in a league of its own. With its global shutter sensor, the A9 III can capture an astonishing 120 full-resolution frames per second in both RAW and JPEG formats. This makes it the ultimate camera for capturing fast-paced sports action without missing a single moment.
The global shutter technology also eliminates rolling shutter and banding issues, which is particularly useful in sports environments with LED illumination. Additionally, the A9 III allows you to sync with flash at any speed, providing even more creative possibilities.
The camera’s dedicated AI processor powers its predictive autofocus system, which is highly effective most of the time. However, it may occasionally lose subjects that move unexpectedly. The A9 III’s sensitivity range is more limited compared to other cameras, with an ISO range of 250-25600 (expandable to 125-51200 for stills). Another consideration is Sony’s color science, which may require some post-production work to achieve accurate tones.
Canon EOS R3: The Feature-Packed Powerhouse
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Canon EOS R3 Body | $4,499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The Canon EOS R3 is the most feature-packed camera on this list, offering a compact and capable system for sports photographers. It boasts 6K RAW video, 30fps continuous shooting (RAW and JPEG), and the innovative Eye Control AF, which allows you to move focus points simply by looking at your subject.
Canon’s Dual Pixel II Autofocus is widely regarded as the best in the business, ensuring accurate and reliable focusing even in challenging conditions. The R3 also excels in image stabilization, offering up to 8 stops of compensation (lens-dependent), which is crucial for capturing sharp images in fast-paced sports scenarios.
The camera’s 24.1MP sensor may not have the highest resolution compared to its competitors, but it delivers excellent dynamic range and noise performance at higher ISOs. This is particularly valuable when shooting sports in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The R3 also features a fully articulating touchscreen, which is a rarity among mirrorless flagships and proves useful for both stills and video.
Canon EOS R7: The APS-C Advantage
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Canon EOS R7 (Body Only), Mirrorless Vlogging Camera, 4K 60p Video, 32.5 MP Image Quality, DIGIC X... | Buy on Amazon |
The Canon EOS R7 is a dream come true for sports photographers who appreciate the advantages of an APS-C sensor. Its advanced autofocus system, powered by Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, ensures precise subject tracking even in the most fast-paced scenarios.
With a blazing 30 fps electronic shutter and 15 fps mechanical shutter, the R7 captures every split-second moment. The APS-C sensor’s 1.6x crop factor extends the reach of your lenses, bringing you closer to the action without the need for expensive super-telephoto lenses. The weather-sealed body of the EOS R7 withstands the rigors of sports photography, while its ergonomic design provides comfort during extended shooting sessions.
The Canon EOS R7 is a game-changer for sports photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its combination of advanced autofocus, high-speed shooting, and APS-C sensor advantages makes it the ultimate tool for capturing unforgettable moments in sports.
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III: The Best DSLR Option
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Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Body | $6,499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
While mirrorless cameras have largely overtaken DSLRs in terms of technology and features, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III remains a formidable option for sports photographers who prefer the traditional DSLR form factor. Its robust build quality, weather sealing, and unrivaled battery life make it a reliable workhorse for demanding sports assignments.
The 1D X Mark III combines tried and tested DSLR technology with modern features such as HEIF files, HDR PQ support, dual CFexpress cards, and 12-bit internal 4K RAW video. The camera’s Smart Controller provides a more intuitive way to navigate focus points compared to traditional joysticks, and the Deep Learning AF system ensures accurate subject tracking.
Although the 20.1MP resolution may not be as high as some of its mirrorless counterparts, the 1D X Mark III’s image quality is still excellent, and the EF mount provides access to a vast selection of lenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best mirrorless cameras for sports photography in 2024 offer a range of features that cater to the specific needs of sports photographers. Whether you prioritize high-resolution stills, advanced video capabilities, or lightning-fast continuous shooting, there is a camera on this list that will meet your requirements.
The Nikon Z9 and Z8 provide a perfect balance of stills and video performance, while the Sony a9 III is the ultimate speed demon. The Canon EOS R3 and R7 offer unique features like Eye Control AF and APS-C sensor advantages, respectively. And for those who still prefer DSLRs, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III remains a reliable and capable option.
Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a sports photographer. By carefully considering the features and capabilities of each camera on this list, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect tool to help you capture the most thrilling moments in sports.