10 Best Birding Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera comes with a two-lens kit (EF18-55mm and EF 75-300mm) that offers a decent zoom capability for birding. The 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor allows for high-resolution images, which is great for capturing the fine details of birds.

The autofocus system, with 9 points and AI Servo AF, is somewhat basic and may struggle with the fast and erratic movements of birds compared to more advanced systems. The continuous shooting speed at 3 frames per second (fps) is also quite modest and may not be sufficient for capturing action shots of birds in flight. The camera is relatively lightweight at 3 pounds, making it portable for birding expeditions. Yet, it lacks weather sealing, which could be a concern in unpredictable outdoor environments.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a good entry-level option for birders, particularly those who are just starting and want a combination of decent image quality and affordability. However, for more serious birders, the limitations in autofocus and burst mode may be significant drawbacks.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a solid entry-level DSLR that offers good image quality with its 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which is large enough to capture sharp, detailed photos—important for birding. Its 18-55mm kit lens has a modest zoom range, roughly equivalent to 29-88mm on a full-frame camera, which might feel a bit short for capturing distant birds without swapping to a longer telephoto lens. Autofocus uses 9 points and includes AI Servo mode for tracking moving subjects, but this system is somewhat basic compared to more advanced cameras, so fast or erratic bird movements might challenge it. Burst shooting is limited to about 3 frames per second, which is lower than many cameras designed for wildlife photography where higher speeds help capture quick action.

The camera weighs about 1 pound, making it fairly portable for day trips, though it's bulkier than mirrorless alternatives. It lacks weather sealing, so caution is needed in wet or dusty conditions common in birding environments. The built-in image stabilization on the lens helps reduce blur from hand shake, a nice plus in the field. Other features like built-in Wi-Fi allow easy sharing of photos, and full HD video is supported if you want to record birds in motion.

While the Rebel T7 is user-friendly and produces great images for general photography, birding enthusiasts aiming for distant subjects and fast action might find its zoom and autofocus performance limiting without investing in additional lenses.

The Nikon Z50 II is a compact mirrorless camera that offers a solid balance of features suitable for birding enthusiasts. Its 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor is notably larger than typical smartphone sensors, which means you’ll get sharper, more detailed photos—important when capturing birds at a distance. The included two-lens kit offers a versatile zoom range: a 16-50mm lens for wider scenes and a 50-250mm telephoto lens to get closer to birds without disturbing them. Autofocus performance is a strong point here, with the camera able to detect and track birds specifically, alongside other subjects, which is a helpful feature to keep fast-moving birds in focus.

Weighing 2.4 pounds and being fairly compact, it's portable enough for outdoor birding sessions. The camera does not include weather sealing, which may be a drawback since birders often work in varied weather conditions and need gear that can tolerate moisture and dust. The camera also shines with creative options like 31 color presets and great video capabilities, including 4K recording and slow motion, adding versatility if you want to capture bird behavior in different ways. The built-in flash might be less useful in daylight birding but could help in low light or indoor situations.

Wireless sharing via the SnapBridge app makes it easy to transfer photos to your phone. This makes the Nikon Z50 II a well-rounded choice for bird photographers looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use system with good autofocus and zoom flexibility, but those needing rugged weather protection might want to consider other models.