Sports can be fast-paced, and smartphones or some cameras can have trouble keeping up the focus. That’s why I present to you the best sports cameras in 2024 that will make your sports photography life easier!
Overview
| Camera | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| EOS R6 Mark II | Best Allrounder | ~$2,200 | ★★★★★ |
| Canon EOS Rebel T8i | Best Budget Option | ~$980 | ★★★★☆ |
| Canon EOS R3 | Best for Professionals | ~$4,800 | ★★★★☆ |
| GoPro HERO12 | Best Action Camera | ~$400 | ★★★★★ |
| AKASO Brave 7 LE | Best Budget Action Cam | ~$140 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Panasonic LUMIX GH6 | Best for Sports Filming | ~$2,300 | ★★★★☆ |
| OM SYSTEM OM-1 | Best for Fast-Pace | ~$1,980 | ★★★★☆ |
Top 7 Best Sports Cameras
1. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
✅ Great image quality and low-light performance with Full-Frame Sensor
✅ Incredible 4897 Autofocus points for perfect Focus
✅ Continuous shooting of up to 40 fps at 20MP for dynamic action shots
❌ A lot of customizations can be challenging for beginners
❌ Heavier body
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is an absolute delight for sports photography. The almost 5000 autofocus points are definitely the highlight and among the highest I’ve ever used or seen. Making it one of the best sports cameras.
But it doesn’t stop there! The 40fps continuous shooting at 20 Megapixels will help you shoot sharp and crisp shots even in dynamic and fast situations.
As the EOS R6 is a full-frame camera, you obviously have great image quality as well as a perfect low-light performance. All in all, just a great pick for sports!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | Full-Frame 24 Megapixels 6000 x 4000 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Yes, 100-102400 (expands to 204800) |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Phase Detection 4897 FP, 1053 Cross-Type FP |
| ★★★★☆ Measurements | 670 g (1.48 lb / 23.63 oz) 138 x 98 x 88 mm (5.43 x 3.86 x 3.46″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
2. Canon EOS Rebel T8i
✅ Stunning Image Quality
✅ Great low-light Performance
✅ Eye-Detection Autofocus
❌ 4k Video is cropped
❌ Battery life could be better for extensive shooting days
If you’re looking for the best sports camera that’s perfect for first-time users or for those who want an affordable upgrade, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a great choice.
With its 24.1 Megapixel sensor and an ISO range of 100-25600, this camera delivers high-quality performance that will take your photos and videos to the next level.
The camera’s autofocus system works surprisingly well due to face- and eye-detection systems. This is especially great for sports, as it keeps track of the athletes.
However, the camera’s battery life could be better, and I miss some advanced features…but that’s on me for being spoiled by high-end equipment!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★☆☆ Sensor | APS-C 24 Megapixels 6000 x 4000 |
| ★★★★☆ ISO | Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200) |
| ★★★☆☆ Shutterspeed | 1/4000 sec |
| ★★★☆☆ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 45 FP, 45 Cross-Type FP |
| ★★★★★ Measurements | 515 g (1.14 lb / 18.17 oz) 131 x 103 x 76 mm (5.16 x 4.06 x 2.99″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
3. Canon EOS R3
✅ Amazing 30FPS Continuous Drive
✅ 102400 Native ISO for amazing Light Performance
✅ Best Autofocus I've ever tried
❌ Expensive for Hobbyists
❌ Heavy Build
If you’re looking for a high-performance camera that delivers great light performance, an incredible autofocus, and exceptional image quality, the Canon EOS R3 is definitely worth considering.
I tried the EOS R3 once, and to this day I still dream of the autofocus. Even the eye tracking is super fast and spot on!
As expected by a flagship by Canon, it has stellar image quality, and as a full-frame and with 102400 native ISO, exceptional low-light performance.
If you’re out for the real deal – this should be your top choice for sport photography. With its advanced features and exceptional build quality, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new camera.
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | Full-Frame 24 Megapixels 6000 x 4000 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Yes, 100-102400 (expands to 50-204800) |
| ★★★★★ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec (1/64000 sec electronic) |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection, Face & Eye Tracking 1053 Focus Points |
| ★★☆☆☆ Measurements | 1015 g (2.24 lb / 35.80 oz) 150 x 143 x 87 mm (5.91 x 5.63 x 3.43″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
4. GoPro HERO12
✅ Incredible image quality with 5.3K video and HDR
✅ Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization
✅ Rugged and waterproof up to 33ft (10m)
❌ High Price for Action Camera
❌ Battery runs out fast with 5.3K recording
If you’re rather looking for an action camera than a traditional camera, then the GoPro HERO12 Black is the best sports camera for you.
For action cams, of course, GoPro is still the holy grail. And with its newest HERO12, they set the bar higher once again.
The 5.3K video resolution is amazing for its size, providing incredible detail and clarity that you won’t find on many other sports cameras.
And – my favorite – the HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization is wonderful, making even the shakiest footage come out silky smooth. I am especially impressed with the AutoBoost performance, which maximizes stabilization while minimizing image cropping. This feature is a game-changer for capturing action-packed footage while on the move.
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | 4:3, 16:9 27 Megapixels |
| ★★★★★ Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization |
| ★★★★★ Durability | Rugged & Waterproof up to 33ft (10m) |
| ★★★★☆ Measurements | 154 g (0.34 lb / 5.43 oz) 72 x 51 x 34 mm (2.83 x 2 x 1.32″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
5. AKASO Brave 7 LE
✅ Affordable yet high quality
✅ More Waterproof than the GoPro (up to 131ft/40m!)
✅ User-friendly Dual Display Design
❌ Audio Quality could be better
❌ Battery is lacking a bit
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly action camera that can handle all weather conditions, the AKASO Brave 7 LE is a great option. With its dual-display design, 4K video and 20MP photo capabilities, this camera is perfect for capturing all your outdoor adventures.
I’m especially impressed about the 131ft/40m waterproofness of the camera. That’s 4 times as much as the flagship GoPro! So if you’re into diving – go with this one instead.
The audio quality is not the best, so you may use an external microphone instead. But the video and photo capabilities are almost just as good as the GoPro with its 4K recording and 20MP sensor!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★☆☆ Sensor | CMOS, 1.0inch 20 Megapixels |
| ★★★★☆ Stabilization | Built-in electronic image stabilization 2.0 |
| ★★★★★ Durability | Waterproof up to 131ft/40m |
| ★★★★★ Measurements | 130 g (0.29 lbs) 66 x 44 x 32 mm (2.6 x 1.7 x 1.3″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
6. Panasonic LUMIX GH6
✅ 4K 120fps video recording with exceptional quality
✅ 7.5-stops of correction are incredibly stable in low light
✅ High image quality with low compression
❌ Autofocus could be better compared to others on this list
If video recording is your focus, have a look at the LUMIX GH6. With 4k and 120fps video recording, this camera will deliver high quality videos with incredible dynamics.
The camera’s 25.2MP sensor and Venus Engine provide high resolution and bit rates, resulting in stunningly sharp and detailed images.
Where the camera shines the most is its video capabilities, with the ability to shoot 5.7K 60p and 4K 120p 10-bit video with no time limit. The internal recording in Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 422 delivers high image quality with low compression, making it a great choice for professional videographers.
Another standout feature is its 5-axis Dual I.S. 2, which provides up to 7.5-stops of correction. This makes it incredibly stable, even in low light conditions, which is essential for the best sports camera.
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | Four-Thirds 25 Megapixels 5776 x 4336 |
| ★★★★☆ ISO | 100-25600 |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★☆☆ Autofocus | Contrast Detection Face & Eye Tracking |
| ★★★☆☆ Measurements | 823 g (1.81 lb / 29.03 oz) 138 x 100 x 100 mm (5.45 x 3.95 x 3.92″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆
OM SYSTEM OM-1
✅ TruePic X engine delivers up to 3x faster processing
✅ Cross Quad Pixel AF system provides 1,053 points of all cross-type, ensuring you'll always get the perfect shot.
✅ Surprisingly Lightweight for its capabilities
❌ Battery Life could be better
❌ Controls might be complex for beginners
If fast-paced sports are your deal, the Olympus OM-1 is exactly what you’re looking for as the best sports camera.
Its like the camera was designed for extreme speed. It has 3x more processing power compared to previous models, and with over a thousand cross-type points, you’ll get a sharp photo in every shot.
The weather-sealed design also means that you can use it in almost any conditions, including dustproof, splashproof, and freeze-proof performance to -10℃.
For beginners, it might be a bit complex. But if you’re up for the challenge, the OM-1 is definitely among the best sports cameras!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★☆☆ Sensor | Four Thirds 20 Megapixels 5184 x 3888 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, 80-25600 (expands to 80-102400) |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 1053 FP, 1053 Cross-Type FP |
| ★★★★★ Measurements | 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz) 135 x 92 x 73 mm (5.31 x 3.62 x 2.87″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Buying Guide
As someone who loves sports and photography, I know how important it is to have the right camera to capture the perfect shot. To find the best sports cameras, there are a few key features you should look for.
Sensor Size and Specs
The sensor size of a sports camera is an important factors to consider. The larger the sensor, the more light it can capture, resulting in higher quality images. Look for cameras with sensors that are at least APS-C size or larger for the best results.
ISO
ISO is another important consideration when choosing the best sports camera. The higher the ISO range, the better the camera will perform in low-light situations. ISO ranges of at least 4000 or higher are acceptable.
Shutter Speed
Sports photography often requires fast shutter speeds to capture action shots. Cameras should have shutter speeds of at least 1/4000th of a second or faster to ensure you can capture those split-second moments.
Autofocus
Autofocus is essential for fast-moving subjects that you’ll frequently have in sports. The easiest spec to look for are the Autofocus points. Look for cameras with at least 9 autofocus points or more for the best results.
But generally, the more autofocus points, the better!
Measurements
The size and weight of the camera are also important considerations for the best sports camera. You want cameras that are compact and lightweight enough to carry around with you, but also sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of sports photography.
Video Recording
Finally, if you plan on capturing video footage of your sports adventures, you should get a camera with high-quality video recording capabilities. Look for cameras that can record in at least 1080p and 60 fps or higher for the best results.
My Opinion on the Best Sports Camera in 2024
If I were you, I would definitely go with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II as the best sports camera. It is a great allrounder camera, that will perferm great in any setting, for any sports. With its 5000 autofocus points, it is definitely a top-tier option to get.
If you’re on a budget, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is still a great camera to get! Of course, you will be missing a few advanced settings, but as an entry camera, it will still shoot phenomenal shots and deliver great results.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for an action camera, the top choice is, of course, the GoPro HERO12. It is the unbeatable king of action cameras!
Now you’ve got everything you need to decide on your next best sports camera in 2024! If you need some other recommendations or want to read some photography guides, have a look at these:
Also, have a look at our Pinterest, to stay up-to-date with the latest photography trends!
Do you have other recommendations for the best sports camera in 2024? Let us know in the comments down below!
