6 Best Canon camera for sports photography: (2024 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Photographing the dynamic and quick-paced action of different sporting events is a challenging and thrilling genre of photography.

Sports photographers are tasked with capturing the excitement and emotion of the moment in a single frame at everything from football games to gymnastics competitions. One of the most crucial elements of sports photography is timing.

A talented sports photographer must be able to foresee and catch the moment’s peak action.

The use of specialized equipment is a crucial component of sports photography.

Sports photographers frequently use high-speed camera bodies and fast lenses to freeze the action and take sharp, clear pictures.

Sports photographers work to capture the emotions and personalities of the athletes in addition to the action of the sport itself.

Sports photography is a challenging and rewarding profession that combines technical expertise, creativity, and a love of sports.

While there are many excellent camera manufacturers, Canon has established itself as a leader in sports photography over the years.

You can find your best Canon camera for sports photography with the help of the guide below.

Which is the Best Canon camera for sports photography?

Here are my recommended top 6 Best Canon camera for sports photography:-

Canon 7D Mark II: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Canon 7D Mark II: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

As a sports lover, I have always been passionate about capturing the enthusiasm and excitement of the moment.

I’ve been using my Canon camera to capture sports images for a few years, which has never disappointed me.

As a sports photographer, I had one of my most memorable moments at a football game.

As the teams were tied in the game’s waning seconds, the action was intense, and the tension was high.

I was set up on the sidelines, waiting to snap the winning shot.

I could capture sharp and clear images using my camera’s best settings, and it was exciting to see them on the newspaper’s front page the following day.

Features:

  • Model: Canon 7D Mark II
  • Body type: Mid-size SLR
  • Max resolution: 5472 x 3648
  • Effective pixels: 20 megapixels
  • ISO: Auto, ISO 100-16000
  • Lens mount: Canon EF/EF-S
  • Shutter speed: 1/8000 sec
  • Continuous drive: 10.0 fps
  • Weight: 910 g

ISO/Shutter speed:

I was positioned on the sidelines, ready to capture the winning moment.

With the ISO 1600 and shutter speed of 1/500 of a second, I could capture the devastating ending shoot by the striker, piercing through the defenders of the opposite team, and it was a goal.

No one was able to stop that shoot.

With a fast shutter speed and high ISO, I could freeze when the striker’s foot contacted the ball.

Aperture/Depth of field:

To support the fast shutter speed and ISO to freeze the motion, I used an aperture of f/1.8.

The reason for using a wide aperture is to let light as much as possible. It also results in a shallow depth of field.

White Balance/Frame rate:

With the 10-fps high-speed continuous shooting, with autofocus to get fast pictures quickly.

Also, I tried auto-white balance to ensure the picture’s quality was good.

Is this the best camera?

It has a 65-point all-cross AF system, a 20.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, and 10 continuous shooting frames per second.

Additionally, the camera has two DIGIC 6 image processors, which enhance color reproduction, reduce noise, and speed up image processing.

It is also made to withstand heavy use in demanding environments and has a sturdy, weather-sealed body.

The best Canon camera for sports photography is this one.

Conclusion:

This camera is an entirely different animal under the hood.

To simplify it for photographers to take the photos they want, it appears that Canon focused on improving almost every system on the camera rather than increasing resolution.

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Canon 7D Mark II: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon 7D Mark II: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon 7D Mark II: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon 7D Mark II: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon 7D Mark II: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon 7D Mark II: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Pros
  • 10fps continuous shooting.
  • 65-point cross-type autofocus system.
  • Great control layout.
  • Huge JPG shooting buffer.
  • Lots of detail at high ISO.
  • Access to Canon lens system.
  • 1/8,000-second shutter.
  • CF and SD card slots.
  • Integrated GPS.
  • 1080p60 video.
Cons
  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi.
  • Fixed rear LCD.
  • Servo AF is unavailable when shooting at 1080p60.

Canon EOS-1D X MARK III: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Canon EOS-1D X MARK III: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

I’ve always been drawn to the enthusiasm and excitement of baseball games.

I adore how a home run or a stolen base can instantly turn the game’s tide.

Additionally, I adore the camaraderie among the players, from the pitcher and catcher to the infielders and outfielders.

Going to a minor league was one of my best days.

The players began their careers, and the stadium was small and cozy.

I could photograph the game’s intensity by getting close to the action.

One of my all-time favorite matches was that one.

I captured the intensity and excitement of the game with this camera in a way that indeed does the players and the sport justice.

This is the best Canon camera for sports photography I’ve ever used.

Features:

  • Model: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
  • Effective pixels: 20 megapixels
  • ISO: Auto, 100-102400
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Shutter speed: 1/8000 sec
  • Format: MPEG-4, H.264, H.265
  • Weight: 1440 g

ISO/Shutter speed:

Even though they were beginners, their play was astonishing.

The concentration of every player in the game was terrific.

Even I was feeling the pressure of the players.

I captured such unique shots with ISO 3200 and a shutter speed of 1/500 of a second.

Aperture/Depth of field:

To capture these fastballs, I set an aperture of f/2.8.

It shallows the depth of field.

Because of the wide aperture (shallow depth of field), I could focus on the ball getting hit by a bat and blurring the irregular background.

 White Balance/Frame rate:

With continuous shooting at 20 fps, I got some pretty smooth and sharp images.

The results were terrific, the freeze motion of the ball with the 20 fps.

I used auto-white balance to get excellent results.

Is this the best camera?

It has a 191-point all-cross AF system, a 20.1-megapixel full-frame sensor, and 16 continuous shooting frames per second.

The camera also features a dual DIGIC X image processor, which enhances color fidelity, reduces noise, and speeds up image processing.

The camera is a rigid, weather-sealed body built to withstand rigorous use in harsh environments.

It is an excellent camera for taking pictures of wildlife, sports, and action.

The camera also has an Ethernet port that can be used for remote camera control and wireless file transfer.

Conclusion:

It ranks among the very best DSLRs ever produced.

It produces some of the best image quality from a Canon camera and is quick and tough (limited resolution notwithstanding since speed is the name of the game here).

The updated autofocus system performs better than ever while being simpler, and the AF “smart controller” is no gimmick.

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Canon EOS-1D X MARK III: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS-1D X MARK III: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS-1D X MARK III: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS-1D X MARK III: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS-1D X MARK III: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS-1D X MARK III: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Pros
  • Exceptional build quality
  • 20MP full-frame sensor with 5.5K Raw video
  • 16fps capture with mechanical shutter
  • 20fps with electronic shutter
  • Superlative autofocus (for an SLR)
  • Huge battery
  • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity
Cons
  • Requires CFexpress memory cards
  • HIF image format not widely supported

Canon EOS 5D MARK IV: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Canon EOS 5D MARK IV: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Cricket’s grace and elegance have always mesmerized me.

I adore how the players move on the field and how quickly the action can change.

I was fortunate enough to be assigned to cover a cricket match between two rival teams.

The weather on the day of the game was ideal; the sun was out, and the sky was clear.

Both teams’ supporters filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadium.

Standing behind the bowler’s arm, I was set up to record the action.

I selected the ideal photo location as I set up my camera.

The game began, and as it continued, the tension increased, creating a tense atmosphere that made my heart race.

The crowds were going wild, jumping up and down and cheering.

The audience’s response is astounding, and the cheering intensifies as the performance ends.

With this camera, I can now look back on it as a priceless moment in my life.

Unquestionably the best Canon camera for sports photography.

Features

  • Model: Canon EOS 5D MARK IV
  • Body type: Mid-size SLR
  • Effective megapixel: 30 megapixels
  • ISO range: Auto, 100-32000
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
  • Weight: 890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz)

ISO/Shutter speed:

ISO 280 with a shutter speed of 1/2500 of a second is what I used to get fantastic shots.

I like the one picture when the score was almost tied in the final innings.

Suddenly a player shot a devastating shot.

The batsman high the ball high into the air.

With this setting, I could catch the stunning image of the ball landing on the ground and the fielder jumping to see it.

Aperture/Depth of field:

Using a medium aperture was good enough to capture a fantastic shot.

That’s the reason I used f/5.6.

I like this set, and I especially loved how the camera captured the grace and fluidity of the player’s movement.

White Balance/Frame rate:

The fast autofocus and high-speed continuous shooting were the perfect tools to capture this field’s beauty.

With the auto-white, I got sharp and smooth pictures of ballers, batters, fielders, and the crowd.

It allows filming in DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at up to 30 frames per second at 500 Mbps, Full HD 1080p at 60 frames per second, and HD 720p at 120 frames per second for slow-motion playback.

Is this the best camera?

It has a 61-point all-cross AF system, a 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, and 7 frames per second of continuous shooting.

Additionally, the camera has two DIGIC 6+ image processors, which enable better color reproduction, noise reduction, and quicker image processing.

The Canon 5D IV is additionally constructed with a tough, weather-sealed body and is intended to withstand intensive use in challenging environments.

It is the best camera for taking pictures of events, landscapes, and people.

Conclusion:

This camera is effective for taking landscape photos.

It is excellent for nighttime photography because it captures images with a wide dynamic range, good color accuracy, and little loss of detail, even at high ISO settings.

Although we don’t currently test for it, it has a sturdy-feeling construction rated as weather-sealed.

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Canon EOS 5D MARK IV: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS 5D MARK IV: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS 5D MARK IV: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS 5D MARK IV: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS 5D MARK IV: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS 5D MARK IV: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon EOS 5D MARK IV: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Pros
  • 30MP full-frame image sensor.
  • Fast 61-point autofocus system.
  • 7fps continuous shooting.
  • Unlimited JPG shooting buffer.
  • Pro-grade build.
  • Dual Pixel AF Live View focus system.
  • 3.2-inch touch screen.
  • Integrated GPS and Wi-Fi.
  • CF and SD card slots.
Cons
  • Clean HDMI output is 1080p only.
  • No in-body flash.

Canon R5: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Canon R5: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Volleyball’s athleticism and grace have always mesmerized me.

I adore how the game can change instantly and how the players soar through the air.

I had the good fortune to be tasked with reporting on a volleyball match between two rival teams.

The match occurred in a sizable gymnasium, and the energy was palpable.

The score was tied to the final set because the teams matched evenly.

I had set up shop behind the net, prepared to record the action as it happened.

The tension increased as the game went on.

The players attempted to keep the ball off the ground by sliding, diving, and leaping.

Then came the match’s climax, the best I’ve ever seen.

Features:

  • Model: Canon R5
  • Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
  • Max resolution: 8192 x 5464
  • Effective pixels: 45 megapixels
  • ISO: Yes, 100-51200
  • Lens mount: Canon RF
  • Shutter speed: 1/8000 sec
  • Weight: 738 g

ISO/Shutter speed:

One team’s spiker was getting ready to spike, and the setter would set it with him.

When he jumps, he positions his hands, getting ready to shoot.

At that moment, it looked like he was flying.

I captured his image with my ISO 2400 and shutter speed of 1/400 a second.

Even in the image, he looks like an eagle aiming at his target.

Aperture/Frame rate:

Both teams had the same set and tried their best to win the last set.

It was so exciting, not only the crowds.

I was getting crazily excited.

I had my aperture set at f/4 to blur the unwanted camera and get a fantastic shot.

White Balance/Frame rate:

Setting my white balance on incandescent helped me warmly affect the picture.

And with the fast autofocus and continuous speed shooting with 12 fps takes my pictures to a different level.

Is this the best camera?

It has a 5,940-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, and 12 continuous shooting frames per second.

The camera also has a Dual DIGIC X image processor, which enhances color fidelity, reduces noise, and speeds up image processing.

It has an integrated 5-axis in-body image stabilization system and 8K video recording capabilities.

It also has a fully articulated touch screen, which makes it a flexible choice for still and moving image photography.

This camera is the best Canon camera for sports photography because it has a weather-sealed body and is made to withstand frequent use in challenging environments.

Conclusion:

It works well for any photographer, whether they specialize in taking pictures of people or events like weddings, sporting events, or family reunions.

Although Canon’s claims about the camera’s outright video capability left us feeling a little letdown, for most users, it’s still an excellent option for getting high-quality video clips of almost anything you point it at.

It will only be a good fit for power users who constantly require the best video quality.

Still, it is a fantastic option for everyone looking for a high-quality, full-frame, high-resolution mirrorless camera.

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Canon R5: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon R5: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon R5: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon R5: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Pros
  • Superb 45MP full-frame sensor
  • Fast, accurate autofocus
  • Subject tracking at up to 20fps
  • Big, brilliant EVF
  • Swing-out touch LCD
  • 5-axis IBIS
  • CFexpress and UHS-II SDXC card support
  • 8K and 4K video look great
Cons
  • Battery life could be better

Canon 90D: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Canon 90D: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Basketball is a fast-paced, exciting sport, making it one of my favorite sports photography subjects.

Basketball photography is challenging and rewarding because of the game’s enthusiasm and excitement, the athletes’ athleticism, and the sheer beauty of the moment.

I recently had the chance to cover a basketball game between two rival teams as part of a job.

What I love most about basketball photography is how quickly the game can change.

When the match started, it was going so well.

I adore it when a player or team pulls off a comeback or makes the game-winning shot.

I adore how the players respond to these occasions, whether it’s the shooter celebrating or the opposing team’s dismay.

It is unquestionably the best Canon camera for sports photography.

Thanks to its quality, I captured some incredible shots, making my day one of the best.

Features:

  • Model: Canon 90D
  • Body type: Mid-size SLR
  • Effective megapixel: 32.5 MP
  • ISO range: Auto, 100-25600
  • Max resolution: 6960 x 4640
  • Lens mount: Canon EF/EF-S
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
  • Weight: 701 g

ISO/Shutter speed:

To catch every emotion of players or the audience, I had to use good settings, so I decided to use my classic indoor sports setting, ISO 400, with a shutter speed of 1/500 of a second.

With this, I could capture a picture of the players magically sending balls to other teammates.

Aperture/Depth of field:

Dumping is the heart of a basketball match.

It was appealing when a player jumped to dump the ball, maintaining its momentum and trying not to get stolen by another team.

For this, I used a wide aperture of f/2.8 to capture my favorite moment of dumping and blurring the background.

White Balance/Frame rate:

I tried Florescent for the white balance, which worked well with the venue.

And with autofocus and a continuous speed of 10 fps, the output was excellent.

Is this the best camera?

It is an APS-C 32.5-megapixel digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera.

It can take pictures at a speed of up to 10 frames per second and has a 45-point all-cross autofocus system.

Additionally, it has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for convenient connectivity, a touchscreen with full articulation, and 4K video capability.

It also features a high-resolution optical viewfinder and a weather-sealed body.

Conclusion:

Because of its superior Dual Pixel AF system, it is a DSLR that performs most consistently in live view.

In contrast, through-the-finder AF is less trustworthy.

Additionally, the camera offers excellent Raw image quality and usable full-width 4K in a superbly constructed, weather-sealed package.

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Canon 90D: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon 90D: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon 90D: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon 90D: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon 90D: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Pros
  • New 32.5MP image sensor.
  • 10fps capture with iTR tracking.
  • Vari-angle LCD.
  • Some dust and splash protection.
  • Optical viewfinder.
  • Mirrorless-quality autofocus for 4K video.
Cons
  • No sync socket.
  • Single memory card slot.

Canon R7: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Canon R7: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

As a sports photographer, I have covered many events, but swimming is one of my favorites.

The frantic activity and distinctive lighting in indoor pools make for some stunning photos.

I specifically recall one meeting I covered at a nearby university.

The excitement was palpable as the swimmers got ready to enter the pool.

The athletes jumped in and started their races against a stunning backdrop of bright lights shining down on the water.

I shopped at the pool’s edge to find the best angles to photograph the swimmers in motion.

Everyone got going, and things are going well.

I was overjoyed to discover that I had taken some genuinely incredible pictures when I looked through my photos after the meeting.

The swimmers’ faces were emotion-filled as they raced toward the finish line, and the water droplets froze in midair.

It is accurate to say that this is the best Canon camera for sports photography.

Features:

  • Model: Canon R7
  • Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
  • Max resolution: 6960 x 4640
  • Effective pixels: 33 megapixels
  • ISO: 100-32000
  • Lens mount: Canon RF
  • Shutter speed: 1/8000 sec
  • Weight: 612 g

ISO/Shutter speed:

There was a competition for men’s 100m freestyle.

The swimmers were evenly matched, and they were incredibly close.

One of them was swimming so beautifully when he splashed on the water.

The style of everything was perfect.

I set ISO 400 with a shutter speed of 1/1000 a second to capture this elegant and charming moment.

Aperture/Depth of field:

The pool was vast and immense.

It seemed impossible to complete a lap at a specific time, but swimmers had so much stamina they could efficiently finish it.

To capture the venue, I set the aperture to f/2.8.

It shallows the depth of field, helping me focus on the pool.

White Balance/Frame rate:

I used high-speed continuous shooting with 3 fps to capture swimmers running at this speed.

I also used fast autofocus to focus quickly on objects.

And for the white balance, I set it at auto.

Is this the best camera?

Dual card slots, a full-frame sensor with 45 megapixels of resolution, and in-body image stabilization are among its features.

The camera also features a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, and a quick and accurate autofocus system.

Additionally, it has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for convenient sharing and remote control, and it can shoot 8K and 4K videos at up to 120 frames per second.

The camera also has a silent electronic shutter and a high-speed mechanical shutter.

Professional photographers and videographers who require high resolution and quick performance are the target market for the camera.

Conclusion:

It produces excellent images, handles well, is quick, has powerful autofocus that keeps up with various subjects, and is reasonably priced.

The small selection of native lenses is the only issue as of this writing.

If the company can quickly give us more of these, it may reach the top of Canon’s most well-liked cameras.

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Canon R7: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon R7: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon R7: (Best Canon camera for sports photography) Canon R7: (Best Canon camera for sports photography)

Pros
  • Excellent value
  • Stabilized 32.5MP sensor
  • Magnesium body material resists dust and splashes
  • Class-leading autofocus with subject recognition
  • Fires at 15fps with a mechanical shutter
  • 4K60 video with 10-bit C-Log3 or HDR
Cons
  • Average EVF for an enthusiast camera

CONCLUSION:

Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.

Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?

Which is your Best Canon camera for sports photography?

Is there a camera I didn’t mention in this article that you love using for Sports Photography?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

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