Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Sharon Advik
The idea of action shots and photography has been around since the invention of cameras.
However, it has only been in recent years that people have begun to fully embrace the idea of capturing their lives as they live them.
Taking a photo at just the right moment is nothing new, but it is still an art form many people struggle with.
Action shots are not just photos taken at sporting events or while your kid plays soccer; they are much more than that.
Action shots are about recording your life as it happens so that you can reflect on it later and remember what it was like to be in the moment.
They capture moments that might otherwise be lost forever because we were too busy living them to remember everything we saw, heard, or felt.
Capturing action shots requires skill and patience, but once you get the hang of it, you will find yourself looking for opportunities to take pictures wherever you go!
I’ve been photographing action shots for years, and I’ve learned that the best way to do it is with a camera with an automatic mode.
It means you don’t have to worry about choosing the right settings for your shot, and the camera does it for you!
The best DSLR Cameras for Action Shots that I have used are:
Which is the Best DSLR Camera for Action Shots?
Here are my recommended top 7 Best DSLR Camera for Action Shots:-
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III: (Best DSLR Camera for Action Shots)
I remember the day I decided to buy a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera.
I had just finished shooting an action scene in Atlanta and was exhausted.
The shoot occurred on a freezing winter’s day, and I had been up all night before it began.
I was on the way home when my phone rang—one of the producers from the shoot was calling to see how it had gone.
I told them about some of the challenges we’d faced that day, including how cold it was and how difficult it had been to get clear shots of our subject without being able to move around much at all.
“We’re looking for something different,” they said when I told them this part of my story.
“Something fresh.”
And then it hit me: what if we shot in infrared?
It would give us a whole new look that would be different from anything else out there right now, and if done correctly, it could help us stand out and attract attention for our client!
So that’s what I did.
I returned in the cold with infrared film stock and got some fantastic shots that made our client shine in a new light.
The camera performed brilliantly!
Features
- 20MP – Full-frame CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 102400( expands to 50 – 819200)
- 3.20″ Fixed Type Screen
- Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
- 20.0fps continuous shooting
- 5.5K at 60fps , 4K at 60fps and FHD at 120fps Video Recording
- 10-bit 4:2:2 at 4K 60p Color
- Built-in Wireless
- Built-in GPS
- 1440g. 158 x 168 x 83 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
ISO/Shutter Speed
The first shot I took that night was two models playing basketball in dim light.
The color and detail were terrific!
The images are crisp, clear, and beautiful.
I was impressed by the quality of the video as well.
I used it to film an interview with one of our clients, which was great.
I finally learned that this camera’s ISO is 100-102400, and the shutter speed can reach 1/8000.
My favorite part about this camera is its ability to capture fast-moving objects easily.
I can take multiple shots quickly without worrying about blurriness or missing essential moments due to slow shutter speeds or bad lighting conditions.
Aperture/Field Of View
I decided to dig deep into its specs and discovered that it has an aperture of f/1.8-2.8, which is excellent because I can take clear shots in low-light conditions without worrying about blurry photos.
It also has a fantastic field of view (FOV) of 76 degrees, making it easy for me to film people’s faces and surroundings.
White Balance/ Frame Rate
I started shooting with a white balance setting of Kelvin (K).
This setting is suitable for shooting action shots because it can capture the subject’s motion without blurring or losing detail in the dark areas of the photo.
It also allows you to shoot fast enough that your subject won’t become blurry from motion blur.
I took action shots of basketball-playing models, which helped me get good, focused pictures.
I used a frame rate of 1/1000 sec., giving me a high shutter speed to freeze any movement in the photo and still get an image with plenty of light and detail in both bright and dark areas.
Why is this camera the best?
The camera is great for action shots because it has a fast shutter speed and a high frame rate.
It also allows you to shoot fast enough that your subject won’t become blurry from motion blur.
It proved the best for me because I had to make the models appear like real players.
It is essential for sports photographers, who often don’t control where they’re shooting from or what lighting will be present when working with their subjects.
Conclusion
It is the best DSLR Camera for Action Shots, as it is an excellent choice if you are looking for something more advanced than a point-and-shoot camera.
It’s easy enough for beginners but also has features that will appeal to experienced photographers.
So, buy it now!
Canon EOS Rebel T8i: (Best DSLR Camera for Action Shots)
My client has always been a sucker for sports photography.
He always asks me to capture such activities.
This time, the site of the shoot was the Tennis stadium.
I was waiting for the game to start so that I may commence my work.
Suddenly, he handed over the new Canon EOS Rebel T8i camera and asked me to use it instead of the previous one.
I was reluctant because I wasn’t familiar with the new camera.
But I started using it anyway.
I fell in love with the camera when it was in my hands.
It was a game-changer for me.
I could feel the difference in the quality of shots, especially when compared to before.
When I started using it, I knew my client had made the right choice for buying this one over other brands.
Features
- 24MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 25600( expands to 51200)
- 3.00″ Fully Articulated Screen
- Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
- 7.5fps continuous shooting
- 4K at 25fps and FHD at 120fps Video Recording
- Built-in Wireless
- 515g. 131 x 103 x 76 mm
ISO/Shutter Speed
I was impressed by how well my camera captured images in low light, so I could take pictures even when it was dark outside.
The quality of the pictures also impressed me—the clarity is excellent!
The ISO/Shutter Speed settings on this camera range from 100-25600, which is great because it gives you plenty of flexibility when shooting in low-light situations or trying to capture fast-moving subjects like tennis players!
The shutter speed was 1/1600 second, which helped me get clear images even though they were moving fast.
So, clicking photos with this camera was very easy, and I enjoyed using it.
Aperture/Field Of View
I switched to aperture priority and set the camera to f/8, which gave me a wider field of view and allowed me to capture more of the action.
When another player started running toward his opponent’s side, I switched to shutter priority mode and set it at 1/500 seconds.
It ensured that I would catch him mid-stride as he approached his opponent’s side of the net.
What also impressed me about this camera was its field of view (FOV).
It’s 18mm to 55mm, so you can get pretty wide shots!
I used it to take pictures at the tournament from far away and up close, and it captured everything beautifully.
White Balance/ Frame Rate
I took some pictures with the white balance set to daylight and others to cloudy.
The pictures in daylight looked great, but they were not as crisp or detailed as the ones taken under cloudy conditions.
They were so pixelated that they didn’t even look real.
I decided to try out different frame rates: 12 fps, 8 fps, and 5 fps.
And it was eventually settled on 4 fps because it gave me the best combination of crispness and action blur (which added an element of excitement).
Why is this camera the best?
I love this camera because it’s so easy to use—and that’s important, mainly when focusing on taking a good picture.
The controls are simple and intuitive, and the menus are customizable, so you can set them up exactly how you want them.
You can even create your custom settings!
Conclusion
It is the best DSLR Camera for Action Shots because it is simple to use, has a suitable sensor for fast-moving objects, and has a good battery life.
It’s easy to set up your camera and take pictures immediately with this one!
So, buy it now!
Canon 5D mark iv: (Best DSLR Camera for Action Shots)
During my stay in Atlanta, I got to work with another client, but he invited me to Canada for his scenic action shots.
He saw my previous work and was impressed by my camera choice.
He wanted me to work with him on his next project.
I was very excited since this was my first time in Canada, and it would be even better if I could get my hands on some new gear.
I got a Canon 5D mark iv for the shoot.
I knew it was popular among amateur photographers and professionals, but that wasn’t enough for me.
I wanted to ensure my camera would work well in Canada, so I researched how it would perform in different conditions.
It lets me decide which camera would be best for me as an amateur photographer living in Canada.
Features
- 30MP – Full-frame CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 32000( expands to 50 – 102400)
- 3.20″ Fixed Type Screen
- Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
- 7.0fps continuous shooting
- 4K at 30fps , FHD at 60fps and HD at 120fps Video Recording
- Built-in Wireless
- Built-in GPS
- 890g. 151 x 116 x 76 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
ISO/Shutter Speed
When studying this camera, I realized that it is a professional-grade camera that can shoot in RAW mode, giving you higher-quality images and the ability to adjust settings after your shoot.
The ISO range on this camera is 100-32000, which means you can shoot in low light without using a flash.
The shutter speed ranges from 1/8000 of a second up to 30 seconds, so you’ll be able to capture both fast-moving action shots and long-exposure shots that blur motion.
I was overjoyed with the results, as scenic shoots were mostly arranged at night, and the camera’s ability to capture these scenes without a flash was terrific.
Aperture/Field Of View
The aperture/field of view has played a huge role in my photography because it helps me to get the best shots possible, especially when taking scenic action shots on the streets of Canada.
The lens can be adjusted from f/1.2 to f/16, which allows you to shoot in low light conditions or during nighttime without having any problems with image quality or focusing issues.
You can also take close-ups without having any issues with blurry images because of its wide range of focal length options available (24-105mm).
This feature makes this camera ideal for outdoor photography with different lighting conditions (sunlight, shadows, etc.).
White Balance/ Frame Rate
This camera has a wide range of white balance options and a frame rate that can be adjusted from 24 to 60 fps.
It allows you to shoot in different lighting conditions and also enables you to choose how fast or slow your video will be.
The white balance feature is excellent for taking outdoor shots because it automatically adjusts the color temperature according to your surroundings so that you don’t have to worry about the quality of your video being affected by weather conditions.
Why is this camera the best?
This camera is the best because it has many great features that can be used to improve your pictures.
The wide-angle lens is excellent for taking outdoor shots and lets you capture more of what’s happening around you.
The wide-angle lens makes it easier to get close-ups since there is less distortion when clicking subjects up close.
Conclusion
It is the best DSLR Camera for Action Shots as it is versatile enough for everyday use and durable enough for extreme conditions like skiing or snowboarding in Canada.
And because it has a lot of megapixels, you’ll never run out of space on your SD card when taking pictures at night!
So, buy it now!
Canon 90D: (Best DSLR Camera for Action Shots)
This time, I planned to shoot pictures for myself.
I’ve always wanted to capture wildlife shots while on vacation, and when I saw that Canon had just released their new line of cameras, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to try out the new model.
When we arrived at our hotel in Banff National Park, Alberta, we were greeted by a beautiful landscape full of majestic mountains, lush green trees, flowers, rushing rivers, and waterfalls.
The weather was crisp and cool—perfect for exploring outdoors!
I spent all day hiking around the park so that we could get some great pictures of wildlife up close.
I captured several beautiful shots of bears (including one family), deer, and several other species of birds, including bald eagles, soaring above us in flight!
It was amazing!
I decided not to take any chances with our equipment—I brought along our Canon EOS 90D camera because of its advanced features, such as its ability for fast continuous shooting mode, which made it easier for us to capture those fleeting moments when animals moved quickly through.
Features
- 33MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 25600( expands to 51200)
- 3.00″ Fully Articulated Screen
- Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
- 11.0fps continuous shooting
- 4K at 30fps and FHD at 120fps Video Recording
- Built-in Wireless
- 701g. 141 x 105 x 77 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
ISO/Shutter Speed
It’s a great camera for wildlife and scenic shots, but it can also do action shots like a champ.
It can shoot at ISO up to 25600 (which means you can take photos even in low light) and has a fast shutter speed of 1/4000th of a second (which means you can get crisp action shots).
It also has an optical image stabilization system, which helps you keep your camera steady while shooting action shots or long exposure shots like landscapes at night.
The ISO/Shutter Speed is essential to me because they help me get the perfect shot in any lighting situation.
For example, if I’m shooting an animal in the wild, there’s no telling what lighting conditions I’ll be dealing with.
If it’s sunny out, I can use a fast shutter speed to capture the movement of my subject.
If it’s cloudy or dusk, I’ll need to slow down my shutter speed, so I don’t miss capturing any detail in dark areas on their coat.
Aperture/Field Of View
I knew a wide aperture would be helpful when shooting wildlife or action shots.
When shooting in low light situations or at night, the wider aperture would allow me to capture more light and highlight the details in a picture.
That’s why when I was driving through the Canadian Rockies at night, I got some fantastic shots of wildlife like bears and moose lit by our headlights.
It has an aperture of f/4.5-5.6, which is excellent for shooting in low-light situations like dusk or dawn.
It also has a wide focal length of 24-105mm, which allows me to capture everything from landscapes to close-ups of animals in their natural habitats.
Getting that perfect sunset shot or a close-up of a deer running through the woods is handy!
White Balance/ Frame Rate
It’s a bit of a trade-off between white balance and frame rate.
If you shoot at 24 fps, your image will be smoother, but it won’t look as realistic because it won’t have any jerky movements as the 60 fps option does.
If you’re shooting nature videos that are meant to look natural, then I would recommend sticking with the 24 fps setting.
However, using the 60 fps setting is better for capturing action shots.
It will give you a more realistic look and feel to your video.
Why is this camera the best?
This camera is the best because it’s easy to use and has many different settings to help you capture any shot.
It’s also durable, so you don’t have to worry about dropping it or getting it wet when shooting in the rain!
Conclusion
It is the best DSLR Camera for Action Shots because if you’re looking for a camera that can help you capture your action shots, this is the one for you.
It has many different settings and features to help you get the perfect shot every time!
So, buy it now!
Nikon D850: (Best DSLR Camera for Action Shots)
This time I decided to shoot with a different camera.
My cousin was using one of the Nikon cameras, and I got intrigued.
I just asked around and discovered that Nikon D850 cameras were popular among photographers who liked capturing the country’s natural beauty.
I was a little nervous about how the camera would perform under different conditions like rain or snow, but luckily, it was very durable!
The pictures of moose, grizzly bears, and other wild animals became clear despite the weather conditions.
I was also impressed with the quickness and speed of the camera.
It could capture all the action shots easily, even when I was moving quickly.
The battery life on this camera is fantastic, too!
It lasted all day without needing to be recharged.
Features
- 46MP – Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
- No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
- ISO 64 – 25600( expands to 32 – 102400)
- 3.20″ Tilting Screen
- Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
- 7.0fps continuous shooting
- 4K at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
- Built-in Wireless
- 1015g. 146 x 124 x 79 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
ISO/Shutter Speed
At one point, I was in Banff National Park and separated from the rest of the family.
I had to find our way back without help from anyone else, which meant using all our skills to capture some fantastic images.
I relied on my ISO/shutter speed combination to help me get some action shots of deer running through the forest at night.
I knew it had an ISO range between 64 and 25,600 and could shoot at shutter speeds as fast as 1/8000 second.
It made it easier for me to keep track of them as they ran across my path without losing them in the darkness or having too much light on them, so they didn’t look natural anymore.
It was a fantastic experience that helped me learn how important it is to know your equipment inside and out.
Aperture/Field Of View
I also had a great time using the camera’s aperture.
I know it has an aperture range of f/1.8 to f/2.8 and can shoot in wide-angle and telephoto modes.
It was helpful for me when I was trying to get some shots of birds in flight.
I knew that if they were far away from me, I could use my telephoto lens for better results, but if they were close by and moving fast, I would need to switch to wide-angle mode to get them in the frame.
It is just one of the many cool things I learned during this experience, and it helped me understand how important it is to know your equipment inside and out.
White Balance/ Frame Rate
The other thing I noticed when using the camera was that it had a built-in white balance feature.
It meant I could set the scene so everything looked natural and not like it was under fluorescent lighting or something crazy.
It also had a frame rate of 45fps, which meant I could get some smooth shots with this camera.
It was a huge plus, as it helped me get some great-looking footage.
I also liked the fact that this camera had built-in audio so that I could easily record any sound that was going on around me.
It even had a microphone jack so I could plug in my external mics to get even better quality audio.
Why is this camera the best?
The best part about this camera was that it was so easy to use.
It had a simple layout, and all buttons were clearly labeled.
It made it very easy for me to figure out how to use it without reading through many manuals or watching hours of tutorials on YouTube.
It is essential for filmmakers just starting because they don’t want to spend hours learning how to operate their equipment before filming!
I liked this camera so much that I bought one for myself.
Conclusion
It is the best DSLR Camera for Action Shots because it is durable, has a long battery life, and has some great features.
If you are looking for an affordable camera that will allow you to capture amazing action shots and outdoor adventures, then this is the one for you!
It is easy to use and comes with everything you need to start immediately.
So, buy it now!
Nikon D780: (Best DSLR Camera for Action Shots)
I got a gift from a friend living in the USA. Can you imagine what he gifted me?
It was Nikon D780!
I was pleased to get it because I had a flight to London the next week.
I’m fortunate enough to travel around the world doing what I love and I want to capture as much as possible when I’m there.
The problem is that when you’re trying to shoot action shots, you need a camera that can keep up with your subject(s) and produce clear photos without blurriness or distortion from movement.
I love taking photos of people enjoying themselves at festivals and concerts in London.
Still, sometimes these events are so crowded that getting close enough to capture the right shot can be incredibly difficult.
This camera’s shooting speed helped me greatly, and I’m always ready when something amazing happens!
Features
- 25MP – Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 51200( expands to 50 – 204800)
- 3.20″ Tilting Screen
- Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
- 7.0fps continuous shooting
- 4K at 30fps and FHD at 120fps Video Recording
- Built-in Wireless
- 840g. 144 x 116 x 76 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
ISO/Shutter Speed
When taking action shots, there’s nothing more important than having the right settings to capture what you want.
That’s why I always ensure my ISO is set before I start shooting—it ensures that my photos are crisp and clear, no matter the lighting conditions present.
It had me covered in every situation.
It has an ISO range of 100-51,200 and a shutter speed range of 30 seconds – 1/8000th second, so I never missed a moment!
And because of this, I captured some pretty amazing images in London!
Aperture/Field Of View
When taking action shots, there’s nothing more important than having the right settings to capture what you want.
That’s why I always ensure my aperture is set before I start shooting—it ensures that my photos are crisp and clear, no matter the lighting conditions present.
It had me covered in every situation.
It has a maximum aperture range of f/3-6.9 and a focal length range of 6mm-50mm, so I could shoot up close or get a wide-angle shot of the scene.
I captured some fantastic angles and perspectives that I had never seen before!
White Balance/ Frame Rate
The white balance setting was also a huge help when taking my photos.
It allows you to manually adjust your image’s color temperature so that whites are always white (and not a yellowish-orange color) and everything else looks crisp and clean.
It is beneficial when shooting in low light, as it helps prevent unwanted color casts from appearing in your shots.
The frame rate on my camera was also perfect for what I needed it for—it has a maximum speed of 60fps, which is great for shooting action sequences.
I got some interesting shots of my son running around the house, trying to catch one of our cats!
Why is this camera the best?
It’s an excellent camera with all the features I need at an affordable price.
The image quality is good enough for me to use as my main camera, but it also comes with plenty of manual settings, so I can play around and experiment with different looks if needed.
Conclusion
It is the best DSLR Camera for Action Shots because it’s a fantastic all-around camera with everything you need.
It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s worth the money to take your photography to the next level.
So, buy it now!
Nikon D500: (Best DSLR Camera for Action Shots)
Now it was time to move to the next level.
So I chose Nikon D500 for action shots in London because I wanted to capture the fast-paced and exciting sport of rugby.
I knew this camera could help me get crisp images with low light, and I was looking forward to using the camera’s speed.
I had never shot with an action camera, so it wasn’t easy.
The shutter speed on this camera is incredibly fast, and it takes some getting used to!
I recommend practicing before you head out into the field.
I took many photos while shooting rugby games, and they came out great.
The images were clear, sharp, and colorful—just what I wanted them to be.
As much as I loved taking photos of rugby games, some days didn’t work out quite as I expected.
The weather can change quickly here in London, so check the forecast before heading out with your camera!
Features
- 21MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
- ISO 100 – 51200( expands to 50 – 1640000)
- 3.20″ Tilting Screen
- Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
- 10.0fps continuous shooting
- 4K at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
- Built-in Wireless
- 860g. 147 x 115 x 81 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
ISO/Shutter Speed
I wanted to capture as much detail as possible, so I used my Nikon D500 camera.
The ISO/Shutter Speed that the camera has helped me get the action shots I wanted.
The ISO range goes up to 1640000, which is great because it allows me to capture more light when I shoot outside at night or during the day when there isn’t enough light through my lens.
The shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second is also essential.
It allows me to capture moments without blurring them out due to movement caused by either my hand or the subject moving around while photographed.
Aperture/Field Of View
I was surprised by its aperture.
The aperture can be adjusted from f/1.8 to f/22, which is great because it allows me to change the depth of field and ensure that my subject is focused.
It helps me when I am shooting sporting events or any other activity where there are many moving objects in one place at one time.
The lens also has a wide angle of view.
The 14mm lens allows me to capture more of the subject in one shot.
It gives me more options when doing sports photography because I can get a wider range of what is happening during the event instead of just focusing on one thing at once.
White Balance/ Frame Rate
This camera has a white balance function that allows me to adjust my photo’s temperature to look natural.
I can adjust this setting manually or let the camera do it automatically by using one of its pre-set modes.
The camera also has a frame rate of 60 fps at 720p, which is perfect for when I am filming a sporting event.
The camera has a large sensor that allows me to capture more detail in my photos and videos.
It is essential for sports because it allows me to better look at what is happening during the game or event while also getting a wider range of what is happening instead of just focusing on one thing at once.
Why is this camera the best?
This camera is the best because it has many features perfect for filming sports.
It has a large sensor allows me to capture more detail in my photos and videos, so I can better look at what is happening during the game or event.
Conclusion
It is the best DSLR Camera for Action Shots because it can be used for various purposes, including sports.
It has a large sensor and high-quality lenses that allow me to capture more detail and get a better look at the action on the field.
So, buy it now!
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 DSLR Camera for Action Shots?
Is there a camera I didn’t mention in this article that you love using for Action Shots?
Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?
Related post:
Best budget camera for action shots:
Best Camera for Sports Photography:
I am a Professional and Certified Digital Photographer born in the USA. I have been in this field of photography for 22 years, and in these years, I have used many photography lenses and Cameras, which I want to share here on this website about my experience. The idea for Bestoflens.com is to provide honest information about different Lenses and Camera products in the format of a “Best lenses for AYZ” list. I want this website to be the last destination for people to pick the best Cameras and lenses to fit their needs. You can find our unbiased reviews here on Bestoflens.