8 Best Nikon camera for bird photography: (2024 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Are you a photography enthusiast and want a professional camera for your needs?

Or do you want to shift from your existing brand or camera?

Or do you need a highly equipped camera to photograph birds?

Bird photography needs a camera that can capture unpredictable moments with great accuracy.

Nikon cameras are specifically designed to capture fast-paced action.

Their large sensors are built for excellent color accuracy and details in each shot.

Due to their impeccable designs, these cameras are industry leaders and most in demand.

I also used these for my various photography tasks, and I had a wonderful experience in terms of quality and ease of use.

In this blog post, I will share my favorite cameras of this brand.

So keep reading.

Which is the Best Nikon camera for bird photography?

Here are my recommended top 8 Best Nikon camera for bird photography:-

Nikon Coolpix P1000: (Best Nikon camera for bird photography)

When I started capturing photos of this incredible small creature, I often went to the nearest park.

I want to find something unusual that can be rewarding for me.

At that time, I had a Nikon Coolpix P1000 camera for photography tasks.

After waiting for weeks, finally, one day, I spotted a beautiful bird cockatoo nest.

I decided immediately to capture them.

I was wearing my camouflage dress and found a spot to shoot them quickly without disturbing them.

The chicks were waiting for the mother to bring food for them.

As the mother arrived, the chicks started chirping with happiness.

It was a mesmerizing scene to be caught on camera.

I set a continuous burst mode so as not to miss any moment.

Features:

• Model: Nikon Coolpix P1000
• Lens: NIKKOR 24-3000mm (35mm Equivalent)
• Aperture Range: f/2.8-8
• Sensor: 16MP BSI CMOS
• Image Processor: EXPEED
• ISO 100-6400
• Viewfinder: 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
• Display: 3.2″ 921k-Dot Vari-Angle LCD Monitor
• Video Recording: 4K UHD
• Connectivity: SnapBridge via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
• Effective pixels: 16MP
• Shutter speed: 1/4000 to 30 sec

ISO/ Shutter speed:

As it was daytime, a low ISO level was recommended to avoid noise and get sharp images.

So I kept my ISO at 100 to accurately display the colors and features of the bird.

Then I kept my shutter speed at the short side to freeze the movements of birds and the chicks and to maintain sharpness.

Aperture/ Depth of Field:

I set the wide aperture at f/2.8 to achieve a shallow depth of field and to blur the background.

By this, the birds were popping up in the background.

They were accurately displayed, and their features were enhanced in each photo.

White balance/ Frame rates:

Then I selected the accurate white balance and set it to 5000k color temperature to suit the lighting conditions and maintain natural colors.

Then I set the frame rate at 24fps to capture the movement of the feeding process without missing any crucial moments.

Why is this camera the best?

One major drawback of this camera is that it is relatively heavy and oversized, which is unsuitable for everyday use.

Moreover, its high zoom range can make it challenging to keep the camera steady when shooting handheld.

Conclusion:

This camera has an impressive 125 x optical zoom range which covers a focal length equivalent to 24-300mm, which makes it easy for me to capture the subjects from the farthest without being physically closer to them.

Its advanced image processing allows me to reduce the noise and improve my final images’ color accuracy.

Thus it is the best Nikon camera for bird photography.

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Nikon Z9: (Best Nikon camera for bird photography)

Once, my friend and I went for an adventure to the northeast side of the country.

Being a photography enthusiast, I always admire shooting at various locations, geographical regions, and deserts to catch the once-in-a-lifetime moments.

I kept my 35mm lens with my top-notch Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera by my side for the adventure.

We were excited about our adventure and reached there while enjoying each moment of our journey.

When we reached there first, we went to our hotel room to keep our luggage.

Then, we decided to go outside for some real-time adventure.

When we went outside, it was cold, and the sun was shining, making the weather pleasant.

I decided to go to nearby lakes to find a bird and capture it.

Soon I saw the ducks and their cute ducklings having fun on the water while swimming and enjoying the weather.

Features:

• Model: Nikon z9
• Sensor: 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS
• Image Processor: EXPEED 7
• Video Recording: 8K30p and 4K120p 10-Bit Internal
• Autofocus: 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
• Viewfinder: Blackout-Free Real Live
• Display: 3.2″ 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• Connectivity: 5 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GNSS
• Effective pixels: 45.7MP
• Shutter type: Electronic
• shutter speed: 1/32000 to 30 secs
• ISO: 64-25,600

ISO/ Shutter speed:

I set the ISO to 300 and the shutter speed to 1/1000th sec.

It lets me take sharp photos of the ducks while swimming in the lakes.

The ducks appeared gorgeous in the final images, and each feature, from their tiny eyes to yellow beaks, was accentuated.

Aperture/ Depth of Field:

An aperture of f/5.6  was ideal for capturing this scene as this created a shallow depth by merely keeping the focus on the ducks.

White balance/ Frame rates:

As I was shooting in the daylight, thus it was a great idea to keep the white balance in daylight mode.

The ducks were swimming elegantly, and I wanted to catch their movements, so I kept a frame rate at 30fps.

Why is this camera the best?

The camera’s next-generation autofocus system, combined with a high-resolution system and advanced subject tracking, allowed me to keep the focus on the subject without missing a single moment.

Conclusion:

This camera is designed for professional photographers who demand a high-end camera.

This camera is built to withstand the rigors of professional use, with a rugged magnesium alloy body that is weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture.

Click here to buy!

Nikon D500: (Best Nikon camera for bird photography)

Once, I was hired by a channel as a wildlife photographer.

In their team, they already had 3 photographers who were doing excellent jobs.

Then, I joined them in their team, and we just went out there and explored the local parks.

Fortunately, there’s plenty to see and many beautiful images.

Once, we had to go to Stanley, Idaho, for our one photography assignment.

We aim to explore redfish lake and salmon river.

It was spring season, and we knew we could encounter dozens of eagles there.

I had my Nikon D500 DSLR camera as I didn’t want to miss a single shot.

Suddenly we spotted the flock of eagles finding their food flying over the salmon river.

I set my gear to catch them in my camera.

Features:

• Model: Nikon D500
• Sensor: 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS
• Image Processor: EXPEED 5
• Display: 3.2″ 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen
• Video Recording: 4K UHD at 30 fps
• Autofocus: 153-Point AF System
• Native ISO: 64-25600
• Connectivity: SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Effective pixels: 45.7MP
• Shutter type: Electronic
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec
• Image format: JPEG, RAW TIFF
• Viewfinder: optical

ISO/ Shutter speed:

I chose the fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the eagles in flight, and I chose a lower ISO.

A lower ISO level is always good for capturing accurate colors without overexposing the final images.

Thus I set ISO at 200 and the shutter speed at 1/1000th.

Aperture/ Depth of Field:

I used my telephoto lens to get close photos of an eagle in flight with a 200mm focal length.

I also used an autofocus mode to track the eagles as they moved.

I for a shallow depth of field; thus, an aperture of f/4 was a good starting point.

White balance/ Frame rates:

First, I set my camera to aperture priority mode, then the white balance to auto mode to allow my camera to adjust the WB according to natural light accurately.

Then I set 60fps for slow-motion videos of the eagle in flight.

The final results were stunning and pleasing to the eyes.

Why is this camera the best?

The camera boasts a 20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that allows me to capture excellent image quality with good low-light performance and dynamic range.

It can shoot up to 10 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects such as wildlife or bird photography.

Conclusion:

The camera has a highly advanced autofocus system with 153  points and advanced subject-tracking capabilities, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving unpredictable action.

It is the best Nikon camera for bird photography.

Nikon D850: (Best Nikon camera for bird photography)

As a passionate bird photographer, I had always dreamed of visiting Iceland, known for its diverse bird species.

My dream came true when a friend asked me to go there to catch the birds for our portfolio.

I packed my gear and headed north with my Nikon D850  camera.

Our first stop was Lake Myvatn, a breathtaking natural wonder home to many waterfowl.

The crisp cool air and tranquil surroundings were perfect for capturing some stunning shots.

As I explored the horizon, I saw the flock of arctic terns soaring above the water.

With my gear ready, I waited a few moments to capture their graceful flight.

Suddenly, one of the terns broke away from the pack and flew straight towards me.

I pressed the shutter button to capture the beautiful bird mid-flight.

Features:

• Model: Nikon D850
• Sensor: 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS
• Image Processor: EXPEED 5
• Display: 3.2″ 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen
• Video Recording: 4K UHD at 30 fps
• Autofocus: Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF
• Native ISO: 64-25600
• Connectivity: SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Effective pixels: 45.7MP
• Shutter type: Electronic
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec
• Focus type: auto and manual focus

ISO/ Shutter speed:

As the Tern was flowing away toward me, I aimed for a slower shutter speed than flaying in lateral motion.

And there was bright sunlight, so I used a low ISO.

Thus an ISO of 200 and a shutter speed of 1/500th were ideal.

Aperture/ Depth of Field:

First, I ensure that my camera is steady and I follow the movement of the Tern with my camera.

Then I aimed for a shallow depth of field to create a blur background effect and to stand out the Tern in the final photos.

Thus I kept the aperture at f5.6 and got a slight background blur effect.

White balance/ Frame rates:

First, I set my camera’s white balance manually by adjusting it.

I first gauge the perfect settings for the lighting situation.

I want to accurately grab each color and detail of the Tern from its beak to its paws.

So, I kept the white balance at 5300k and the frame rate at 10fp.

This setting was perfect for accentuating my subject and showing each detail of his attractive features.

Why is this camera the best?

The camera boasts a tilting touchscreen LCD that allows me to take lower angles without lying on my stomach.

It also has a focus peaking system to ensure my subject is in focus and touch focusing, which makes my job easy.

Conclusion:

The live-view touch focusing isn’t perfect, and it takes a little time for me to get the shot in focus.

This camera has an incredibly sharp wide-angle lens for landscapes like 14-24.

The image quality, durability, and lens selection are unbeatable.

I can refer this camera to anyone who wants the best Nikon camera for bird photography.

Click here to buy!

Nikon D7500: (Best Nikon camera for bird photography)

On our trip to Iceland, we ventured to the west fjords, known for its seabird colonies.

Here we captured some stunning shots of puffins, gannets, and other sea birds.

These birds’ bright colors and unique features attract any photographer and are a joy to photograph.

One day when I was hiking on the rugged coastline, I spotted a pair of gyrfalcons perched on a nearby cliff.

I slowly crept closer, careful not to disturb them.

I Used my camera zoom lens to capture their striking features and powerful presence.

Thankfully, my friend had another camera that was a Nikon D7500.

I use this camera to grab the fantastic photos I later published on my bird photography blog.

Features:

• Model: Nikon D7500
• Sensor: 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS
• Image Processor: EXPEED 5
• Display: 3.2″ 922k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen
• Video Recording: 4K UHD at 30 fps
• Autofocus: Multi-CAM 3500FX II 51-Point AF
• Native ISO: 100- 51200
• Connectivity: SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Shutter type: Electronic
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec
• Effective pixels: 20.9MP
• Image stabilization: Digital

ISO/ Shutter speed:

First, I gauged the proper ISO then I tested my shutter speed.

After trials, I got the perfect settings which helped to get clear, sharp images of this incredible creature.

I set ISO at 200 and the shutter speed at 1/500.

This was ideal for getting the perfect frame for any unexpected motion.

Aperture/ Depth of Field:

I was at a perfect distance from them, so I chose a small aperture rather than a wider one, meaning a more comprehensive depth of field.

I want to fully capture the scene to its glory, so an aperture of f/11 was ideal.

White balance/ Frame rates:

I started by setting my camera to manual mode.

I put the white balance to “daylight”  to avoid color cast.

Because I wanted to capture the gyrfalcon’s movement in slow motion, I used a lower frame rate of 30 fps and played the video back at a slower speed in post-processing.

The results were shocking, as they displayed both their beauty and strength.

Why is this camera the best?

The camera features are the same as the D500.

It is the perfect mix between manageability and image quality.

It can fit almost all the f-mount lenses and feels sturdy.

The camera has a deep grip with a thick rubber coating, making it highly secure when holding.

The design is compact and weatherproof.

Conclusion:

Its 20.9 megapixels sensor camera delivers outstanding image quality with a high dynamic range.

This camera does 8fps up to 50 shots, while other cameras at this price range only offer 5fps.

This shooting speed is impressive for action photography.

Where you’ve no control over the subject, all these features combined make this camera the best Nikon camera for bird photography.

Click here to buy!

Nikon D6: (Best Nikon camera for bird photography)

One of the most memorable experiences was the opportunity to photograph a rare bird, the Barrow’s goldeneye, that I spotted on a nearby river.

I enjoyed it with my family there during our weekend holidays.

It was unexpected for me to spot this bird sitting over a rock.

Luckily, I had my Nikon D6  camera with me that I brought to capture the moments we spent together there.

I adjusted the camera settings and started to capture photos.

His yellow and black feathers looked elegant; it was the perfect time to take a shot.

I quickly snapped photos capturing the bird’s unique beauty and fleeting presence.

Features:

• Model: Nikon D6
• Sensor: 20.8MP FX-Format CMOS
• Image Processor: EXPEED 6
• Autofocus: 37K 105-Pt. All Cross-Type AF
• Extended ISO: 50- 3280000
• Video Recording: 4K UHD at 30 fps
• Display: 3.2″ 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
• Viewfinder: 0.72x-Mag. Pentaprism
• Connectivity: Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS
• Connectivity: 1000Base-T Gigabit Wired LAN Support
• Effective pixels: 20.8MP
• Shutter type: Electronic
• shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec

ISO/ Shutter speed:

First, I set my camera to manual mode to get complete control over the settings.

Then to reduce the noise, I set ISO to the lowest possible value at 200.

I set my camera’s shutter value relatively high to avoid motion blur.

I set it to 1/1500th, depending on the light conditions.

Then finally, I composed my shots by focusing on the bird.

Aperture/ Depth of Field:

The aperture is an important setting that can affect the quality of any photo.

I chose a wide aperture to make my image visually appealing and to isolate the bird from the background.

So, I set it at F/4.

White balance/ Frame rates:

White balance and frame rates are the other two most important settings that can affect the quality of the image.

I set it by using white paper as a reference to capture each shot’s colors accurately.

Then I kept the frame rates at 10fps and kept it at continuous burst mode.

Why is this camera the best?

The camera’s sophisticated autofocus system allowed me to track fast-moving birds with ease.

Its 105 cross-type autofocus points provide fast and accurate focusing even in challenging lighting conditions.

Conclusion:

This camera has the power to shoot up to 14fps which is essential to capture birds in flight or birds who move quickly.

The camera also has excellent low-light performance with a high ISO range of up to 32,800, which allowed me to take photos of the birds at dawn and dusk.

Click here to buy!

Nikon D850: (Best Nikon camera for bird photography)

One day, I decided to go to rift valley, Kenya, to photograph the birds there.

I want to make a few fantastic videos of the various bird species for my bird photography channel.

The diverse species of these winged creatures in this valley have always engrossed me.

I packed my Nikon D50 camera to catch the beauty of this fantastic creature.

My first spot was Nakuru Lake, a saltwater lake home to the most colorful birds.

As I drove through the park, I was amazed by the sheer number of flamingos that waded in the shallow water.

Their brilliant pink feathers were a sight to behold.

I set up my camera and started capturing their movements, and I got a few stunning photographs.

Features:

• Model: Nikon D850
• Sensor: 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS
• Image Processor: EXPEED 5
• Display: 3.2″ 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• Video Recording: 4K UHD at 30 fps
• Autofocus: Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF
• Native ISO: 64-25600
• Connectivity: SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Effective pixels: 45.7MP
• Shutter type: Electronic
• Shutter speed:  1/8000 to 30 sec
• Image format: JPEG, RAW, TIFF

ISO/ Shutter speed:

I set the ISO to the level that balances the need for a fast shutter speed with a desire to keep noise low.

I set the ISO slightly higher than 400 to allow a fast shutter speed.

I used a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the birds by keeping the shutter speed at 1/1000 of a sec.

I used a burst mode to capture the multiple frames in quick succession.

Aperture/ Depth of Field:

First, I set a wide aperture for a shallow depth of field, then I aimed for a broader depth of field, so I chose a small one.

Thus I kept it at f/4 and f/12.

White balance/ Frame rates:

White balance can make a significant impact on your final image.

If your white balance is not wisely selected, the greater chance of that will negatively impact your images.

For a few smooth videos, I kept the white balance to sunlight mode and the frame rate at 30fps.

Why is this camera the best?

This camera boasts an incredible 45.7 MP sensor which I took advantage of to get a high level of detail of feathers and other features of the birds and clarity in my images.

The camera’s 153 points advanced autofocus system makes it easy for me to track the birds in flight.

Conclusion:

Its outstanding dynamic range allowed me to capture the details in the image’s dark and bright areas.

The camera can shoot up to 7fps, which helps capture birds in flight.

Its weather-resistant body makes it resistant to dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.

By this, this is one the best Nikon cameras for bird photography.

Click here to buy!

Nikon Z 6II: (Best Nikon camera for bird photography)

I had two of my best cameras on my journey to Rifat Valley, Kenya.

My next spot was Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake home to various birds.

When I arrived, I was greeted by flapping wings and chirping calls.

The air was alive with the movement and songs of these beautiful birds.

My other camera was a Nikon z6II, perfect for its job.

I explored the lake shoreline and soon spotted a group of pelicans gliding across the water, their wings spread wide, catching the sun’s warm rays.

I waited a few minutes as they dove into the water to get their meal.

I  was ready with my camera to take incredible shots of the moment.

Features:

• Model: Nikon Z6II
• Sensor: 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS
• Image Processors: Dual EXPEED 6
• Video Recording: UHD 4K30
• ISO: 100-51200
• Autofocus: 273-Point Phase-Detect AF System
• Viewfinder: 3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic
• Display: 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen
• Image stabilization: 5-Axis In-Body
• Shutter type: Electronic
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 900 sec
• Effective pixels: 24.5MP

ISO/ Shutter speed:

Pelicans were looking gorgeous while spreading their wings to enjoy the sunlight.

Their beauty and extraordinary features mesmerized me, from long sharp beaks to broad wings.

I set my camera ISO at 200 and shutter speed at 1/1000 to capture this majestic creature.

Aperture/ Depth of Field:

Then, I set my camera’s aperture at f/12 as it was ideal as I wanted to grab all the surrounding scenery to enhance my final images.

White balance/ Frame rates:

First, I set my white balance to auto mode.

Then I choose a frame rate of 24fps.

Finally, I got clear images without any blue, orange, or yellow color hues and smooth, fluid videos.

Why is this camera the best?

The camera boasts an electronic shutter that allows it to take photos in silent mode without disturbing the birds in their natural habitat.

This camera boasts a 5-axis IBIS system that compensates for a camera shake.

This camera helped me to photograph birds in low-light conditions.

Conclusion:

This camera features various functions useful for bird photography, including advanced autofocus, in-body image stabilization, high frame rate, high-resolution image sensor, weather-sealed body, and silent shooting mode.

These features prove that it is the best Nikon camera for bird photography.

Click here to buy!

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 Nikon camera for bird photography?

Is there a camera that I didn’t mention in this article that you love to use?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

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