6 Best Cameras for Action Shots in 2020


It takes skill, a little luck, and a capable camera to land the perfect action shot. Once all three come together, though, the results are nothing short of spectacular. Action photography immortalizes moments of intense excitement and suspense. It lets us relive the thrill of a headlong plunge into a lake or analyze every nuance of a game-changing three-pointer.
Not all cameras are a good fit for action photography. Suitable candidates need to keep up with their subjects, so fast and accurate autofocus is a top priority. Our reflexes aren’t fast enough to snap every action shot perfectly, so a high burst speed helps produce more usable images. Most action happens out in the open, so the camera’s viewfinder and LCD need to be bright enough.
Below you’ll find the six best cameras for action shots. We’ve selected different types of cameras at varying price points so newcomers and professionals alike can find a model worth their time. Check out why these cameras perform so well and never miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot again.

Budget

PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 II

4.2/5.0

Type: Bridge

Sensor: 1-inch

Snappy autofocus and 30fps 4K burst mode.

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Best Value

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

4.6/5.0

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor: 4/3

Accurate autofocus with customizable zones.

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Top Pick

Sony Alpha a9 II

4.9/5.0

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor: 35mm

Fantastic burst speed without blackouts.

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Cameras for Action Shots Comparison Table

Image
Product
Overall
Rating
Image
quality
Autofocus
Burst
speed
Price

Sony Alpha a9 II
4.9

4.9

5.0

4.8

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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
4.6

4.6

4.7

4.7

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Fujifilm X-T4
4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

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PANASONIC LUMIX G9
4.5

4.6

4.4

4.6

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Nikon D500
4.4

4.4

4.5

4.2

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PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 II
4.2

4.2

4.3

4.1

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1. Best Overall – Sony Alpha a9 II
View on B&H
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The second iteration of Sony’s Alpha a9 mirrorless is the best camera for action shots in the world, better even than the competition’s pricier and larger DSLRs. It has an electronic shutter that delivers blackout-free performance at a blazing-fast 20fps burst in both JPEG and RAW modes. The autofocus is the best and most...

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