Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Are you looking for a new camera to take your wildlife photography to the next level? One of the most challenging and rewarding genres of photography is wildlife photography. To be successful at wildlife photography, you need to have a camera to handle a wide range of shooting conditions. Your camera must provide you with the high-quality images that you desire.
A good camera is essential for capturing incredible wildlife photos. But there are so many different cameras on the market that it can be hard to know which one to choose.
Check out our list of the 10 best point-and-shoot cameras for wildlife photography.
These cameras can capture stunning images of even the most elusive wildlife, so you can be sure to get the shots you’ve always wanted.
Please scroll down to see our top picks for the best point and shoot cameras for wildlife photography.
Best Overall Point and Shoot Cameras for Wildlife Photography
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a great point-and-shoot camera for wildlife photography. It has a 20.3-megapixel sensor that captures high-resolution images. A 40x optical zoom lens provides plenty of reach for capturing distant subjects.
The camera also features 7.4 fps shooting speeds to capture fast-moving action with ease. The SX740 HS has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing of your photos and videos.
More features of the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS worth mentioning:
It’s DIGIC 8 Image Processor provides excellent image quality. And its 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen display makes it easy to frame and compose your shots. Plus, the camera’s advanced autofocus system ensures that you’ll be able to capture sharp images of fast-moving subjects.
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is an excellent choice for wildlife photographers looking for a high-quality point and shoot camera.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
Like:
- High-resolution 20.3-megapixel sensor
- 7.4 fps shooting speeds
- 40x optical zoom lens
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Dislike:
- No viewfinder
What Consumers Are Saying
“Great utility/functionality for the price point”
“A great camera for the beginner or advanced amateur photographer”
“The SX740 HS has great features, easy to use, and takes amazing photos and videos.”
Best Budget Point and Shoot Cameras for Wildlife Photography
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is a budget point-and-shoot camera perfect for wildlife photography. It features a 20-megapixel sensor, 28–224 mm focal length, and a max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. This camera is an excellent choice for those who want to get started in wildlife photography without spending a lot of money.
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 features 720p HD video capabilities, which are great for capturing wildlife in action. The camera also has an Eco mode to preserve battery life, essential when photographing nature in the wild.
The camera’s max aperture range of F3.2–6.9 also makes it a good choice for wildlife photography, as it allows for more light into the sensor.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
Like:
- 20-megapixel sensor
- 28–224 mm focal length
- Max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec
- 720p HD video capabilities
- Eco mode to preserve battery life
Dislike:
- No viewfinder
What Consumers Are Saying
“This camera gives good pictures, and all its features are easy to understand and easy to use. So far, so very good!!”
“This camera is amazing with all its features, and it’s also coming with a memory card, so I don’t have to bother myself with buying a separate one.”
“I have purchased this camera previously, so there were no surprises. It’s small, portable, and takes decent photos.”
Best Runner up Point and Shoot Cameras for Wildlife Photography
Panasonic Lumix ZS70/TZ90
The Panasonic Lumix ZS70/TZ90 is an excellent camera for wildlife photography. It has a 20-megapixel sensor and a 24-720mm equivalent lens, making it perfect for capturing shots of animals in the wild. It also has a max resolution of 5184 x 3888, so you can capture stunning detail in your photos.
One of the best features of the Panasonic Lumix ZS70/TZ90 is the 3″ touchscreen display. This makes it easy to compose your shots and navigate the menus. The 1.16M-dot equivalent electronic viewfinder is also a great feature, as it allows you to see exactly what you’re going to capture. The sensor type BSI-CMOS is also a benefit, as it provides excellent image quality.
What We Like/Dislike About the Panasonic Lumix ZS70/TZ90
Like:
- 20-megapixel sensor
- 24–720mm focal length
- 180 Degree Flip-front Display
Dislike:
- Bad customer support
What Consumers Are Saying
“A Sleeper Powerhouse!”
“Excellent optics and operating modes, complex but easy to use.”
“If you want to have a compact camera with excellent features that you see in an expensive DSLR, you can buy this product.”
Honorable Mentions
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 is an excellent option for those looking for a point-and-shoot camera to capture wildlife photography. This camera has 20 megapixels, a 26–130 mm focal length, and a max aperture of F3.2–6.4.
It may not be the best option for more professional photographers. However, it’s an excellent camera for beginners or those looking to capture wildlife photography.
One of the great benefits of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 is that it has ISO Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200. This allows you to take clear pictures even in low-light conditions. And the 720p HD video capabilities allow you to capture beautiful videos of wildlife in their natural habitat. Finally, the CCD sensor ensures that your pictures are of high quality.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800
Like:
- 20-megapixel sensor
- 24–130mm focal length
- Simplify the camera menu with Easy Mode
Dislike:
- Limited ISO
- Only 720p HD video
- No viewfinder
What Consumers Are Saying
“I’ve taken some amazing pics with this. People are shocked it was with a point and shoot.”
“Great little camera, perfect for my older mom who is technologically challenged”
“I bought this camera for a trip to Africa, and it was perfect. The zoom is incredible.”
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
The Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a good point and shoot camera for wildlife photography. It has many features that make it ideal for this type of photography:
The 20MP stacked CMOS sensor, 3″ touchscreen display, and 24-100mm focal length lens are ideal. It also has an outstanding autofocus system with face and eye detection.
Not only is this camera great at taking photos but also video. It can record 4K video at 30fps and 1080p video at 60fps.
Other features include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC connectivity, and a built-in pop-up flash.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
Like:
- 20MP stacked CMOS sensor
- 3″ touchscreen display
- Great autofocus system with face and eye-detection
- Can record 4K video at 30fps and 1080p video at 60fps
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity
Dislike:
- None that stand out
What Consumers Are Saying
“I’ve had this camera for a little over a week now, and I love it. The image quality is fantastic, the autofocus is speedy and accurate, and the 4K video looks great.”
“This is an amazing little camera. I use it mostly for vlogging and YouTube, but it also takes great photos. The autofocus is fantastic, and the 4K video looks great.”
“I bought this camera to take on vacation, and it did not disappoint. The photos are beautiful, and the video quality is excellent. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone.”
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is an excellent camera for wildlife photography because of its powerful zoom lens and fast autofocus. A zoom range of 24-200mm can capture shots of even the most distant animals. And with an autofocus speed of just 0.03 seconds, you’ll never miss a shot.
The screen on the back of the camera also tilts up 180 degrees and down 90 degrees, making it easy to take pictures from difficult angles. Plus, with a 20-megapixel sensor, you’ll be able to capture stunning detail in your photos.
This camera can shoot 24fps, which is great for capturing fast action shots of animals. It also has a 4K video capability to capture beautiful wildlife footage in Ultra HD. And if you need to shoot in low light, the RX100 VI has an ISO range of 100-12800, which can expand to 25600.
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is an excellent camera for wildlife photography and videography. Its compact size makes it easy to carry with you into the wild. And its powerful features will help you capture stunning photos and videos of animals in their natural habitat.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
Like:
- Great zoom range
- Fast autofocus
- Tiltable screen
- 4K video capability
Dislike:
- Expensive
What Consumers Are Saying
“It was a perfect camera and just what I wanted!!!”
“I would recommend this camera to anyone!!”
“The perfect travel camera – small, light, and takes great photos and videos.”
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Are you looking for a great point-and-shoot camera to capture fantastic wildlife photography? The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a great option. This camera has 20 megapixels and can shoot continuously at 10 fps. Plus, it features a 65x zoom lens that will let you get close to your subject from a distance.
With the BSI-CMOS sensor, you’ll be able to capture stunning images and videos with ease. And the camera’s advanced features, such as face detection and tracking, will help you take your photography to the next level. So, if you’re serious about wildlife photography, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a great choice.
Not to mention is also captured in Cr3 camera raw, which is the latest canon raw file type. Another feature to consider is that the SX70 can record 4k video and super-slow-motion videos at 120fps in 720p.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Like:
- The BSI-CMOS sensor allows for a great image and video quality
- 65x zoom lens
- Advanced features like face detection and tracking
Dislike:
- No viewfinder
What Consumers Are Saying
“Enjoying the camera – picture quality is outstanding, and the zoom is spectacular. The zoom allows us to get close to wildlife and read their tags without approaching them.
“Needed to upgrade my SX50. Best zoom of any bridge camera out there!”
“I have had this camera for about a month. I am very pleased with the quality of the pictures and videos. The zoom is incredible.”
Nikon COOLPIX B500
The Nikon COOLPIX B500 is another tremendous point-and-shoot camera for wildlife photography. This camera has a 16-megapixel sensor and can shoot continuously at 7 fps. Plus, it features a 40x optical zoom lens that will let you get close to your subject from a distance.
This camera features an ISO of 80-3200, which is excellent for low-light situations. The COOLPIX B500 also comes with Nikon’s SnapBridge technology. The tech allows you to transfer images and videos to your smart device quickly and easily. So, if you’re looking for a great point-and-shoot camera for wildlife photography, the Nikon COOLPIX B500 is a great option.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon COOLPIX B500
Like:
- 16-megapixel sensor
- 7-fps shooting
- 40x optical zoom lens
Dislike:
- No viewfinder
What Consumers Are Saying
“This is a very nice camera for a beginner like myself. It takes beautiful pictures, and I highly recommend it!!”
“Very nice! Just what I wanted. Of course, or I wouldn’t have ordered it. In my opinion, it should’ve come with the dc charging cord and the HDMI cable, and a screen protector.”
“My hubby seems pleased with this camera. Nothing fancy, just clear, clean shots.”
Panasonic LUMIX ZS100
Are you looking for a quality point-and-shoot camera to capture stunning wildlife photos? The Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 is an excellent option. It has a 20-megapixel sensor, 10 fps continuous shooting, and 4K/UHD video capabilities. This camera will let you capture amazing photos and videos of even the most elusive creatures.
The Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 is also very easy to use, making it an excellent choice for amateur and professional photographers.
The camera features a CMOS sensor with an ISO of 125-12800, which is excellent for low-light photography. It also has a 25-250mm zoom lens, making it easy to get close-up shots of your subjects. The 10 fps continuous shooting is also great for capturing fast-moving wildlife, like birds in flight.
What We Like/Dislike About the Panasonic LUMIX ZS100
Like:
- 20 megapixel sensor
- 10 fps continuous shooting
- 4K/UHD video capabilities
- Very easy to use
Dislike:
- Nothing
What Consumers Are Saying
“Panasonic fits between Point-and-Shoots/iPhones and DSLRs with a larger camera sensor for better detail and a generous zoom.”
“I was pleasantly surprised by this camera’s solid and precise build quality. Every bit as nice as the Sony RX100 cameras.”
“This is a honey of a camera, which lets you save high-quality images in various situations without lugging around a big sack full of accessories.”
Canon PowerShot G5
The Canon PowerShot G5 is a 20-megapixel point and shoot camera that delivers stunning images with incredible detail. The 24 to 120 mm lens offers an excellent range for capturing close-ups of wildlife and landscapes. The F1.8-2.8 aperture ensures beautiful photos even in low light conditions.
The G5 has a stacked CMOS sensor. It allows for excellent image quality, and the camera is also equipped with Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which provides fast and accurate autofocusing. The camera also has a varied-angle LCD screen. It’s easy to take pictures at different angles, and the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allow you to share your photos with your friends and family.
With a rate of 8 fps, the Canon PowerShot G5 is an excellent choice for wildlife photography. The 20-megapixel sensor ensures that you can capture stunning images of your subject matter.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon PowerShot G5
Like:
- 24 – 120mm lens
- F1.8-2.8 aperture
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Vari-angle LCD screen
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
Dislike:
- Zoom is not as far as some of the other cameras
What Consumers Are Saying
“I love this camera. I love canon cameras. Good quality.”
“Though I’m happy with the camera, Camera Connect App Software needs help badly…”
“After much research, we chose the PowerShot G5 X to document our (maybe) once in a lifetime two-week trip to Europe.”
Conclusion
We’ve taken a look at 10 of the best point-and-shoot cameras for wildlife photography, each with its own unique set of features. With so many great options on the market, it’s hard to choose just one!
FAQ
Can we do wildlife photography from point and shoot camera?
Yes, most point-and-shoot cameras have features specially designed for wildlife photography. These include a long zoom lens, fast autofocus, and high ISO performance.
What are the best point and shoot cameras for wildlife photography?
There is no single “best” point-and-shoot camera for wildlife photography. Each photographer has their own unique needs and preferences, so choosing a camera that will work best for you is essential.
What are the features of a good point and shoot camera for wildlife photography?
An excellent point-and-shoot camera for wildlife photography should have a long zoom lens, fast autofocus, and high ISO performance. It should be rugged and weather-resistant.
Do professional photographers use point-and-shoot cameras?
Professional photographers use point-and-shoot cameras for specific tasks like wildlife photography. They offer many advantages, such as a long zoom lens, fast autofocus, and high ISO performance. Not to mention a lot less equipment to carry around.
