Canon EOS 80D

❤️8.4K
Picture of the Canon EOS 80D camera

$531.00

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

DSLR

Sensor

APS-C

Lens Mount

Canon EF-S

Features

  • 💡Built-In Flash
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS 80D Pros

  • Reliable Continuous Shooting: The EOS 80D offers up to 7 fps continuous shooting, which is solid for an enthusiast-level DSLR and sufficient for capturing most sports action sequences.
  • Dual Pixel Autofocus System: Canon’s Dual Pixel AF provides fast and accurate focus tracking in live view and video modes — useful for tracking athletes or fast movement with more precision than contrast-detect systems.
  • Good Battery Life: With approximately 960 shots per charge, the 80D offers long battery life that’s valuable during all-day sports events where power outlets may be limited.

Canon EOS 80D Cons

  • Limited Buffer and Frame Rate: While 7 fps is decent, the buffer fills quickly in RAW mode, potentially causing delays during longer action sequences — not ideal for fast-paced sports like basketball or soccer.
  • No 4K Video Support: If you plan to supplement stills with high-quality video coverage, note that the 80D maxes out at 1080p, lacking the 4K video options seen in newer sports-capable cameras.
  • Older Autofocus System Through Viewfinder: The 45-point all cross-type AF system works well, but it lacks advanced subject tracking features found in newer mirrorless models, which can result in missed focus during erratic movement.

Canon EOS 90D

❤️8.2K
Picture of the Canon EOS 90D camera

N/A

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

DSLR

Sensor

APS-C

Lens Mount

Canon EF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💡Built-In Flash
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS 90D Pros

  • High-Speed Continuous Shooting: With up to 10 fps continuous shooting and a deep buffer, the 90D is well-suited for capturing high-action sports moments like jumps, tackles, or sprints.
  • Impressive Resolution with Cropping Room: The 32.5MP APS-C sensor provides high resolution for detailed shots and allows generous cropping — great for sports where you can’t always get close.
  • Advanced Autofocus in Live View: Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF in live view offers fast, accurate subject tracking with face and eye detection, making it easier to maintain sharp focus on moving athletes.

Canon EOS 90D Cons

  • Viewfinder Autofocus Limitations: While the 45-point AF system is decent, it's not as advanced as mirrorless tracking systems, especially when using the optical viewfinder in fast-paced scenarios.
  • Large File Sizes: The high-resolution 32.5MP sensor produces large image files, which can slow down your post-processing workflow and require more storage space.
  • No In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): Unlike some newer mirrorless options, the 90D lacks IBIS, which means you'll need stabilized lenses for smoother handheld shooting, especially in low light or video.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

❤️8.1K
Picture of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera

N/A

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

DSLR

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon EF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 💾Dual Card Slots
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Pros

  • Fast and Accurate Autofocus System: The 61-point AF system (with 41 cross-type points) delivers excellent subject tracking and accuracy, helping capture sharp images of athletes in motion.
  • Solid Burst Shooting Speed: With up to 7 fps continuous shooting and a large buffer, the 5D Mark IV handles moderate sports action well, especially in events like track, gymnastics, or motorsports.
  • Excellent Low-Light Performance: Thanks to its full-frame sensor and strong high ISO performance, the 5D Mark IV excels in indoor or evening sports events with challenging lighting conditions.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Cons

  • Lower Burst Rate Compared to Competitors: While 7 fps is respectable, it's slower than many modern mirrorless and DSLR competitors, which can be a disadvantage in very fast-paced sports.
  • No In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): The 5D Mark IV lacks IBIS, so you'll need stabilized lenses to reduce camera shake when shooting handheld, especially with telephoto glass.
  • Bulky and Heavy Body: The magnesium alloy build is rugged but heavy, which can lead to fatigue during long shooting sessions or when using large telephoto lenses without support.

Canon EOS 77D

❤️7.1K
Picture of the Canon EOS 77D camera

$522.05

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

DSLR

Sensor

APS-C

Lens Mount

Canon EF-S

Features

  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💡Built-In Flash
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS 77D Pros

  • Decent Continuous Shooting Speed: With up to 6 fps burst shooting, the 77D can handle some moderate-paced sports like tennis or track events where timing is predictable.
  • Dual Pixel Autofocus in Live View: Canon’s Dual Pixel AF provides smooth and accurate focus tracking in live view and video — a plus when following moving athletes in slower-paced sports.
  • Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Weighing under 20 ounces, the 77D is light and compact, making it comfortable to carry around all day at sports events or practices.

Canon EOS 77D Cons

  • Limited FPS and Buffer Size: The 6 fps rate and small buffer may not be fast enough for capturing fast, continuous action like football or basketball, especially when shooting in RAW.
  • No 4K Video Recording: The 77D is limited to 1080p video, which may be a drawback if you also want to capture sports in high-resolution motion for replays or highlights.
  • No Weather Sealing or IBIS: The body lacks weather sealing and in-body image stabilization, making it less suitable for outdoor sports in unpredictable conditions or for handheld telephoto use.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

❤️5.9K
Picture of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera

$1,949.95

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

DSLR

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon EF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 💾Dual Card Slots
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Pros

  • Built for Speed and Durability: Shoots up to 16 fps (mechanical) with a weather-sealed body — designed to perform in demanding sports environments.
  • Exceptional Autofocus System: 61-point AF with intelligent tracking and face detection ensures accurate focus, even with erratic motion.
  • Dual CF Card Slots: Ideal for sports pros — write redundancy and fast data offload keep your workflow smooth and secure during events.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Cons

  • Heavy and Bulky Design: The DSLR body with built-in grip is large and heavy, which may fatigue users during long handheld sessions.
  • Older Technology: While still powerful, it lacks newer mirrorless features like Eye AF or high-resolution EVF for tracking subjects.
  • No Articulating Screen: The fixed rear LCD limits flexibility when shooting from low or high angles — less ideal for dynamic sports compositions.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

❤️5.2K
Picture of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera

$6,499.00

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

DSLR

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon EF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💾Dual Card Slots
  • 🤳Image Stabilization
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Pros

  • Pro-Level Speed and Endurance: Shoots up to 20 fps (live view) and 16 fps (viewfinder), with a tank-like build that thrives in demanding sports environments.
  • Deep Learning AF Tracking: The camera uses AI to track faces and heads with high accuracy, ideal for unpredictable sports movements.
  • Dual CFexpress Slots: Lightning-fast buffer clearing and backup support make this perfect for shooting hundreds of RAW images at pro events.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Cons

  • Extremely Heavy and Bulky: At over 3 lbs, it’s not comfortable for all-day handheld use unless paired with monopods or tripods.
  • No Articulating Screen: The fixed LCD restricts flexibility for creative or low-angle sports photography shots.
  • High Cost with DSLR Limitations: It’s a DSLR in a mirrorless world — lacking features like an EVF and Eye AF that newer Canon mirrorless bodies offer.

Best Canon Cameras for Sports Photography in 2025

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These are the best Canon cameras for sports photography, offering fast burst shooting, precise autofocus, and excellent low-light performance to capture high-speed action with sharpness and clarity. Whether you're a professional sports photographer covering major events, a freelancer shooting local games, or an enthusiast capturing fast-moving athletes, the right camera must provide quick response times, reliable subject tracking, and strong dynamic range to ensure crisp, well-exposed images of athletes in motion. Canon’s lineup includes full-frame, APS-C, and mirrorless cameras that excel in high-speed action, low-light environments, and professional sports coverage, making them ideal for indoor arenas, outdoor stadiums, and extreme sports photography. One of the best options is the Canon EOS R3, a 24.1MP full-frame mirrorless camera featuring 30fps electronic burst shooting, advanced subject tracking, eye-controlled autofocus, and a rugged, weather-sealed body, making it the ultimate choice for professional sports photographers who need speed, accuracy, and durability in any environment. For those looking for a high-resolution full-frame option, the Canon EOS R5 offers a 45MP sensor, 20fps electronic shutter, IBIS, and 8K video, making it perfect for capturing high-detail action shots and hybrid photo-video sports coverage. If you prefer a DSLR with proven performance in sports photography, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III remains a top choice, featuring a 20.1MP sensor, 16fps mechanical burst shooting, Dual Pixel AF, and unmatched battery life, making it a staple for professional sports and wildlife photographers needing reliability and endurance. Another excellent DSLR option is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, featuring a 30.4MP sensor, strong low-light performance, and high-speed autofocus, making it a trusted workhorse for sports and action photography. For APS-C users, the Canon EOS R7 is an excellent mirrorless option, featuring a 32.5MP sensor, 30fps electronic burst shooting, IBIS, and advanced autofocus tracking, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects with high detail and accuracy. The Canon EOS 90D, featuring a 32.5MP APS-C sensor, 10fps burst shooting, and great dynamic range, is another strong choice for sports photographers looking for a budget-friendly DSLR with professional-quality imaging. If you're looking for a lightweight, travel-friendly camera for sports photography, the Canon EOS R50 offers a 24.2MP sensor, fast autofocus, and 4K video recording, making it a solid choice for capturing action-packed moments in social media content or casual sports coverage. When choosing a Canon camera for sports photography, you can expect high-speed burst shooting for capturing split-second moments, advanced autofocus with subject tracking for moving athletes, excellent dynamic range for balancing bright and shadowed areas, strong low-light performance for nighttime games and indoor arenas, and compatibility with telephoto lenses like the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L or RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L for capturing distant action with clarity. While full-frame cameras provide the best image quality and subject tracking for professional sports photography, APS-C models offer a lightweight and cost-effective alternative with extended reach for action-packed shots. If you're looking for the best Canon camera for sports photography, explore these top models and find the perfect fit for your fast-action and professional sports imaging needs.

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