The best superzoom camera for birding should have a good autofocus system, a large aperture, and high shutter speeds as it’s tough to achieve the perfect shot when the subject is continuously on a move.

If you are on a budget and do not wish to spend too much on the camera then, you came to the right place.

In this article, you will come across some of the best superzoom cameras for birding available under $500. 

 

5 Best Superzoom Camera for Birding (Under $500)


Here are some of the best superzoom cameras for birding available under $500:

Panasonic Lumix FZ300 

Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor, 4K Video, WiFi, Splash & Dustproof Camera Body, LEICA DC 24X F2.8 Zoom Lens - DMC-FZ300K - (Black) USA
2,870 Reviews
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor, 4K Video, WiFi, Splash & Dustproof Camera Body, LEICA DC 24X F2.8 Zoom Lens - DMC-FZ300K - (Black) USA
  • 4K video and 4K photo: Panasonic’s exclusive 4K photo technology uses 30 frames per...
  • Leica DC Vario Elmarit lens: 24x zoom (25 600 millimeter with Full zoom range F2; 8...
  • High image Quality: The 12.1 Megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor with the venus...

The Panasonic Lumix FZ300 is a brilliant camera for birding available for under $500. This Long Zoom Digital Camera comes with a Leica DC 24X F2.8 Zoom Lens. It is an ideal choice for day-long shoots in all weather conditions due to the rugged body design that is made splashproof and dustproof. With a 12.1-megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor and 5 Axis image stabilization, you can capture some stunning, stable shots in low light conditions as well. You can now shoot superb 4K videos @ 30fps of a flying bird and choose frames you like later, for stills. It comes with a built-in Wi-Fi technology that makes it easier to transfer photos and videos from the camera to your device. Lumix FZ300 has a tilting touch-screen LCD and fast and quiet autofocus. 

camera for birding

Sony HX400V

Sony HX400V Compact Digital Camera with 50x Optical Zoom, Black
427 Reviews
Sony HX400V Compact Digital Camera with 50x Optical Zoom, Black
  • Clear Image Zoom ZEISS Lens. Panorama (Recording): Intelligent Sweep Panorama...
  • 20.4MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor for superb low light images
  • Keep your subject in focus with Lock-On AF. Screen type: 7.5cm (3.0 type)(4:3) /...

If you are new to bird photography and are looking for a pocket-friendly option then, the Sony HX400V would be the perfect choice for you. Sony cameras are known for their durability and performance and with a 50X optical zoom which gives an equivalent focal length of 24-1200mm, it is a wonderful choice for birding allowing for both wide-angle and extreme zoom images. It features a 20.4MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor for superb low-light images and the Lock-On AF feature allows you to focus on multiple points with subject recognition which inturns enables sharp focus even when the bird is in motion. The upside to this camera is the high-speed autofocusing and 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting rate along with the built-in GPS connectivity. 

Panasonic Lumix FZ80 

Panasonic LUMIX 4K Digital Camera, 18.1 Megapixel Video Camera, 60X Zoom DC VARIO 20-1200mm Lens, F2.8-5.9 Aperture, Power O.I.S. Stabilization, Touch Enabled 3-Inch LCD, Wi-Fi, DC-FZ80K (Black)
  • Point and Shoot Long Zoom Camera: 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor plus 60X zooms DC Vario...
  • High Resolution View Finder and LCD Display: High resolution 1,170K dot view finder...
  • 4K video Capture: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160) with three unique 4K ultra HD...

One of the best point-and-shoot cameras available on the market today. The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a complete value for money combining 4K video capture and 4K photo performance. With an 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor plus 60X zooms, it is an ideal choice for bird photography. The camera features WiFi connectivity and USB charging for easy transfer and sharing of data. Lumix FZ80 comes with a  3-inch touchscreen LCD and three unique modes to capture 4k videos. The pause and save modes help to extract high-resolution parts of the video filmed. It is very light in weight and can be easily carried on all your adventures. Though it is not dust and water resistant but overall, with the given features, it proves to be a great choice for all bird lovers.

Canon EOS 4000D

Paging Zone-Canon intl EOS 4000D DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens,64GB Memory,Case,Tripod and More (28pc Bundle)
2,003 Reviews
Paging Zone-Canon intl EOS 4000D DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens,64GB Memory,Case,Tripod and More (28pc Bundle)
  • Canon EOS 4000D DSLR Camera(Intertiol Version)- 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor,DIGIC 4+...
  • Canon EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 DC III Zoom Lens - EF-S-Mount Lens/APS-C Format,...
  • SanDisk 64GB Ultra UHS-I SDHC Memory Card (Class 10) - 64GB Storage Capacity , Class...

Canon EOS 4000D is an amazing camera for wildlife photography, especially birding. It comes with a superb kit and an included EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens which makes it more desirable. With an 18MP sensor, nine autofocus points, and a 3 fps continuous shooting speed, you can capture some high-quality photos and videos. The camera features several interesting modes like the Scene Intelligent Auto mode for quick frame and shoots and the Creative Auto mode for guided live view. This lightweight and compact camera comes with built-in WiFi and can be easily carried on a hike or a long trip. An added plus is that you can now shoot photos and video recordings with background blur. Canon EOS 4000D is a fine choice for all bird lovers rolling on a fixed budget.

OLYMPUS Tough TG-6

OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS TG-6 Red Underwater camera, Waterproof, Freeze proof, High Resolution Bright, 4K Video 44x Macro shooting
2,213 Reviews
OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS TG-6 Red Underwater camera, Waterproof, Freeze proof, High Resolution Bright, 4K Video 44x Macro shooting
  • Water proof (50 feet /15 meter), dust proof, shock proof (7 feet / 2.1 meter), crush...
  • High resolution F2.0 lens, maximum 8x zoom, true pic VIII, back illuminated CMOS...
  • Variable macro system comprised of 4 macro shooting modes, magnified shooting up to 1...

Featuring a 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and TruePic VIII image processor, the OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 is capable of shooting some high-quality images and 4K video @ 30fps and Full HD video @ 120fps for super-slow motion. An excellent point-and-shoot camera with a rugged body and some awesome features makes it a great choice for birding. It can withstand harsh weather conditions to keep your memories safe. This camera is crushproof, shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof which means it can be comfortably used in temperatures of  -10 degrees C. Also, the camera comes with an anti-fog lens and is tested to be waterproof down to 15m. It features a 4x optical zoom lens which is just perfect for capturing even the tiniest of details during bird photography. The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a cool gadget loaded with awesomeness to make your next bird exploration super fun.

 

 Which One Did You Like The Best?


There are a lot of parameters to check when you are choosing a camera for birding. Along with the zoom, autofocus, and other capabilities, the camera must match your taste and budget. My top pick would be the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80. It is packed with amazing features and yet is available at such a modest price. A camera acts like your best buddy when you are out there, making a sneaky move towards your bird friend, with the perfect frame and settings, it lets you capture the ultimate shot. So, choose your favorite camera, pack your bags and be ready to unleash your creativity.

Another popular choice for birding is Point and Shoot cameras as they are compact, lightweight, and easy to use. They often have a long zoom lens and image stabilization, making them ideal for capturing birds at a distance. They also typically have faster autofocus and continuous shooting modes, allowing you to capture multiple shots quickly. 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you learn all about the best superzoom cameras for birding under $500 🙂 

 

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