As a professional sports photographer, I know how critical it is to have the right equipment to capture those fast-paced and action-packed moments. Finding the best DSLR camera for capturing sports can be a daunting task, as there are so many options available on the market. That’s why I have narrowed down the top contenders based on their key features and performance.
When it comes to sports photography, speed and accuracy are of utmost importance. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III stands out as one of the best DSLR cameras for capturing sports. With its impressive continuous shooting speed of up to 20 frames per second and advanced autofocus system, it allows me to capture every split-second movement with precision and clarity.
Another excellent option is the Nikon D6, which boasts exceptional image quality even in low-light conditions. Its high ISO range and powerful image processing engine deliver stunning results, allowing me to capture the action even during evening or indoor events. The D6 also features an advanced autofocus system and a fast burst shooting speed, making it ideal for sports photography.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option without compromising on performance, the Sony Alpha A9 II is worth considering. This mirrorless camera offers impressive speed and accuracy, thanks to its 20 frames per second continuous shooting speed and advanced autofocus system. Its lightweight design and silent shooting mode make it the perfect companion for capturing sports without drawing unnecessary attention.
Ultimately, the best DSLR camera for capturing sports will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, these top contenders offer the necessary features and performance to freeze those unforgettable moments in sports history.
Best DSLR cameras for capturing sports
When it comes to capturing sports action, having a high-performance DSLR camera is essential. As an avid sports photographer, I have had the opportunity to test and compare several DSLR cameras, and based on my experience, here are the top choices for capturing those fast-paced moments on the field.
Nikon D5
The Nikon D5 is a powerhouse when it comes to sports photography. Its incredible autofocus system with 153 focus points and 99 cross-type sensors allows for precise tracking of fast-moving subjects. The camera’s impressive ISO range up to 102,400 ensures great low-light performance, making it ideal for evening or indoor sporting events. The 12 frames per second continuous shooting speed means you won’t miss a single action-packed moment. With its rugged build quality and weather sealing, the Nikon D5 is a reliable companion for any sports photographer.
Canon EOS 1D X Mark III
The Canon EOS 1D X Mark III is another top contender for sports photography. Its advanced autofocus system with 191 points, including 155 cross-type AF points, delivers fast and accurate subject tracking. With a continuous shooting speed of up to 16 frames per second, this camera can capture even the most fleeting moments. The ISO range up to 102,400 ensures exceptional image quality in various lighting conditions. The EOS 1D X Mark III also features a durable, weather-sealed body, making it a reliable choice for shooting in challenging outdoor environments.
Both the Nikon D5 and Canon EOS 1D X Mark III offer exceptional performance and reliability for sports photography. Whether you prefer Nikon or Canon, these cameras are sure to deliver stunning images and capture all the action on the field. So, grab your gear, head to the stadium, and get ready to capture those unforgettable sports moments with these top-notch DSLR cameras!
Canon 1D X Mark III – The Ultimate DSLR Camera for Sports Photography
As a professional sports photographer, I am always on the lookout for the best camera to capture the fast-paced action and intense moments of the game. After extensive research and hands-on experience, I can confidently say that the Canon 1D X Mark III is the ultimate DSLR camera for sports photography.
The Canon 1D X Mark III is a game-changer in the sports photography world. With its impressive autofocus system, it allows me to track subjects with precision and accuracy, ensuring that I never miss a crucial moment. The camera features a high-performance Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 191 AF points that cover a wide area of the frame, enabling me to focus even on fast-moving subjects across the entire image.
Key Features
- Unparalleled Speed: The Canon 1D X Mark III boasts an extraordinary continuous shooting speed of up to 16 frames per second, allowing me to capture every split-second action of the game. This rapid burst rate ensures that I never miss a critical moment, making it ideal for sports photography.
- Exceptional Image Quality: The camera is equipped with a 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which delivers stunning image quality even in challenging lighting conditions. The high ISO performance of the 1D X Mark III allows me to shoot in low-light environments without compromising on image quality.
- Advanced Connectivity: With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, the Canon 1D X Mark III allows me to wirelessly transfer images to my smartphone or laptop, making it easy to share photos with clients or instantly post them on social media platforms. The camera also supports GPS, which is particularly useful for documenting and geotagging sports events.
- Durability and Reliability: Built to withstand the rigors of professional sports photography, the Canon 1D X Mark III features a robust magnesium alloy body that is weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture. This durability ensures that the camera can withstand any challenging shooting conditions, whether it’s a rainy outdoor game or a dusty indoor arena.
- 4K Video Capability: In addition to being an exceptional stills camera, the 1D X Mark III also delivers outstanding video capabilities. It can record high-quality 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, allowing me to capture sports action in stunning detail. The camera also offers advanced video features such as Canon Log, which provides greater flexibility in post-production.
Overall, the Canon 1D X Mark III is the ultimate DSLR camera for sports photography. Its unparalleled speed, exceptional image quality, advanced connectivity, durability, and 4K video capability make it a versatile and reliable tool for any professional sports photographer.
Nikon D6
The Nikon D6 is a professional-grade DSLR camera that is specifically designed for capturing sports and action photography. As a sports photographer, I have found the Nikon D6 to be an exceptional tool for capturing fast-paced moments with incredible detail and accuracy.
One of the standout features of the Nikon D6 is its impressive autofocus system. With 105 cross-type focus points and advanced subject tracking capabilities, this camera ensures that you never miss a critical moment. Whether it’s a fast-moving athlete or a quick-changing scene, the autofocus of the D6 is reliable and precise.
Furthermore, the D6 boasts an impressive continuous shooting speed of 14 frames per second, allowing me to capture a sequence of shots with ease. This is especially useful when photographing sports events where the action is constant and unpredictable. I appreciate the camera’s buffer capacity, which allows me to capture a large number of images in rapid succession without worrying about performance or delay.
The Nikon D6 also excels in low-light situations, thanks to its wide ISO range and excellent noise reduction capabilities. This is especially important when shooting indoor sports events or evening games where the lighting conditions may not be ideal. The camera produces clean and sharp images even at high ISO settings, allowing me to capture the action with clarity and minimal noise.
In conclusion, the Nikon D6 is the perfect DSLR camera for capturing sports. Its fast and accurate autofocus, high-speed continuous shooting, and excellent low-light performance make it an invaluable tool for any sports photographer. With the D6, I can confidently capture the decisive moments of the game and deliver outstanding images that truly showcase the intensity and excitement of sports events.
About Sony Alpha a9 II
As a professional sports photographer, I am always on the lookout for the best camera to capture fast-paced action, and one that consistently stands out is the Sony Alpha a9 II. With its impressive speed, advanced autofocus system, and excellent ergonomics, this camera is a true game-changer for sports photography.
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a9 II is its speed. With a blackout-free continuous shooting speed of up to 20 frames per second, I can capture every split-second moment with precision. This high-speed shooting capability is crucial when photographing fast-moving athletes or capturing the perfect moment in a high-intensity sporting event.
The autofocus system of the Sony Alpha a9 II is also exceptional, allowing me to track subjects accurately and quickly. With its 693 phase-detection autofocus points, the camera can lock onto subjects with remarkable precision, even in challenging lighting conditions. Moreover, the advanced eye-tracking technology ensures that the focus remains on the subject’s eye, resulting in incredibly sharp and detailed images.
Additionally, the ergonomics of the Sony Alpha a9 II are designed to meet the demands of professional sports photographers. The camera features a comfortable grip and intuitive controls, allowing for easy access to essential settings while shooting. Its durable build and weather-sealed body give me the confidence to use it in various weather conditions, ensuring that I never miss a critical moment.
In conclusion, the Sony Alpha a9 II is a top choice for sports photographers, offering incredible speed, advanced autofocus capabilities, and excellent ergonomics. With this camera in hand, I can capture the decisive moments in sports with unparalleled precision and quality.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II: The Perfect DSLR Camera for Sports Photography
When it comes to capturing sports moments with precision and speed, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is unparalleled. As a sports photographer, I rely on this powerful DSLR camera to deliver stunning, high-quality images that capture all the action and emotion of the game.
With its advanced autofocus system, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II allows me to track fast-moving subjects effortlessly. The 65-point AF system, combined with its dual pixel CMOS AF technology, ensures that I never miss a crucial moment. Whether it’s a football player sprinting down the field or a tennis player serving at lightning speed, this camera delivers sharp and detailed images every time.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II also boasts a continuous shooting speed of up to 10 frames per second, allowing me to capture multiple frames in quick succession. This is especially useful when photographing sports events where the action is fast-paced and unpredictable. The camera’s high-speed performance and accurate exposure metering ensure that I can freeze the action and capture even the most fleeting moments of the game.
Additionally, the rugged build of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II makes it ideal for outdoor sports photography. Its dust and weather-resistant body gives me the confidence to shoot in challenging conditions, whether it’s under the scorching sun or in pouring rain. This camera is designed to withstand the rigors of sports photography, ensuring that it will perform flawlessly even in the most demanding environments.
Key Features of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II:
- 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- 65-point all cross-type autofocus system
- Dual pixel CMOS AF for smooth and accurate autofocus during video recording
- High-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second
- ISO range of 100-16000, expandable to 51200
- Dust and weather-resistant build for durability
In conclusion, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is the ultimate DSLR camera for sports photography. Its advanced autofocus system, high-speed continuous shooting, and rugged build make it the perfect choice for capturing fast-paced sports action. Whether you’re photographing a football game, a tennis match, or any other sports event, this camera will deliver exceptional results every time.
Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 is a high-performance DSLR camera that is well-suited for capturing sports events. With its 45.7-megapixel sensor, it offers exceptional image quality and the ability to capture fine details. The camera’s fast autofocus system and high burst rate of 9 frames per second make it ideal for capturing fast-paced sports action.
One of the standout features of the Nikon D850 is its impressive ISO range of 64-25,600, which allows for excellent low-light performance. This is especially useful when shooting indoor sports events or in challenging lighting conditions. The camera also has a built-in image stabilization system that helps to reduce the effects of camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
The D850’s ergonomic design and durable build make it a reliable choice for sports photographers. Its weather-sealed body protects it from dust and moisture, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting. The camera also offers a large and bright viewfinder, which provides a clear and accurate view of the scene.
Additionally, the Nikon D850 offers a range of advanced features and customization options that cater to the specific needs of sports photographers. These include a high-resolution tilting touchscreen, 4K video recording capabilities, and a variety of shooting modes and settings.
In conclusion, the Nikon D850 is a top choice for capturing sports due to its exceptional image quality, fast autofocus system, and high burst rate. Its low-light performance, image stabilization, and durable build make it suitable for a variety of sports shooting situations. With its advanced features and customization options, it provides sports photographers with the tools they need to capture the action with precision and detail.
Sony Alpha a6600: The Ultimate DSLR for Capturing Sports
When it comes to capturing fast-paced sports action, the Sony Alpha a6600 stands out as the ultimate DSLR camera. With its advanced features and powerful performance, this camera is a top choice for sports photographers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re shooting professional athletes or capturing your child’s soccer game, the a6600 delivers exceptional image quality and excellent autofocus capabilities.
The a6600 boasts a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, which allows for detailed and vibrant images. Its ISO range of 100-32000 (expandable to 102400 for stills) ensures stunning low-light performance, making it ideal for indoor and evening sports events. The camera’s BIONZ X image processing engine works in tandem with the sensor to produce sharp, noise-free images with rich colors and fine details.
Fast and Accurate Autofocus
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a6600 is its exceptional autofocus system. With 425 phase detection autofocus points and 425 contrast detection autofocus points, this camera offers precise and fast tracking of moving subjects. The Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking functions ensure that your subject stays in focus, even during high-speed sports action. You can rely on the a6600 to capture every critical moment with accuracy and clarity.
High-Speed Continuous Shooting
To keep up with the fast-paced nature of sports photography, the a6600 offers high-speed continuous shooting at up to 11 frames per second with full autofocus and auto exposure tracking. This rapid burst mode allows you to capture multiple frames in quick succession, ensuring that you don’t miss any crucial moments. Additionally, the camera’s buffer capacity allows for extended continuous shooting, so you can capture long sequences without interruption.
Advanced Video Capabilities
Beyond still photography, the Sony Alpha a6600 also excels in capturing high-quality videos. With its 4K UHD recording capability and in-body 5-axis image stabilization, you can create smooth and steady videos even in fast-moving sports scenarios. The camera’s Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) and S-Log3 gamma profiles offer greater flexibility in post-processing, allowing you to achieve professional-looking videos with enhanced dynamic range and color grading options.
Conclusion
The Sony Alpha a6600 is undoubtedly one of the best DSLR cameras for capturing sports. Its superb image quality, fast autofocus, and high-speed continuous shooting make it an excellent choice for sports photographers who want to freeze action-packed moments with precision and clarity. Additionally, its advanced video capabilities make it a versatile tool for capturing sports events in motion. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, the a6600 is a reliable companion that will help you capture those unforgettable sporting moments.
Best dslr camera for capturing sports
AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS 20MP Action Camera Ultra HD Underwater Camera 170 Degree Wide Angle 98FT Waterproof Camera Support External Microphone
Features
| Part Number | EK7000 |
| Model | EK7000 |
| Warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2018-08-12T00:00:01Z |
| Size | compact |
| Language | Spanish |
| Price history for AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS 20MP Action Camera Ultra HD Underwater Camera 170 Degree Wide Angle 98FT Waterproof Camera Support External Microphone | |
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Latest updates:
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2025-03-14
Price:
69.99 USD
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AKASO Brave 4 4K30fps 20MP WiFi Action Camera Ultra Hd with EIS 131ft Waterproof Camera Remote Control 5xZoom Underwater Camcorder with 2 Batteries and...
Features
| Part Number | Brave4 |
| Model | Brave 4 |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 2 inch display |
| Language | English |
| Price history for AKASO Brave 4 4K30fps 20MP WiFi Action Camera Ultra Hd with EIS 131ft Waterproof Camera Remote Control 5xZoom Underwater Camcorder with 2 Batteries and Helmet Accessories Kit | |
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Latest updates:
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2025-03-14
Price:
89.99 USD
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XbotGo AI Sports Gimbal, Auto Sports Gimbal Camera for Team Tracking, AI-Powered 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for Basketball & Soccer Recording, Live Streaming,...
Features
| Part Number | BlinkTech001 |
| Model | XbotGo |
| Warranty | 1 year warranty |
| Color | Grey |
| Size | XbotGo Standard |
| Price history for XbotGo AI Sports Gimbal, Auto Sports Gimbal Camera for Team Tracking, AI-Powered 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for Basketball & Soccer Recording, Live Streaming, Portable & Foldable, Support iOS Android | |
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Latest updates:
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2025-03-12
Price:
144.27 USD
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Logitech for Creators Mevo Start, Wireless Live Streaming Camera, 1080p HD Video Quality, Intelligent App Control, Stream via LTE or Wi-Fi - Black
Features
| Part Number | MV3-01B-BL |
| Model | 961-000498 |
| Warranty | 1 Year Warranty |
| Color | black |
| Release Date | 2020-04-20T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 1 Pack |
| Language | German |
| Price history for Logitech for Creators Mevo Start, Wireless Live Streaming Camera, 1080p HD Video Quality, Intelligent App Control, Stream via LTE or Wi-Fi - Black | |
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Latest updates:
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2025-03-12
Price:
367.8 USD
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4K Action Camera, Sports Video Camera WiFi with Touch Screen Dual Screen 131FT Underwater Camera Waterproof, EIS 2.0, 170° Wide Angle, Zoom, 2 Batteries and...
Features
| Part Number | ACpro |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price history for 4K Action Camera, Sports Video Camera WiFi with Touch Screen Dual Screen 131FT Underwater Camera Waterproof, EIS 2.0, 170° Wide Angle, Zoom, 2 Batteries and Accessory Kits for Vlog | |
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Latest updates:
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2025-01-26
Price:
69.99
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5K Digital Camera, WiFi Vlogging Camera with 32G SD Card, 48MP Autofocus Compact Camera 6-Axis Stabilization Travel Camera with UV Filter 16x Digital Zoom...
Features
| Part Number | digital camera |
| Model | DC201S-5K |
| Warranty | 1 year free return and exchange |
| Color | Black |
| Size | Compact |
| Price history for 5K Digital Camera, WiFi Vlogging Camera with 32G SD Card, 48MP Autofocus Compact Camera 6-Axis Stabilization Travel Camera with UV Filter 16x Digital Zoom and 2 Batteries for Boys, Girls, Beginners | |
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Latest updates:
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2025-03-04
Price:
96.36
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DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo - 4K/120fps Waterproof Action Camera with a 1/1.3-Inch Sensor, Stunning Low-Light Imaging, 10-bit & D-Log M Color...
Features
| Part Number | CP.OS.00000269.01 |
| Model | 6941565965073 |
| Warranty | DJI |
| Release Date | 2023-08-09T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Price history for DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo - 4K/120fps Waterproof Action Camera with a 1/1.3-Inch Sensor, Stunning Low-Light Imaging, 10-bit & D-Log M Color Performance, Long-Lasting 160 Mins, Outdoor Camera | |
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Latest updates:
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2025-03-15
Price:
276 USD
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Action Camera 4K 30fps, 30m/98ft Ultra HD Waterproof Camera, 170° Wide Angle Underwater Cameras with WiFi, Sports Cameras with 2 Batteries, 32G SD Card,...
Features
- 【4K/20MP】This action camera has a 4K resolution and 20MP lens to provide sharp pictures and videos. In addition, the camera is equipped with anti-jitter mode, which has a higher view and video quality, no blur, and restores every movement moment and beautiful picture of freeze motion shooting moment.
- 【30M/98FT Waterproof Camera】The underwater cameras is equipped with a 30-meter waterproof box, which is fastened to protect the camera for underwater use. With the waterproof case installed, you can easily explore the wonderful underwater world of 30 meters and enjoy the fun of swimming, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, diving, and other water sports, can also be used in rainy and snowy.
【 Multiple Modes & 2.4G Remote control】This Sports Camera has a variety of recording modes, such as continuous recording, timing recording, time-lapse recording, loop recording, slow motion, and auto mode, etc. In addition, it also has a 2.4G remote control, when you are not convenient to operate the camera in some sports, you can control the camera by remote control to take pictures or video, more convenient.【
Note that the maximum remote control distance is 1M.】- 【Wifi & APP Control 】This go pro camera has wifi function, you can download the APP [Go Track] to connect with the smartphone, control the camera remotely through the smartphone, and transmit real-time video and pictures to your social platform, and be on social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter at any time Share your wonderful moments on.
- 【Accessories & 2 Batteries】：The included multi-functional mounting accessories can meet the needs of different usage scenarios. Different combinations of accessories can make the camera a waterproof camera, action camera, driving camera, helmet camera, deep waterproof camera, and compatible with the market accessories. At the same time, we have equipped you with 2*900mAh rechargeable batteries, with 1-2 hours to fill the battery, can be used continuously for about 1H, so that you don't have to worry about insufficient power when you are outdoors.
| Price history for Action Camera 4K 30fps, 30m/98ft Ultra HD Waterproof Camera, 170° Wide Angle Underwater Cameras with WiFi, Sports Cameras with 2 Batteries, 32G SD Card, Mounting Accessories Kit | |
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Latest updates:
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2024-10-06
Price:
49.99 USD
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| Price history for Action Camera 4K30fps with 64G SD Card,HD Waterproof Camera 131ft Underwater Cameras 20MP Pre-recording WiFi Camera 170° Remote Control Sports Cameras with 2 Batteries Helmet Mount Accessories Kits | |
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Latest updates:
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2025-03-14
Price:
46.99 USD
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AKASO Brave 7 LE 4K30FPS 20MP WiFi Action Camera with Touch Screen EIS 2.0 Zoom Remote Control 131 Feet Underwater Camera with 2X 1350mAh Batteries Support...
Features
| Part Number | Brave 7 LE |
| Model | Brave 7 LE |
| Warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | camera only |
| Language | English |
| Price history for AKASO Brave 7 LE 4K30FPS 20MP WiFi Action Camera with Touch Screen EIS 2.0 Zoom Remote Control 131 Feet Underwater Camera with 2X 1350mAh Batteries Support External Microphone Vlog Camera | |
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Latest updates:
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2025-03-14
Price:
109.99 USD
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Question and answers:
What is the best DSLR camera for capturing sports?
The best DSLR camera for capturing sports is the Nikon D5. It has a fast continuous shooting speed of 12 frames per second, a high ISO range for capturing action in low light conditions, and advanced autofocus system for tracking fast-moving subjects.
Can you recommend a DSLR camera for capturing sports?
Yes, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a great option for capturing sports. It has a fast continuous shooting speed of 14 frames per second, a large buffer for capturing many images in quick succession, and an advanced autofocus system for tracking fast-moving subjects.
