Best cameras for Wildlife Photography

There are many options for the kind of camera you can buy for wildlife photography. Before making a decision on which camera to buy, you will need to consider a few points. Maybe you want a SLR or DSLR or just a small cheap camera that can fit in your pocket. Large cameras can be quite a pain if your subject is on the move and you only have a minute or less to take a shot. Convince is something that needs to be on top of your agenda. Especially with animals that do not expose themselves for a long time. So if you're in the Indian jungle and you see a passing tiger with cubs -- you will not a lot of viewing time and you need a camera to quickly point and shoot. Here are a few tips to consider before zeroing in on the type of camera you need to buy.

1. Light
Most often wildlife is best viewed during the early parts of the day or late evening. Which means you need a camera that is good at taking pictures in low light. Elusive cats like tigers and leopards, move around mostly before and after dawn and later when the sun sets. The best shots are the ones that can handle the low light and yet give you a clear image. If you have a lot of time to spend and are not on safari -- sightings can come at any part of the day. If you don't have much time though, you will need a camera which operates properly in low lighting conditions.

2. Lens
Optical zoom is recommended above digital zoom since digital zoom uses computer generated enlargements. Which are too pixellated and true color might be missing. An optical zoom lens however magnifies the images based on what is seen in the lens.

3. Image Stabilizing lens
This is to avoid a shaky image -- especially if you're moving and shooting. This comes in very handy and even if you don't get the picture you desire, you at least get a picture.

4. Viewfinder or LCD monitor
It's not always the best shot when you use your LCD monitor to compose a shot. Sometimes it's recommended to use the viewfinder. This way you hold it against your face and will definitely cut out blurry images.

5. Batteries
Choose a camera which uses standard batteries that can be found at any corner store, rather than high-end batteries that may not be easily available.

6. Shutter noise off
Most cameras come with a shutter noise when a picture is clicked. This is one of the most annoying things in wildlife photography. Before buying a camera, check first if the shutter sound can be turned off. This way you will create less noise when taking photographs of wildlife.

7. Flash off
Get a camera which does not use auto-flash. You need to be able to turn flash on or off with just one simple step. Sometimes you will chase away wildlife if the flash is too bring or by just using the flash. Get a camera which this function can be enabled or disabled with one single click or step.

8. Auto camera lens cover
Get a camera with an auto lens cover. So when you turn it on the camera lens opens automatically. This way you don't have a lens camera dangling in front of you. Also make sure the lens cover opens noiselessly.

9. Telephoto Lens
Recommended because animals don't like people coming too near. If you go too close they will usually move away and there goes your image. A telephoto lens will bring the animals in the distance closer to you and you can get your pictures without disturbing them.

10. Don't need a tripod.
If you are into big game photography which includes lions, tigers and panthers a tripod is a waste of time. Learn the art of balancing and placing your camera just about anyway. On a vehicle, tree or rock. Since wildlife is your thing you need to be able to adjust with nature and use whatever is available. A tripod is too much of a burden. might work good with elephant photography but will not work good with the big cats and other elusive animals.

These are some points to consider when choosing your camera for wildlife photography. So when choosing the best camera whether it is a SLR or DSLR maker sure you use the above points as it might help you transition easily into becoming a fantastic wildlife photographer. Image from wildlife photographer of the year 2012.