When it comes to APS-C cameras, there are only a handful of companies pushing the boundaries. Fujifilm is one name that pops up, but then you also see Nikon’s name in the list. However, when one thinks about sports photography, a genre that requires really quick burst speed, then there are only two cameras that come to mind. Scroll below to find out.
Sony a6700
What makes it great? The Sony a6700 is a 26MP APS-C camera that comes with 759-point AF, and is a lot like its older full frame siblings. The device could have offered much more, but it is a great start for those who want a budget Sony offering. It has ISO up to 102400, 5-stop image stabilisation, and a burst rate of 11 fps. The camera has some weather sealing and can withstand light drizzle. Paired with a nice lens, you have a package.
Why is it so unique? The APS-C camera offers fast autofocus in Live View at a distance. It also works best if you are a street photographer. With the AF-C setting, it’s easy to detect humans, making sports photography easier for newbies. The camera also achieves focus on people of light skin color in low light, but struggles with people with deeper melanin. Our other favorite part was the VV2 mode for JPEGs, which offers one sharp, contrasty, and bright image. Similarly, the photos above ISO 3200, you get the look of film.
Set to the AF-C mode with human detection activated, the Sony a6700 more or less made street photography look like a simple point-and-shoot affair. We did this with both Sony and Tamron lenses, and they worked out just fine.
Canon EOS R7
What makes it great? Those who have been following us for a while are aware of how much we adore the Canon R7. It is one of the few APS-C cameras across companies that aims to offer the best features at a budget price. While it is not compatible with third-party lenses, the R7, when paired with L-series lenses, is unstoppable. It not only offers quick autofocus, but also, when we used image stabilization, we got most of our shots accurately and quietly. That just proves how the R7 is ideal for sports photography.
Why is it so unique? The R7 offers a 32MP sensor, with a continuous shooting speed of 30fps. The latter is just right for serious photographers who want the best from their device. The camera is not only good at autofocus speed, but also at image quality. If you are someone who largely shoots JPEGs, you will get a nice result right out of the camera. The RAW files are good, but they can fall apart if you are shooting at a higher ISO. But when it comes to JPEGs, you get fantastic results up to 12,800. The latter is great if you are taking photos indoors.
The JPEG output from the Canon EOS R7 is very good. Honestly, it’s so good that if you know what you’re doing and you’re dialed in to the right settings, you don’t need to bother shooting in RAW. That’s especially true for sports photos.
