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9 Best Cameras for Sports Moms (or Sports Dads!) in 2024

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Last Update: January 8, 2024

Being a sports mom isn’t an easy job. You have to buy the right equipment, keep the jerseys clean, and shuttle energetic kids to and from training. But while you’re worrying about grass stains, your children have the time of their lives.

These sporting events mean the world to your kids. And you need to capture these special moments with your camera. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best cameras for sports moms.

Sport isn’t an easy subject to photograph. You need something that can cope with the fast pace and action on the sports field. Sports moms need a camera that can capture every kick and punt so they don’t miss a moment of their children’s triumph.

Young baseball player facing away from camera
© Kenny Eliason

What is the Best Camera for Sports Moms?

All the cameras on our list have been specially selected for sports moms.

Every model is an excellent camera for sports photography. But we’ve also looked at camera size because we know there won’t be much extra space in the car on weekends.

We also have cameras for different skill levels and budgets. We understand most mothers aren’t professional photographers. And cameras (and camera equipment!) can be an expensive investment on top of all the sports gear the kids need.

Go to the buyers’ guide at the bottom of the article if you need more information about sports photography specifications. You’ll find extra info to help guide your decision when buying your camera.

our-top-choice
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
  • Compact and lightweight body
  • Excellent image quality
  • 4K at 30 fps
  • 15 fps burst mode
best-compact-choice
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 / LX15
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 / LX15
  • 20.1 MP sensor
  • Fantastic optical quality from Leica lens
  • Built-in image stabilization
best-dslr
Canon EOS 90D
Canon EOS 90D
  • 32.5 MP APS-C sensor
  • Amazing battery life
  • 4K and slow-motion video
best-mirrorless
Sony a6400
Sony a6400
  • APS-C sensor produces fantastic images
  • Good low-light performance
  • No time limit for video recording
great-value
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80
  • Excellent video modes
  • Rugged body with weather-sealing
  • 5-axis image stabilization
best-fixed-lens-choice
Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
  • 5x optical zoom lens
  • 20 fps burst speed
  • Built-in flash and USB charging
most-affordable-nikon
Nikon D3300
Nikon D3300
  • Fantastic image quality
  • Beginner's guide modes
  • Brilliant battery life
best-canon-mirrorless
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
  • 24.1 MP image resolution
  • 4K and Full HD video options
  • Large ISO range for low light
best-fujifilm-choice
Fujifilm X-T30 II
Fujifilm X-T30 II
  • Brilliant image quality from an APS-C camera
  • Rapid burst rate of 20 fps
  • 240 fps video for super slow motion
Young girls playing football
© Lars Bo Nielsen

9 Best Cameras for Sports Moms in Detail

Now we’ll take you through our top picks for the best cameras for mothers with sports-crazy kids. All the cameras on our list have the specs and features you need to capture the highs and lows on the sports field.

1. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Best Camera for Sports Moms

2. Panasonic Lumix LX10

Best Compact Camera for Sports Moms

3. Canon EOS 90D

Best DSLR Camera for Sports Moms

4. Sony a6400

Best Mirrorless Camera for Sports Moms

5. Panasonic Lumix G80

Best Value Camera for Sports Moms

6. Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II

Best Fixed-Lens Camera for Sports Moms

7. Nikon D3300

Most Affordable Nikon for Sports Moms

8. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

Best Canon Mirrorless for Sports Moms

9. Fujifilm X-T30 II

Best Fujifilm Camera for Sports Moms

Our Verdict

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is our choice for the best camera for sports moms. It’s a compact machine with all the features of a camera for sports photography. The price is reasonable, the results are fantastic, and photographers of any level can produce fabulous pictures and videos.

Badge
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

It’s compact, affordable, and has all the features you need for fantastic sports photography.

Being a sports mom is a full-time job for many. And you don’t have time to visit camera stores or filter through camera specs online. Our list gives sports parents the information they need to make the right camera choice.

You can go for a compact camera like the Panasonic Lumix LX10. Our DSLR choice is the Canon EOS 90D. Or you can go mirrorless with the Sony a6400. There’s a sports camera for every parent. And having the right camera means you won’t miss another moment of your children playing the sports they love.

Girl in a wheelchair playing sports
© Danny Nee

Buyer’s Guide for Sports Mom Cameras

Sports photography isn’t easy. Many of us have tried taking pictures of sporting events and ended up with an album of colorful blurs. But that’s because we didn’t have a camera that was up to the job.

The best cameras for sports photography can cope with the demands of fast action on the pitch, court, or track. They have the features you need to capture those special sporting moments. And we’ll help you understand the essential camera specs and features for sports photography.

Shutter Speed

All cameras use a shutter when they take a picture. It opens to let light onto the sensor, allowing it to create the image. The length of time the shutter is open determines how much light the sensor receives.

A fast shutter speed opens the shutter for a short time. And a slow one keeps it open for longer. You need a fast shutter speed when shooting sports because your subjects are moving quickly. A slow shutter speed will give you motion blur. Our article on fast vs slow shutter speed will give you more details.

Burst Mode

A good burst mode is an essential feature in a sports camera. The camera takes several photos in quick succession, all with one click of the shutter button. And it means you can capture the exact moment you want.

The thing to look for in a burst mode is the continuous shooting speed. It tells you how many photos the camera can take in one second. And it’s measured in frames per second (fps).

Focal Length and Zoom Lenses

The focal length refers to the level of magnification your camera lens is capable of. It is measured in millimeters. A prime lens has a fixed focal length, so there’s no zoom. But zoom lenses have a changeable focal length, meaning you can get closer to the action.

Professional sports photographers use large telephoto lenses. These have large focal lengths to get them closer to the athletes. These are overkill for amateurs. But you should look at the camera’s focal length and zoom capabilities when buying one for sports.

Video Mode

Most modern cameras have video recording as standard. And video is another fantastic way to record the magic sporting moments. Ideally, you want 4K video quality (or 8K quality if you’re super serious!). But HD and Full HD are also acceptable for casual sports videos.

Check out our new post on the best cameras for skateboarding, budget action cameras, or snowboarding cameras next!

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