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7 Best Cameras For Sports Moms (2023)

Looking for the best cameras for sports moms? Here are the top 7 picks based on seven ranking factors and affordability. Click here to jump to the list.

Being a mom is tough, period. However, it gets even harder if you are a sports mom on top of it. Having to be constantly on the go running from one of your child’s events to the next really puts things into perspective. 

Your little one’s achievements are important. They are a chronicle of growth, development, and life experiences. Plus, they are also what memories are made of.

So you want to try and capture every moment if you can. As a sports mom, it means doing it despite lots of movement and action as your little one plays. This can be a challenge especially if you do not have a camera that can keep up with you and your kids. 

If this is the dilemma you’ve been having, we have put together a list of the 7 best cameras for sports moms in 2023.

Whether you’re looking for a mirrorless camera with fast autofocus, a compact point-and-shoot with impressive image quality, or something in between, this guide has got you covered.

And you don’t have to be a professional photographer to take great pictures! Don’t forget that. You’re a great mom.

 best camera for sports mom

Here we’ll go over the key features as well as the pros and cons of each of these 7 amazing cameras. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the perfect camera for capturing all your kiddo’s sports moments.

Sounds good? Great! Let’s dive right in! 

This post may contain affiliate links.

7 Best Cameras For Sports Moms

Quick Overview

Here is a quick overview of the 7 cameras that we’ll cover in this guide.

Apart from the features, pros, and cons of each, you’ll also find a list of factors to consider before buying any camera towards the end of the guide: 

Product Image Product Name / Primary Rating / Price Primary Button
Affordable and Durable
Compact and Lightweight
Budget Pick
Beginner Pick
Top Pick
Excellent Image Quality
Investment Camera
Affordable and Durable
Compact and Lightweight
Beginner Pick
Top Pick
Excellent Image Quality
03/12/2024 09:40 am GMT

Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR Camera

One thing you’ll see us mention in this guide is mirrorless versus DSLR cameras. They each have their pros and cons but as a sports mom, here is what you need to know about them.

A mirrorless camera is more lightweight, shoots silently, and has live exposure options.

A DSLR camera is better for a more experienced photographer or professional photographers who shoots manually. It is not silent, is heavier, and typically has a longer batter life not but always.

Which camera style is best for you depends on your past experience with cameras and desire to learn a new skill. Mirrorless cameras are considered a better option for parents who want to get quick pictures of their kids playing sports.

Comparison of the 7 Cameras for Sports Moms

Before we get to the nitty gritty of each camera, let’s first have a look at how the cameras compare to each other. 

Here is a look at the 7 best cameras for sports moms and how they compare to each other based on key features and specifications.

Summary: 

Overall, the Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera is a high-end option, with a fast autofocus system and impressive image quality. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark is known for its compact design, making it a great option for sports moms on the go. 

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80 offers a great mix of advanced features and affordability. The Sony ZV-1 is compact and perfect for vlogging. It is also great for capturing sports moments.

The Canon Powershot is a budget-friendly option with an image quality that you’ll love. On the other hand, the Nikon D3500, despite being a little more expensive, is a beginner-friendly DSLR with a solid autofocus system. 

Finally, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 is a super affordable, weather-sealed camera with a long zoom lens. This makes it perfect for outdoor sports.

Comparison Chart of the 7 Best Cameras For Sports Mom:

You can read more on our ranking factors for these cameras here.

CameraAutofocus SystemImage QualityPortabilityEase of UseBudget
Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless CameraFastExcellentOKGoodHigh-end
Olympus OM-D E-M10 MarkOKGoodExcellentGoodMedium
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80OKGoodOKGoodBudget-Friendly
Sony ZV-1FastGoodExcellentGoodMedium
Canon PowershotOKGoodOKExcellent, great for beginnersBudget-Friendly
Nikon D3500OKExcellentOKGoodHigh-end
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300OKGoodOKGoodBudget-Friendly

7 Best Cameras For A Sports Mom

Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera

Investment Camera
Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera

Best for the sports mom who wants a professional-level camera with excellent image quality and fast autofocus.

The Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera is a professional-level camera that’s perfect for sports moms who want to capture high-quality images and videos.

With a fast autofocus system, this camera is able to keep up with even the fastest-moving future athletes. It has a full-frame image sensor, which allows it to provide stunning image quality.

You also get a burst shooting mode that lets you capture up to 20 frames per second.

Pros:

  • Fast autofocus system
  • Full-frame image sensor
  • Comes with burst shooting mode
  • Excellent battery life

Cons:

  • Higher price point compared to other options on this list
  • Some beginners have found that it has a steep learning curve

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark

Compact and Lightweight
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
$799.99

Best for the sports mom who wants a compact and lightweight camera that's easy to carry to games and events.

03/11/2024 07:15 pm GMT

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark is a compact, mirrorless camera that’s perfect for sports moms who want a camera that’s convenient to carry around.

It has a super compact size that makes it easy to bring along to games and other events. It is also lightweight enough to carry with you all day.

This camera has a fast autofocus system and can shoot up to 8 frames per second, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving action. This frame rate is great for not missing the shot.

Pros:

  • Compact size
  • Fast autofocus system
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Great image quality

Cons:

  • Limited battery life
  • It has a smaller image sensor compared to other options

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80

Budget Pick
Panasonic LUMIX G85 4K Digital Camera
$899.99 $597.99

Best for the sports mom who wants a versatile camera that can handle a variety of shooting situations.

03/12/2024 07:25 am GMT

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80 is a versatile camera that’s great for sports moms who want a camera that can do it all.

With its compact size and fast autofocus system, this camera is exactly what you want to bring with you to your little one’s games and other events.

It has a large image sensor that provides excellent image quality and a variety of shooting modes that make it perfect for capturing fast-moving action.

You’ll also love its high-resolution electronic viewfinder as well as the touchscreen display that makes it easy to take photos and videos from any angle.

Pros:

  • Nice compact size
  • Large image sensor
  • Excellent battery life
  • Has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder

Cons:

  • Slightly larger and heavier than some other compact options
  • Limited lens selection compared to other options

Sony ZV-1

Top Pick
Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera
$749.99 $648.00

Best for the sports mom who wants a compact camera that's easy to use and produces great video.

03/12/2024 07:55 am GMT

The Sony ZV-1 is a compact camera that’s perfect for sports moms who want a camera that’s simple to use.

This camera is specifically designed for vloggers and content creators, with features like a flip-out screen and a directional microphone that make it easy to capture high-quality videos.

It also has a fast autofocus system, making it great for capturing fast-moving action camera.

It’s a great option for video recording too and autofocuses for optimal focal length.

Pros:

  • Compact size
  • Fast autofocus system
  • Has a simple, familiar design that makes it very easy to use
  • Good video camera that’s also great for action photography

Cons:

  • Limited manual control options
  • No built-in image stabilization

Canon Powershot

Beginner Pick
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
$1,254.95

Best for the sports mom who wants a simple and easy-to-use camera that's convenient to bring to games. 

03/12/2024 08:20 am GMT

The Canon Powershot is a budget-friendly, entry-level camera. It is perfect for sports moms who want a camera with good image quality and fast autofocus without breaking the bank.

If you are just starting out, this is the camera for you. It has a simple interface and easy-to-use controls that make it great for anyone who is new to photography. 

It’s a great little point and shoot camera as far as digital cameras go. It has a nice image processor for good image quality. It’s a great choice for amateur sports photographers on a budget.

The video quality is pretty good as well – I used it for YouTube videos for many years. Moms will be able to use this camera no matter their skill level when it comes to photography.

It also has bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi connectivity to transfer files over for social media.

Pros:

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Fast autofocus system
  • Produces great photos
  • Affordable price point

Cons:

  • Limited manual control options
  • No built-in image stabilization

Nikon D3500

Excellent Image Quality
Nikon D3500 24.2MP DSLR
$1,199.00

Best for the sports mom who is just starting out and looking for an affordable camera that's easy to use but produces great results. 

03/12/2024 09:30 am GMT

The Nikon D3500 is a compact, point-and-shoot camera that’s perfect for sports moms who want a simple and easy-to-use camera. It has a compact size and simple controls.

It also offers a dynamic range and fast shutter speed for fast-moving subjects. This camera also has a lightweight camera body as well which makes it very portable.

This makes it great for carrying to games and other events. You’ll also love its image sensor that provides amazing image quality and its fast autofocus system for capturing fast-moving action.

It’s a good sports camera for high speed action if you’re able to make the investment in a camera for your child’s sports events.

Pros:

  • Fast autofocus system
  • Comes with interchangeable lenses
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Compact size

Cons:

  • No built-in image stabilization
  • Limited manual control options

Panasonic LUMIX FZ300

Affordable and Durable
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300
$497.99

Best for the sports mom who wants a durable and versatile camera that can keep up with their kids' fast-paced sports activities. 

03/12/2024 09:40 am GMT

The most budget-friendly option on this list, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 is a versatile and powerful camera that is perfect for sports moms.

This camera is designed for outdoor use, with a durable and rugged body that can withstand the elements. It is also equipped with advanced features that make it convenient to capture fast-moving action, such as fast autofocus, fast continuous shooting, and high image quality.

Pros

  • Fast autofocus system
  • Best budget camera on this list
  • Durable, weather-sealed body
  • Excellent image quality

Cons

  • The lens is not interchangeable. It comes with a fixed Leica DC Vario Elmarit 24x zoom lens
  • No in-body image stabilization
best camera for sports mom

Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Cameras for Sports Moms

When choosing a camera for sports photography, there are a number of important factors to consider.

Here are 7 important factors that you’ll need to keep in mind:

Shooting Speed:

This refers to the speed at which the camera is able to take photos. This is an important factor to keep in mind when capturing fast-moving action.

Look for a camera that offers a high burst rate. The Burst rate is the number of photos it can take in a single second.

Autofocus Performance

Another key factor to consider is autofocus performance. This refers to how well the camera is able to focus on moving objects.

Again, this is an important factor in sports photography. Look for a camera with a fast and accurate autofocus system, such as phase detection autofocus or contrast detection autofocus.

Image Quality

For the best image quality, go for a camera with a high resolution, good low-light performance, and accurate color reproduction.

Ergonomics and Portability

Sports photography often involves a lot of movement and quick changes. Therefore, your camera should be easy to carry and handle. Look for a camera that is compact, lightweight, and has a comfortable grip.

Budget:

Your budget is yet another crucial consideration when choosing a camera. While you want a camera with high image quality and advanced features, you also don’t want to overspend.

Consider what features are most important to you, and find a camera that fits your budget.

Ease of use

A camera that is easy to use is essential, especially if you’re new to photography. A user-friendly interface and simple controls will help you get the shots you want.

Plus, you won’t need to waste precious time figuring out how the camera works.

Camera type (Mirrorless vs. DSLR)

The two main types of cameras are mirrorless and DSLR. Mirrorless cameras are compact, lightweight, and offer fast autofocus and live view.

DSLRs are more traditional and have a larger image sensor, but they are also bulkier and heavier. Consider which type of camera is right for you based on your photography needs and your lifestyle.

And don’t forget you’ll want plenty of extra memory cards for shooting your sports picks!

Final Thoughts: Best Cameras For Sports Moms

In this article, we have reviewed 7 of the best cameras for sports moms in 2023.

As you can see, each of the cameras reviewed has its own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different needs and preferences.

Whether it is image quality, portability, ease of use, or a great autofocus system, these cameras are sure to offer something for everyone.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner.

As long as you understand what your needs and preferences are while also keeping a close eye on your budget, you’ll be able to get the best camera for your family’s sports adventures.

While I have my top pick, the best option for a new camera is one that fits your budget, skill level, and needs.

With so many options available, there is no reason every sports mom can’t have the perfect option for their little ones’ sporting events. Good luck! 

This post covered the best cameras for sports moms in 2023.

About the Author

Nicole Booz is the founder of GenTwenty and GenThirty. She is an entrepreneur, author of The Kidult Handbook, and most importantly, Mama to two beautiful little boys. She loves reading, organizing her home, and living a simple, less toxic lifestyle. You've seen her in The New York Times, TIME, Insider, Inside Edition, New York Post, NextAdvisor, Forbes, Yahoo, HuffPost, and U.S. News & World Report.

Website: www.genthirty.com


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