As sports moms, many of us spend afternoons and weekends watching our kids practice and play ball. Naturally, we want to take the very best pictures of all those memorable moments and be ready to capture that perfect shot when our kid does something huge! While there is something to be said for using quality equipment, the best camera isn’t necessarily the most expensive. This camera guide for sports moms offers a few helpful hints so you can take amazing pictures of your athletes, and create awesome memories that they will cherish forever.
Photography Tips for Sports Moms
Know your camera. Spend some time reading your manual and handling your camera so that you’re ready and not fumbling when you’re at the sports field.
Know the game. If you don’t know the basics of your child’s sports, you won’t be ready to shoot when the moment comes.
Continuous Shooting Mode. This is your best chance of getting the shot you’re looking for. This mode allows your camera’s shutter to continue shooting for as long as the shutter release button is pressed.
Pay attention to ISO. On a sunny day, use a low ISO like 100 or 200. But if you’re at a night game, you’ll want to bump it up to 1000 or 1600 to capture the action in a low lite setting.
Smart Phone or DSLR?
It’s said that the camera you use the most is the one that’s within reach. While nothing can compare with a good DSLR with a zoom lens, the price tag or learning curve might be beyond you reach right now. But the good news even if you only have a smart phone, with a little know how you can still capture the moments.
Best Point and Shoot Cameras
Excellent Compact Sports Zoom with a Value Price
- 40x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer and zoom framing assist
- 4K video and 4K time-lapse movie
- 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- High-speed continuous shooting
Beautiful Image Quality by way of Excellent Optics
- POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA: Large, 1-inch 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor plus 3X zoom LEICA DC VARIO-SU millimeter ILUX lens (24-72 millimeter) and POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) delivers brighter, more colorful photos with fewer image artifacts
- TILTING SELFIE DISPLAY: Rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD display (1040K dots) tilts upward 180 degree for easy selfie photos
- 4K VIDEO CAPTURE: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K photo and 4K Post Focus with internal Focus Stacking allows you to record photos up to 30fps and set your desired focus points after the photo has been taken
- LENS-MOUNTED CONTROL RING: Manual lens-mounted control ring brings DSLR-like exposure control to a compact point-and-shoot camera body
- USB CHARGING AND WI-FI CONNECTIVITY: Enjoy travel ready technologies like USB charging and Wi-Fi connectivity to your mobile device; micro-HDMI type D (3) and USB 2.0 micro-B provide additional connectivity to your favorite devices
Premium Point-and-Shoot Sports Camera
- 20. 1MP 1. 0 Type stacked CMOS sensor, Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 24 200 millimeter F2. 8 F4. 5 large aperture high magnification zoom lens
- 0. 02 sec. High AF speed, 357 point focal plane Phase detection AF and 425 point contrast detection AF
- Up to 20 fps blackout free shooting, using up to 60 times/sec. AF/AE calculations. Diopter Adjustment: -4.0 to +3.0 m-1. Operating Temperature- 0 degrees C.- +40 degrees C. / 32 degrees F. - 104 degrees F
- AI based real time tracking for stills and movies, and touch tracking. Real time eye AF for human (stills and movies), and for animal (stills only)
- 4K video with us log3 and Interval Shooting. Microphone jack and vertical position data recording. Active mode image stabilization in 4K video recording, and Movie Edit add on compatible
Best DSLR Cameras
Canon DSLR Kit: 18-55mm, 75-300mm and Accessories
Nikon DSLR Sports Camera Kit: 18-140mm, 70-300mm
- Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera Body (Import Model)- 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor , EXPEED 5 Image Processor , 3.2" 922k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD , 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps ,Multi-CAM 3500FX II 51-Point AF System , Native ISO 51200, Expanded ISO 1,640,000 , 8 fps Shooting for Up to 100 Frames , Multi-CAM 3500FX II 51-Point AF System , SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi , 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens - F-Mount Lens/DX Format , 27-210mm (35mm Equivalent) , Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/38 ,One Aspherical Element, One ED Element , Super Integrated Coating ,Silent Wave Motor AF System ,VR II Image Stabilization , Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm , All-in-one zoom spans wide-angle to telephoto
- Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED Lens - F-Mount Lens/DX Format ,105-450mm (35mm Equivalent) , Aperture Range: f/4.5-6.3 to f/32 , One Extra-Low Dispersion Element ,Super Integrated Coating ,Pulse Stepping Motor AF System , Access Lens Settings in Camera Menu , Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm , Super Integrated Coating , AF-P pulse motor
- Capable of recording more than just stills, the D7500 supports 4K UHD video recording at 30, 25, and 24 fps frame rates and Full HD/HD recording at up to 60 fps, along with the ability to save movie files to the in-camera memory cards or as an uncompressed file to an optional external recorder via HDMI out
- DX-based movie image format utilizes the full width of the DX-format sensor, and is used to record Full HD 1920 x 1080 and HD 1280 x 720 video. This setting is well-suited for shallow depth of field effects and provides the widest field of view.
Sony A7R Mark IV Mirrorless Kit w/200-600mm Zoom Lens
- Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera Body (Import Model)- 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor , EXPEED 5 Image Processor , 3.2" 922k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD , 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps ,Multi-CAM 3500FX II 51-Point AF System , Native ISO 51200, Expanded ISO 1,640,000 , 8 fps Shooting for Up to 100 Frames , Multi-CAM 3500FX II 51-Point AF System , SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi , 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens - F-Mount Lens/DX Format , 27-210mm (35mm Equivalent) , Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/38 ,One Aspherical Element, One ED Element , Super Integrated Coating ,Silent Wave Motor AF System ,VR II Image Stabilization , Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm , All-in-one zoom spans wide-angle to telephoto
- Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED Lens - F-Mount Lens/DX Format ,105-450mm (35mm Equivalent) , Aperture Range: f/4.5-6.3 to f/32 , One Extra-Low Dispersion Element ,Super Integrated Coating ,Pulse Stepping Motor AF System , Access Lens Settings in Camera Menu , Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm , Super Integrated Coating , AF-P pulse motor
- Capable of recording more than just stills, the D7500 supports 4K UHD video recording at 30, 25, and 24 fps frame rates and Full HD/HD recording at up to 60 fps, along with the ability to save movie files to the in-camera memory cards or as an uncompressed file to an optional external recorder via HDMI out
- DX-based movie image format utilizes the full width of the DX-format sensor, and is used to record Full HD 1920 x 1080 and HD 1280 x 720 video. This setting is well-suited for shallow depth of field effects and provides the widest field of view.
Best Gifts for Mom Photographers
Hand Strap for DSLR and Point-and-Shoot Cameras
- SECURES YOUR CAMERA: Grips the hand and wrist to prevent accidental slips from turning into disastrous drops, adjustable for all hand sizes our leather camera strap is made of premium PU leather, the DSLR strap adjusts to fit hands of all sizes and snaps on easily. Compatible with any DSLR Camera with a standard ¼" tripod screw mount.
- COMPATIBLE CANON CAMERA ACCESSORIES STRAP WITH CANON EOS REBEL: T8I T7i T7 T6 T6i T6s T5 T5i T4 T4i T3 T3i T2i Sl2 SL3 M50 70D 80D 90D 77D 6D 6D Mark II 5D 5D Mark II 5D Mark IV EOS R EOS RP M100 M6 1D.
- COMPATIBLE SONY CAMERA CAMERA ACCESSORIES STRAP WITH SONY ALPHA: A6000 A6100 A6300 A6400 A6500 A6600 A5100 A68 A9 A9II A7 A7II A7III A7RII A7RIII A7RIV A7S A7SII RX100III RX100IV RX100V RX100VI RX100VII.
- COMPATIBLE NIKON CAMERA ACCESSORIES STRAP WITH NIKON: D3500 D3400 D3300 D3000 D5600 D5500 D7500 D7200 D7100 D750 D780 D850 D810 D610 D500 D60 D5 Z6 Z7.
Camera Tripod and Monopod in One
- 【Tripod/Monopod Combo】 Neewer N555 Tripod features a removable leg for use as a monopod with the fluid tripod head. The monopod is adjustable from 20” to 56.7” (51 to 144cm) for flexible camera positioning, and the center column can be inverted for low-angle shots
- 【Adjustable Tripod Legs】 3-section tripod legs can extend from 23.2” to 71.2” (59 to 181cm) and stand on various terrains with stability. With the flip locks, you can adjust and secure the legs in seconds. It is suitable for any occasion, including weddings, parties, portraits, nature, sports, and can support devices up to 17.6lb (8kg)
- 【Versatile Fluid Head】 The fluid head with a 360° panning base and a -70°–90° tilt drag allows you to shoot from any perspective. The quick release plate with a 1/4” and 3/8” screw mounts your camera instantly, and a bubble level helps with accurate composition. The 3/8”–1/4” screw adapter makes this fluid head compatible with all tripods and camera sliders
- 【Tough Aluminum Alloy】 Constructed from high quality aluminum alloy with a sleek black finish, this tripod is durable for use in demanding conditions while remaining lightweight and the perfect photographic gear for travel
- 【Lightweight & Portable】 Tripod legs collapse to 18” (45.7cm) for easy transportation and storage. Only 3.9lb (2.23kg) in weight with the fluid head attached, this tripod is portable for traveling photographers and vloggers alike
Compact Camera Sling/Camera Case
- 【Camera and Accessory Storage】Dimension: 9.84 x 5.9 x 13.78 inches (L x W x H), fits 1 camera 3 lenses iPad mini tripod and accessories.
- 【Product Feature】①Zippered design in front for quick access your camera and lesns; ②side zipper pocket for your phone power bank accessory storage, and the other side elastic band mesh pocket for bottle storage; ③Tripod holder on the bottom, two steel-plastic buckle adjustable strap keep your tripod firmly fixed.
- 【Perfect Design and Good Quality】④Made of 600D nylon waterproof material, Protect camera and photography gears from being wet; ⑤The detachable and customzied DIY inner bag made of 18MM thickness of 7 layer protection Padding, shockproof and no deformed. ⑥back honeycomb design which enhances breathability and reduce the stress on the back.
- 【Sling bag/Double backpack】The camera bag can be used as an sling/one should bag, also as an double shoulder backpack.
- 【Satisfied Services】1 years warranty: Any problem within 1 years , we will offer a new one for you; 25 years factory experience with more than 1000 employees focused on camera photographic equipment, worth your trust!
Do you love taking pics of your kids in action? What is your camera style of choice for your kids sports photos?
Barbara is the mom behind the blog. She began writing in 2012 as the creator of Hello Life, a craft & lifestyle blog. As life evolved, and her kids became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. Like many of today’s mamas, she loves being creative, cooking, and fashion, and when there are a few minutes to spare, a good book. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.