Guest Author: Joe Desjardins
Wildlife doesn’t give second chances. Moments happen fast, light changes constantly, and the best behaviour usually shows up when you’re least ready for it.
That’s why my Sony setup is built around speed, simplicity, and flexibility for both photos and video.
If you shoot wildlife with Sony, start here.
1. My Go-To Photo Setup
When it comes to wildlife photography, complicated setups cost you shots. I keep things simple and predictable.
I shoot either in Shutter Priority or Manual mode and let Auto ISO handle exposure changes.
Here’s my baseline:
- At rest: 1/500
- Walking: 1/1000
- Running or flying: 1/2000 and up
Why this works:
- I control motion freeze
- Sony handles ISO cleanly
- I can react without thinking
This approach keeps me focused on behaviour, composition, and timing.
2. Shooting Cinematic Wildlife Video
Smooth wildlife video isn’t about fancy gear, it’s about understanding motion.
I follow the 180-degree shutter rule:
- 24 fps → 1/50 sec
- 60 fps → 1/125 sec
- 120 fps → 1/250 sec
This keeps movement looking natural and cinematic.
If your video feels “off,” this is usually why.
3. Speed Matters: Custom Buttons & Memory Recall
Wildlife doesn’t wait for you to change settings.
This is where Sony shines.
I use custom buttons and memory recall to instantly switch between photo and video, each with three custom settings.
No digging through menus. No missed moments. One click, I’m ready.
4. Pre-Capture: The Game Changer
Pre-capture is exactly what it sounds like. Your camera is already recording moments before you fully press the shutter.
If you’ve ever missed:
- Takeoffs
- Strikes
- Wing flaps
- Sudden movement
This is the fix.
When the moment starts, it’s already yours.
This is the difference between almost getting the shot and actually nailing it!
5. Where Sony Truly Changed My Shooting
Sony’s in-body stabilization completely changed how I work.
I shoot more handheld, react faster, move quicker, capture sharper images, and record smoother video without being glued to a tripod.
That freedom matters in wildlife. A lot.
Final Thoughts
Wildlife photography and video isn’t about having more gear, it’s about having a system that works when things get chaotic.
Sony lets me:
- Simplify my photo workflow
- Create cinematic wildlife video
- React instantly
- Capture moments I used to miss
And that’s what really matters.
If you want to see these tips in action, check out the reel that inspired this post.
Stay wild. Stay curious.
