(Image credit: Kimberley Lane)

Wildlife photographers need a camera that is reliable and built to capture fast-moving action at a moment's notice. A fast burst rate, accurate autofocus and robust handling are vital when it comes to wildlife cameras, or you'll end up with sad, blurry photos of an empty tree stump.

We've curated a list of the best models from each of the top camera brands, so no matter which system you want to invest in, there will be something for you here.

Kimberley Lane, senior e-commerce writer for Live Science, has tested a wide range of optical equipment, including a huge variety of cameras and lenses. With over 7 years of photography experience, her skills span across many different genres, including landscape and seascape photography, wildlife, astrophotography and portrait work.…