Mastering Camera Settings for Bird Photography

When it comes to bird photography, your camera settings can make all the difference between a sharp, detailed shot and a blurry missed opportunity. I currently use a Fujifilm X-T30 and a Fujifilm X-T5, and over time I’ve found a few go to settings that help me capture those fast-moving moments in the field.

Shutter Speed

Birds rarely stay still for long, so a fast shutter speed is essential. I find 1/2000 of a second is a great starting point for fast-moving birds. This freezes the action and helps keep details crisp, especially when wings are flapping or birds are darting between branches.

Here is an example of a bird in flight taken with a low shutter speed. 1/500.

And this is an example of a higher shutter speed. 1/2500.

ISO

My ISO is usually set around 800, which balances light sensitivity with image quality. In lower light conditions, such as early morning or cloudy days, I might increase it slightly to 1000. Just remember: the higher the ISO, the more noise or grain you’ll see in your photo. It’s a trade-off between keeping your shutter speed fast and maintaining a clean image.

Aperture

The aperture setting will vary depending on the shot. A lower aperture lets in more light and creates a beautifully blurred background, perfect for isolating your subject. It can also create a beautiful bokeh effect. A higher aperture brings more of the scene into focus but will make the image darker, so you may need to adjust your ISO or shutter speed to compensate.

Here is an example of a photo with an aperture setting of f8. The Goldfinch is in focus, but the Robin is not.

Here is an example of a higher aperture of f11. All three birds are in focus.

Final Thoughts

Bird photography is a balance of light, movement, and patience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your settings to suit different lighting conditions or bird behaviour. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for what works best in each situation—and that’s when the magic really happens.