What features should be prioritized when buying a camera intended for wildlife/zoo photography?

Question

I currently use a Canon 750D and I'm thinking about upgrading my camera body (followed by lenses) in the future.

I use the camera for various types of photography but predominantly wildlife and zoo photography.

To decide what to buy I'd like to know what features of a camera should perhaps be prioritized knowing that it will be mostly used for said purpose.

I'm no expert (hence why I'm here) but here are my thoughts so far:

• Full frame, for low-light situations such as dark reptile vivariums (Reptiles happen to be my favourite subject). Also, I'm assuming this would allow for higher shutter speeds which is obviosuly good for moving animals.
• AI Servo mode, again for moving animals
• Higher fps, for continuous shooting
• More AF points

What else am I missing?

Additional details

I'd like to stick with Canon due to lenses and familiarity etc. I've been looking at the Canon 6D Mark ii and would appreciate any input from those who have used it or know more etc

Here's a comparison of the above details between my Canon 750D and a Canon 6D Mark ii

• Crop / Full frame
• Both have AI Servo
• 5fps / 6.5fps
• 19 points / 45 points

Answer 1

If you like reptiles that tend to be indoors, you want something that handles noise well and has a wide aperture and fast focus. Others have pointed out up and down the comments section, that usually the answer would start with lenses, and I agree. In your case, I'd probably get one decent prime lens with wide aperture (2.8 or better, ideally wider than 2) at the perfect focal length for your scaly friends, and then jump on the 6D.

I've owned a few 6Ds and I'm a huge fan. I'll take them anywhere. They're rugged and versatile. For your question about priorities, here are a few thoughts. If you like holding the shutter down for some serious FPS, then maybe that's important for you, but it hasn't been a high priority for me.

I DO like the bump up in number of focal points on the 6D mark ii, but in your case, it may not always be that useful, because the reptile exhibits will tend to be fairly visually busy, and you'll want to set your focal point on the reptile (or other critters) eyeballs, directly. The number of points are useful for letting the camera decide the optimal middle ground of scene. I'm not sure when this is ideal - maybe a family portrait of 250 reptiles, and you want to be fair? Or you're doing a wide-angle shot that takes in the entire orangutan exhibit, and none of them have earned the limelight of your focus.