What camera equipment to take to the world cup: great sports photography cameras

The beautiful game will provide great photo moments, so here's five match-fit cameras to capture them all and avoid any own goals...

Sports camera for the pro:

Canon EOS 1D MKIV

Price: £3800 (BODY ONLY)

The pro sports photographer's DSLR is nearly £4k for the body alone - but in the same way we dream for victory every four years, so this can stay on the wish list.

Sports camera for the enthusiast:

Nikon D3000

Price: £350

Investing in that DSLR will provide optimum control and Nikon's entry level offering is an ideal choice on a reasonable budget.

Sports camera for the all-rounder:

Sony HX5

Price: £300

The stylish HX5 somehow crams a 10x optical zoom lens into its small body. HD movie capture and innovative Sweep Panorama make it a winner.

Sports camera for the videographer:

Panasonic FZ38

Price: £240

Taking pricey, bulky kit to a match is never a good option. The FZ38 is a superzoom with an 18x optical zoom for catching all the action.

Sports camera for the kids:

Fujifilm XP10

Price: £160

This is a tough compact that can take a knock and a soaking yet still snap great images. With 5x zoom it may not be ideal for getting right into the action, though it's ideal for the kids to play rough with when having a kick about.

Top 5 DSLR lenses for sports photography

Sigma 50MM F/1.4 EX DG HSM

Price: £450
Full-frame perfection in this ultra-sharp 50mm

Tamron 18-270MM F/3.5-5.6 DI-II VC LD

Price: £450
All-encompassing zoom range is an all-round winner

Nikon 16-35MM F/4G ED VR

Price: £900
Unusual mid-wide zoom range renders superb results

Sigma 10-20MM F/4-5.6 EX DG HSM

Price: £400
A phenomenal wideangle zoom sets the standard

Top 5 Flashguns for sports photography

Canon Speedlite 580 EX II

Price: £375
Canon's most pro-end hotshoe flash is weather-resistant

Sigma EM-140 DG ring flash

Price: £300
Perfect for close-up macro or studio portrait work

Metz 76 MZ-5 digital

Price: £630
A hammerhead flash to push out big flashes en masse

Nikon SB900

Price: £330
Nikon's top-spec hotshoe flash with LCD for full information

Sony HVLF58AM

Price: £450
Designed specifi cally for Alpha's ADI flash metering system