judster43

I need some help in deciding what camera to buy. I am not ready for a dslr. I've been taking pictures for years but just started using manual settings (on an old digital camera-Olympus Camedia C5050) a few months ago. I'm want a camera to photograph birds, primarily at home. For example, we have blue birds with a nest by our lake which is less than 200 ft from the deck and have a pileated woodpeckers at suet log hanging about 50 feet from the house.

However, I take lots of pictures of flowers I grow and that means I need a lense that has macro capabilites and good depth of field. Current camera has f1.8 to f8.0 with a 3X zoom and 5 magapixel. Of course, I take pictures of grandchildren as well.

Does this mean need two cameras? I have been looking at the Canon SX40 and Sony Cyber-shot HX100V for the bird pictures.

I have not done any editing in RAW so that capability may not be important at the present tme.

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

I have a question to you.....

Why aren't you ready for a DSLR ???

gdwsr Loc: Northern California

I think you would be happy with either. I suggestion would be to go to where they are sold and handle them, put them through the paces as you would use it and buy the one you are most comparable handling. A big consideration is that the Sony is a mirrorless camera which means your viewfinder is lcd, the camera must be turned on to see the image but you also see what the camera sensor sees. I have a both types of Sonys and prefer the mirrorless/lcd but you will either love it or hate it. So make sure. Pretty much all the other features of both cameras are not deal breakers.

judster43

I am just beginning to understand and use a camera with manual settings and feel that I need more time and experience before stepping up to DSLR. My husband used to use an SLR but my experence is based on cameras with automatic settings.

I like having my small point & shoot with me most of the time so I don't miss a picture opportunity. Moving up to the larger point & shoot with manual settings means I don't always have it with me.

Because of the lense size and possible need for more than one lense, I'm not sure I would take a DSLR with me when I hike, travel or vacation. I have looked at the Canon T3i but the cost of the camera body and a couple of lenses means I need to be sure I am comfortable with my ability to use it capabilities and carry it with me.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

stick with your p/s camera until you feel the need for more.if auto,s priorty,and a priority are working for you, don't get hung up on manual.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi judster43,

I have a range of Nikon cameras for my regular photography but my grab-and-run camera is an old Fuji Finepix HS10 (newer models are now available). It is called a "super-zoom bridge P&S camera" and shoots from 28mm to around 700mm - I really like the manual zoom over the push-the-button zoom. It operates on standard batteries so I can stop at any grocery store to buy more batteries if I run out and I find that helpful. It has both manual and automatic functions. You may find one of super-zooms something you may want to consider.

Tight Lines - Al Beatty
BT's Fly Fishing & Photography
www.btsflyfishing.com

ricofoto Loc: Adelaide, Australia

A camera that might suit you is a Lumix FZ100 or FZ150. It is a super zoom, so great for birds and also does close ups, so also great for flowers. It has a 2.8 Leica lens, so quality is excellent. I use one as a walkabout camera, when I dont want to burdened down with a DSLR and extra lenses. Check out the reviews on it. Good luck.

Rico

judster43

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I've been too busy with the rest of my life (outside photography) to continue my camera research but hope to make a decision soon -- before all the bluebirds fly away!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I'd like to see your response to that question, please.

judster43

Sorry. I did not realise others could not see my response. Here it is:

I am just beginning to understand and use a camera with manual settings and feel that I need more time and experience before stepping up to DSLR. My husband used to use an SLR but my experence is based on cameras with automatic settings.

I like having my small point & shoot with me most of the time so I don't miss a picture opportunity. Moving up to the larger point & shoot with manual settings means I don't always have it with me.

Because of the lense size and possible need for more than one lense, I'm not sure I would take a DSLR with me when I hike, travel or vacation. I have looked at the Canon T3i but the cost of the camera body and a couple of lenses means I need to be sure I am comfortable with my ability to use it capabilities and carry it with me.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I think you are selling yourself short. DSLR's do not have to be heavy or bulky, and I'm sure you will be pleased with the results from a DSLR. Rent or borrow a small one (Canon T Series, Olympus or another smaller lighter model) and just carry it around for a day or so. With the proper harness (Optech Binocular Harness) you won't even notice the weight. I carry a Very Heavy Canon 20D with accessory grip and bulky lens with the same harness avd the weight doesn't bother me, even after a full day in the field. Also, today's starter DSLR's are much lighter because of the use of high tech plastics - and, contrary to what others might say, I believe the use of plastics (with some notable exceptions) is not all bad.

Because of the lense size and possible need for more than one lense, I'm not sure I would take a DSLR with me when I hike, travel or vacation. I have looked at the Canon T3i but the cost of the camera body and a couple of lenses means I need to be sure I am comfortable with my ability to use it capabilities and carry it with me.

rhadams824 Loc: Arkansas

Look further at the "bridge cameras" that have a large zoom feature and full control over your photographs from auto to A, P, S and scene selection. I use the Aperture setting because I want more control over the depth of field for very close-up shots of insects and flowers. I can also choose the ISO, and EV in the Aperture setting giving me more control over the picture I take. These cameras also do high quality movies and have other features. I have owned the Sony HX1, and currently use the Sony HX100. A Sony HX200 is now available with 30x zoom and 18MP. The Sony will take pictures as close as 1cm and the 30x zoom will give a focal length of 810mm for birds. You may want to look at the Canon, Nikon, and other high zoom cameras for comparison. Read all the reviews. They are okay for the uses you described, are light and you don't have to carry extra lenses. Get a monopod and/or a tripod if you plan to use the full zoom for birds especially for the Nikon 42x. I like the Sony because when you put your eye to the viewfinder it automatically changes from the LCD to the viewfinder. On the Nikon you have to push a button.

I have a Sony A300 SLR camera with a 90mm macro lens with a flash ring light for insects, flowers, and higher quality portraits and plan to purchase a Sony A77 SLT to replace the Sony A300 but my high zoom bridge camera is used often because of its versatility and convenience.

Just a thought.

judster43

Thank you. This is exactly the kind of information I need. I figured the super zoom would work for the birds but did not know what the closeup capabilities were.