Looking for superzoom for birding and other purposes
Jan 23, 2017 11:24:40 #
Hi,
I am looking for a camera with some good zoom and good macro but not too heavy (as is the Nikon p900). So I am therefore considering the Canon sx60 or Nikon p700, however I have been reading some unfavorable reviews of these, with many preferring their respective predecessors (Nikon p610, Canon sx50), due to poorer image quality at full zoom, and/or unintuitive controls. I like the fact the sx60 has 21mm wide angle. Any feedback appreciated!
I eventually may want to get a DSLR but for now something less expensive. I also heard Nikon is not as reliable as Canon and harder to get repaired due to not allowing local camera shops to fix anymore.
Thanks,
Chris Kielb
I am looking for a camera with some good zoom and good macro but not too heavy (as is the Nikon p900). So I am therefore considering the Canon sx60 or Nikon p700, however I have been reading some unfavorable reviews of these, with many preferring their respective predecessors (Nikon p610, Canon sx50), due to poorer image quality at full zoom, and/or unintuitive controls. I like the fact the sx60 has 21mm wide angle. Any feedback appreciated!
I eventually may want to get a DSLR but for now something less expensive. I also heard Nikon is not as reliable as Canon and harder to get repaired due to not allowing local camera shops to fix anymore.
Thanks,
Chris Kielb
Jan 23, 2017 11:29:34 #
Chris, I would look for a reconditioned SX50
Here is a great used one on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-PowerShot-SX50-HS-12-1-MP-50x-Zoom-Digital-Camera-/282328153253?hash=item41bc11bca5:g:0jUAAOSwnHZYfR6-
Here is a great used one on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-PowerShot-SX50-HS-12-1-MP-50x-Zoom-Digital-Camera-/282328153253?hash=item41bc11bca5:g:0jUAAOSwnHZYfR6-
marrow wrote:
Hi, br br I am looking for a camera with some goo... (show quote)
Jan 24, 2017 05:43:14 #
Szalajj
Loc: Salem, NH
Also check out B&H Photo or Adorama as reliable online retailers for used equipment.
Both Canon and Nikon offer refurbished cameras with 1 year warranties on their websites!
Both Canon and Nikon offer refurbished cameras with 1 year warranties on their websites!
Jan 24, 2017 06:42:18 #
when buying a canon or Nikon, "repair" is a dirty word. as for image quality you have to try the camera out for yourself. as for reach, unless you have really deep pockets, you'll need a bridge camera if you want over 20x.
Jan 24, 2017 07:51:25 #
marrow wrote:
Hi, br br I am looking for a camera with some goo... (show quote)
Also look at the Panasonic Lumix Super Zooms. I have an older FZ70 that has become one my favorites for travel. The Big Nikons have been collecting dust.
Jan 24, 2017 08:34:10 #
jim in TC
Loc: Traverse City, Michigan
I looked at Nikon and Sony DSC-H300 (last year's model, now upgraded), finding that, for me, the Sony offered a more 'traditional' feel - focus and zoom - and also, again for me, more intuitive menus and controls. Both had astonishing 50x zooms and similar features for around $450. My point: if at all possible spend a little time handling a few models and brands, since features (and, I believe, reliability) can be very similar but how it works for you may be vary quite a bit.
Jan 24, 2017 11:22:30 #
Thanks everyone for the advice. It sure would be useful to try the various models out especially for ergonomics, controls and the general feel in the hand. I have been relying on reviews to assess that as this would be difficult to do with older models. Perhaps I can locate a camera store not too awfully far away or embark on a multi purpose trip to NYC.📸
Jan 24, 2017 11:26:49 #
I will check out the fz270. FZ 1000 was tempting as an overall great camera, bigger sensor, etc, but weight and less zoom factors..
Jan 24, 2017 11:31:57 #
Jan 24, 2017 11:46:27 #
Jan 24, 2017 20:51:14 #
When the Canon 80D and Tamron 150-600 are just too heavy for the hike, or when it's just a walk and I don't know if there will even be a photo opp, I carry the Nikon P900. It's lightweight, no fuss, no extra lenses to worry about. It does, however, need a lot of light to get good images. I don't use the P900 for any inside the house shooting because the image quality isn't that great in lower light. Here are a few P900 shots.
Jan 25, 2017 01:18:23 #
Spirit Hawk
Loc: Michigan,Sunrise side
Those are very nice Pics,,,and show what a P900 can do in the right hands ??? Ron
Jan 25, 2017 08:39:41 #
Thanks, Ron. I wouldn't want to be without a DSLR, but the P900 does have a niche that it fills! The photo quality may not be on par with the DSLR, but with that 83x zoom, it can capture shots that my Tamron 150-600 lens couldn't even see.
Spirit Hawk wrote:
Those are very nice Pics,,,and show what a P900 can do in the right hands ??? Ron
Jan 25, 2017 08:44:47 #
Spirit Hawk
Loc: Michigan,Sunrise side
Just trying to Focus,,
Sent you a PM,,would like to learn ,ore about the P900 ??before i buy one !!
Thanks Rpn
Sent you a PM,,would like to learn ,ore about the P900 ??before i buy one !!
Thanks Rpn
Jan 25, 2017 18:59:47 #
Well, ever since an outing to Antarctica back about 2005 when I "downgraded" to a one-tele super zoom to rid myself of a "clutter" of lenses, I've been using a succession of Panasonic DMC FZ(x) cameras. Yes, I realize some of the factors against super zooms like small sensors resulting in low effective ISO (like about ISO400) because of noise, and the penalty thereof in low-light shooting...and maybe other shortcomings. But all these and especially my current DMC FZ200 have worked fine for me. It has more than enough (for me) controls resembling DSLRs, excellent shake control, a splendid Leica f2.8 across the entire telephoto range of 25 to 600mm equivalent (which helps low-light shooting), and supposedly very good video capability (little used by me so far). The super-zoom made me pretty nimble on the frequent shore landings in Antarctica and on numerous other excursions.
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