I'm picking up some great advice here and have pages of notes to prove it. I'm not an expert, but loved the bird shots. I especially liked the stop action against the muted, soft background of the last 2 shots.
Jody
I know! There's a beautiful Blue Heron that I've been seeing almost regularly along the side of the road, next to marshlands I drive through. I keep thinking--if ONLY I had that camera now!
Ha Ha, DirtFarmer! Comedy comes to the camera forum. I laughed out loud.
Loved the "best of" article, le boecere, and the close-up of the Nikons, Alan. In studying the "best of" article, I was pleased to see that some cameras have stabilization, a feature that now I, a woman of a certain age, have to think about after developing carpal tunnel and a slight tremor (runs in the family...thanks, Mom) all in my right hand. Of course, I'm right handed. I'm learning so much from all of you. Thanks so much.
David, thank you for the recommendation for Cameta Camera, and even better, for whom to talk to. And Van, thank you for you input. Do you write, also? There's poetry that comes through your words.
Jody
Yeah, I know what you mean about the finger stiffness and I have the joy of adding carpal tunnel, so I really will have to try different cameras on for size and comfort. I'm seriously leaning in your direction of the a6000.
I didn't know anything about mirrorless cameras, but just pulled up information. I like the lightness vs. weightier aspect, as with the Sony a6000. I'll just have to go pick up all these models and see what feels best in my hands and doesn't have itty bitty buttons that are hard to find and manipulate. Thanks for the additional info on mirrorless.
What a wonderful story, something to remember always. Thanks for sharing, and for the tip on using APS-C sensors; something I hadn't even heard of until now.
Some really great sites listed here for comparing cameras...and addictive too. Thanks so much for sending them.
Thanks for the info on the $150 Canon rebate; always love to save some money if it's offered to me. I'll have to really dig in and start finding these cameras to hold them and see how comfortable they feel in my hand, especially as the Canon rebate ends Feb. 4th.
Forty is so young. I'm sorry for your loss, it must have been unbearable at times. I checked out the website you sent and am impressed with it. I wish I could handle each one and see how they feel in my hands. Will have to find a store to play around with them first, before deciding. Thanks for responding.
Thanks for the advice. I've printed your advice so that I can remember it.
Thanks, Susan, for all your well written and professional information--you've given me a lot of good points to think about. Yes, I will let you know what I end up getting.
Jody
Wow guys.....I went looking for advice on a camera and got support where I needed it most; so I thank every one of you who has responded. It's just that my husband's death was so sudden; he was in the middle of making a sandwich and fell over dead, with no prior heart problems. Now, 'nuff said about that stuff, let's talk cameras! But seriously, thank you all for taking the time to tell me that I'm not alone in my grief.
Holy cow...you're right! I just pulled the $400 limit out of the air (and my budget), thinking I could get a refurbished camera for that. But after your answer, I went online and it seems the starting price is $500. So if I bump a refurbished unit up to $600, would that change your answer? And thank you for your kindness.