D74M

Might want to check out the Fuji line. Might fine some good options.

T_Span Loc: Northern MI

Here is an option to consider. You already own the D5500 which has a 24MP crop sensor that surely performs. The downside is that the D5500 is missing the auto focus fine tune option. The up side to using the D5500 is its low weight. Now combine your camera with the Sigma 150-600mm C which can be fine tuned via the Sigma dock and total weight comes in at just 5-1/2 lbs with the tripod collar removed. So, for the price of the lens ($989) and the price of the dock ($59) you would now have the lightest 24MP crop sensor birding kit.

Admittedly, it is not up to the D500 for focusing and very low light work, but is just as capable as the D7200 while being the lightest of the bunch.

ecar Loc: Oregon, USA

Try the Sony a6000 for budget or the a6500 w/ the 18-200 lens.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

A bridge camera with a long zoom range, like the Canon SX50 or Nikon P900 will do what you want to do in a light weight package, but you will have to get close to any bird that you want to see feather detail on (25 ft. or less) and birds in flight will not be tack sharp.

For birding, the quality of pictures is something that comes at a price in money and in patience. It took a year of trying to get a BIF with my first bridge camera.

Moving up from a bridge camera to a one inch sensor dslr with an equivalent focal length of 810mm, I found my best compromise was a used Nikon 1 J1 camera, a used Nikkor 55-300mm AFS VR lens and a new Nikon autofocus FT-1 adapter. The lens, camera and adapter totaled aboout $550. The camera, lens, and autofocusing adapter weigh a little more than 2 lbs.

Using this setup, below are my most detailed bird shot of a cardinal taken at about 25 ft., and a shot I took a couple of days ago of a short billed bird on a wire at about 65 ft. Both shots taken handheld. Also shown is the camera, lens and adapter fully extended. Also shown is that first BIF photo taken with a $100 used Fuji HS-10 bridge camera.

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digitalexplr Loc: Central Missouri

Another option not yet mentioned is a Canon SL1. The body is a shade over 13oz in weight. Coupled with the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens (weight a shade over 22 oz) you very capable system.

My granddaughters are competitive dancers and I shoot a lot of competitions and recital, neither of which allow flash photos. This combination has worked amazing will under difficult lighting situations with moving subjects.

This combo will cost you half your budget and weigh less than 2 1/2 pounds. It would be worth a look.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I agree that it's an awesome picture Jack :)

Ltgk20 Loc: Salisbury, NC

A really long lens, great high ISO performance and good autofocus can absolutely be had, but it won't be small or light. At some point something has to give. The RX10 line is pretty popular so without making some concession somewhere, you probably won't do better. One thing to think about: it's common for people who get shoot a 500 or 600mm lens to have really bad results until they get the hang of it.

Deanie1113

Hi James, just thought I'd tell you how much I enjoyed all your Tennessee pictures I saw on Flickr. Yeah, I returned what I thought was the perfect camera for me. I was so so disappointed. I am upping my budget and probably going micro four thirds. Wish me luck!

Deanie1113

Want to thank everyone for their help! Seriously considering the Panasonic Lumix G8 or 85 with their 100-400 lens. Upping my budget!

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Thanks for looking, I appreciate that Deanie and Good Luck in your search. Remember...it's the lens that delivers the detail, so choose the best glass you can when selecting lens. I'd stay away from lens kits for that reason.

gitithadani

I use the Panasonic FZ70 for its long range and light weight - its a compromise the small sensor but with a little post processing its not bad. Panasonic has an equivalent of the sony and I believe the older version is slightly better so that may be an alternative. Otherwise a 4/3rds mirrorless with a long light lens. For awhile I had the original eos-m paired with the 55-250 lightweight canon lens. It was a lightweight option and af was adequate and gave me a range equivalent to abt 400mm. I now use a samsing nx 500 with its native zoom 50-200 equivalent to 300 and as it has 28mb can crop more. It also has sensor crop zoom. Its a very lightweight option and as samsung has quit the market can sometimes be found at very low prices. Also on 4k video the sensor crop makes it abt 500 and one can extract 8mb frames. I got the camera used for about 250$ and the zoom lens new for about 140. The camera has one of the best aps-c sensors and I often prefer to use it rather than the a7r - given its minimal design and touch screen. I too have small hands and lightweight body. Putting a heavy lens also means lugging a tripod. I've also used a mirror lens which has both pros and cons; on a stabilized body with a m4/3 sensor you'll get a range of 1000+. Lenses are light weight and not expensive but the one I have is manual.