1046William Loc: Delaware

An acquaintance asked my recommendation for BIF camera. Now does stills but wants to branch out. Still shots of birds are not bad. So has some technical knowledge.Budget is $1,000.

Thank you for any thoughts.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your friend should begin with an appropriate lens. It doesn't matter what camera or brand of camera if the lens is not long enough or known to be slow in focusing. And, that lens is likely to blow the $1000 budget, depending on what camera they have today.

BTW: what camera and lens(es) are they using today?

BTW2: if they're doing OK on still shots, what shooting parameters are they using for BIF? Again, it doesn't matter what camera or lens are being used if the wrong settings are being applied.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Also:
Is your aquantance shooting in locations where birds are used to people (like suburbia), or out in the wild where they are a lot more skittish?
It makes a big difference in what lenses you need.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Testing the water with a budget of $1,000 might be a possibility, however if he gets the bug, he will blow that budget 10x over over the next couple of years. Just to be forewarned.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

Used (excellent+ condition) and still a bit over budget but I would recommend this:

https://www.keh.com/shop/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx10-iv-digital-camera-20-1-m-p-1.html?prod_id=809923&aid=809923&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Sony&utm_term=374456-2385592&rmatt=tsid:|cid:1726193671|agid:67652216636|tid:pla-797309846083|crid:336794645941|nw:g|rnd:6226512842480288518|dvc:c|adp:&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoaz3BRDnARIsAF1RfLdNqgc3-pU7H_Y8cZDOqM92EgrDtmi5iNT1Eke5mJ4JW_oSWDCEFkgaAuPJEALw_wcB

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Gear does make a difference when shooting action shots, but not all the difference. The lens is actually more important. As someone else has said, suggest to your friend that he/she start saving now! There are many variables involved, too, as someone else has stated. Suggest to your friend that he/she simply buy the best affordable gear appropriate for the subject, which means a buffer that holds as many shots as possible and the ability to set the shutter to shoot multiple fast shots in succession and good low-light capability if your friend envisions being out early in the morning or late in the evening. Being able to shoot at f/5.6 is or wider is needed to get shots where the subject in flight is sharp and the background is not. Then, learning to hold the camera and lens steady, either a tripod or hand-held, is a must, as is being able to follow the subject smoothly through the sky. Lots to learn. Start with what he/she has and practice a lot is what is required. Plus, a lot of patience!