Low cost camera with sharp long distance zoom
Nov 8, 2020 13:59:48 #
Nov 8, 2020 14:35:32 #
MJG wrote:
From my window I can see a small island in the bay. I bought the Phone Scope which is supposed to attach my iPhone Pro Max to my telescope - too unsteady. So I’m looking for a camera that will zoom in on the island and take sharp photos of the wildlife which is not visible without a strong telescope.
Any suggestions for a low cost camera for taking sharp distant images?
Any suggestions for a low cost camera for taking sharp distant images?
KEH has this Nikon P900, 83 x zoom for $300. It will put you on the island. Here is a link.
https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-coolpix-p900-black-digital-camera-16-m-p-1.html
Nov 8, 2020 14:56:42 #
You can get a LUMIX ZS60 for about $300 from Amazon. Has equivalent of 1000 mm optical Zoom. Travelled to Australia with it a year ago and got wildlife pictures that the rest of our group could not get with this. Good luck!
Nov 8, 2020 15:00:35 #
Nov 8, 2020 15:51:11 #
hj
Loc: Florida
Tom Moore wrote:
I vote for a Canon SX50 or SX60. I've used both of them a lot. They have optical zoom out to 1200 or 1300mm equivalent. Great images from small sensors.
I think you should be able to find them affordably priced
I think you should be able to find them affordably priced
Nov 8, 2020 15:53:50 #
Nov 8, 2020 17:03:54 #
You might try a drone. If you cannot see large birds like a pelican with the naked eye, quality photos are impossible. The least expensive is to shoot through a telescope, but you will not get quality images.
Nov 8, 2020 17:39:40 #
John Hicks
Loc: Sible Hedinham North Essex England
Try one of either a Canon or Nikon bridge camera that should do the trick
Nov 8, 2020 19:21:53 #
MJG wrote:
Thanks, Gene. I’m afraid you may be right. Just not possible. This seemed my best possibility but it still probably won’t catch the eagles and pelicans sitting out there:
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera, 18.1 Megapixel Video Camera, 60X Zoom DC VARIO 20-1200mm Lens, F2.8-5.9 Aperture, Power O.I.S. Stabilization, Touch Enabled 3-Inch LCD, Wi-Fi, DC-FZ80K (Black)
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera, 18.1 Megapixel Video Camera, 60X Zoom DC VARIO 20-1200mm Lens, F2.8-5.9 Aperture, Power O.I.S. Stabilization, Touch Enabled 3-Inch LCD, Wi-Fi, DC-FZ80K (Black)
Is it possible for you to get closer - a small vessel, a dinghy, perhaps? You might find one within that budget. Would make a nice outing.
Nov 8, 2020 19:32:13 #
Perhaps there is a low cost drone with camera that you could fly close to the island and capture the wildlife.
Nov 8, 2020 20:15:44 #
Rae Zimmerman
Loc: Pine Island, FL
I was thinking the same thing. The Canon PowerShot SX 60 would be too pricey, but the SX 50 might fit your budget, used.
Nov 8, 2020 20:37:24 #
Nov 8, 2020 20:44:15 #
MJG
Loc: Bonita Springs, FL
I hope this message gets to all the helpful replies to my query. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
I have the 10 year old Panasonic DMC-FZ150K 12.1 MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor and 24x Optical Zoom. It can get a good shot of the island but not any birds on it. It’s hard to determine the distance but it’s too far to swim. Regretfully, no boat either.
I’ve been looking at camera resales and will try for a higher Optical Zoom lens than 24x and with a higher Megapixel. And I’ll shoot midday when it’s not windy. Thanks again.
I have the 10 year old Panasonic DMC-FZ150K 12.1 MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor and 24x Optical Zoom. It can get a good shot of the island but not any birds on it. It’s hard to determine the distance but it’s too far to swim. Regretfully, no boat either.
I’ve been looking at camera resales and will try for a higher Optical Zoom lens than 24x and with a higher Megapixel. And I’ll shoot midday when it’s not windy. Thanks again.
Nov 8, 2020 20:51:20 #
MJG
Loc: Bonita Springs, FL
Nick, No, not Bonita Bay. I’m a little north - looking across Boca Ciega Bay to the 2 little islands that grow and shrink with the tides. Specifically, the 1 to the north.
Nov 8, 2020 23:45:53 #
Besperus
Loc: Oregon
Army surplus. Navy used a pair of mounted binoculars for “watch” in WW2. I used to find a pair every so often. Not any more. Check out for a local surplus or resale (Goodwill) for optical appliances, one local place had five Sony studio cameras wth lenses for about $150 to $250 each! No video system to connect too! Damn.
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