Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I agree. The lens is probably the most important consideration. But that brings up a couple of questions the OP needs to answer such as what size wildlife (deer, birds, birds in flight, crawling insects, flying insects?) in what setting (low light, daylight, with or without flash?) and what budget? There are good solutions for any or all of these for $100 to more than a thousand for camera and lenses. Budget will have a lot to do with the quality of the pictures, but more so the skill of the photographer.
Bob

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

For a beginner, looking for a way to inexpensively be able to do the things you are asking for sounds like a Bridge Camera. This would possibly be one like the Canon SX50 which provides extreme zoom range and doesn't cause you to go looking extra lenses. From time to time, Canon offers refurbished models on their web site for about $150.

Other manufacturers have their own version too.

These cameras are basically a souped up point and shoot with an extreme zoom that can capture far shors and also amazingly close up too.

Compared to the DSLR type cameras, they have smaller sensors and lack the resolution for printing large sizes of prints. But they are amazingly good, and an easy way to get started.

Just to let you know where I am coming from on this, I do have 4 DSLR bodies, both full frame and crop sensor. But I also have the Canon SX50 and a Fufifilm competitor model. Mostly I use the DSLRs since I can do more with them. But I find that the cheap bridge cameras are quite good.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

If you were to choose Canon, the best bang for your buck would be the 7DII. Used, refurbed, or new. Action and wildlife are what it was made for. Can't tell you anything about the other brands you mention.
I hope you realize that the camera may be the lesser expense if you are serious about your shooting. A long lens of high quality can easily cost more then the camera, and a long lens is what you are going to want for wildlife.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

OP is a resident of Panama, so her access to local used camera gear, for hands-on experience, is most likely quite limited.

jm76237

I'm a Nikon user and all I know. From those listed, I'd go w a D7000 series.

Philipschmitten Loc: Texas

I agree with the 7D. It is super fast to capture your wildlife.

CO

The D5xxx series Nikons are great but the viewfinder is something to consider also. The D3xxx and D5xxx series Nikon have a pentamirror viewfinder. If you go up to a D7xxx series or above Nikon you get a pentaprism viewfinder. The glass prism inside gives a larger, slightly brighter view. The larger view through the viewfinder really helps.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Your selection of cameras is a mixture of DSLR's, Bridge Cameras and Point and shoot.
Firstly I would advise you to decide which type you would like, I have listed some examples of the various categories with sample camera to help you to decide.

P & S, for very easy to use with good image quality, can be quite cheap and pocketable. Usually have some zoom with a fixed lens.(Pansonic TZ40)

Bridge Camera, also quite easy to use with good image quality, usually more expensive, can be quite bulky, often have a good zoom but fixed lens. (Canon SX50)

DSLR, can be quite complicated to use but usually produce excellent photos, can be very expensive, very bulky and heavy but have very good interchangeable lenses (Canon T5i or Nikon D3200)

CSC, (Compact System Camera) can be quite complicated to use but have very high image quality, usually quite reasonably priced, very compact and light, and have very good interchangeable lenses. (Panasonic "G" range or Olympus Pen or OMD

Firstly set your budget, decide which type of camera you prefer and then list which cameras fit into that bracket and you should finish up with quite a short list.

katbandit Loc: new york city

i say whatever makes him happy..i have the d7100...love it..but to call someone a moron because of his or her preference is childish to say the least...grow up you guys..let people buy what they feel comfortable with..weather he chooses a nikon or a canon the photos will only be as good as the person taking the photo..so stop with the name calling and give the man some intelligent advice not call him names..

Impressionist

From your list, the price range is quite big. Look into the Nikon D7200. It is well constructed, has excellent backward capability with lens should your interest grow. It is also true for the Pentax but the Nikon is much quicker. Our will be happy out in the field with it.

picturesofdogs Loc: Dallas, Texas.

B+H has the Sony A6000 and two kit lens package for around $600. The 55-210 gives you an effective focal length of 305mm on the long end.
11fps, spot focus, and really good wifi. You can also buy a waterproof case for underwater use. And being new it comes with a warranty. Some here will tell you battery life isn't great, which is true, but B+H sells both Wasabi and Watson for a very good price.

geobig Loc: New York

Although I'm a Nikon user I can't help but be impressed with the Sony A7 series. Look at Gary Fongs YouTube videos. He was a famous wedding photographer who used both Canon and Nikon but has switched to Sony and for great reasons. The main one is mirror less and capabilities. The Sony you quoted (DSC-HX400V ) has a fixed lens and is basically a point and shoot.

Do the research on Google and YouTube. Nikon and Canon users will always be bickering until they pick up a Pro Sony.
Best regards,
George

flschaff Loc: spring grove, pa

Firstly, you should know that any dSLR takes quite a learning process and skills which you won't just get and immediately become a good --even at all -- photographer.

Secondly, I would NOT start with a USED dSLR, maybe Re-Furbished with factory warranty), but, if money is a problem, a cheaper but NEW dSLR. I have an entry-level D3300 by Nikon and like it quite well but. maybe, should have gotten a D5500 or D7200.

Then, I have various point&shoot non-dSLR's of both Panasonic and Nikon and find both of high quality and find them -- with their long ZOOM's and no need to keep changing lens, oft-times better than dSLR's.. in getting a shot in a dynamic scene.

T-Roxy

For the size of wildlife, I'm looking between birds (in flight or not) to dolphins and whales. I guess for the setting it would be daylight, but I don't know what to do if I'm in a situation where the weather is cloudy. So if possible, both low light and daylight.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Just a minor correction that would help those who know this camera give you advice: The model number is SP-590 UZ

It looks like a good camera, but be aware that it was released 7 years ago... that's a long time ago in the digital camera world.
It takes xD memory cards or Micro SD cards or uses its internal memory.
I don't know if the xD cards are still being made, but if they are, they're not easy to come by.
The sensor size is only 6.08 x 4.56mm
There probably is more information in the camera's user's guide, here:
http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/sp-590uz_instruction_manual_en.pdf

I apologize if it sounds like I'm only finding the bad things about this camera. Honestly, I'm not. I'm an Olympus fan. My go-to camera is the Olympus OM-D E-M1.
The huge positive for shooting crustaceans, is that the SP-590 UZ camera is weather-sealed !
Even though it looks like a dSLR, there are no interchangeable lenses.