conejomoon

I am a new member who is a birder first and photographer second. However I am passionate about both. I have been using a super zoom point and shoot, a Canon Sx50hd. While I love it's reach, I have outgrown this camera. I am not happy with how "soft" the images can be, and I only shoot at optical zoom usually with a compact tripod. I am really into shooting video. I hike and travel with my camera a lot.

As a petite person who is wearing binoculars, I am not sure I am ready to wield a full size dslr with a 400 mm lens. (If I choose to do this, I am considering a Canon Mark Ii with a 400 mm fixed lens, possibly a zoom 100-400.). However I really want something more compact.

I have seriously considered mirrorless cameras, specifically the Sony A6300 or Panasonic LUMIX dmc GH4, but I am not sure the 300 mm lens on the Sony will have enough reach, and the GH4 lacks wifi capabilities. I believe as four-thirds camera I can find a lumix telephoto lens with the equivalent of a 600 mm reach. Maybe I should wait for the release of a LUMIX GH5?

Lastly I am wondering if I should go with another bridging camera, but with a larger sensor such as the Panasonic FZ1000 or Canon Powershor G3X (Again, I like the reach on the Canon, but the reviews have not been great concerning resolution and speed.)

I am not in a hurry, as my Canon SX50 bridging camera will suffice until I can find the right replacement. I am looking at a budget of $3000, however if there is a perfect solution, perhaps I will go higher.

Your thoughts please? I think I want a camera kit that does not exist, but perhaps there is a combo that can come close? I am hoping for a camera/lens combo with reach, sharpness, 20+ pixels, fast focus, compactness, lightweight (I know, good glass is heavy) and wifi connectivity. If there are believable rumors of new upgrades that may meet my needs, than I am also willing to wait several months.

Thanks for your help! #bestbirdphotographycamera

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Size shouldn't matter too much if you're using a tripod with a gimbal. If you want good video and good stills, in a Canon I'd recommend the 80D, in a Nikon the D7200. I own both and have a preference towards the Canon although the D7200 is usually always on my motorcycle. For the lens, the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary is an excellent birder lens and it's half the weight of the Sport model. I use the 150-600 C on my D7200 and like I said I always carry it on my motorcycle. The 150-600 Sport usually does time on an 80D (handheld) but the lens is fairly heavy, or on a 5DSr on the tripod. I am somewhat familiar with Canon EOS DLSR'S and I don't know what a Mark Ii is. Maybe you mean a 7D mark II. The 7DII is an excellent sports and wildlife camera; I've got one and it usually has the EF 100-400L II lens mounted. I recommend the 80D because it's Canon's newest consumer technology, less expensive, smaller and lighter, has built in WiFi, does better video and has better quality images, but it can't match the 7DII for speed and versatility, only the 1DX and 1DX II will do that and maybe the new but not yet released 5D IV. The Nikon D500 is also an excellent camera, probably the best in its class but it may be a bit overwhelming to someone new to DSLR'S. An 80D with a 150-600 C will cost a little over $2000. A D7200 and the 150-600 C a little under $2000. A D500 and the 150-600 C will cost around $3000. The 7DII and the 150-600 C can be had for around $2500.

conejomoon

Thanks Morrison 116! Lol, I meant Canon 7D Mark II. Yes, for bird photography "fast" is important. This is why I was looking at that model instead of the 80D.

If I decide to go with DSLR, I will consider your recommendations. I still have the issue about how large these cameras are. However, the resulting photos are excellent.

I am hoping someone can share information on good mirrorless camera alternatives to DSLR for shooting bird photography.

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

You might take a look at the Sony RX10M3 with 24-600 zeiss glass. $1500.

conejomoon

Thanks, been looking up the Sony RX10-III, and it just may do the trick!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

If you are looking for a camera for birding that is light, and offers optical choices, fast focusing, excellent low light performance - the one camera that immediately comes to mind is the Sony a6300 ($1000). It offers autofocus performance that is comparable to the $6000 Nikon D4, 4K video, 120 Video for slow motion, wifi, adn 11 frames per second burst rate. While the offerings are a little thin on the E mount side, you can get an adapter ($200) that allows you to fit all of the Sony A mount lenses. A couple come to mind - Sony 70-300 F4.5-5.6 ($1000), Sony 70-300 F4.5-5.6 ( $1150), Tamron 150-600 F4.5-6.3 ($1100). The sensor is 24 mp, and crop factor is 1.5. The body weighs 14 oz, and the lenses from 1 lb to 4.3 lbs. All you need is a nice carbon fiber tripod and you are good to go.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/3240829197/sony-announces-24mp-a6300-mirrorless-camera

IMHO - it is almost perfect for birder doing bird photography. All the benefits (image quality) of a DSLR, cutting edge video, wide variety of lenses to choose from, and all in a light compact package. Micro 4/3 is another avenue to consider, but none offer the AF performance of the Sony.

If you decide DSLR, the new Nikon D500 is really something, though a bit on the pricey side at $2000, and more after you add lenses. But it's still worth a look. Much better low light performance, dynamic range, a viewfinder full of autofocus sensors borrowed from the D5, fits all Nikon mount lenses - a lot to be said for it. Many birders are buying it together with the 200-500 F5.6 Nikon zoom - hand-holdable in good light, and about ^ lbs total weight.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

I would love light and small also, but am staying in shape with a Nikon D500, Sigma 18-300C and a Sigma 150-600C and am using a D7200 as a backup, usually with the 18-300 on it. I mostly use the Sigma 150-600 on the D500, due to it's incredible low light performance, advanced AF system and 10fps in RAW for 200 shots at a time without stuttering. The D500 plus the Sigma 150-600C is right around $3000. I'll keep lugging this around until I can't do it anymore. I use a monopod on occasion, but the AF system is so good that even hand-held, if you lock onto a bird in flight, it won't let go and a high percentage of the shots are tack sharp. I loved my D7200 (and still do) but the D500 is head and shoulders above it. My 2 cents.