Blatant amateur would like to know how to take wildlife photos with the Kodak Z74

[SPF]

I bought a Kodak Z740 last year in the sale and have still yet to get to grips with it. I can use it for the normal stuff- generally everything else apart fro birds (I'm ok with fish underwater, landscapes, flora etc). Unfortunately, I haven’t got a clue how to use it to take photo’s of birds. If it’s still and the light is right- the picture is ok but not the greatest. However, when I try to take photos in non-optimum conditions, like today when I tried to take a photo of some tufted ducks and the pictures look like I’ve been on the drink. I really just want to use it if I see anything interesting and need to confirm identification later. The manual I got with the camera is not the best- change battery, how to attach shoulder strap etc.
Does anyone have any pointers for either reading material, settings etc. I’ve looked at doing lessons but cant find anything I’m looking for.
Any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated,
SPF

[Claymore]

I bought a Kodak Z740 last year in the sale and have still yet to get to grips with it. I can use it for the normal stuff- generally everything else apart fro birds (I'm ok with fish underwater, landscapes, flora etc). Unfortunately, I haven’t got a clue how to use it to take photo’s of birds. If it’s still and the light is right- the picture is ok but not the greatest. However, when I try to take photos in non-optimum conditions, like today when I tried to take a photo of some tufted ducks and the pictures look like I’ve been on the drink. I really just want to use it if I see anything interesting and need to confirm identification later. The manual I got with the camera is not the best- change battery, how to attach shoulder strap etc.
Does anyone have any pointers for either reading material, settings etc. I’ve looked at doing lessons but cant find anything I’m looking for.
Any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated,
SPF
Hi,
I'm not familiar with the Kodak Z740 but get yourself a decent book on wildlife photography you will pick up loads of tips to get you started! (i can recomend Ken Preston-Mafham's Book called "Practical Wildlife Photography" and also check out Digital Macro Photography by Ross Hoddinott its great for rainy days to take indoor close-ups etc, i got both on Amazon very cheaply too!) I don't know what sort of zoom you have but if its under 300mm your best bet is setting up a feeding station and getting the wildlife to come to you, with a little practice you will get some cracking shots like some of the guys on here do.
Hope this helps a little
Cheers
Brian

[Claymore]

Hi,
I'm not familiar with the Kodak Z740 but get yourself a decent book on wildlife photography you will pick up loads of tips to get you started! (i can recomend Ken Preston-Mafham's Book called "Practical Wildlife Photography" and also check out Digital Macro Photography by Ross Hoddinott its great for rainy days to take indoor close-ups etc, i got both on Amazon very cheaply too!) I don't know what sort of zoom you have but if its under 300mm your best bet is setting up a feeding station and getting the wildlife to come to you, with a little practice you will get some cracking shots like some of the guys on here do.
Hope this helps a little
Cheers
Brian
Ps get yourself a monopod or tripod for sharper pictures
Cheers

[RAH]

I agree with Brian that you should get a tripod. The Kodak Z740 has a 38-380mm equiv. zoom lens, so it should be good for bird photography.

I see that it can take lens accessories via an adapter, the "KODAK Lens Adapter, 45.5 to 55 mm", "Item # 1143395". If you got one of these, you could then mount a teleconverter like the Olympus TCON-17 onto the front and get even more magnification. And believe me, with bird photography, you always want more magnification. There are MANY threads on this forum concerning the TCON-17 and other super-zoom teleconverters, so you could do a search for more info. All you need is that adapter in this case because the adapter gives you a 55mm thread, which is what the TCON-17 requires.

[SPF]

Cheers for all your advice. I've got the adapter (45.5- 55mm- it came with the camera) and a tripod. I might treat myself to the book and teleconverter after Christmas.
On the subject of the book- what is RSPB Guide to Digital Wildlife Photography like- is it similar to the Ken Preston-Mafham's Book called "Practical Wildlife Photography"? I can only get the latter second hand.

[Claymore]

Hi,
Forgot to mention that Kens book is quite old 1982 to be exact so no digital camera's but loads of great techniques that are possible with Digital only now it doesn't cost anything to take the photo's and you can delete if they aren't good enough!
The RSPCA book is ok but David Tiplings book "The Birdwatchers guide to Digital Photography is better? its from 2006 and you can still buy it new.
Don't give up on the older books just because they don't use digital because those guys have some great tips for fieldwork,setting up feeding stations and even building hides i have loads of old wildlife/nature photgraphy books bought from Ebay/Amazon even charity shops for 50p and they have taught me many things over the years (like how to be a tight git with my money)
Have fun with the Kodak and hope you get some great shots, don't forget to save some of your early attempts even if they are crap so you can look back on them to see if your improving etc.
Cheers
Brian

[SPF]

Much appreciated. I've got the book from the States Amazon. It's being sent from the Uk though- costing nealy double for the "postage and packaging"- allegedly Amazon's skimming.
Once again, much appreciation for the information