Digital Camera (need help)

[Kensam]

Hi There

I know this question may have been asked before but as i am new to the site and there are thousands of threads to look at i just thought ask it.

I know have a pc up and running i just wanted to know from you out there. After seeing all the fantastic photo's on the site.

Which is the best Digital Camera i can buy which will take decent photo's of birds but is not that exspensive.

Sorry if the question has been asked already.

I look forward to your reply's

Cheers

B (:

Ken

[IanF]

Tough one Ken !

Depends on the budget and how you want to use the photos.

Most digital cameras with a 3x optical zoom will take decent shots of birds if you can get near enough and only want to use the shots on the computer.

I have the Olympus C2100UZ a 2.1mp camera which has a 10x optical zoom and image stabiliser. It takes decent shots for web use and prints, but has been discontinued now, though you can still pick up models refurbished by Olympus . Personally I don't think there is a better budget digital camera out there for birding use. It has been replaced by the Olympus C730 which has more megapixels and a long lens too.

[bcurrie]

Hey, hey, hey, Ian, what about the wonderful Canon PRO90IS??? ;)

Seriously, Ken, that is a hard question. The Oly Ian is talking about is a good camera, as is the one I mentioned (which, not surprisely, I just happen to use). The capabilities are very similar, including the 10X optical lens and the image stabilazation. Both are out of production. I do know of places you can get one new in the U.S., and you can certainly look for used ones for either on ebay (though be careful there).

Overall, you just need to remember that if you do not buy either of these, then you are probably looking at digiscoping. Otherwise you just will not get close enough to the birds. Even with the 10X optical, which is a great reach, I still have the Oly B-300 1.7X lens AND the Oly TCON 14 1.45X lens (thanks to Ian!). That takes me to 912mm (35mm equivalent), which sometimes is STILL not enough.

[Andy Bright]

There is another player in this field... the recently announced Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ1 , has up to 420mm (35mm equiv) lens + image stabilisation.... though it could be software rather than a mechanical I.S. system. Only 2.1.mp though. And probably pricey (Leitz/Leica lens!!)
As Ian and Brian have memtioned... the best is the Oly 2100uz, Canon is90 and slightly behind them are the newer Oly 720/730 cameras.
Remember that teleconverters can be purchased for most cameras that extend the reach.
Regards,
Andy

[Gaye Horn]

I guess that first you need to do some research and there are several really good sites available for that.
Determine what your budget is and then add anothwer whack of cash because the camera is really just the start of it all.
What do you want to achieve with a camera? Do you want to be able to print any shots off? Are you going to be carrying it so will you want lightweight versus heavy.. do you want an SLR or something less pricey?
Canon Pro 90 IS is a great camera.. any of the G series by Canon are great
Olympus C-2100 is excellent and discontinued now but there are some for sale (as mine just might be soon).The 700-730 are a great little camera too and take some of the best pics of birds I have seen from a camera with that megapixel.
Nikon make good cameras too but the lens do not generally fit any other then Nikon if you have an SLR.. the 4500 and the 5700 are really nice cameras.. if you want to digiscope well that is Andy Bright's area of expertise so I leave it completely to him.
Anyway there is info by the rheam out there and I wish you good luck. Take your time and go and try every camera you can, where ever you are.
And good luck , come back here and show us the camera and what you are interested in.
Lots of great folks here to help you out in all sorts of ways.:t: