What focal length for shorebirds and waders (1 Viewer)

Hi there.
I am a newbie shopping for a first bridge camera and wondering how much focal length is usually needed for waders and shorebirds please? Most of my birdwatching is coastal, a lot from my car as I can't walk far. My main requirements would be uploading to Ebird and for id purposes, though if I could get some nice pics too I would be delighted! (My hubby assures me that I won't find 1 camera to do everything so have crossed music gig videos off my requirement list )
The P950 & P1000 obviously come up a lot for birders, and I was wondering if 2000/3000mm would be needed, or if i would be better going for shorter length and a larger 1" sensor, and if so would 600mm be enough?
Budget around £750
Many thanks
L

You describe not necessarily being able to get close. Under those circumstances I would go with as much reach as I could get. I would also make a habit of taking plenty of photos hoping that on one of them the air cooperated and stood still better than the others. Distance photography will always be a bit hit and miss.

Niels

I agree with Niels, in your situation reach sounds the most imprtant thing, 600mm on a 1 inch sensor is not as good as it sounds, go for the P1000 and if your in a car try a been bag on the window for support.

njlarsen said:

You describe not necessarily being able to get close. Under those circumstances I would go with as much reach as I could get. I would also make a habit of taking plenty of photos hoping that on one of them the air cooperated and stood still better than the others. Distance photography will always be a bit hit and miss.

Niels

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Thanks Niels, that's very helpful

nikonmike said:

I agree with Niels, in your situation reach sounds the most imprtant thing, 600mm on a 1 inch sensor is not as good as it sounds, go for the P1000 and if your in a car try a been bag on the window for support.

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Thanks Mike, a beanbag sounds very useful, maybe a tripod too for when I can get out the car. The weights of the p950/1000 mean I will def need support

Hi ManxShearwater

I have the Nikon P900 and have been delighted with it. I can ID birds that my bins struggle to with.

I use mine on the pre-programmed Birdwatching mode with continuous shooting. It seems to give 7 shots, but does take a few seconds to write them to the card.

You can see some of my images in my Gallery if you want to check them out: https://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/18346

I'm sure the 950/1000 will be similar.

delia todd said:

Hi ManxShearwater

I have the Nikon P900 and have been delighted with it. I can ID birds that my bins struggle to with.

I use mine on the pre-programmed Birdwatching mode with continuous shooting. It seems to give 7 shots, but does take a few seconds to write them to the card.

You can see some of my images in my Gallery if you want to check them out: https://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/18346

I'm sure the 950/1000 will be similar.

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They're great, thanks v much. I have taken the plunge and got a 2nd hand P1000 on eBay. I will def start on the Bird mode and see if I can develop from there Looking forward to it arriving thanks everyone for your help in making a decision.