If you had to choose… (3 Viewers)

[Txtaylor]

Hi everyone!
After getting a camera feeder, I have a new found love for birds! I’m looking to get a birding camera and have narrowed it down to a few options that I’d love to get your input on. For context, I know none of these are exceptional setups and am just looking for the best choice here. I have ADHD and want to be sure this is a hobby I’ll stick with (not another hyperfixation) before investing more money. Thank you!

• Panasonic DMC-FZ150K
• Sony Cybershot DSC-H300
• Canon Powershot SX520 HS
• Canon Powershot SX410
• Canon Powershot SX420
• Kodak PixPro AZ405
• Nikon CoolPix P520
• FujiFilm FinePix S9400W
• Minolta MN35Z

 

[ArchStanton]

I'm looking for a bridge camera myself for bird identification and would like to know that the experts think. I think some of the cameras you listed don't have viewfinders and using the LCD screen might be difficult during the daytime. I have an old Fujifilm F700 with a 10x zoom and only use the viewfinder because the LCD is too hard to see in daylight.

 

[Smenos]

Having gone through a similar effort just int eh past couple days, I found this thread helpful for looking at the results of some cameras in the easy to use "bridge" category.

Bridge Camera Photography Showcase

I personally ended up going with the Canon Powershot sx70 (after finding a pretty good deal online). I noticed there appeared to be quite a few really nice posts from users with the sx50 or sx60 (and their galleries). If it is similar to the sx520 you listed, I think that could be a viable route?

 

[ArchStanton]

Having gone through a similar effort just int eh past couple days, I found this thread helpful for looking at the results of some cameras in the easy to use "bridge" category.

Bridge Camera Photography Showcase

I personally ended up going with the Canon Powershot sx70 (after finding a pretty good deal online). I noticed there appeared to be quite a few really nice posts from users with the sx50 or sx60 (and their galleries). If it is similar to the sx520 you listed, I think that could be a viable route?

I've narrowed my own list to the Canon SX40, SX50, SX60, SX70, and Panasonic FZ300. I've read mixed reviews on the SX60 and SX70 compared to the SX40 and SX50 with many here on BF somewhat disappointed with the performance of the newer versions. I've read that the EVF is much better on the latter two models. I like the fact that the SX70 is still made in Japan. In your experience, how much of the zoom on the SX70 is useable for getting clear shots? Any information would be appreciated.

 

[Smenos]

I've narrowed my own list to the Canon SX40, SX50, SX60, SX70, and Panasonic FZ300. I've read mixed reviews on the SX60 and SX70 compared to the SX40 and SX50 with many here on BF somewhat disappointed with the performance of the newer versions. I've read that the EVF is much better on the latter two models. I like the fact that the SX70 is still made in Japan. In your experience, how much of the zoom on the SX70 is useable for getting clear shots? Any information would be appreciated.

So I don’t actually have mine yet, but I did come across the same mixed feedback. This forum:

Canon Powershot SX70 HS review

I take good care of my camera, always have the strap 'round my neck so it doesn't drop, clean it regularly and so on. But, when you're out taking pictures, in the heat of the moment it's easy to forget your surroundings and bump your camera into something. I would undoubtedly have damaged the...

www.birdforum.net

Appeared to find a lot of fixes for the issues most people had.

I've narrowed my own list to the Canon SX40, SX50, SX60, SX70, and Panasonic FZ300. I've read mixed reviews on the SX60 and SX70 compared to the SX40 and SX50 with many here on BF somewhat disappointed with the performance of the newer versions. I've read that the EVF is much better on the latter two models. I like the fact that the SX70 is still made in Japan. In your experience, how much of the zoom on the SX70 is useable for getting clear shots? Any information would be appreciated.

so I don’t have mine yet, but saw similar mixed reviews. This thread seemed to resolve most:

Canon Powershot SX70 HS review

I take good care of my camera, always have the strap 'round my neck so it doesn't drop, clean it regularly and so on. But, when you're out taking pictures, in the heat of the moment it's easy to forget your surroundings and bump your camera into something. I would undoubtedly have damaged the...

www.birdforum.net

Additionally users like jmorlan, crazyfingers, and alvaenerle use the sx70 and get some nice shots.

There’s certainly quite a few sx50/60 users out there as well though.

To me it seemed to be mainly a settings change issue that resulted in the sx70 disappointment, but an entry level would be happy with any (given you find the right settings for each).