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Message: <blockquote data-quote="gowerboy" data-source="post: 1229055" data-attributes="member: 67181">Hi Riseykins,you have asked a question in an area that can quickly become a bottomless money pit! Great results can be obtained with good quality compacts, but the focal length of the lens can be a problem at "fair" distances unless the compact is used through a spotting scope, known as "digiscoping".Also, atmospheric conditions affect image quality, and the further away the subject, the more the effect. Try looking through a scope on a hot day and see how far you can look into the distance before heat haze starts.Dust in the air, water vapour to name but a few also affect image quality.DSLR's can also suffer with these conditions, but due to slightly smaller crop factor on non pro cameras the pixels tend to give better results IMHO.DSLR's can also be attatched to scopes and give long focal lengths, with large file sizes that easily print at A3+, with no loss of image quality.I often shoot at distances around 800-1000m, with acceptable results for bird ID etc, using a scope/Dslr combo.The ultimate quality images are only possible using a pro body and prime lens,but for some kits you would need a second mortgage.... What I found through experience is always buy the best equipement you can afford for your needs, it often works out cheaper in the long run as quality lasts.Think of "entry level" camera bodies as disposable, most manufacturers bring out improved models a few times a year.If you go the slr route remember, a quality lens can last a life time, the body will not!Dslr and Digiscope pics can be seen on my Flickr site.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mosesdavies" target="_blank">www.flickr.com/photos/mosesdavies</a></blockquote>

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