Need help buying a camera

[The Story Teller]

I'm looking to buy a digital camera that will take GREAT pictures of birds. It has to have zoom and be able to catch a hummingbird in flight. I live on a creek and I have all kinds of birds I'd like to take pictures of. The problem is that they aren't always close enough to get, that's why the zoom. I'm looking in the area of spending 4 to 5 hundred dollars. Thanks for any suggestions you can give me. P.S. I already have a PDR-3330 and the zoom just isn't good enough.

Richard

 

[rgbivens]

Richard, if I were you I would look for one that had manual 'shutter speed' and 'apature' settings. That will give you more flexibility in getting a good shot. I don't really trust auto 'shutter speeds' on digital cameras. I would say you could get a pretty good camera for the price range your looking at. I don't really have a idea of the market right now but I'm sure there is somebody that knows what cameras are good that are on the market now.

Good luck

-Grant

 

[2Bhumble]

I just bought one of these online...

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/fz20.html

 

[The Story Teller]

Richard, if I were you I would look for one that had manual 'shutter speed' and 'apature' settings. That will give you more flexibility in getting a good shot. I don't really trust auto 'shutter speeds' on digital cameras. I would say you could get a pretty good camera for the price range your looking at. I don't really have a idea of the market right now but I'm sure there is somebody that knows what cameras are good that are on the market now.

Good luck

-Grant

Thanks for the input..

 

[The Story Teller]

I just bought one of these online...

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/fz20.html

Thanks, I'm checking it out right now.

 

[Southern Cross]

Can you swing another $200-$300 for a Nikon D70? I'm friends with a LOT of serious nature photographers, a few of them concentrate on native Florida birds. For hummingbirds, you need a decent flash as well as fast shutter speeds. The D70 can sync at up to 1/500 second with flash, and it has a strong built in speedlight that works well for it's intended purpose. Nikon also has a reasonably priced 70-300mm lens (which offers the same perspective as a 105-450mm lens on the D70). I know it's expensive - you're probably talking an investment of $1,000, but it's well worth it and the kit will last you many years if taken care of properly.

 

[The Story Teller]

Can you swing another $200-$300 for a Nikon D70? I'm friends with a LOT of serious nature photographers, a few of them concentrate on native Florida birds. For hummingbirds, you need a decent flash as well as fast shutter speeds. The D70 can sync at up to 1/500 second with flash, and it has a strong built in speedlight that works well for it's intended purpose. Nikon also has a reasonably priced 70-300mm lens (which offers the same perspective as a 105-450mm lens on the D70). I know it's expensive - you're probably talking an investment of $1,000, but it's well worth it and the kit will last you many years if taken care of properly.

Thanks I'm checking in to them all. I don't know what I'll end up with yet, but I do thank you all for your advice.

Richard

 

[old06]

Canon S1IS will fill the bill for well under 400.00

 

[Organist]

I just bought a Nikon CoolPix 8700 digital camera for $545 at http://www.abesofmaine.com

This camera is around $1,000 normally. That is a really good buy. I believe the prices seem to be coming down a bit, now.

It seems I was reading (somewhere) there is a rebate from Nikon available. But don't rely on my poor memory.

 

[The Story Teller]

Canon S1IS will fill the bill for well under 400.00

Thanks everyone.. I purchased the Minolta Dimage Z3 for $371.80.

I went to a camera store and talked with the owner. After telling him what I wanted to take pictures of and all he suggested that one. I then went online and found this price. I went back to the store and told him if he could match the price I'd buy it from him. He couldn't so it should be here on Monday.

 

[The Story Teller]

I just bought a Nikon CoolPix 8700 digital camera for $545 at http://www.abesofmaine.com

This camera is around $1,000 normally. That is a really good buy. I believe the prices seem to be coming down a bit, now.

It seems I was reading (somewhere) there is a rebate from Nikon available. But don't rely on my poor memory.

Thanks for the info..

 

[yugin]

New Canon Rebel XT (350D) coming out in the next couple weeks http://www.dpreview.com/articles/canoneos350d/
with price tag under $1000.
8 Mp, option of adding over 70 lenses...
You might wait and check it out.

 

[mariusx1]

A new Digital Rebel is coming out?!?! Dangit...I've had my Digital Rebel for less than a year and now I'll be tempted to upgrade. GREAT camera though...I would totally recommend it for anyone who is used to SLRs and wants to go digital!

 

[The Story Teller]

Thanks for all the info..

 

[brindle]

The FZ20 that 2Bhumble bought a friend of mine just bought also. For a little less money the FZ15 is good and almost identical to the 20

 

[Starr SDA Living Word]

NOT SURE WISH I COULD HELP ! GOD BLESS ALL.