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Camera help please

10 years ago

I'm looking for a camera to get good bird & butterfly shots. It would be awesome if it also got decent low light shots. Small is good and need to keep it under $400.00.

So far I'm leaning toward the Nikon Coolpix P600 but it seems bigger than I'd like.

Featured Answer

ZachS. z5 Platteville, Colorado

10 years ago

This looks like it would be a good camera for your needs. http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-sx530-hs

I used a PowerShot until it got stolen (with my Wyoming/Yellowstone trip card still in it, and 6 years later I'm still burnt up about it, lol). They are wonderful little cameras that are versatile and affordable.

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Comments (11)

ZachS. z5 Platteville, Colorado
10 years ago
Anything that will shoot in Tv (manual shutter speed) Av (manual aperture) or full manual is good place to start. Canon has some small point and shoots that do all of them.

For shooting in low light you will want to be able to adjust the ISO.

Since you want a small P&S camera, you won't be changing lenses so you will want one with a decent zoom and also has stabilization (if they have it) simce the further you zoom, each little movement is magnified along with the image. Also, ignore any zoom labeled "digital zoom" since its completely worthless.

Like I said, Canon has some advanced point and shoots that give you a lot of the same controls as a DSLR. I'm sure Nikon does, too but I am not as familiar with them.
ruthz thanked ZachS. z5 Platteville, Colorado
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kathy9norcal
10 years ago
My experience is that my Canon Powershot SX50 has been wonderful for birding. It has a powerful zoom and lots of options and modes. I see that there is now an SX60. However, we are talking about $400 plus a bit more for the 60. It is really worth it, in my opinion. I do alot of car birding at our nearby marsh and have gotten photos I really like with my 50.

I have also got great close up shots of flowers. It is very versatile.
ruthz thanked kathy9norcal
racetowin
10 years ago
Kathy show us some of you photos.

I use canon an Nikon an think canon coloring is so real..
racetowin
10 years ago
Some of the cell phones are good photo takers also. Any one use them?
Andrea Ontario, Canada
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Three months ago I bought a Canon Powershot SX530 HS. I really like it to photograph the birds and other garden visitors. I took these photos through my kitchen window from 20 ft away.
racetowin
10 years ago
You did very well on the photos.

The squirrel is tricky to catch.......Show us more.

Cardinals an blue j..
ruthz
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for all the comments. I also got the Canon Powershot SX530 HS. So far I really like it, but it can be really slow to focus sometimes.
Andrea Ontario, Canada
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Kathy, I have heard that the Canon Powershot SX 50 HS is an excellent camera for birding. Unfortunately it is discontinued and the SX60 HS is replacing it. If I find a used Canon Powershot SX50 HS I will buy it.

Racetowin, since I have my camera I was only able to make one picture of a Cardinal. I had the camera the second day and was not yet familiar with it. It was raining very hard and the photo I took through the window didn't turn out good.

Today I made a picture of a Junco.
Andrea Ontario, Canada
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Racetowin, the Cardinal came today.
racetowin
10 years ago
Wow how bright it is .. You did well today. Your a fast learner.

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