skip to main content

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.

Sort by:Oldest

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
Related Discussions
Please tell me /camera
Q
Comments (3)
Carla I'm not familiar with the model you mention and could not find it on Amazon - but I do have a cool pix - it's a S10 and I LOVE it - I think Nikon takes really amazing pictures and they are really easy to use for a non camera person like me - I don't like reading manuals and stuff (leave that to DH who likes playing with electronics) and even with the basic info I get through a quick look at the manual I find it easy to use. I don't know if this will help at all ... but I don't think I can go back to another brand after using Nikon. Aprille
...See More
Digital Camera Help
Q
Comments (1)
check out the Canon Power Shoot series. I have the older S2 model. later models may have corrected a few of the shortfalls. One flaw was when using the default settings, it tneded to burn out highlights. This can be fixed by moving the mode wheel from 'auto' to 'P' (programmable). Now in one of the menus, adjust the exposure to -1/3 f-stop. This adustnemt applies only when the mode wheel in on 'P'. Good features: 1. Very fast boot-up. Typically, is ready to shoot in 1/2 second after pushing the on-switch. 2. Fast image write and ready for the next shot. My delay between shots is 2 seconds, but is because I have the view time set for 2 seconds. After a shot is made, it is shows in the viewfinder or rear display for a short time to allow one to accept the shot or take another one. This delay time is adjustable and when set to zero, the required write-time between shots is very short. I find that the 2 second review time between shots works for me. 3. The auto focus is fast in good light. When the light falls below a certain level, a low level green led spot light turns on to aid focusing. This is effective over short distances. Learn where this spot window is on the camera and practice using hand positions that do not cover the spot light. My camera stores images only in jpg format. You may want a camera that can store in other formats.
...See More
Help me choose a camera, Please!!! Thanks!!!!
Q
Comments (10)
I went shopping for a digital camera the night before last and I had my mind on a Cannon Powershot S3, one that I have read some great reviews about. While at the store I had two different people come up to me while I was holding the display model on the Z612 that I stumbled upon. They both said that it was the best camera they have ever owned. One lady said she worked on the highschool yearbook and that the school had two $3000 Nikon DSLR's, used for yearbook photos. She took pics with her Z612 and compared them to the exact same pics taken with the Nikon, and no one could tell the difference. The Z612 has 6.1 megapixels, more than enough for most pics that amature photographers take. It has a 12x zoom lens, equivelent to a 35-45mm SLR lens. It has electronic vibration control. All these features are also on the Cannon Powershot S3, which costs $400. The Z612 I bought at Costco was $269. Reading reviews, one shortcomming of the camera is it has a tendency to not stay in focus when zooming in and out when shooting video. If you desire video footage and the quality is important, perhaps the Cannon is the better rout. I my opinion, it seems that the Z612 rivals most $400 digital cameras out there, for a whole lot less. But believe me, the more you read, the tougher it gets. After reading a couple reviews, I was on the verge of bringing it back to go with the Cannon. It seems Cannon is the choice of most gadget review sites such as cnet, pcworld, etc. but I'm going to stick with the Kodak. I haven't used it yet as it's a gift for my wife. Let us know what you decide. --regards, John
...See More
I need camera help please.
Q
Comments (12)
I'm going to take another wild guess here Pooh, did you by chance load the software with your antivirus program running? Your antivirus may have messed the program up, you might try uninstalling it turning your av program off and re-installing easyshare. With you not able to open the program at all I think something screwy happened to it. Some of the programs you get now are really funny about antivirus programs too. Hope that helps.
...See More
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.

Related Stories

Help Me Design My Wine Cellar - Please!

SELLING YOUR HOUSE Help for Selling Your Home Faster — and Maybe for More

By Laura Gaskill

Prep your home properly before you put it on the market. Learn what tasks are worth the money and the best pros for the jobs

MOST POPULAR 7 Ways Cats Help You Decorate

By Molly Brandenburg

Furry felines add to our decor in so many ways. These just scratch the surface

HOUSEKEEPING When You Need Real Housekeeping Help

By Becky Harris

Which is scarier, Lifetime's 'Devious Maids' show or that area behind the toilet? If the toilet wins, you'll need these tips

ORGANIZING Get the Organizing Help You Need (Finally!)

By Laura Gaskill

Imagine having your closet whipped into shape by someone else. That’s the power of working with a pro

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: 38 Years of Renovations Help Artists Live Their Dream

By Esther Hershcovich

Twin art studios. Space for every book and model ship. After four decades of remodeling, this farmhouse has two happy homeowners

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: How to Edit Your Belongings

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Learn what to take and what to toss if you're moving to a smaller home

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: Choosing What Furniture to Leave Behind

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

What to take, what to buy, how to make your favorite furniture fit ... get some answers from a homeowner who scaled way down

HOME OFFICES Quiet, Please! How to Cut Noise Pollution at Home

By Christine Ciarmello

Leaf blowers, trucks or noisy neighbors driving you berserk? These sound-reduction strategies can help you hush things up

Sponsored

More Discussions

ID OWL IN S.E. MICHIGAN z5b

0