Which Camera for Bird Pictures

solas111

All I know about photography is that you look into the viewfinder thingy and press the shutter button. However, I now have time on my hands and a huge number of wild birds visiting the garden and would like to take some close-up pictures of our feathered friends.

Would someone please suggest a decent digital camera and long-range lens? This is just a hobby so the budget will be in hundreds rather than thousands. I presume that a tripod would also be required? Any other necessary or useful equipment?

SdoowSirhc

Sounds like you want a DSLR but one isn't exactly necessary. I would love a DSLR myself but I have a bit of saving to go yet :P I use a bridge type camera which is pretty much an overly fancy compact but shares the user customization of a DLSR. I use a fujifilm s2980 which has a 18x optical zoom which is great for getting close ups of birds from a decent distance. Get yourself one of these and the free editing software GIMP and you'll be set for some garden wildlife photography.

This is what i use http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5597350.htm but I believe this is the newest in the series http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5598658.htm

Here's an example of a bird shot taken in my own garden with my camera and cropped/colour work done in GIMP

5uspect

Birds are quick little things requiring high shutter speeds and therefore a fast lens. A tripod isn't really necessary unless you're going to build a hide or something.

It's going to be difficult with that budget. In an ideal world you'd be looking at, say, a Canon 7D and maybe a 100-400L. This would push you into a couple of grand.
Have a look at secondhand dSLRs or bridge cameras. Adverts.ie would be a good.place to start.
.

OldGoat

Second hand DSLR, a 50mm prime lens, a tripod and a remote control will get you close to the birds for €3/400 rather then spending a mint on a telephoto lens. Set up the camera and tripod a few feet from a birdfeeder and shoot remotely from the comfort of an armchair.
It will get you started.

If the bug really bites then you can upgrade to proper telephoto lenses.

5uspect

^Great idea.

solas111

Thanks for all of the replies. There is plenty of food for thought there and good options to consider.

magicbastarder

i read the title as 'which camera for bad pictures'. i suppose the answer would be 'any'.

5uspect

Everyone always wants a decent camera...

zero19

Unless you want a Holga