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Yesterday, I saw my first hummingbird up close and personal (gorgeous, tiny and incredibly fast and a really big deal to someone who hasnt seen one before!) and I missed the shot, even hiding under a tree about 6 feet away. I currently have a Nikon Coolpix L100, a super gift from a loving husband who knew I needed an upgrade from my P&S digital cameras. Now that I have got used to the bulkiness of this camera, I have (arguably) taken a few really nice shots when I don't rush or get over excited that I have spotted something new in a tree but sometimes, the camera is my bugbear, it is busy re-focusing or something and doesn't always take the shot when I press the button; so it is clear that I am going to need an upgrade/SLR at some point. I plan to take a class at the camera store and get a good feel for what works for me, but I will need something that is equally effective on the auto settings until I get more experienced and confident.  I am hoping to budget around $1k but willing to go a bit further if required, only I don't really know what I should be looking at and dont want to overspend on something that is way of my league.  Birds are a major subject for me now, but not to the point where I will stay somewhere for hours trying to get one shot, or messing around with tripods etc, and I also love my flowers etc, scenery, landmarks etc, people I am less interested in ;)

Based on this info, does anyone have any good suggestions (I have looked at reviews but I dont understand a lot of what might be necessary for me).

Thanks in advance!

~FB

 

Once again the age  old debate-- to go DSLR, or not? I went there the begining of this year, and would go back in a heartbeat. With what you want to shoot,  I would recommend something like a Nikon P90.  24x zoom, 12mp, tilt screen...( http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/nikon_p90.html ) Lots of great all around features...It is easy to get fooled into spending alot of money on "the big guys camera", (and the spending never stops)...but the disadvantages, and inconviences are not worth it. just my opinion, adn believe me there are plenty of diehards out here for either side. Good luck choosing.

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http://whatbird.com/forums/photos/early_summers_birds/

Lets simplify the whole process here

If you simply want to pick up the camera and point and shoot then you get yourself a point and shoot camera (hence the name).

But if you want to do more if you need more speed more shots per second on burst mode have the ability to reach longer to have more control over your camera and shots then get yourself a DSLR camera.

This was an indepth discussion about P&S vs DSLR  http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/thread/84621.aspx

I would suggest maybe the best approach for you is to go to a camera store pick up and handle both types and then make your decision

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In loving memory of Nancy my darling wife of 10 years who passed away on Monday November the 16th 2009 after an illness

My photo gallery http://thekiwi.org/photography/index.php

Thank for both taking the time to respond. I was very interested in your answer, Birdseye as that seems to be where I am heading and a good fit for me.

I read that previous thread Kiwi and if I could take the same quality pictures that LauraC can without the big bucks and fiddling around, I would be happy. As much as I would like, I'll never be pro enough to justify the bells and whistles but if I am going to spend a lot, I want to spend it on something that makes sense for what I like to do.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the help

FB

This should really be an update and a cautionary tale :D

I went to the store, felt up some cameras and jumped in feet first with the Canon Rebel XS DSLR. All excited,despite some reservations, I spent all day Sunday (admittedly in low, hazy humid light) outside practising the same photo on all settings, swapping to the bigger/longer lens, switching back, trying some birds, indoor and outdoor photos and got slowly more frustrated and despondent.  I loved the view-finder, which I didn't expect to- I find it much easier for spying that bird than counting how many branches up and to the right where someone is perching before I can take the shot.  The speed is beyond amazing and the clarity of those shots when you get it "just so" are unquestionably superb.

But, it's not me for me. I may not be advanced enough to handle this camera (I may never be) and $900 later, it also felt like an expensive mistake on top of just a mistake.  In short, I am going to return it and get myself the Nikon D-90 and just go and enjoy my walks and bird hunting again. Maybe one day I'll go back to it, perhaps for different kinds of photography(I can see it being a must-have in a more controlled setting, but not now - and I had already walked out of the store with an extra lens that didnt zoom far enough for me and a UV filter and today, a colleague sent me a link for a lens that would be better for what I want ...at $999 and that's too much money for an amateur not fully utilizing all the technical aspects of such a camera.

Only posting this update in case it does assist anyone else who is weighing up the pros & cons.

FB 

 

You see, you already have a Coolpix, so why don't you upgrade the model? I have the P80, but the P90 is newer and better It has all the Point and Shoot functions you're used to, a Continuous mode, Scene Modes, and several Priority modes such as Shutter Speed and Aperature. It also has full manual controls. The Close up Mode is great for hummers. Although, your budget is $1000, this is only $400.

 Here's my Nikon P80 Hummer

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Lifer Count: 113
Favorite Lifers: Resplendent Quetzal, Keel Billed Toucan, Blue Crowned Motmot, Crimson Fronted Parakeet, Osprey
Recent Lifers: Cooper's Hawk, Brown Headed Cowbird, Killdeer

For some reason I wrote D but until you just pointed it out, didnt realize my error - it's the P-90 I am going for and it's on sale at the same camera shop for $369 with a $30 instant rebate. I think I'm going to be much happier and I appreciate your info (and the photo!) I cannot wait to get back in the swing again, I actually feel relieved (stupid, but relieved) :)

 ~FB

I got the P80 for $400... then on black friday it was $300...

 

I hate sales.

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Lifer Count: 113
Favorite Lifers: Resplendent Quetzal, Keel Billed Toucan, Blue Crowned Motmot, Crimson Fronted Parakeet, Osprey
Recent Lifers: Cooper's Hawk, Brown Headed Cowbird, Killdeer

Quite possibly my favorite picture with my P80 (of birds)

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Lifer Count: 113
Favorite Lifers: Resplendent Quetzal, Keel Billed Toucan, Blue Crowned Motmot, Crimson Fronted Parakeet, Osprey
Recent Lifers: Cooper's Hawk, Brown Headed Cowbird, Killdeer

just gorgeous - were you far away?

It's funny, I just realized the BJ screeching nearby has young that keeps coming into the tree above my head outside the front door and it only just occurred to me to hang out of the upstairs window, instead of on the ground.....duh ;)

One last update, you were so right about this camera- I've had it for an hour, set it up ready to go - has all the features I liked from the Rebel along with everything I got used to on the coolpix l100- fab, can't wait to go for our bird hike this w/end now - and we got the whole kit, including bag and a rechargable battery (I was buying way too many of the expensive digital camera batteries) for $339

Good going Freebird!  i have a Canon XS now, and I just put it up on ebay tonight... i plan to get a nikon p90 when this one sells... thanks for keeping us updated on your camera purchase. keep sending the photos.

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http://whatbird.com/forums/photos/early_summers_birds/

Freebird:

This should really be an update and a cautionary tale :D

I went to the store, felt up some cameras and jumped in feet first with the Canon Rebel XS DSLR. All excited,despite some reservations, I spent all day Sunday (admittedly in low, hazy humid light) outside practising the same photo on all settings, swapping to the bigger/longer lens, switching back, trying some birds, indoor and outdoor photos and got slowly more frustrated and despondent.  I loved the view-finder, which I didn't expect to- I find it much easier for spying that bird than counting how many branches up and to the right where someone is perching before I can take the shot.  The speed is beyond amazing and the clarity of those shots when you get it "just so" are unquestionably superb.

But, it's not me for me. I may not be advanced enough to handle this camera (I may never be) and $900 later, it also felt like an expensive mistake on top of just a mistake.  In short, I am going to return it and get myself the Nikon D-90 and just go and enjoy my walks and bird hunting again. Maybe one day I'll go back to it, perhaps for different kinds of photography(I can see it being a must-have in a more controlled setting, but not now - and I had already walked out of the store with an extra lens that didnt zoom far enough for me and a UV filter and today, a colleague sent me a link for a lens that would be better for what I want ...at $999 and that's too much money for an amateur not fully utilizing all the technical aspects of such a camera.

Only posting this update in case it does assist anyone else who is weighing up the pros & cons.

I feel I have to respond to this, and please don't take this personally, because you're certainly not the first person I've heard say this.

I'm don't think you can really tell that "it's not for you" after one day's shooting, especially in the conditions you had.  I've been shooting a Nikon SLR for years (first 35mm and now digital), and I still have days like that.  I know I'm a bit late to the thread, but if I'd caught it in time, I would have urged you to spend more time with it.  Today's DSLRs are pretty friendly, but you need more than one day to get into it.  Trust me, you only would have gotten better with a little practice, and then you'd have been nailing those really great shots one after another.  You mentioned you've already seen superior results in a few of your shots that did work out, so I think you know what I'm talking about.

Don't get me wrong, though, the way you ended up going isn't a bad way at all.  Today's P&S cameras are amazing, especially for their size (their main advantage!).  I'm sure you'll get some really great shots with your new camera as well.  My point is just that you can't really know that a DSLR "isn't for you" after a single day's shooting (or even two or three days).

If Birdseye says he's never going to buy a DSLR again, I wouldn't say anything, because he's put in the time to be sure he really hates them!  In your case, though, I'd encourage you to give it another try some time later, if the photo bug is still biting, that is

Lyceel is right on here... the learning curve is really long on the DSLR-- you won't get really representative shots in the begining..But most people do overcome it.. I just havent been able to for some reason...and am probly too old to ever get it...I am convinced the photos with the DSLR can be superior, but most of mine just aren't...So as someone  earlier said " Go with what fits you, and your needs.."

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http://whatbird.com/forums/photos/early_summers_birds/

birdseye:

Lyceel is right on here... the learning curve is really long on the DSLR-- you won't get really representative shots in the begining..But most people do overcome it.. I just havent been able to for some reason...and am probly too old to ever get it...I am convinced the photos with the DSLR can be superior, but most of mine just aren't...So as someone  earlier said " Go with what fits you, and your needs.."

Hi birdseye sorry but I don't agree with the old thing I am 57 I enjoy learning stuff and besides that if you want to you can use the DSLR on full auto if you desire

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In loving memory of Nancy my darling wife of 10 years who passed away on Monday November the 16th 2009 after an illness

My photo gallery http://thekiwi.org/photography/index.php