Whatbird.com

i don't know anything about photography.  but, i would like to get a camera and start taking some pictures on some of my outdoor adventures.  what would be the lowest end camera or beginers camera that i could learn with and take some decent pics with? can you take good pics with a digital camera that has the ability to zoom in realy close from afar?  how much would it all cost?

Let me turn it around and ask you what your budget might be.  That will dictate the recommendations.

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Twin Lakes Ranch
Central Texas

i guess 500-1000.  i dont want to get too involved incase i dont get into it.  is that enough?  if i have to spend over 2 or 3 thousand dollars to get started i'm gonna pass.  i dont want to be a profesional or anything, just snap a few shots.

You have quite a few point and shoot options with that budget.  Depending on your "carrying tolerance", you could get a very nice pocket camera or one of the super zoom cameras like the Canon SX10 IS (too big to carry in your pocket).  It has a 20x zoom and lots of features found on digital SLR cameras.  You might learn more about whether you're going to like photography from this type of camera.  The settings can be set to fully automatic, manual, or almost anything in between.

I'd go to a camera shop and fiddle with a few, and once you know what you want, order it online for the cheapest price.  I think there may be a thread about the above mentioned camera on this forum.

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Twin Lakes Ranch
Central Texas

thanks alot, i'm gonna go research them when i get a minute.

happy to help.

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Twin Lakes Ranch
Central Texas

T_L_Bryant:

 

I'd go to a camera shop and fiddle with a few, and once you know what you want, order it online for the cheapest price. 

Ab word of extreme caution is needed here... I just bought a camera online.. well, lets say i paid for a camera... first was a canon eos xs... ended up to be the film version of it... then a canon xti... took my money, and i am fighting to get it back.. a scam...You'd be surprised how many companies you see advertising on the goggle search results that are scams.. here is a good site  to use
http://www.resellerratings.com/

 

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

Okay, how about this? Go under your budget. Like you, I was interested in photography and wanted to just get started. So I got my Nikon P80 for $400. I love this thing. It's around my neck right now. It has point and shoot auto features like the little crappy cameras but it also has manual controls, a great lens, and 18x Optical Zoom, which is fantastic for getting 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

The P90 came out recently to replace the P80 (12MP and 24x optical zoom).  On the other hand, this means the P80 is $50 cheaper now.

I've been contemplating a P&S camera for traveling, and I was considering one of these.  How big and heavy is it?  Ideally I'd like it to slip in my pocket, or at worst, a small bag attached to my belt.  Any bigger than that, and I'd probably just carry my SLR.

I'll second TJ Bryant's suggestion of Canon SX10IS ; that's what I use and I get great shots at 20x and pretty decent above that as long as I have my monopod with me

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Bob & Jane - birding since April 2009
Lifer count : 137
Newest : Red-Shouldered Hawk, Hermit Thrush

To lyceel:

I know you're a Nikon owner (I am too!) but I've heard a lot of good things about the canon SD780IS and the A1000 IS. Both are cheaper than the nikon, and arguably as good or better. I almost got the A1000, but my budget was pretty slim. I bought the Nikon S220 instead.

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Lifers: 135

Recent additions: Hermit Thrush, Field Sparrow, Purple Finch, Black-throated Green Warbler
Favorites: Osprey, American Kestrel, Reddish Egret

nikon just came out with the P5000...supposedly does it all.  fast frame advance and many features...but can also be set to "auto" and used much like a point and shoot.  i'll bet you will love it once you start to get into it.  it adds another level to birding...you need to get a bit closer in most cases and this requires more patience and stealth.  i started out with a fuji s5000...about the best point and shoot out there (i'm a nikon guy but nikon or canon can't touch this camera for the price)...now i've been shooting a nikon d200 with a couple pricey lenses for the last couple years.  i hope you enjoy your birding and hopefully your new shooting!