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I had my choice of a spotting scope, or a camera. i got the spotting scope, but i dont know if i should take it back and get the camera! it is a Bushnell Sentry. it is compact and lightweight and such. the camera i want is either the Nikon D60 or the Cannon Rebel XTI. should i stick with the scope or take her back? if i should take it back, which camera is the best and how much is a 400mm lens? (i think i am in the range of $350 or less)

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I guess it depends on if you want to view birds or take photos of the birds you view.  My personal choice was to go with the camera.  I have a Canon digital Rebel xti.  I just got a new 300mm Sigma lens for less than $200 dollars.  However, there's a converter that is less than $150.00 that will bring it to 600mm.  Not professional grade whatsoever, but I get some good photos.  I'm still learning.  I didn't look into 400mm lenses.  Personally speaking, I prefer to have the camera, with the longer lens attached, even if I don't take photos, it serves as a "scope" as well.  From what I've heard, folks are either in the Nikon camp or Canon camp ... I love my Canon.  Hope this helps.  Best, Emily

a p.s.:  I know very little about Nikon's and their performance so I can't give you any information about them.  I wanted to add that you wrote the scope is lightweight.  My Canon, with the 300mm lens attached would do best taking photos at the 300mm on a tripod.  When Spring does get here and I go on hikes and such, I also have a backpack to hold the camera, lenses, battery and will also attach the tripod for hikes.  If weight is an issue (don't know how or where you'll be using it) the camera can require additional items and therefore, weight. 

I do know that there are folks who use point and shoot cameras (much less expsensive and much more lightweight) with 8-10 megapixels along with digiscopes to take photos.  Other than knowing of this practice, I can't say how it's done or give you a direction to look into it. 

 Again, hope this helps.  Best, Emily  

well, i might be bringing it along on hikes and stuff, so i can do at least 50 pounds! lol! thannks for the info on the camera!

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Check list: 101
Recent ones: Lesser Yellow-Legs, American Wigeon, Eastern Kingbird.
My Favs: Black-Headed Grosbeak, Ruby- Crowned Kinglet, Violet-Green swallow.

  I disagree w/the previous post (not intending to be offensive) but not everyone has to be in the Nikon or Canon camp. For example one of my heroes is Jim Nachtwey. He's a famous international photojournalist who uses Nikon and Canon, but he also owns Olympus and Leica. Some collectors swear by Leica. Plan your budget and stay within it. I'm saving for a Pentax K20d myself because I already have lenses from and old SLR that are interchangeable w' the new DSLR, and the K20D is completely watertight w/ 14+ mega pixels. Many camera stores rent DSLR's with accessories and lenses by the day or weekend. Be prepared to pay some money I paid $200 for one day but know exactly which I wanted immediately. I own Pentax and Kodak and have tried Canon and Nikon but am not a slave to any one piece of equipment or brand. I think the key is to consider your budget, how interconnected the accessories are with your current equipment, your needs, your future use, whether you plan photography as a hobby or making it as a pro. Some things you can skimp to save money might be like cheap tripods to drag through the mud, and extra lens caps, because some people (like me) can be rough on equipment. Remember expensive things wear out, break, also they can be lost or stolen. Also you may think about buying online to save paying tax, try a sale that pays shipping, or better yet gives you an extended warranty. Just my $0.02 worth which ain't much.

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