Buying Guides

[Fourwings]

Its a real shame about the S9500, it would seem that fuji rushed to bring it out & judging by alot of the online reviews many people who bought it share your sentiments entirely.

Given proper time & thought it should have been an improvement on the S7000, which is a highly acclaimed bit of gear, I've been using one for the past year & even though I'm shortly upgrading to a Nikon DSLR ( hopefully the new D200 when its released!) I wouldn't dream of parting with the S7000, I can't fault it!

You made an excellent choice with the Panasonic FZ30, I know of someone who has one and his photos are very impressive.

I look forward to seeing yours

[Kev Lewis]

The biggest improvements you will get in image quality is by:
a. improving the optics on the camera system
b. by knowing how to use the camera you have to its best advantage and
c. getting to know your subject.

If you can get a bird full frame then the detail will be there even if the camera is a relatively basic one. DSLR cameras are definately the way to go if you are serious about your bird photography as they pretty much eliminate shutter lag which is a killer for inflight photography and the range of lens is only limited by the depth of your pocket . Personally I wouldn't even consider a cheap tripod, go for the heaviest and most solid one you can afford and that you can carry. My current setup of Canon 1D MkII N, Canon 600mm f4 IS USM lens and Manfrotto tripod with the 393 head weighs in at around 20-25 lbs but it delivers the results so I put up with lugging it around.

Getting the highest resolution sensor possible does allow you to crop if it's really necessary and still have a high quality image suitable for publication or printing. To summarise I would put my priority of must haves in the following order:

1. DSLR camera
2. A fast lens, preferably a prime one but I know that the better quality zoom lens also give good value for money. Aim for at least 300mm
3. A solid tripod.

[pheonix]

ok as a complete novice to cameras i would have to agree on the point made of doing your research. i didnt know alot about cameras and asked for advice and took time to read about different funtions to understand them and choose what i really want (to anyone concerned im still looking for a camera but at the moment im quite set on the kodak easyshare z740- its fairly cheep and seems to have some good functions, which both suit my needs and budget).

as to binoculars i have also been looking for a new pair too, i have a small compact pair at the moment but there not very good, im looking at a pair that are 10x42 but im finding im compromising weight for price.

i have a pair of stout walking boot stile footwear but with steel toe caps (work requirement) and i have to say i spend alot of time in the feild and they are very comfortable. go for water proof or quick drying!

as with anything im learning not to compromise on cost, go for the best you can afford as generally the more you spend the better the quality, also with the point that you wont need to replace it as quickly.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by pheonix

as to binoculars i have also been looking for a new pair too, i have a small compact pair at the moment but there not very good, im looking at a pair that are 10x42 but im finding im compromising weight for price.

what's your price limit?

an alternative would be the Nikon HG10x32 from www.warehouseexpress.com £350 weigh 715g. Reduced from £600 due to new model

but as Helen says get the best you can afford then you won't keep wanting to upgrade.

[pheonix]

unfortunatly not that much, i have stretched my budget to get a better camera (up to 300 pounds) so im currently looking at binoculars up to 100 pounds. this is where the point comes in of by the best you can afford, but ist not easy when you cant afford to spend alot.

maybe there should be a section to this guide for people that have to stick to a tighter budget?

[haddonite]

Originally Posted by pheonix

unfortunatly not that much, i have stretched my budget to get a better camera (up to 300 pounds) so im currently looking at binoculars up to 100 pounds......

Try the Bushnell brand. My good lady has a pair of Bushnell 'Nature View Plus' which cost about £120, and they are very clear.

Neil

[MalcolmX]

i sympathise with you over your purchase however your camera is more than capable of producing an a4 image in good focused detail . firstly check your iso rating too low will give a low shutter speed relative to the point in the optical zoom you are at, make sure you have a solid tripod and if possible a release cable . if mirror lockup is available use that as well (i have a canon camera so i am not as well versed in your camera features ) after you have taken your shot in large jpeg if you cannot shoot raw it will need sharpening in photo shop (all digital camera shots need a degree of fastening to overcome the filters on the ccd)

[nightshade]

When I decided to upgrade to a DSLR I handled all the main contenders in my price range,as well as having all the mega pixels, programs,lense ranges etc. if it is uncomfortable to hold or the controls are not where you would want or expect to find them then dont buy it. It will not improve!if it feels right then it probably is right, for instance the excellent Canon 350d is just too small in my hands, the new Nikon d50 is almost right but the D70s was a very good fit sitting with a quality feel and heavy enough to stay still when trying long shots.

[Alan]

Binoculars:

If you nature watch in woodlands, so can expect reasonably close views, go for something like 8 x 35, 8 x 42.

If Your area is say the coast, go for 10 x 42, 10 x 50.

If you do a lot of mammal watching, which often means dawn/dusk, I recommend 8 x 42 wide angle. The wide angle ones are especially useful for Badger watching as they gather the light even on dark nights and make it easier to see than your naked eye. Just make sure they have a close focus.

Get the model that suits you and go for the best ones you can afford. Remember they can last a lifetime so are worth it in the long run.

Why not go the the British Birdwatching Fair in August to try out the different models and makes of binocs and cameras.

[Jonny]

Here's a buying tip................Search the internet for the cheapest price on the item you are looking for, make a note of the website, price, etc and then go into jessops and tell them the price and ask if they will do a price match. No haggling involved, and on the 2 items I have bought this way, I have a 100 % success rate, and a local shop to take the item back to, should it go wrong..................Jon