Can anyone recommend a good camera please?

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by squishy

hmm... i dont think the S9600 or S100fs fit into the conventional 'super-zoom' category... i think they sort of stand alone in a 'almost DSLR' category

most super-zooms seem to me to just be slightly elaborated point-and-shooter's, but the fuji S____ range seems to give you more then that...

LOL i sound like a fujifilm advert but they are very good cameras

Ah - but I did say "Superzoom Bridge Cameras" Not just any old compact digital with a long zoom ratio.

Regards
Mike.

[squishy]

oh, i know what you mean LL, i'm just saying that they are really on their own in that category... none of the competition offers the same DSLR like handling

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by squishy

oh, i know what you mean LL, i'm just saying that they are really on their own in that category... none of the competition offers the same DSLR like handling

I know squishy - I know that you are very happy with your S9600, and are keen to promote that for other people's benefit. - And why not - I'm still using mine quite often too, And I'm still well impressed with it.

Regards
Mike.

[squishy]

and in the process i end up sounding like a fujifilm advert

[nightowl57]

Many, many thanks everyone for your comments, they have been really helpful, and can I just say I have only just joined the forum and I think you are all really friendly people, thank you for taking the time to answer All I need to do now is convince my husband to buy one for xmas for me!!

[squishy]

good luck with that! i hope you stay and enjoy WAB!

if you do get a camera, please post some photos up

[rebelshooter]

Originally Posted by nightowl57

I have been taking pictures with a cheap digital camera, I don't know too much about cameras, but am looking to invest in a camera with a better zoom lens. I am a beginner at photographing birds, and so therefore would not like a too complicated one, has anyone got any recommendations of a camera for a first timer?

My first set was a Nikon D40 + a Sigma 70-300mm. They worked pretty well. A couple of years back, I was crushing on a Canon 30D. I still like it, but it is surprisingly hard to find. People who own the units do not want to part with them. I can see why.

Silver Gull on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
The King on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Now, there's 450D, 50D--both are good, too.
There's also the Canon 1000D which I am just starting to learn about.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by rebelshooter

My first set was a Nikon D40

Ken Rockwell recommends the D40 and says that it's an unnecessary waste of money to go for the D60. There's also some interesting comments on the 'megapixel race':

Recommended Cameras

Jim

[Lancashire Lad]

I would suggest that for the vast majority of amateur photographers, (excluding those with specific need for, say low light, or fast multi-frame ability), any of the currently available DSLR's from reputable manufacturers will provide final image quality of all and more than they will ever need.

There seems to be never ending discussions about the need to "upgrade this camera for that", or, "I should have gone for X instead of Y" etc. etc.

The bottom line with this school of thought comes down to one of two things: -

Either - People want to upgrade simply for the sake of having a newer, all singing and dancing, and (percieved) better camera, so that they can be "one-up" on their friends and aquaintances. OK if they want to waste their money - but ultimately, they will be judged on their results and not on what equipment they own.

Or - People are simply not getting the best from their current camera, and are under the impression that an upgrade will solve all their problems. In which case no amount of upgrading will improve their results.

My suggestion (for the DSLR user) is: - buy a decent camera to start with - and stick with it until it no longer works and becomes economically irrepairable.

Spend your money wisely on lenses. A bad lens will ruin the image quality of even the most expensive camera.

Constant upgrading of camera bodies will do nothing for your photography (but your dealer will love you. ).

Regards
Mike.

[rebelshooter]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Ken Rockwell recommends the D40 and says that it's an unnecessary waste of money to go for the D60. There's also some interesting comments on the 'megapixel race':

Recommended Cameras

Jim

I agree. When I had to sell my D40 because of cash flow problems, people were all too willing to get it off my hands because it's a good camera. Personally, I wouldn't have parted with it if I didn't have to.