Starter camera

[heskin]

Can anyone please reccomend a basic camera for a starter outfit as I have just got into photographing wildlife and need a simple camera that is easy to use to start me off.It does not need to be one of the most advanced as I want to "learn to walk before I run" - If you know what I mean

[glsammy]

The problem with a "basic" camera is that you'll soon become disappointed in it's capabilities and end up buying something better. This is a journey most of us have been on!
If you really want to get into taking images of wildlife, then a decent zoom lens becomes essential, unless your limiting yourself to flowers or insects!
I'd recommend a bridge camera as a good starting point. Something like the Panasonic FZ30 or FZ50. This has a decent 12X lens, plus plenty of shooting modes for you to experiment with. You can start on auto if you wish, and move onto the other modes when your ready. It may well be all the camera you'll ever need or want, but I doubt it!

[David Hyde]

I am making a couple of assumptions here. Firstly you have a camera of some sort and have tried it for wildlife and found it lacking. Secondly you say wildlife, birds, animals and insects as opposed to plants and fungi etc. This being so I strongly recommend an Digital SLR right from the start. Wildlife photography is demanding so give yourself half a chance. The first thing to decide is Canon or Nikon, both have entry level models. The Nikon D50 is an excellent ‘basic’ camera and can be bought on ebay for less than the price of a bridge camera. A DSLR will give you the greatest flexibility. Start with a zoom lens to at least 300mm and macro and have a go. You can add to or upgrade your system as you go or as your preferences change. Hope this helps.
David

[kshotton45]

Hi, I'm a Canon man. Buying a 'decent' DSLR doesn't mean you have to be an expert.
A Canon 400D ( or similar) has a range of settings from Basic to Advanced - in Basic mode the camera becomes a 'point and shoot'. It will automatically adjust the settings for Portraiture,Landscapes,Close ups,Night shots etc. As well as more advanced options.
I would recommend saving for a 'decent' camera and enjoy the learning process.

This link will tell you a little about a 400D ...
Canon EOS 400D Rebel XTi Digital Camera - Full Review - The Imaging Resource!

But don't forget - I'm a Canon man - there are loads of other cameras about. Research a few and keep popping back to this forum for advice.

Best of luck Keith.

[nightshade]

The Panasonic FZ50 camera is an excellent all rounder and can be kept on
as your back up should you move up to a DSLR
Avoid buying DSLR kits buy a body only and the lenses you WILL USE eg Macro
and Telephoto I rarely use the Nikon 18 70 which came with the camera

[llanon99]

Originally Posted by heskin

Can anyone please reccomend a basic camera for a starter outfit as I have just got into photographing wildlife and need a simple camera that is easy to use to start me off.It does not need to be one of the most advanced as I want to "learn to walk before I run" - If you know what I mean

Depends very much in your budget, I use a Nikon D50, which is frankly superb for the sort of thing you say you wish to do, as D SLRs are very flexible, the new model D40 is quite cheap now £350 ish, and you would probably be able to stay with this camera for a number of years.

USed on full auto - it is an absolute breeze to use, going through to full manual it gets more complex, but you choose what level you wish to use the camera at.

The learning curve is as steep as you wish it to be.

llanon99

[almostnormal]

hi. i have a fujifinepix s6500fd and its pretty good for basic wildlife photography... i've only just started and some of the shots i'm getting are ok. the camera's excellent and easy to use.

however, what the others are saying about slr is true, its inevitable that eventually you'll want one, so if (unlike me) you can afford to go and get a decent DSLR + macro+ telephoto lense thats probably your best bet.