Advice on which camera please

[shei111]

Hello please could someone tell me whether a OLYMPUS SP55OUZ camera would be any good to take photos in my garden of birds, garden length approx 70 feet but feeding station about 20 feet from where photos will be taken . Its priced at £249.00 plus £20.00 for memory card . Many thanks to you all sheila

[big bill]

Hello Shiela just had a look at the specs of the camera and it seems ok
7.1 mp sensor with iso rating fro 50-5000 takes both jpeg and raw with manual and auto focus,the 18x optical zoom they say gives in old 35mm terms a lens range of 28-500mm so it seems that it could be ok it also carries image stabization with the lens so all in all it seems a good camera.
But 20 ft away from were you would normally be taking the pics I think your images would be quite small so you may need to get a bit closer maybe to within 10 feet ,but you can always try it first from 20 ft and adjust accordingly
Hope this helps

[Ukwildlifeo]

I would also have a look at the panasonic FZ range (the fz18 in particular as it is often rated the best bridge camera) and the Fugi fine pix range (the s8000 fd and s8100fd are similar and better specs)

[shei111]

Thanks to you both for helping me out , firstly cant seem to get a stockist about here that sells panasonic. Bill thanks for help with the SP550, how about the SP560 OLYMPUS price at £230.00. can you tell me anything about that camera please or anyone else knows anything ? many thanks sheila

[big bill]

Hello Shiela check the site out and it will also give yyou places to purchase
Olympus - SP-560 UZ
At a glance the differance is 8mp instead of 7mp 18x optical zoom giving equiv of 27-486mm in 35 mm terms has image stabalixing and Program apertrure Shutter and manual modes places to buy seems to be any of the High Street stores hope this helps you,Happy hunting

[shei111]

Hello Bill Thanks so much for your very valuable information really very kind of you. Its nice to know on this website theres always someone out there whos willing to help out. thanks

[big bill]

Thats Ok Shiela glad to be of help its always tghe same when making a purchase like this not knowing what to go for and how one differs from the next it all ends up on personal choice and what you intend to use it for hope you get what you are after,all good shops will let you handle the camera so try it before you buy and dont be pressurised by the salesperson if not happy

[shei111]

Yes thanks bill its the not knowing what your buying is the problem,we all have to start somewhere as the saying goes. Its nice to know that theres valuable information on this site you just have to ask . I need the camera really for garden shots of birds and the 560 seems to be the camera and the price that I need to start out with, Ill let you know what happens ,im quite a tough little cookie and will not be bullied by any salespersons, thanks bill sheila

[big bill]

Go for it girl look forward to your pics dont take any prisoners