Camera help

[stoptheclock]

Ok so i got money for xmas again, i was thinking about buying a half decent digital slr camera as im getting into wildlife photography. My budget is around £150 give or take a few quid but what should i be looking out for other than lots of optical zoom. I did have my eye on this as i can get discount on it through family.

It's a Kodak ZD710 7MP Digital Camera.

thanks for any help

[nightshade]

Look at the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 28-280mm is nearest to your money if you shop around.The more expensive DMC-FZ50 is a very popular choice

[Words]

As for what else you should be looking for (in addition to optical zoom), I would say that you also want image stabilization. That will really help when you are zooming to the large end or shooting in poor light. The Panasonics mentioned here are very popular and get excellent results. You will also need a decent sized data card (1GB minimum to be able to snap away without running out of space), and a spare battery. Nothing worse than running out. I was very happy with the Canon S2 (now upgraded to about S5).

[Meta menardi]

There are so many cameras available, I can only say what works for me. I bought a Nikon 4500 quite a few years ago, cost about £500, I recently bought another (cost about £170) in case the first one ever packs up. I find so many people that are serious about using a camera with a scope or as a macro camera or on a microscope use the same (Chris Packham)
and it is very carryable and it has been dropped and it lives somewhere in my outdoor clothing...it is such a notebook.

I found some very small spiders recently under a rock, copulating (it was the summer) but still capable of a fair turn of speed. Quick click with the camera, zoom in to the preview and it is like a field lens with a freeze capability.

The camera you have with you will always be better than the camera left at home. This is a very personal view

[stoptheclock]

After plenty of thought and lots of looking around both in shops and online ive decided to go for the Nikon D40, it came with a 18-55mm + 55-200mm lens all for only £360, it helps knowing the right people hehe. Ive had a bit of a play around with it at home using both lens' and i can honestly say ive done the right thing im happy

[Words]

So you should be. Enjoy

[m1.carson]

Stop the clock indeed, what happened to the £150 budget.

Max.

[stoptheclock]

I'm in need of help with the sigma lens its a 55-200mm hsm lens. Theres a switch to go from m to af but in af the lens locks up and feels like its going against a motor as if it should be motorised but isnt. has anyone got any ideas? Also any tips on how to get the best of it would be greatly appreciated as it has two focus rings

heres my lens
Sigma - Lenses

[matt_xyz]

It sounds like it may be faulty. It should obviously autofocus smoothly when you half depress the shutter button.

Matt