We are trying to decide what kind of camera would be best to take pictures of birds and wildlife at 75 feet or more. We have a 10X optical which still seems to struggle with photographs of that nature. Please advise. Any information would be most appreciated.

I have a 12x optical and 4x digital zoom. The digital zoom is not useful unless you have a tripod.

You will get great close ups on the Caño Negro tour. Some of the far shots in the forest take diligence.

Have a fun trip. There are tons of animals to shoot.

Author: parrmt
Date: 11/25/2005, 02:59 pm
My Panasonic Lumix FZ10 12x zoom was great. I researched for months almost going w\a better Canon than the one I had. I love it! Worked great. One other guest had the a Panasonic Lumix and he too loved his.(FZ5)
Here are a couple of shots from quite a distance. (Osa 6/05)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...a/ec4af277.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...a/741090be.jpg

http://photobucket.com/albums/v309/e...t=ec4af277.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/e
spanamaya/4fac5afb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...a/3fc438b9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...a/4fac5afb.jpg



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I would highly recommend getting a digital SLR--the starter Nikon D50 or Canon Digital Rebel XT, with a telephoto zoom lens will cost little more than the high-end point and shoots and you'll be much happier in the long run.

jczinn is right. It's not really the camera, but the lens that you need for good wildlife photos. If you want to stay digital you'll have to purchase a digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera so you can attach the appropriate lens. It's worth it, especially if you're thinking about more travel and more photography. I like the Canon 10D, but the digital Rebel will work too. Regardless of what camera you use it's the lens that is the most important thing. You need at least a 300mm lens, larger (like 400mm) would be better for birds. Obviously the better the and further range of a lens the more expensive. Plenty of info on the net. Good luck.

I agree with the previous two post, get an SLR. I shoot professionally therefore have already invested in great gear as a busniess expense, but my brothers and I just bought a D50 for Dad for Christmas. Everything I've read says it's going to be an incredible camera for him. If you shop you can get a camera and a lens for $650. I'd tell where I bought Dad's but I don't know if that's against the forum rules.
The one thing I would add, to save money on expensive lens, you can buy a multipler which can turn a 200mm into a 400mm. Depending on the camera it can get a little pixelated/grainy, but for most use it works really well. You can get them at any camera store and the 2x I just got only cost me $35. It's a great way to get more use out of your lens.

SLWR

Thank you all for the information and for the web sites. Great pictures!!!

We are really getting excited now. Six days more and we will arrive.

I second the recommendation for the Panasonic Lumix FZ series (I have a FZ20). It has an excellent image stabilizer, which allows you to use the 12x zoom without a tripod. We also got some excellent close-ups from the Cano Negro tour, and some truly amazing shots of the hummingbirds at La Paz.

For expert reviews of digital cameras, check out:

http://www.dpreview.com/

or

http://reviews.cnet.com/Digital_came...tag=cnetfd.dir