Bird Watching Digital Camera & Digital Camcorders
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Digital Photography Cameras and digital Camcorders for Bird WatchingNow the fun stuff for birdwatching, SLR digital camera and digital camcorders, if you have deep pockets. Digital photography cameras and digital camcorders can be reasonable, however, it you really want quality pictures or dvd's to show your family and friends, this can get pricey. Keep in mind, getting real close to most wild birds without spooking them may require telephoto lenses and high definition video or 8 to 14 mega pixels for digital photos, I've got some OK shots with my 5.1 mp digital camera. The only digital photography camera or digital camcorder that should be considered for bird watching are hi-definition, no compression, excellent lenses, low light capability, highspeed frames and plenty of battery power. A digital photography Camera for stills and a digital camcorder for live actions shots with excellent sound would be great of bird watching. The jury is still out on most digital cameras with 20 to 60 second video shots or digital camcorders with still shot features. However, Canon and some other manufactures claim to provide up to 10 mp for stills. That sounds exciting, but I'll wait and see. Here's my experience. I have a Minolta Dimage 7 with 5.1 mp and 7x normal zoom. When I take a non-zoom picture and crop it, then blow it up, it's fine, however, when I take a 7x zoom picture, crop it and blow it up, it's grainy, so I have to smooth it over and by doing so lose clarity for that picture. So I feel I need to up grade to at least 10 to 14 mp digital camera for zoom pictures I want to crop. I have to admit, I'm not a high tech geek, so I may be missing something, but I don't think so. Just keep this in mind when you buy a new digital photography camera or digital camcorder for bird watching. Types of Cameras for Bird WatchingKeep in mind, a digital photography camera for the birds needs to be above the norm. Think of taking pictures of the kids playing soccer, now multiply the difficulty by 10. Birds are difficult subjects, you have both distance and quick motion to deal with, therefore, you're going to need a zoom lens of at least 10x without distortion, and have high speed shutter rate with quick auto focus or manual focus. Another nice feature would be auto multiple shutter release (rapid fire shots) for birds in flight. Point and shoot digital cameras won't work very well for bird watching. So here's what you want to look for in a digital photography camera for bird watching. First is an SLR (single lens reflex) digital camera, because you'll need several different lenses, short to very long range shots. Next, be sure to buy a digital photography camera that is well built, dust and moister proof (you need that if you're going to trapsing around the woods, lakes or beaches). Here's the tough part, light weight and compact, so far. I've put up with the weight, but, I can't imagine myself, if I became a die-hard birdwatcher, around my neck are; digital camera binocular, SLR digital photography camera with a selection of lenses and filters, digital camcorder, spotting scope case, and a backpack with all the accessories, batteries, special clothes for the weather, and lunch. I don't think so. Come to think of it, that's about the way I go fishing along the river, hum. So, whatever digital camera you buy, you'll want a above average digital photography camera with the option of doing everything manually, trust me on this one, and the ability to take 30-60 second movie shots. Unless you have experience with the old SLR cameras, manually operating a digital SLR camera will take a little time and experience to operate. Don't forget, the best bird watching digital photography camera needs batteries and memory, don't forget spares. |
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High Rated SLR Bird Watching Digital Photography Camera |
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The Pentax K200D SLR bird watching digital photography camera with 10.2 mp is a good entry level digital camera for bird watching. This resolution is good enough for poster size prints. The Pentax Custom Image functions allow for an incredible degree of control. A 2.7-inch LCD screen allows for quick and easy review and editing of images. The K200D is compatible with any Pentax lens ever produced and features Shake Reduction and a high quality image sensor. A range of ISO options up to 1600 ensures that the Pentax K200D can handle a variety of lighting conditions. Features a weather and dust resistant body. $550 - $750 Pentax K200D Specifications:
It's the new Canon's Digital Rebel series camera, the 450D, which blends the professional power of Canon's 40D with the user-friendly presentation of the Digital Rebel line. The 450D (XSi) is a digital SLR that presents professional-level quality and versatility in an approachable, affordable package. The 450D features 'live view,' allowing photographers to preview their shots on the LCD and not just through the viewfinder, and the fast Canon DIGIC III processor. Its 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor will provide finely detailed images with enough resolution for poster-sized blow ups and exceptional photo prints. $650 - $900 Canon XSi 450D Specifications:
The Alpha A350 is Sony's next step forward into the consumer digital SLR market, and it marches right alongside its brother Alpha A300. The A350 offers a 14.2-megapixel sensor in contrast to the A300's 10.2, but otherwise the cameras are nearly identical. The big news here is the implementation of a Quick AF Live View system, which allows users to frame shots using the tilting 2.7-inch LCD screen. Otherwise the camera is pretty much par for the course when it comes to consumer dSLRs, offering now-standard features like a dust-shake system and in-body image stabilization. The body accepts all Sony and Minolta A-type bayonet mount lenses, and so is a great first dSLR for someone who has access to an older Minolta film camera. $730 - $800 Sony A350 Specifications:
The Pentax K20D is an impressive offering from Pentax in the SLR market. 14.6 megapixels (the highest in its class) captures enough detail for poster-sized prints. The 2.7-inch LCD display allows for easy review and cropping of images. An improved dust-proof and water-resistant construction ensures that the camera stays clean and functional even under the toughest conditions. $980 - $1,200 Pentax K20D Specifications:
Sony's Alpha A300 represents The next step forward into the consumer digital SLR market, and it marches right alongside its brother Alpha A350. The A300's 10.2-megapixel sensor pales slightly in comparison to the A350's 14.2 (though both use the same size chip), but otherwise the cameras are nearly identical. The big news here is the implementation of a Quick AF Live View system, which allows users to frame shots using the tilting 2.7-inch LCD screen. Otherwise the camera is pretty much par for the course when it comes to consumer dSLRs, offering now-standard features like a dust-shake system and in-body image stabilization. The body accepts all Sony and Minolta A-type bayonet mount lenses, and so is a great first dSLR for someone who has access to an older Minolta film camera. $600 - $800 Sony A300 Specifications:
It's finally here! Canon's much talked about EOS SLR digital photography camera, much rumored 40D has arrived, and it's even better than you might have heard. A fine successor to the well-received 30D and 20D, the 40D brings the Canon EOS SLR line up to ten megapixels, brings the advanced DIGIC III image processor, and gussies itself up with a luxurious 3.0-inch LCD screen. Stay tuned to this page for more information as initial reports and reviews begin to roll in! $1,125 - $1,500 Canon EOS 40D Specifications:
Types of Camcorders for Bird WatchingWhen buying a bird watching digital camcorder, know what you're buying, who your buying from, and what the real, not listed, price is! Below are some shopping tips that may save you a lot of money and heartache, that I found on Camcorder HQ website, it is well worth you time to check them out. No I have bought anything from them, nor check them out. I just thought the information they have on their website is good. Some of it is include on this webpage.
My thoughts on digital camcorders. If your going to get one for bird watching events, get a good one, you're going to need it. Most birds are going to be fairly far away, so you'll need a HD camcorder with a good natural zoom lens, 12-15x power. The still shot ability would be worth having it on the camcorder if it is 5 mp or better, saving you the need for a digital camera. Just a thought. I see a couple listed below that have peaked my interest. Canon's Vixia line of digital camcorders with flash memory and hi definition is causing a stir on the digital camcorder market. The Canon Vixia HF100 can capture full resolution hi-def video in either 24p Cinema mode or 30p progressive. The HF100 then captures it directly to a Secure Digital HC flash memory card, thanks to it's HD CMOS Image Sensor, which works in concert with a DIGIC DV II Image Processor for superior color and clarity. A 12x optical zoom that captures focus instantly thanks to Canon's new patented Instant AutoFocus and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer. $600 - $1,000 Canon Vixia HF100 Specifications:
This Panasonic's HDC-SD100 digital camcorder is new and may not be on some shelves yet. It may look like other SD models, but Panasonic has pulled out all the stops for its latest camcorder. Switching from CCD sensors to a three-CMOS (color) imaging system, Panasonic provides users with the best color reproduction possible. And the HDC-SD100 takes gorgeous 1920 x 1080 full HD video so your memories will always be crystal clear. $880 - $1,100 Panasonic HDC-SD100 Specifications:
The Sony HDR-SR11 digital camcorder is nearly the same as it's big brother HDR-SR12, but does it with half the hard drive space, providing up to seven hours of full HD video on it's 60GB hard drive for about $200 less. $950 - $1,200 Sony HDR-SR11 Specifications:
The Canon FS100 flash memory digital camcorder, weighing an amazingly light 9.2 ounces, not only records exclusively to an SDHC card slot, it also incorporates the DIGIC DV II Image processor exceptional color and clarity. Additionally, it uses a 48x optical zoom and an advanced Lithium-ion Battery display which can show remaining recording time to the minute. An external microphone terminal rounds out the best of features. Comes in four colors - silver, navy blue and wine red. This would be good for the occasional need to shot a bird in flight or for sound, however, I would have much hope of getting a good results at 45x, maybe 25x. $310 - $400 Canon FS100 Specifications:
Featuring Panasonic's customary 3CCD imaging system and recording in 1080/24p full-HD format, the HDC-SD9 packs a lot of power into a very small package; indeed, it's the smallest and lightest digital camcorder in its class. The camera records directly to Secure Digital or SDHC memory cards, meaning that recording time is limited only by the size of the memory card in use. It also includes Panasonic's Advanced O.I.S. image stabilization system, which can save your video from blur caused by camera shake. The lenses 10x optical zoom gives your a very decent shooting range, and the digital zoom goes all the way up to 700x, though we don't recommend using it. Other incidental features include face detection and a tele macro mode. In all, this is a great choice for those who want HD capability on the go, and aren't looking to film movies of epic length. $500 - $800 Panasonic HDC-SD9 Specifications:
The Canon HV20 High Definition Camcorder is an achievement in home video recording. With the HV20, amateur and casual videographers can now make full-resolution 1080 widescreen (16:9) high-definition videos, for use on their HDTVs. The camera's built-in HDMI terminal makes connecting to HDTVs incredibly easy. Advanced users will surely be interested in the 24p "Cinema Mode" which adds a film-like look to videos. In addition to the high-quality video capabilities, the HV20 also features a 3-megapixel still camera and 2.7-inch widescreen LCD. Keep an eye on this digital camcorder. $600 - $1,285 Canon HV20 Specifications:
This digital HD camcorder from Panasonic PV-GS320 features a 10x optical zoom Leica lens paired with a professional-grade 3CCD imaging system. It also features the same Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) system found on all of Panasonic's digital still cameras, which helps reduce blur caused by camera shake. The PV-GS320 is equipped with a 2.7" widescreen LCD, and can record in both 16:9 widescreen format and standard full-frame 4:3. In addition to its video capabilities, the camcorder doubles as a 3.1-megapixel still camera. Video is recorded directly to MiniDV tapes, though the camcorder is equipped with a SD/SDHC slot. The best for the price, I think. I still have my working digital Panasonic with all the bells and whistles that is over twenty years old. Yes, I said digital and heavy, can you believe that? $395 - $490 Panasonic PV-GS320 Specifications:
The Canon Vixia HF10 digital camcorder is pretty expensive, but you get a lot for your money. For one, the flash memory video storage is an innovative step into the future, freeing you from the confines of cassette tapes and even the more modern hard drives. This solid state memory is cheap and durable, makes transfers to computers a snap, and is sure to make your overall experience much easier. The HF10 is a full-HD camcorder, capable of taking videos with 1080 lines of horizontal HD resolution, and even features a '24p' mode for film-like videos. $750 - $1,300 Canon HF10 Specifications:
This digital camcorder, the Sony HDR-SR12, it seems to be the cream-de-cream in this price range. It's a hard drive digital camcorder that seeks to be the Swiss Army Knife of video. It has Sony's Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization and a 10MP DIGITAL STILL CAPTURE CAPABILITY, WOW. The SR12 can also record to both it's 120GB hard drive or Memory Stick for up to 15 hours of HD video. I've got my eye on this one! Honey, get a lotto ticket when you go to the store. $980 - $1,400 Sony HDR-SR12 Specifications:
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