Howard - 9-7-2013 at 06:17 PM
I have been out of the camera market for some years and still use my Nikon Coolpix and for my needs have been quite happy with it.
Times they are a changing. In March of 2014 I am going on a "bucket list" trip to South Africa and some surrounding countries. One of my main
focus's will be "shooting" animals and feel that I need a camera with better telephoto lenses, etc.
Quality is less important to me than getting closeups.
With the above being said the order of importance to me is:
1: Size of the camera and all accessories are #1 as I want to travel light.
2: Shooting at distance and getting a decent close up
3: Price, can I keep it under $500?
4: Picture quality is not as important to me as I can only assume that all modern camera's will give me more than the quality I need.
5: Not being a young pup anymore, I would like to have the LCD a decent size, maybe at least 3", is that possible?
20+ years ago I traveled to Kenya and Zimbabwe with a Minolta SLR 35 MM and a couple of extra lenses but I want to travel lighter this time.
Anyone, anyone?
Thanks,
Howard
DaliDali - 9-7-2013 at 06:39 PM
Your in luck Howard....
I now have 4 digital cameras and just don't need that many.
One of them is a Nikon P510 "bridge" sized camera with a long zoom.
It's a size between a full DSLR camera and a compact point and shoot and the long zoom requires no extra long lens.
I thought at one time I wanted a more "functional" camera, beyond the point and shoot ones.
Well as it turns out....it's not for me.
It has taken maybe 100 snaps and is in perfect condition, appearance and function.
All included accessories, and an extra battery, camera case and a 16gb SD card that were all purchased as "extras".
I has all the attributes your seeking....from your #1 through #5.
If your not adverse to "used"...this may be what your looking for.
For your ready reference, I paid $346.00 for this camera, not including the extras, from Amazon in February of this year.
I invite you to research this model Nikon P510 and see it it fills the bill for you.
woody with a view - 9-7-2013 at 06:44 PM
^^^get this^^^
rhintransit - 9-7-2013 at 06:52 PM
I have a Nikon CoolPix which I think is a good compromise for portability and zoom. 18x optical zoom, 12 mp, about the size of a deck of cards.
maybe $350 or so if I remember right. it's three or four years old so I'm sure they've improved on those specs by now.
this one is always in my purse. if I had to carry something bigger, I'd miss a lot of shots because it wouldn't be with me.
monoloco - 9-7-2013 at 06:57 PM
The Nikon P-510 with it's 1000mm zoom capability would be a good choice for shooting wildlife. I don't think you could go wrong with that camera.
ncampion - 9-8-2013 at 08:52 AM
Another vote for the Nikon P-510. It would be perfect for you intended trip. I like that it has the ability to use a viewfinder to frame the shot as
well as a large LCD if you like. The 41X optical zoom is awesome for close ups and it even has an auto bracketing feature for HDR like shots. Light
weight and good egronomics also. Well under your price range.
Russ - 9-8-2013 at 10:38 AM
yep Nikon P-510.
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-p510-r...
another option
tripledigitken - 9-8-2013 at 11:12 AM
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?produc...
consider the Panasonic
Biggest advantage it has over the Nikon is a faster lens. The Nikon has a variable aperture lens (3.0-5.9), as the zoom is increased the lens lets in
less light. The Pannie has a constant 2.8 throughout the zoom range. It will produce better images in low light.
It also has an articulated LCD screen which is very handy at times.
Not a factor for you I'm guessing, but the Pannie also shoots in raw format the Nikon does not.
I have been and still am a Nikon owner by the way. You cannot go wrong with either one, I just give an edge to image quality with the Pannie.
Ken
DaliDali - 9-8-2013 at 04:44 PM
Howard......I sent you a U two but not sure if I did it right.
Please confirm.
woody with a view - 9-8-2013 at 04:49 PM
i have the same camera w/ 36x zoom and love it.
jimgrms - 9-9-2013 at 08:47 AM
Dali Dali If howard doesn't buy your camera i am interested u2u me
Skipjack Joe - 9-9-2013 at 10:19 AM
Agree with Ken: get the panasonic. The larger aperture will let you shoot at lower ISO settings and the quality of images drop off fast at the higher
ISO settings.