Howard
Super Nomad
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Registered: 11-13-2007
Location: Loreto/Manhattan Beach/Kona
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Mood: I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.
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What should I buy?
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
We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing
George Bernard Shaw
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DaliDali
Super Nomad
Posts: 1132
Registered: 4-21-2010
Location: BCS
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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.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
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Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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^^^get this^^^
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rhintransit
Super Nomad
Posts: 1588
Registered: 9-4-2006
Location: Loreto
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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.
reality\'s never been of much use out here...
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monoloco
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 7-13-2009
Location: Pescadero BCS
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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.
"The future ain't what it used to be"
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ncampion
Super Nomad
Posts: 1238
Registered: 4-15-2006
Location: Loreto
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Mood: Retired and Loving it
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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.
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Russ
Elite Nomad
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yep Nikon P-510.
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-p510-r...
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 9-27-2006
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another option
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
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DaliDali
Super Nomad
Posts: 1132
Registered: 4-21-2010
Location: BCS
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Howard......I sent you a U two but not sure if I did it right.
Please confirm.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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i have the same camera w/ 36x zoom and love it.
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jimgrms
Senior Nomad
Posts: 664
Registered: 9-30-2005
Location: oceanside ca
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Mood: its always good
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Dali Dali If howard doesn't buy your camera i am interested u2u me
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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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.
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