Expert: Abe - 2/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello! I am a nature lover and would like to take up nature photography as a hobby. I would like to buy a camera that would be good for taking close up pictures of wild flowers, zoom on wild birds on tree tops, but also generally good  for taking pictures of natural landscape, especially that of rivers and wetlands. I am retired, prepared to spend up to USD300. Woild appreciate your advice.

Regards
Dara

ANSWER: Hi Dara,

I think a great camera for you would be one that has a long telephoto range, and image-stabilization to keep things steady when you're zooming in. For that reason, I'll recommend the Canon SX1000 IS.

Here's a link to the camera. The silver color is a few dollars cheaper.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX100IS-Digital-Stabilized/dp/B000V1VG4W/r

Please let me know if you'd like other suggestions or help using the camera once you get it. I'm happy to help - and I hope you enjoy your new hobby!

All the best!
Abe

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Abe,
Thanks very much for your very helpful clear answer.I have checked up the link. I like the specification although I understood very little of it! I have a follow up question though. What extras would you recommend I should buy, like camera case, Memory Cards(1 or 2 GB?), Recharger, Tripods, etc?

Have a nice day.
Dara

Answer
Hi again Dara,

I am going to recommend that you pick up an extra set of NiMH rechargeable AA batteries. Look for a rating of 2500 or higher when you buy these batteries. I personally use Energizer 15-minute rechargeables with the included charger. You can find these online or at Best Buy.

I wouldn't spend the extra money on a tripod or camera case just yet. The temptation is to buy all of the extras, but trust me when I tell you - they are a waste of your money. In the future, if you feel the need for a tripod, then of course you can pick one up for as little as $50, and a camera case is generally not necessary for such a small camera with an already attached lens. But if it makes you feel better about your investment to have one, eBay offers many small bags at a very reasonable cost. For now, just learn how to use the camera and don't spend money on accessories you may never need.

You will need a memory card (SD). I recommend that you buy 2, in the event one fails while you are out shooting (and they do fail on occasion). You can buy the 1 GB or 2 GB size - either should be plenty. The camera may even support the 4 GB and above size (the camera's manual will tell you if this is possible, and I'm almost certain that it is) - but 4 GB isn't especially necessary unless you plan to take very long videos. If I were buying this camera, I'd buy (2) 2 GB SD cards. SanDisk is a good brand that is reasonably priced and offers a lifetime warranty. For the camera and accessories, try shopping online using www.resellerratings.com. This is far and away the best place to find stores that are not of the scam variety. Remember, if it is much cheaper than everyone else's price, it's  a scam. I use buydig.com, bhphoto.com, and amazon.com 90% of the time.

Feel free to follow up if I can be of further help!

All the best!
Abe