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Oct 1, 2015 5:21 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Ann ~Heat zn 9, Sunset
North Fl. (Zone 8b)
Garden Sages Region: Ukraine Native Plants and Wildflowers Xeriscape Organic Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Garden Ideas: Master Level Butterflies Charter ATP Member Plant Identifier Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Dog Lover
Thumb of 2015-10-01/flaflwrgrl/b4b1ea

This is a thread for discussing what cameras work well for us in getting great shots of butterflies, birds & bees. We all have varying budgets & I'm sure we all want to get the most bang for our buck.
Why is this thread in the BBB forum instead of the Photography forum? Because shooting photos of BBB's present certain challenges different from getting shots of plants or blooms. BBB's are often moving quickly as opposed to a plant or bloom that is stationary. Where we can for the most part control the conditions of photographing plants & blooms; we are at the mercy of the subject and rarely ever in control of the conditions of photographing butterflies, birds and bees. Sometimes we need macro shots because the subject is so tiny and other times we are trying to get shots from a great distance and all of this while the subject is usually moving or subject to move (or leave) at any given moment. We often only get a second to get that great shot.

Please feel free to join the discussion and offer your thoughts, advice, knowledge or ask questions.
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
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Oct 1, 2015 5:35 PM CST
Name: Catmint/Robin
PNW WA half hour south of Olym (Zone 8a)
Region: Pacific Northwest Region: Mid-Atlantic Region: Maryland Butterflies Bee Lover Native Plants and Wildflowers
Echinacea Azaleas Forum moderator Cottage Gardener Garden Ideas: Master Level Celebrating Gardening: 2015
Thanks for creating this thread, Ann! I'd like to put a camera on my Christmas wish list.

I'd love to hear what other people use for close-up photography of the blooms and critters? I've been using my cell phone, and honestly I think the quality of photos it takes has actually *declined* with software updates. Shrug! So, guess it's time to think about other options!!
"One of the pleasures of being a gardener comes from the enjoyment you get looking at other people's yards”
― Thalassa Cruso
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Oct 1, 2015 6:17 PM CST
central Illinois
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Hosted a Not-A-Raffle-Raffle Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Plant Identifier Garden Ideas: Level 2
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Photo Contest Winner: 2017
Let me jump right in...I have two cameras - the newest is a Canon SX 500 IS w/ a 30X zoom, but I seldom use it outside due to the problem of portability, it will not fit into my pocket. My preference is the Canon SX 30 IS (12X zoom). It fits in my back pocket, though just barely. I've had this particular model for a very long time; in fact, the one now used is my 2nd of this model and it's been in service for several years, the 1st one suffered too many drops.
Another reason I like the SX 30 is because it uses AA lithium batteries that take tons of pics. When said batteries are depleted they're easily replaceable as they can be purchased anywhere.
My favorite subjects to photograph are the BFs, other garden themes, and Plato, my Husky.
I usually have access to said camera which allows me to to take pictures of most anything that takes my fancy.



Thumb of 2015-10-02/jmorth/f345f5
Nothing that's been done can ever be changed.
Last edited by jmorth Oct 1, 2015 6:29 PM Icon for preview
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Oct 1, 2015 6:37 PM CST
Name: Ronnie (Veronica)
Southeastern PA (Zone 6b)
Count your blessings, be grateful
Region: Ukraine Organic Gardener Keeps Goats Zinnias Dog Lover Morning Glories
Annuals Bee Lover Dragonflies Butterflies Hummingbirder Birds
I have a Canon T2i with two zoom lenses and a macro lens. My bog zoom is heavy so I don't use it as much anymore but I love my macro. I take my camera out everyday even if it's just a few shots of something. I would love to get another one just so I don't have to change lenses.
Like J my camera is always available, two batteries so I don't run out, always have one charging.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
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Oct 1, 2015 6:40 PM CST
Name: Catmint/Robin
PNW WA half hour south of Olym (Zone 8a)
Region: Pacific Northwest Region: Mid-Atlantic Region: Maryland Butterflies Bee Lover Native Plants and Wildflowers
Echinacea Azaleas Forum moderator Cottage Gardener Garden Ideas: Master Level Celebrating Gardening: 2015
thanks, J and Ronnie! How do you handle getting the photos from the camera to your computer? Is that an easy process?
"One of the pleasures of being a gardener comes from the enjoyment you get looking at other people's yards”
― Thalassa Cruso
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Oct 1, 2015 6:48 PM CST
Name: Jim D
East Central Indiana (Zone 5b)
Annuals Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Garden Procrastinator Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Native Plants and Wildflowers Region: Indiana
Hummingbirder Frogs and Toads Dragonflies Cottage Gardener Butterflies Birds
when I started , I was using a key chain camera about half the size of the dollar store version of cameras Called it a Hong Kong novelty special
Until early this year I was using a Cool pix ,
Now I am using a Cannon , I will have to look and which it is , Sister has it at a show tonight , Shrug!
I was using a cord with the cool pix , using the memory card for the Cannon ,
In the Butterfly garden if a plant is not chewed up I feel like a failure
Last edited by jimard8 Oct 1, 2015 6:50 PM Icon for preview
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Oct 1, 2015 6:51 PM CST
Name: Ronnie (Veronica)
Southeastern PA (Zone 6b)
Count your blessings, be grateful
Region: Ukraine Organic Gardener Keeps Goats Zinnias Dog Lover Morning Glories
Annuals Bee Lover Dragonflies Butterflies Hummingbirder Birds
Robin I just plug my camera into my laptop and import them to my picture folder.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
Image
Oct 1, 2015 6:52 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Ann ~Heat zn 9, Sunset
North Fl. (Zone 8b)
Garden Sages Region: Ukraine Native Plants and Wildflowers Xeriscape Organic Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Garden Ideas: Master Level Butterflies Charter ATP Member Plant Identifier Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Dog Lover
I am looking for help/advice in choosing a new camera. At present I have a https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012UZMUU/ 8.1 Mega pixels, 5 X optical zoom, 30mm wide angle Carl Zeiss lens, smart zoom feature, image stabilization for shaky hands, burst mode allows me to shoot up to 100 shots at .62 second intervals, a video mode which I enjoy having and you can read the rest in the details in the link.

What I really enjoy about this camera:
1) Image stabilization because I can have shaky hands and it's saved my shot many times. I really need this feature.
2) Carl Zeiss lens - I know these lenses are touted to be just about the best and have read that can make all the difference in the world in the quality of the image.
3) The burst mode - I simply could not have a camera that does not have a good burst feature. I would love a faster burst feature.
4) It's easy to use & change the settings on
5) I love that I can view what I've shot right away on the LCD screen display without having to load the photos to my computer first.
6) The video capability
7) It's lightweight and small

What is frustrating me with this camera:
1) Not nearly enough zoom capability
2) I would like to have more macro capability

Budget maximum is $250

What I know about cameras, their inner workings & photography you could fit into a thimble. I am not really interested in learning ALL about apertures & this, that & the other. In other words, I'm not really into delving deeply into "photography world" and getting better & better & more & more expensive cameras with a lot of different lenses for them and lugging around tons of equipment. I don't want to become obsessive about photography. I will leave that to others. However, I will make the disclaimer that I may end up there someday. You never know where life will lead you and never say never is a good credo as life has taught me many times. Whistling

My needs and what I would like in a new camera:
Everything I have in this camera only more & better. Hilarious! No, seriously, I would like to be able to take photos of the Red Shouldered Hawks up in the 80' high oaks and not have it come out looking like a gnat and that with my max. zoom. I would like it to be a shot that with cropping & editing will come out nice. I am teething for a camera with some real distance capability. I would like to shoot the hummingbirds on the feeder 15' out my kitchen window and have them come out clear. The same with the birds in the birdbath approx. 25' out said kitchen window.
I would love any additional close up capability. I have finally learned how to take pretty good close ups with my present camera but I would like greater capability.
I am more or less a point & shoot girl but am not obtuse to considering a "bridge" camera. However, I doubt with the budget I have that I will get much in the bridge category.
I am not against a camera that is larger. I have never put my present camera in my pocket with the exception of wintertime when I have a jacket on with pockets to put it into. I never usually have any pockets to put a camera in & I would NOT put my Sony in my back jeans pocket -- the rear end is for sitting on not for putting cameras in the pocket not to mention there isn't enough room in my back jeans pockets for much of anything to fit. However, I do not want a big , clunky camera that is heavy.

I read this thread in the photography forum:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012UZMUU/

It was an interesting read and I came away with some fair knowledge from it.

Asa's pick was this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HGE3CWG/
I can probably find that camera a little cheaper than the link but at any rate it fits into my budget. I like that it has the image stabilization feature. The burst mode on it seems better than what I have now. The ZOOM Drooling Drooling . I think the macro focus range of 1 cm is totally cool. I think I'm pretty sold on this camera but wonder what I am missing. I can't believe it's as great as it sounds and I say that only because last year I was hunting & could not find a bridge camera with nearly this much bang for less than around $500. Maybe Asa just hunts better than I do. Admittedly the overload of info. had my head swimming until I could not figure what camera might be a good buy and I certainly can't spend the prices they were asking.
What I don't see on any of the info. is is it Mac compatible? I see it has a USB cable -- no memory card??????

Jack, I'm looking at yours too, flipping back & forth to the thread as I type this up. For anyone itnerested here is Jack's camera online:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00908BMVE/
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
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Oct 1, 2015 6:55 PM CST
Name: Catmint/Robin
PNW WA half hour south of Olym (Zone 8a)
Region: Pacific Northwest Region: Mid-Atlantic Region: Maryland Butterflies Bee Lover Native Plants and Wildflowers
Echinacea Azaleas Forum moderator Cottage Gardener Garden Ideas: Master Level Celebrating Gardening: 2015
I agree Ditto to much of what Ann said!!
"One of the pleasures of being a gardener comes from the enjoyment you get looking at other people's yards”
― Thalassa Cruso
Image
Oct 1, 2015 7:01 PM CST
Name: Jim D
East Central Indiana (Zone 5b)
Annuals Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Garden Procrastinator Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Native Plants and Wildflowers Region: Indiana
Hummingbirder Frogs and Toads Dragonflies Cottage Gardener Butterflies Birds
I always like the Cannon with the telescopic lense options , Fuji and Nikon make the option also , But unless I get lucky at the lottery some evening or make a few more , it is not likely to happen , If I really wanted it bad enough I would get it , I am really only expressing the desire of the telescopic lense options , Their really nice Smiling
In the Butterfly garden if a plant is not chewed up I feel like a failure
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Oct 1, 2015 7:21 PM CST
Name: Ronnie (Veronica)
Southeastern PA (Zone 6b)
Count your blessings, be grateful
Region: Ukraine Organic Gardener Keeps Goats Zinnias Dog Lover Morning Glories
Annuals Bee Lover Dragonflies Butterflies Hummingbirder Birds
Ann I am just partial to Canon since that's all I've ever had. They aren't heavy but aren't able to go in a pocket either Whistling They may be compatible with your lens and you can pick up a refurbished one, body only for about 250. I started with the rebel and the lens that came with it. My other lenses were gifts from hubby and the kids. Upgraded to my T2i two years or so ago.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
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Oct 1, 2015 7:25 PM CST
Name: Ronnie (Veronica)
Southeastern PA (Zone 6b)
Count your blessings, be grateful
Region: Ukraine Organic Gardener Keeps Goats Zinnias Dog Lover Morning Glories
Annuals Bee Lover Dragonflies Butterflies Hummingbirder Birds
Another thing I just thought of...if you have a local camera shop you can usually try cameras out to see how they feel and shoot. Some places "rent" them for a small deposit for a day then you get the deposit back when you return it.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
Image
Oct 1, 2015 8:00 PM CST
Name: Natalie
North Central Idaho (Zone 7a)
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Dog Lover Daylilies Irises Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Hummingbirder
Frogs and Toads Native Plants and Wildflowers Cottage Gardener Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Region: United States of America Xeriscape
I have a Canon SX50 HS, and LOVE it! I paid a lot, even on a Black Friday sale, but it has been worth it. My Dad bought the exact same one from Canon, for $199, just a few months later. Glare It was an open box, but he said he was sure it had never been used. His came with the full Canon warranty too, so it was totally worth it. Whatever brand you decide on, see if you can get an open box deal from the maker.
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Oct 1, 2015 8:12 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Ann ~Heat zn 9, Sunset
North Fl. (Zone 8b)
Garden Sages Region: Ukraine Native Plants and Wildflowers Xeriscape Organic Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Garden Ideas: Master Level Butterflies Charter ATP Member Plant Identifier Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Dog Lover
I don't have a lens Ronnie.
We also don't have a camera shop here.

Natalie, what was the deal you learned about re: optical zoom vs the something or other zoom???? I can't remember.
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
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Oct 1, 2015 8:13 PM CST
Name: Mary
My little patch of paradise (Zone 7b)
Gardening dilettante, that's me!
Plays in the sandbox Native Plants and Wildflowers Butterflies Dog Lover Daylilies The WITWIT Badge
Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Bluebonnets Birds Region: Georgia Composter Garden Ideas: Master Level
For me, it's Panasonic Lumix all the way. Leica lens, image stabilization, and they have both compact and larger sizes. I have one that I can slip into my jeans pocket, and one that looks more like an SLR. Both are considered "point & shoot" cameras, as opposed to a dSLR, but the larger one does accept filters/other lenses. And it has a manual mode, if I choose to use it. It's called a "prosumer" type of camera, halfway between consumer and professional.


When shopping, pay attention to focus-speed and shutter-speed (how fast will it auto-focus, and how fast will it take the picture).

When taking pics, use burst mode, if the camera has it (holding down the button takes several pictures in a row). I've gotten some great shots with burst mode.

This is Panasonics' current lineup. I can't speak to any of them, because I've not used them. But I've owned their TZ1 and TZ5 (compacts) --NO complaints. I've owned at least 2 and maybe 3 of their larger models - again, no complaints.
http://shop.panasonic.com/came...


One of the best ways to camera shop (besides renting the camera, or visiting a local store and holding it in your hands) is to find pictures that ordinary people have taken with the same camera. So click this link and then click on the camera make you're considering, and then on the camera model. http://www.pbase.com/cameras
Northwest Georgia Daylily Society
I'm going to retire and live off of my savings. Not sure what I'll do that second week.
My yard marches to the beat of a bohemian drummer...
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Oct 1, 2015 8:43 PM CST
Name: Mary
My little patch of paradise (Zone 7b)
Gardening dilettante, that's me!
Plays in the sandbox Native Plants and Wildflowers Butterflies Dog Lover Daylilies The WITWIT Badge
Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Bluebonnets Birds Region: Georgia Composter Garden Ideas: Master Level
flaflwrgrl said:I don't have a lens Ronnie.
We also don't have a camera shop here.

Natalie, what was the deal you learned about re: optical zoom vs the something or other zoom???? I can't remember.


I'm not Natalie, but most cameras have 2 zoom settings: optical and digital. Optical is the one that matters - it's comparable to putting a zoom lens on an SLR camera. My large camera has 20X optical zoom, which they say is equivalent to over 400mm. Digital zoom, on the other hand, is like enlarging a picture on a photo-copier.

These 2 pics give you an idea -- first one is no zoom, second is full zoom. This is from a camera that is now 10 years old.

Thumb of 2015-10-02/fiwit/3b14de Thumb of 2015-10-02/fiwit/ae108d
Northwest Georgia Daylily Society
I'm going to retire and live off of my savings. Not sure what I'll do that second week.
My yard marches to the beat of a bohemian drummer...
Image
Oct 1, 2015 8:51 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Ann ~Heat zn 9, Sunset
North Fl. (Zone 8b)
Garden Sages Region: Ukraine Native Plants and Wildflowers Xeriscape Organic Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Garden Ideas: Master Level Butterflies Charter ATP Member Plant Identifier Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Dog Lover
Thank you for that explanation & example Mary. Thumbs up I understood that very well.
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
Last edited by flaflwrgrl Oct 1, 2015 8:52 PM Icon for preview
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Oct 1, 2015 8:57 PM CST
Name: Mary
My little patch of paradise (Zone 7b)
Gardening dilettante, that's me!
Plays in the sandbox Native Plants and Wildflowers Butterflies Dog Lover Daylilies The WITWIT Badge
Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Bluebonnets Birds Region: Georgia Composter Garden Ideas: Master Level
flaflwrgrl said:Thank you for that explanation & example Mary. Thumbs up I understood that very well.

I tip my hat to you. I think I forgot to say those pics are example of optical zoom.
Northwest Georgia Daylily Society
I'm going to retire and live off of my savings. Not sure what I'll do that second week.
My yard marches to the beat of a bohemian drummer...
Image
Oct 1, 2015 9:00 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Ann ~Heat zn 9, Sunset
North Fl. (Zone 8b)
Garden Sages Region: Ukraine Native Plants and Wildflowers Xeriscape Organic Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Garden Ideas: Master Level Butterflies Charter ATP Member Plant Identifier Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Dog Lover
fiwit said:
I tip my hat to you. I think I forgot to say those pics are example of optical zoom.


Somehow I gleaned that regardless.
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
Image
Oct 2, 2015 12:30 PM CST
Name: Jim D
East Central Indiana (Zone 5b)
Annuals Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Garden Procrastinator Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Native Plants and Wildflowers Region: Indiana
Hummingbirder Frogs and Toads Dragonflies Cottage Gardener Butterflies Birds
Cannon powershot elph ,, yeah well ,, Hilarious!
In the Butterfly garden if a plant is not chewed up I feel like a failure

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