I’m constantly amazed by the number of times someone crosses my path in the park and feels the need to interrupt my journey to calamity by asking me what kind of camera should they buy in order to pursue bird photography. My eyes are rheumy from rolling fatigue. Imagine letting so many people cross my path. I must discover a path less travelled.
Most of these pleas for guidance were made by women. Men seldom ask for direction. Of course, once I re-focus after a good roll I ask what kind of camera they presently have at their disposal. I swear, if one more person holds up their retched cellphone in answer that that question I will need to sit down and cant ... uhm.
On the one hand I am delighted that so many people are interested in nature, in birds and more profoundly ... in bird photography, or any type of photography. I understand that there was a global uptick during the height of the pandemic. On the other hand, how can anyone expect me to offer solid advise on such a topic on-the-fly, in a park, without Power Point, without a beer in my hand and while desperately needing to pee.
I usually tell whomever asks that it is best not to spend too much money on a camera until they are sure that bird photography is something that they truly wish to pursue, long term. I also ask them how early they get up in the morning, which invariably introduces yet a finer nuance of perplexity.
My usual advise is to consider a bridge-camera, such as a Nikon Coolpix which offers a versatile lens without being too expensive. Then somewhat later perhaps consider a mirrorless camera and separate telephoto lens after using the bridge camera for a couple of years. I also recommend starting with a used camera in good condition. I mean, what can I say? If I start talking about FX vs DX, ISO performance, lens speed & focal length, or prime vs zoom then I will endure that slack jawed, owl-like stare of anencephaly. I suppose I could just respond with ... “google it” and be on my way, but that rude approach might risk the back of my head being subjected to a projectile of sort. I could duck.
