beginner camera?

[gray]

hay all, i am a new birder - just been lurking this forum for about a year now, and going out to the various GTA bird spots in the past year or so. and often find myself trying to take pretty terrible (though occasionally amazing) photos with my phone while i am out watching bird. i think it is time i bought myself my first camera for this purpose. i am incredibly technologically uninclined and am not a photgrapher - so something easier to work would be amazing. i don't think i want anything where i have to carry any giant lenses with me, but would be open if such a thing had the option and it was smaller  lense. a good zoom would be swell as well so it doesn't look like a blob on a bush anymore price range…i don't know what to expect here, so im gonna say $500 max.
thanks for any words of advice in this department.
gray

[Rotarran]

Canon PowerShot SX50.  Currently going for $350 at Best Buy.  One of the best superzooms on the market and definitely the best for the money.

Focuses quickly, has a great zoom, takes some really good pics under right lighting conditions.  Doesn't need lenses because it's not an SLR.  As a result it doesn't weigh much and is quite affordable.  Also very easy to learn...or just select auto, zoom in and literally point and shoot.  For the record-shot-birder on the go and on a budget, this is the camera to get.

I'd definitely get one if I were you, before they run out.

[Howieh]

I agree one hundred percent! (you might even want to consider the SX60 but I think it's still closer to $600 than $500). There's really no such thing as a beginner camera (is there?) and even if there is I don't think you want one! You might want to check this out:

http://www.2001audiovideo.com/en/catalo ... aQod_ywA2A

[Reuven_M]

Yeah, sx50 all the way.

[gray]

Thanks All for your suggestions! i went with the sx50, and i really like it..although still new to figuring out settings and what not..getting there slowly but surly

[Paul O'Toole]

The suggestions made are for sure the way to start in bird photography. I did this and purchased a Panasonic model that is no longer made, Canon is a good solid brand for sure.

[Howieh]

Some people are producing really great images with the SX50. This photographer, who calls himself 'Cybertony' on DPreview, is one of the best:

http://tonybritton.smugmug.com/Other/Ca ... ints-Tips/

Make sure you check out his SX50 images. The gallery link is about halfway down the page.