THE CAMERA (the body)
You undoubtedly noticed that I started to talk about the lens before the camera. The reason is quite simple! A camera is secondary ! Indeed, if you have little money to invest, put it on the lens. Above all, it is the lens which makes the quality of a photograph. This being said, if you have enough money to buy a new camera, there is a camera for all budgets.
The technology of the camera evolves rapidly and I am not always sure that we need all which is offered us. As an example, the big companies compete to produce the fastest camera in the world. But between you and me, that a camera takes 7 frames per second or 10 frames per second will not significantly change your life as an amateur bird photographer.
For years, I exclusively used a camera body dating from the dinosaur era. It was a Canon F-1 (entirely manual) which I had bought second hand for almost nothing. Developed at the beginning of the 70's, these cameras were then used almost exclusively by professional reporters. Famous for their resistance, they work well in hot or cold conditions. I have used them in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius without problem. They are simple and require little maintenance. Today, a body with basic technology is very accessible. As long as it is light tight, that its exposure meter is reliable and its obturator is accurate, you will be able to produce good photographs.
Even if I continue to be a fan of the manual camera, I very recently bought one of these high tech cameras. I have to admit that in several situations, the probability of getting a good photograph is much higher with a sophisticated camera. The guided system by the pupil of the eye, the high-speed autofocus, the film motorization are very useful technologies to photograph birds in flight.
The price of a camera varies according to its technology, reliability and robustness. Prices oscillate between $300 and $ 3 000. The choice of a camera thus becomes overall a question of appreciation. However, I do not recommend you pay for technology that you will not use. Take time to evaluate your needs well before making your choice.
Alain Hogue
The technology of the camera evolves rapidly and I am not always sure that we need all which is offered us. As an example, the big companies compete to produce the fastest camera in the world. But between you and me, that a camera takes 7 frames per second or 10 frames per second will not significantly change your life as an amateur bird photographer.
For years, I exclusively used a camera body dating from the dinosaur era. It was a Canon F-1 (entirely manual) which I had bought second hand for almost nothing. Developed at the beginning of the 70's, these cameras were then used almost exclusively by professional reporters. Famous for their resistance, they work well in hot or cold conditions. I have used them in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius without problem. They are simple and require little maintenance. Today, a body with basic technology is very accessible. As long as it is light tight, that its exposure meter is reliable and its obturator is accurate, you will be able to produce good photographs.Even if I continue to be a fan of the manual camera, I very recently bought one of these high tech cameras. I have to admit that in several situations, the probability of getting a good photograph is much higher with a sophisticated camera. The guided system by the pupil of the eye, the high-speed autofocus, the film motorization are very useful technologies to photograph birds in flight.The price of a camera varies according to its technology, reliability and robustness. Prices oscillate between $300 and $ 3 000. The choice of a camera thus becomes overall a question of appreciation. However, I do not recommend you pay for technology that you will not use. Take time to evaluate your needs well before making your choice.
Alain Hogue