10-18-2016 02:40 AM
11-13-2017 07:40 PM - edited 11-13-2017 07:41 PM
One thing I would suggest. Get her to go on-line to her local library and do a search on the catalogue for Lynda.com. This is an excellent site full of training videos on a wide range of subjects, including photography. It has a range of video courses from intro to photography up to specialist courses on macro, wildlife and even real estate photography. If the library has it in the catalogue, then she has free access - it's an excellent training resource.
Don't let anyone push her into the condition of Gear Aquisition Syndrome (GAS), which is based on the principle that better gear will make one a better photography - it's just not so. What makes one a better photographer is to get good training and mentoring, take lots of photos and get them positively critiqued. A good thing for her to do will be to join a local camera society and learn from the experienced members.
11-13-2017 08:22 PM
@Signsofautumn wrote:
Hi, thank you very much! You have helped me a great deal. I never heard of a bridge camera until you answered my question. I have a lot of learning to do myself if I want to make purchases for my daughter. I'd hate to give her another camera as an upgrade and have her be disappointed with the quality. I want her to continue moving forward and keep this positive since she loves wildlife photography. She likes to take pictures of squirrels, turkey vultures, hawks and all the birds down at Forsythe bird refuge in New Jersey shore. We have only had a few opportunities to photograph deer, fox and large wildlife, but maybe someday I'll take her to the wooded wildlife refuge and make sure she has the right lens. She also wants to start entering wildlife photo contests this spring. Hopefully she'll enjoy the competition and learning experience. Thanks again!
Instead of surprising her, why not invite her into to participate in the selection process? Understanding photography is more important than the quality of the gear. Gear is good. Knowledge and experience is better.
11-13-2017 08:50 PM
@Waddizzle wrote:
@Signsofautumn wrote:
Hi, thank you very much! You have helped me a great deal. I never heard of a bridge camera until you answered my question. I have a lot of learning to do myself if I want to make purchases for my daughter. I'd hate to give her another camera as an upgrade and have her be disappointed with the quality. I want her to continue moving forward and keep this positive since she loves wildlife photography. She likes to take pictures of squirrels, turkey vultures, hawks and all the birds down at Forsythe bird refuge in New Jersey shore. We have only had a few opportunities to photograph deer, fox and large wildlife, but maybe someday I'll take her to the wooded wildlife refuge and make sure she has the right lens. She also wants to start entering wildlife photo contests this spring. Hopefully she'll enjoy the competition and learning experience. Thanks again!Instead of surprising her, why not invite her into to participate in the selection process? Understanding photography is more important than the quality of the gear. Gear is good. Knowledge and experience is better.
The way I like to put it is that better equipment will make any photographer better, but how much better depends on how good you already are. The better you already are, the more difference better equipment makes. IOW, you need better equipment only if you're better than your current equipment.
11-13-2017 08:00 PM
11-13-2017 08:02 PM
11-13-2017 08:03 PM
You are most welcome! Never be reluctant to ask!
@Signsofautumn wrote:
Thank you for your help.
11-13-2017 08:17 PM
@Tronhard wrote:You are most welcome!
Never be reluctant to ask!
@Signsofautumn wrote:
Thank you for your help.
Dumb Question: (definition): A question that you are afraid to ask because you fear it will make you look dumb.
”We all have to learn, some how, some way, at some time. Ask away!”
11-13-2017 10:47 PM
11-13-2017 11:15 PM
11-14-2017 12:00 AM - edited 11-14-2017 11:27 AM
Not all bridge cameras are the same, just as not all DSLRs are the same. You indicated that your daughter wanted to quite different things: to be able to fill the screen with images of animals such as birds, and to be able to do close-up images. The SX60HS should be able to perform both tasks well. - It is much more powerful than your current bridge camera, and in particular the range of lens focal lengths is among the longest available anywhere on the market. It has a good sensor and processor. With the other unit you are considering you would probably need several lenses to be able to get this range, and finally the controls of the SX60 will be very similar to what she has.
Here are some more samples taken with this unit:
The Moon - that's pretty distant!
Reflections on the Canadian Flag
To give you an idea of the zoom range of this camera: This first picture was taken at its widest focal length. Note the buidling in the distance with the statue on top of the dome...
The photo below is taken at the maximum focal length equivalent to 1365mm - this is the statue on top of the dome.
After over 35 years of taking photographs, I am still happy to use this camera. It should be more than adequate for you daughter to learn her craft on, augmented by learning from as many sources as possible.
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06/06/2024: New firmware updates are available.
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Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 - Version 1.1.0
04/16/2024: New firmware updates are available.
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