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Post by cathya on Mar 26, 2009 11:26:21 GMT
Hi, I'm Cathy from Puerto Princesa. I'm a new birder and also a new member of Birdwatch Palawan. Actually, we've been living in PPC for 9 years now but it was only last December (after a bird lecture with Alice Villa Real) that we learned to see and appreciate all our fine-feathered friends in our forest-city. Now I'm hooked and even contemplating getting into bird photography in the (near?) future. I'm just a casual photographer but I have done underwater photography with a PNS (Oly 5060, 7070). At this time, I'm thinking of getting a dslr for learning land-based photography better, and for documenting all the birds I come across on my walks. Would this be the right forum to ask for advice on the best budget camera and lens starter kit? I'm looking for something portable (that would fit in a backpack?) as I often bird by myself while on foot or on a bike. Since my budget is tight right now, I was thinking of getting the camera first and the lens later but I'm not sure whether to go the Canon (40D?) or Nikon (D90?) route. Or, considering the way I bird, would it be better to just get a an ultrazoom pns (Oly 590 or Canon SX1 IS?) BTW, I'm so glad I found your forum. There are so many excellent photos that a newbie like me can use as reference.  |
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Post by Neon Rosell II on Mar 26, 2009 11:46:04 GMT
Hi Cathy, Welcome to the forum!! Yes, you found the right place to be if your thinking of going into bird photography. I was also there last Dec. and attended Alice's lecture but unfortunately I didn't met you. Here's my collection from the trip last December. For me I started with a point and shoot Canon S3IS and was happy already with my captures. But when my camera handling skills improved I started thinking of DSLR as well. You know where I'm heading, if you have the budget I guess I'll tell you to go for the DSLR straight away skipping the PS. But for your style of birding a lighter camera with a 20x reach with an HD video for $600 is I think the best option. DSLR with the prime lens are really heavy literally and monetarily. A PS camera with features as below is unbeatable, It's like carrying a 5DMII + 500mm lens at the fraction of it's weight and price!! Wait for the SX1 IS..hehehehe • HD Video Recording If you long for the convenience of an advanced still camera that also creates superb movies, the new PowerShot SX1 IS was developed with you in mind. Movies shot in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), capture your memories with clarity, realism and brilliance. HDMI output makes playback of video and photos on your HDTV simple. • CMOS Sensor Technology Canon's proprietary CMOS sensors were formerly reserved for its storied EOS line. The PowerShot SX1 IS is the first PowerShot that gives you access to the astonishing imaging power of this technology. Unlike the CCD sensors on most digital cameras, CMOS sensors convert and amplify signals before they are transferred to the image processor. This enables the CMOS sensor to produce exceptionally clean image data, free of the stray signals that can mar images. The resulting images show a notable brilliance and clarity. • 28mm Wide-Angle 20x Optical Zoom Lens with Optical Image Stabilization The PowerShot SX1 IS features Canon's precision 28mm wide-angle lens that allows you to shoot any scene from wide-angle to telephoto. It lets you capture more in every frame, so everyone fits in a family gathering shot. When it's time to take a closer look, a 20x optical zoom (35mm film equivalent 28-560mm) greatly minimizes camera shake and maximizes the brilliance of every detail. The camera uses a USM (Ultrasonic Motor) for high-speed, quiet, energy-efficient lens movement with precise control. Focal length is conveniently indicated on the lens barrel. • Large 2.8" Swiveling LCD and Viewfinder The cameras 2.8" LCD widescreen gives you the big picture, whether you're shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This high-resolution screen offers a crisp, clear picture to make shooting, playback and using the camera's menu functions especially convenient. Clear and bright, it also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light. It also has an electronic viewfinder that provides sharp images when you shoot close-up with the Super Macro shooting mode. • RAW Image Capture RAW mode lets you shoot images without JPEG compression. It gives you clearer images and complete creative control in editing. RAW images are transferred directly to the computer where they can then be edited using image adjustment software or a processing application to adjust your images as you please. The camera can also be set to allow the simultaneous recording of both RAW and JPEG images while shooting. • Advanced Face Detection Technology Canon's most advanced image processor, DIGIC 4, delivers evolved Face Detection Technology that keeps every face in every photo looking its very best. The technology finds and tracks the faces of moving subjects until you're ready to shoot, then delivers perfect focus. In addition, exposure, flash and white balance are compensated, so that faces exhibit natural skin tones and backgrounds are properly exposed. |
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Post by cathya on Mar 26, 2009 12:00:17 GMT
Yes, I saw you but I had to leave early and wasn't able to introduce myself. Alfred says we might have a common friend - Cha Santos? I also grew up in UP campus but only my twin sister was a birder back then. Am presently knocking myself on the head for missing out on the upper half of the world all my 40 yrs.
Have seen your pics before and am already a fan. Luv the minivet photo- haven't seen one yet. You're quite a a lucky birder!
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Post by Neon Rosell II on Mar 26, 2009 12:21:54 GMT
Yes, I saw you but I had to leave early and wasn't able to introduce myself. Alfred says we might have a common friend - Cha Santos? I also grew up in UP campus but only my twin sister was a birder back then. Am presently knocking myself on the head for missing out on the upper half of the world all my 40 yrs. Have seen your pics before and am already a fan. Luv the minivet photo- haven't seen one yet. You're quite a a lucky birder! Thanks! Yes, Cha is a good friend of mine. I hang out at his shop almost every time when I'm in UP. I was hoping to accompany him when he goes to back to Puerto this April but I might have a tight schedule. |
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Post by ppaaoolloo on Mar 26, 2009 12:35:39 GMT
Welcome to the forum.
I think the SX1 would be ideal as a start because of the length(35mm film equivalent: 28-560mm) and weight (585g).
A tripod/monopod would also be ideal as well to keep things steady.
Binoculars to spot the birds with both eyes
Bird book to ID.
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Post by Mark Itol on Mar 26, 2009 12:54:45 GMT
Welcome, Cathy! As suggested by Neon, if you have the budget, go for a DSLR. But the price, features, and convenience of the SX1 make it hard to resist. Again, welcome. Hoping you'll have a great time here. |
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Post by tina mallari on Mar 26, 2009 13:04:09 GMT
Hi Cathy. Welcome to the crazy world of bird photography and the bird photography forum where you will get a lot of tips, ideas and inspiration from all the wonderful photographers who are always ready to help out. You are in for a truly wonderful ride My husband and I will be in Puerto Princesa & Sabang from April 8-13, 2009. Hope we get to meet you while we are there. |
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Post by ppaaoolloo on Mar 26, 2009 13:36:08 GMT
This discussion on the SX1 may be of help www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=131395When it comes to birding/wild life photography I think a longer lens is more useful than a 'faster' lens. Just don't expect to shoot birds when they're sleeping.  |
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Post by Lydia Robledo on Mar 26, 2009 14:28:29 GMT
Save for a good body and a birding lens + pray a lot (guaranteed to all those who love the Lord  True, true). That's what I did! First I had a good point and shoot camera (Panasonic with video) but you see, I am a butterfly watcher so that was enough. Then came birdwatching. A friend in Cebu (PBP member) sold me his Canon 20D at a price I could not refuse. I had 2 macro lenses given by my butterfly buddy. Then my Cebu friend sold his 70-200mm cheap lens much cheaper! I could take photos of garden birds. While saving, a friend here at the forum lent me his lens for half a year. Then the downpour came. Late last year, I got myself a brand-new 40D from a wind-fall (The Lord made the wind, too, you know). Then I scouted for a good lens. Again someone in PBP sold a nice F4 300mm L IS, my dream lens, at a very good-hearted price. Then last month, I was in Puerto Princesa with my butterfly buddy and he gave me his Canon KISS lens for free (he upgraded to 40D last year and he also sold me his 40D for P25K-he upgraded ot 50D) Now I find myself with a 20D, two 40D's, 1 KISS 2 macro lenses, a kit lens, an all around 17-70mm lens, my F4 300mm L IS baby. I now travel with 2 cams (so I do not have to change lenses for birds and butterflies and landscape). My 2 boys are very happy that they can also shoot even when I am on a trip. I tell you, when it rains, it pours! That is how good the Lord is. Yep, yep, yep. You can be His favorite, too. Go birdwatching first and record. Also be vigilant on the campaign against bird hunters and poachers. Plant fruiting trees in your tree planting affairs. By the way, in my recent trip to Irawan watershed (last Feb), I found out that the staff working at the watershed has air-gun and he goes hunting there. Well, you have to find a gentle way in how to deal with that. They might ban bird-watchers from entering the area. It is actually a restricted area but they are accomodating to watchers. Hindi nila alam watchers of hunters din. aHa, ha.! Warm welcome CATHY. You are in good company. We love each other here! telyds PS. By the way, there is a thread FOR ATE LYDS. That is where you will post your butterfly photos. Butterfly watching is what you do while waiting for the long lens. And even when you already have the long lens, that is still what you do when there are no birds. |
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Post by cathya on Mar 26, 2009 16:47:37 GMT
Thanks everyone, for the sound advice. For now, you got me sold on the SX1 IS. Considering the convenience I think its a very good compromise while waiting (and praying) for my windfall -especially since like Lydia, I also like photographing other creatures besides birds. Maybe at this point my priority should be learning to be a good birder and seeing and documenting as many birds as I can - rather than taking good pictures. While trying to learn underwater photography, I can't remember the number of times I "missed the manta" while obsessing on taking a good picture of a nudi. Maybe, as I get better in birding, it will be easier to justify such an expensive set-up. Tina, rommel told us of your planned visit and we're looking forward to meeting you. I believe he also mentioned the other good birding sites here. I just hope there wont be too many tourists in Sabang during your holiday because St Pauls Subterranean River is such a hotspot these days. But don't worry, Birdwatch Palawan can take you to other birding spots which are just as good and where it might be easier to photograph birds. Also, within the city, the birds are much less shy. Lydia, thanks for the heads-up on the airgun-toting Irawan staff. Fortunately, I have not encountered him during the few times I was there alone. I actually went to the watershed this morning and discovered that some people living near the river had "pet birds". I guess they are easy to capture because they have already grown accustomed to the people there.. Anyway, I'll try to take the matter up with birdwatch during our birding trip this Saturday. I'm glad I found this forum. You guys have been very helpful and welcoming. Starting to feel at home already . |
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Post by ppaaoolloo on Mar 26, 2009 17:47:07 GMT
Remember, as the expense of equipment goes up the weight of equipment also increases. If you're committed to carrying 5-10kg on your back and shoulder then go for it. I hope you enjoy your stay. |
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Post by Romy Ocon on Mar 27, 2009 6:03:02 GMT
Welcome to PBPF, Cathy! You've been given some excellent suggestions, the only thing I can add is be prepared for a costly although very exciting pursuit - wild bird imaging. |
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Post by ppaaoolloo on Mar 30, 2009 17:51:02 GMT
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True, true). That's what I did! First I had a good point and shoot camera (Panasonic with video) but you see, I am a butterfly watcher so that was enough. Then came birdwatching. A friend in Cebu (PBP member) sold me his Canon 20D at a price I could not refuse. I had 2 macro lenses given by my butterfly buddy. Then my Cebu friend sold his 70-200mm cheap lens much cheaper! I could take photos of garden birds. While saving, a friend here at the forum lent me his lens for half a year. Then the downpour came. Late last year, I got myself a brand-new 40D from a wind-fall (The Lord made the wind, too, you know). Then I scouted for a good lens. Again someone in PBP sold a nice F4 300mm L IS, my dream lens, at a very good-hearted price. Then last month, I was in Puerto Princesa with my butterfly buddy and he gave me his Canon KISS lens for free (he upgraded to 40D last year and he also sold me his 40D for P25K-he upgraded ot 50D) Now I find myself with a 20D, two 40D's, 1 KISS 2 macro lenses, a kit lens, an all around 17-70mm lens, my F4 300mm L IS baby. I now travel with 2 cams (so I do not have to change lenses for birds and butterflies and landscape). My 2 boys are very happy that they can also shoot even when I am on a trip. I tell you, when it rains, it pours! That is how good the Lord is. Yep, yep, yep. You can be His favorite, too. 
