I have been shooting Nikon since 2006, my currently setup is a D7500 and the current likely last ver of the 80-400VR. My subjects are mostly wildlife such as owls; hawks & waterfowl. Considering going from this setup to a good all around point and shoot zoom camera as it is getting a little hard these days with my shoulders lifting my current setup. I do not have a budget so any price is fine, just looking for something to take decent pics with. Currently I tend to use the crop on the D7500 mainly for the owls as they tend to be in a thigh roost or perch location. My other body is a D7200, haven't used it in a while but mainly take it as a backup on longer trips. Any non-nikon brand is okay to suggest or maybe there is a different Nikon setup that would work. Thanks for any info or tips.
Changing my photography setup
- Thread starter 06Honda
- Start date
Clovishound
Senior Member
If you want reach without a large, heavy camera, you might consider something like the P1100. It is a non interchangeable lens camera with an amazing integral zoom lens. It is has a 16MP sensor, but that should be plenty for most applications, especially since it has a full frame equivalent of 24-3000mm, so you shouldn't need to crop much in edit. It weighs in at 3.1 lbs. Current price is $1050.
It's not going to give you the capabilities of a good DSLR, or modern mirrorless camera, but I believe they are very popular among birders, because of their extreme zoom capability and relatively compact, lightweight setup.
If you want to go with something small and light in a more traditional camera, you might consider something like the Z50ii combined with a 600mm PF lens. This setup would weigh in at 4.15 lbs. The Z50ii is a crop frame, so this would give an effective 900mm. It has a 21MP sensor and features object detection autofocus with bird detection. It also has many of the new features like focus limiting, and pre-release capture. Of course this combo isn't cheap, setting you back just under $6500 at today's prices. It would also limit you to 900mm, unless you opt for a heavier zoom lens. You can use your 80-400 on this camera with an FTZ adapter, and it would give you 600mm effective, and come in at around 4.5 lbs. Compare that with the little over 5 lbs you currently have with the D7500 and 80-400.
It's not going to give you the capabilities of a good DSLR, or modern mirrorless camera, but I believe they are very popular among birders, because of their extreme zoom capability and relatively compact, lightweight setup.
If you want to go with something small and light in a more traditional camera, you might consider something like the Z50ii combined with a 600mm PF lens. This setup would weigh in at 4.15 lbs. The Z50ii is a crop frame, so this would give an effective 900mm. It has a 21MP sensor and features object detection autofocus with bird detection. It also has many of the new features like focus limiting, and pre-release capture. Of course this combo isn't cheap, setting you back just under $6500 at today's prices. It would also limit you to 900mm, unless you opt for a heavier zoom lens. You can use your 80-400 on this camera with an FTZ adapter, and it would give you 600mm effective, and come in at around 4.5 lbs. Compare that with the little over 5 lbs you currently have with the D7500 and 80-400.
BF Hammer
Senior Member
I believe the P1100 and the earlier models are a regularly used option with birders. Not a bad choice.
Perhaps it may be wise to look at OM Systems Micro 4/3 as another way to go. Not exactly less expensive, but the 2x crop of the sensor gives you similar reach with a 300mm lens that you get at 400mm on the current camera. Smaller and lighter all-around.
Perhaps it may be wise to look at OM Systems Micro 4/3 as another way to go. Not exactly less expensive, but the 2x crop of the sensor gives you similar reach with a 300mm lens that you get at 400mm on the current camera. Smaller and lighter all-around.