Looking for a half-professional camera...

[SexPistols]

Hello. I am looking for a half-professional camera for my sister. She works with wild animals and needs the camera for taking photos of them. The camera should be able to shoot moving objects (like a moving tiger at close range), to have a good zoom (for shooting birds at a distance) and a good macro (for shooting lizards). Good video quality would also be good, but shouldn't be the main purpose of the camera. The price should not be more than 430 euros. She has looked and liked this Canon EOS 1100D for the exact price she can afford. And has also had a recommendations for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and Nikon P 510. So, can you recommend me the best product that suits all this expectations?
Also, I have a question. Do all canon lenses work with all canon cameras? And can a canon lens work with a diffrent branded camera?

 

[tirediron]

Based on your requirements, I would say the Canon SX40 would be a good choice; it's a bridge-camera (non-interchangable lenses), but it was a good zoom range. The down side of course is that you will not get the image quality you would with an SLR, the upside is that you will not need to buy additional (expensive) lenses.

 

[cgipson1]

I agree... the SX40, it will be easier for her to shoot also.... unless she is willing to spend a lot of time learning photography.

 

[Derrel]

The new SX50 from Canon just received an absolutely GLOWING review from Michael Reichmann, the owner of The Luminous Landscape web site. He said he was comfortable with the SX50's printed output up to 13x19 inches!!!! He said it's being sold now for $369. It has a 24mm to 1200mm equivalent (50x ratio!!!) zoom lens, and...apparently the lens is actually pretty good!!! He is using the camera for his own personal work.

 

[goodguy]

I would also recommend the Canon G15, I just bought it and I am really happy with it.
It cost me 380$ so thats well beloe you maximum price so I would say look at that too.
It will not have the same zoom as the SX50 does but while the SX apature starts at 3.5 the G15 starts at 1.8 which obviosuly is considerably better so if huge zoom capability is important then the SX50 will be better for you and if shooting in low light and getting a nice Bokeh is important then the G15 has a huge advantage over the SX50.
In any case both are very good capable cameras.

 

[SexPistols]

Thank you all for your responses. Unfortunatelly the G15 is over the price range. And the only diffrence I see between the SX40 and the SX50 is the higher zooming capabillity and the higher price on the SX50.
Looks like you all approve of the SX40. I've watched a couple of reviews myself and found it very good. And it seems that the camera is even on a lower price range which is also very good.

 

[skyy38]

If you have a Costco in your area, I can help.

The Fuji Fine Pix HS 30 is on rebate in America for 249.99 (187.41 Euros)

The rig is loaded: Very nice 30x zoom, TWO macro modes, a flash that doesn't need to be "white-balanced" for, NON motorized zoom lens with barrel markings,Hot Shoe and a shutter that I've nicknamed, the "picture trap". It does video in at least three qualities of 820, 1080 and 1920p. And even at the 8 MP setting, you'll get more than respectable 20 x 30 enlargments.

Oh yeah, the neatest thing! Auto switching between the viewfinder and the LCD screen!

Google the HS 30 and check out further features and specs...

 

[TATTRAT]

Anything in the Sony DSC "H" Series is a great blend of features, imaging, quality and is a bit more than a P&S, but not a DSLR or Micro 4/3rds. . . They also offer full manual shooting, pretty solid hyperzoom features, and a pretty respectable price point. The latest and greatest should be under $300, and do GREAT work!

 

[table1349]

Here is half of a "Professional" camera:
http://blog.jasonseto.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/6a00d83451bb2569e2011570368486970b-800wi.jpg

 

[SexPistols]

Hey, I just wanted to give you a final update. She got the Canon SX40 for a decent price. And she's very happy with the product. She said it was quite easy for her to get along with the camera. And here are two sample pictures she took with it.

 

[Derrel]

Cool beans! thanks for checking back in with us. Sounds great! The first sample shot of the big cat looks pretty good! Crisp and sharp! I myself have been contemplating one of these new-genertion Canon (or Panasonic) super-zoom compact cameras...the idea of a super-long lens in a very small,light, all-in-one camera is appealing for some scenarios where my iPhone is too little camera, and my Nikons are too darned big and ostentatious/noticeable...