There is a small group of SLR-like body digital cameras that now offer up to 36x optical zoom- these are great for birds without the great bulk of a huge lens on a SLR. They have many features- I am still learning about mine. You can also buy a 1.5x teleconverter for most. Go to the camera feature search at- http://www.dpreview.com/products/search/cameras -under fixed lens cameras select slr like/zoom range 30x and up -there is also one model under compact at 30x and up John I Mke ----- Original Message ----- From: "Al Schirmacher" <alschirmacher@xxxxxxxx> To: wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2011 9:41:01 AM Subject: [wisb] Birding Camera After 18 years of birding, contemplating the purchase of a camera for birding, primarily for documentation purposes:) As a pastor, cost is of course an issue. Any thoughts about models and ease if use? Al Schirmacher#################### You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin Birding Network (Wisbirdn). To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn #################### You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin Birding Network (Wisbirdn). To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn