How to turn my Canon PowerShot S3 IS into a better birding camera

Klaus dk said:

Nothing AFAIK.

I guess you mean if something could be attached to the front of your lens which would work as a tele-converter of some sort. I have only seen screw-on wide angle adapters, and those I have seen have been ridicuously bad, so I would not recommend that route.

The newer superzooms can zoom to even longer telephoto than the S3 IS, so if you are happy with the IQ of that, I would recommend you to buy a new superzoom. The Canon Powershot SX50 HS should be the answer. For the same price you could buy a recent pre-owned Canon Rebel DSLR with the kit lens, and you would then have to use a lot more (10x) to get a telephoto lens of comparable length.

Bird photography is an exclusive business if you go all in.

Good luck.

Click to expand...

AlbertTheLazy said:

If you mean birds in flight then I'm pretty sure you have found the limits of your camera. I have a Powershot A720 which is about the same vintage as your S3. When I press the release it typically takes 2 seconds to sort out the focus before firing. Birds travel a long way in that sort of time.

I suggest that you go across to the Nature and Wildlife photography forum on this site and ask a similar question. You might get a few cruel remarks, but I expect that the consensus will be that you need a very different camera.

Click to expand...

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste wrote:

I am totally clueless...I have always loved what my camera has brought to the table so to speak. But have taken up birding and would like sharper images.

Can this be accomplished on my current camera? What do I need to purchase to accomplish this if it can be done?

All answers are appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to give my post a minute of your time.

Click to expand...

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste wrote:

cadillactaste said:

Nothing AFAIK.

I guess you mean if something could be attached to the front of your lens which would work as a tele-converter of some sort. I have only seen screw-on wide angle adapters, and those I have seen have been ridicuously bad, so I would not recommend that route.

The newer superzooms can zoom to even longer telephoto than the S3 IS, so if you are happy with the IQ of that, I would recommend you to buy a new superzoom. The Canon Powershot SX50 HS should be the answer. For the same price you could buy a recent pre-owned Canon Rebel DSLR with the kit lens, and you would then have to use a lot more (10x) to get a telephoto lens of comparable length.

Bird photography is an exclusive business if you go all in.

Good luck.

Click to expand...

Thank you...I was afraid of that. The reason I purchased this years ago over the DSLR was that I hated having to have to put the camera up to my face. I always look through the image view screen (not sure technical name) to take a photo.

So some serious thinking will be needed before I consider my next purchase.

Click to expand...

Guidenet said:

Guidenet said:

cadillactaste wrote:

I am totally clueless...I have always loved what my camera has brought to the table so to speak. But have taken up birding and would like sharper images.

Can this be accomplished on my current camera? What do I need to purchase to accomplish this if it can be done?

All answers are appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to give my post a minute of your time.

Click to expand...

You really can't turn your camera into a birding camera, easily, unless you're talking backyard feeder birding which is very popular. With that, a simple blind could help along with locating the feeders to allow you to get closer. You can also use dead branches to move close to the feeders as photo props.

Another solution if something called digiscoping, but it's not that inexpensive. You have to buy something called a field scope then the adapters to mount your camera on the scope. You get a tremendous telephoto reach, but at the expense of a somewhat slower aperture. You really can't use it for birds in flight, but for perched, it can be amazing. Just Google Digiscoping to see what I mean.

You might be able to find an inexpensive or used field scope. Make sure you can find the adapters to use for digiscoping prior to buying though. Expensive scopes like the Nikon Edge can cost upwards to over $2000.

Here is a tutorial on digiscoping. It's for Nikon but it's the same for other brands and will give you an idea. I think the last example works for any brand point and shoot.

There are a lot of other websites on digiscoping and you can get into this at a somewhat reasonable price using your camera. You can also exceed the reach of most any DSLR and lens made. The IQ can be wonderful. Most digiscoping people use rice or bean bags instead of a tripod. They are more stable.

Otherwise, most birding people like myself, tend to use somewhat expensive DSLR cameras and very expensive lenses. It would be hard to really get serious for under around $2500 and that would be a minimalist type birding system. Many birders spend upwards of $9000 just for one lens.

If you don't mind restricting yourself to sunny days, you could barely get by with a kit costing around $800 for starters. It would be something like a Sony a57, Nikon D5100 or Canon T3i with a Sony or Nikon 55-300 or Canon 55-250 kit telephoto zoom lens. These are great for backyards or somewhat close in wild birding. As with all bird photography, the most important thing is the photographer and his/her field craft ability. That means getting close without scaring the birds.

Take care and have fun with this. Don't be daunted by the pricing. There are ways. Remember to carry a notebook for keeping a journal on what you took and buy a Sibley's book to ID your birds.

Have a great time.

Click to expand...

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste wrote:

A friend is suggesting...I look at the Canon Rebel Ti Line of camera bodies. Nice entry level DSLR. Would you also agree?

Click to expand...

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste wrote:

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste wrote:

I am totally clueless...I have always loved what my camera has brought to the table so to speak. But have taken up birding and would like sharper images.

Can this be accomplished on my current camera? What do I need to purchase to accomplish this if it can be done?

All answers are appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to give my post a minute of your time.

Click to expand...

You really can't turn your camera into a birding camera, easily, unless you're talking backyard feeder birding which is very popular. With that, a simple blind could help along with locating the feeders to allow you to get closer. You can also use dead branches to move close to the feeders as photo props.

Another solution if something called digiscoping, but it's not that inexpensive. You have to buy something called a field scope then the adapters to mount your camera on the scope. You get a tremendous telephoto reach, but at the expense of a somewhat slower aperture. You really can't use it for birds in flight, but for perched, it can be amazing. Just Google Digiscoping to see what I mean.

You might be able to find an inexpensive or used field scope. Make sure you can find the adapters to use for digiscoping prior to buying though. Expensive scopes like the Nikon Edge can cost upwards to over $2000.

Here is a tutorial on digiscoping. It's for Nikon but it's the same for other brands and will give you an idea. I think the last example works for any brand point and shoot.

There are a lot of other websites on digiscoping and you can get into this at a somewhat reasonable price using your camera. You can also exceed the reach of most any DSLR and lens made. The IQ can be wonderful. Most digiscoping people use rice or bean bags instead of a tripod. They are more stable.

Otherwise, most birding people like myself, tend to use somewhat expensive DSLR cameras and very expensive lenses. It would be hard to really get serious for under around $2500 and that would be a minimalist type birding system. Many birders spend upwards of $9000 just for one lens.

If you don't mind restricting yourself to sunny days, you could barely get by with a kit costing around $800 for starters. It would be something like a Sony a57, Nikon D5100 or Canon T3i with a Sony or Nikon 55-300 or Canon 55-250 kit telephoto zoom lens. These are great for backyards or somewhat close in wild birding. As with all bird photography, the most important thing is the photographer and his/her field craft ability. That means getting close without scaring the birds.

Take care and have fun with this. Don't be daunted by the pricing. There are ways. Remember to carry a notebook for keeping a journal on what you took and buy a Sibley's book to ID your birds.

Have a great time.

--
Cheers, Craig
Follow me on Twitter @craighardingsr : Equipment in Profile

Click to expand...

Thanks Craig!

I think for now...I'll stick with backyard birding. The Pileated Woodpecker is actually now coming to the feeder with my sitting out on the back patio. He is the one I wish to capture better... You mentioned the Canon Ti that is the Rebel right? That was also suggested to me from a friend who has the higher end as you do in products.
I have the Sibley guide...it is great! I have a few others as well. One that has a MP3 player so you can hear the birds. One I tend to pull during migration periods is my Beginners Guide to Birds by Stokes. You just find the birds by color in the book. Real simple. I picked up the Ultimate Guide to Birds of North America only for the photos inside. Lol

Click to expand...

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste wrote:

cadillactaste said:

Nothing AFAIK.

I guess you mean if something could be attached to the front of your lens which would work as a tele-converter of some sort. I have only seen screw-on wide angle adapters, and those I have seen have been ridicuously bad, so I would not recommend that route.

The newer superzooms can zoom to even longer telephoto than the S3 IS, so if you are happy with the IQ of that, I would recommend you to buy a new superzoom. The Canon Powershot SX50 HS should be the answer. For the same price you could buy a recent pre-owned Canon Rebel DSLR with the kit lens, and you would then have to use a lot more (10x) to get a telephoto lens of comparable length.

Bird photography is an exclusive business if you go all in.

Good luck.

Click to expand...

Thank you...I was afraid of that. The reason I purchased this years ago over the DSLR was that I hated having to have to put the camera up to my face. I always look through the image view screen (not sure technical name) to take a photo.

So some serious thinking will be needed before I consider my next purchase.

Click to expand...

Guidenet said:

Guidenet said:

cadillactaste wrote:

Guidenet said:

Guidenet said:

cadillactaste wrote:

I am totally clueless...I have always loved what my camera has brought to the table so to speak. But have taken up birding and would like sharper images.

Can this be accomplished on my current camera? What do I need to purchase to accomplish this if it can be done?

All answers are appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to give my post a minute of your time.

Click to expand...

You really can't turn your camera into a birding camera, easily, unless you're talking backyard feeder birding which is very popular. With that, a simple blind could help along with locating the feeders to allow you to get closer. You can also use dead branches to move close to the feeders as photo props.

Another solution if something called digiscoping, but it's not that inexpensive. You have to buy something called a field scope then the adapters to mount your camera on the scope. You get a tremendous telephoto reach, but at the expense of a somewhat slower aperture. You really can't use it for birds in flight, but for perched, it can be amazing. Just Google Digiscoping to see what I mean.

You might be able to find an inexpensive or used field scope. Make sure you can find the adapters to use for digiscoping prior to buying though. Expensive scopes like the Nikon Edge can cost upwards to over $2000.

Here is a tutorial on digiscoping. It's for Nikon but it's the same for other brands and will give you an idea. I think the last example works for any brand point and shoot.

There are a lot of other websites on digiscoping and you can get into this at a somewhat reasonable price using your camera. You can also exceed the reach of most any DSLR and lens made. The IQ can be wonderful. Most digiscoping people use rice or bean bags instead of a tripod. They are more stable.

Otherwise, most birding people like myself, tend to use somewhat expensive DSLR cameras and very expensive lenses. It would be hard to really get serious for under around $2500 and that would be a minimalist type birding system. Many birders spend upwards of $9000 just for one lens.

If you don't mind restricting yourself to sunny days, you could barely get by with a kit costing around $800 for starters. It would be something like a Sony a57, Nikon D5100 or Canon T3i with a Sony or Nikon 55-300 or Canon 55-250 kit telephoto zoom lens. These are great for backyards or somewhat close in wild birding. As with all bird photography, the most important thing is the photographer and his/her field craft ability. That means getting close without scaring the birds.

Take care and have fun with this. Don't be daunted by the pricing. There are ways. Remember to carry a notebook for keeping a journal on what you took and buy a Sibley's book to ID your birds.

Have a great time.

--
Cheers, Craig
Follow me on Twitter @craighardingsr : Equipment in Profile

Click to expand...

Thanks Craig!

I think for now...I'll stick with backyard birding. The Pileated Woodpecker is actually now coming to the feeder with my sitting out on the back patio. He is the one I wish to capture better... You mentioned the Canon Ti that is the Rebel right? That was also suggested to me from a friend who has the higher end as you do in products.
I have the Sibley guide...it is great! I have a few others as well. One that has a MP3 player so you can hear the birds. One I tend to pull during migration periods is my Beginners Guide to Birds by Stokes. You just find the birds by color in the book. Real simple. I picked up the Ultimate Guide to Birds of North America only for the photos inside. Lol

Click to expand...

Hey, I'm a pretty passionate bird photographer myself. I also have fairly complete MP3s on my iPhone to help with ID. It's a lot of fun. I also do ringing expeditions to barrier islands in order to tag gulls. Mostly, though, I do Florida Wading Birds which are pretty easy as they are so large and can be slow. I've also learned how to let them let me get very close at times. I've gotten so close I can almost reach out and touch them or hand feed some of them. If I wanted, I could probably pick up eggs and put them back, but I don't believe in mollesting nests so stay back.

If you decide you wish to get into inexpensive digiscoping or DSLR, let me know. I can help put together a kit at most budget levels. The Canon Ti or Rebel (same thing) are not bad, but would not be my first choice in DSLRs for birding. They just are not the best at low light capability. For the same price range, you could buy a Nikon D5100 or D5200 which have ninja like qualities in challenging light making them somewhat better choices. Also, Nikon offers the 55-300 for around the same price as Canon's 55-250 so you get that extra range on an equivalent lens. The Nikon also has full manual override for precise focusing if twigs are in the way, a huge benefit.

For some reason Canon has dropped a couple of years behind the other complanies on imaging sensor design for their entry level and medium level DSLRs. Right now, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax are all better at this. That could change in a year if Canon plays catch-up. Who knows? I just cannot recommend them right now for situations where light gets dim or challenging as in bird photography.

--


Cheers, Craig
Follow me on Twitter @craighardingsr : Equipment in Profile

Click to expand...

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste wrote:

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste wrote:

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste said:

cadillactaste wrote:

I am totally clueless...I have always loved what my camera has brought to the table so to speak. But have taken up birding and would like sharper images.

Can this be accomplished on my current camera? What do I need to purchase to accomplish this if it can be done?

All answers are appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to give my post a minute of your time.

Click to expand...

You really can't turn your camera into a birding camera, easily, unless you're talking backyard feeder birding which is very popular. With that, a simple blind could help along with locating the feeders to allow you to get closer. You can also use dead branches to move close to the feeders as photo props.

Another solution if something called digiscoping, but it's not that inexpensive. You have to buy something called a field scope then the adapters to mount your camera on the scope. You get a tremendous telephoto reach, but at the expense of a somewhat slower aperture. You really can't use it for birds in flight, but for perched, it can be amazing. Just Google Digiscoping to see what I mean.

You might be able to find an inexpensive or used field scope. Make sure you can find the adapters to use for digiscoping prior to buying though. Expensive scopes like the Nikon Edge can cost upwards to over $2000.

Here is a tutorial on digiscoping. It's for Nikon but it's the same for other brands and will give you an idea. I think the last example works for any brand point and shoot.

There are a lot of other websites on digiscoping and you can get into this at a somewhat reasonable price using your camera. You can also exceed the reach of most any DSLR and lens made. The IQ can be wonderful. Most digiscoping people use rice or bean bags instead of a tripod. They are more stable.

Otherwise, most birding people like myself, tend to use somewhat expensive DSLR cameras and very expensive lenses. It would be hard to really get serious for under around $2500 and that would be a minimalist type birding system. Many birders spend upwards of $9000 just for one lens.

If you don't mind restricting yourself to sunny days, you could barely get by with a kit costing around $800 for starters. It would be something like a Sony a57, Nikon D5100 or Canon T3i with a Sony or Nikon 55-300 or Canon 55-250 kit telephoto zoom lens. These are great for backyards or somewhat close in wild birding. As with all bird photography, the most important thing is the photographer and his/her field craft ability. That means getting close without scaring the birds.

Take care and have fun with this. Don't be daunted by the pricing. There are ways. Remember to carry a notebook for keeping a journal on what you took and buy a Sibley's book to ID your birds.

Have a great time.

--
Cheers, Craig
Follow me on Twitter @craighardingsr : Equipment in Profile

Click to expand...

Thanks Craig!

I think for now...I'll stick with backyard birding. The Pileated Woodpecker is actually now coming to the feeder with my sitting out on the back patio. He is the one I wish to capture better... You mentioned the Canon Ti that is the Rebel right? That was also suggested to me from a friend who has the higher end as you do in products.
I have the Sibley guide...it is great! I have a few others as well. One that has a MP3 player so you can hear the birds. One I tend to pull during migration periods is my Beginners Guide to Birds by Stokes. You just find the birds by color in the book. Real simple. I picked up the Ultimate Guide to Birds of North America only for the photos inside. Lol

Click to expand...

Hey, I'm a pretty passionate bird photographer myself. I also have fairly complete MP3s on my iPhone to help with ID. It's a lot of fun. I also do ringing expeditions to barrier islands in order to tag gulls. Mostly, though, I do Florida Wading Birds which are pretty easy as they are so large and can be slow. I've also learned how to let them let me get very close at times. I've gotten so close I can almost reach out and touch them or hand feed some of them. If I wanted, I could probably pick up eggs and put them back, but I don't believe in mollesting nests so stay back.

If you decide you wish to get into inexpensive digiscoping or DSLR, let me know. I can help put together a kit at most budget levels. The Canon Ti or Rebel (same thing) are not bad, but would not be my first choice in DSLRs for birding. They just are not the best at low light capability. For the same price range, you could buy a Nikon D5100 or D5200 which have ninja like qualities in challenging light making them somewhat better choices. Also, Nikon offers the 55-300 for around the same price as Canon's 55-250 so you get that extra range on an equivalent lens. The Nikon also has full manual override for precise focusing if twigs are in the way, a huge benefit.

For some reason Canon has dropped a couple of years behind the other complanies on imaging sensor design for their entry level and medium level DSLRs. Right now, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax are all better at this. That could change in a year if Canon plays catch-up. Who knows? I just cannot recommend them right now for situations where light gets dim or challenging as in bird photography.

--

Cheers, Craig
Follow me on Twitter @craighardingsr : Equipment in Profile

Click to expand...

Thanks Craig...I would almost put myself in the catagory of backyard feeder photographer. Except...I find myself wanting to go out in the wee early morning hours to catch a glimpse of the blue heron flying off in a pair. Or occassionally I see a kingfisher I would like to sit and lay wait for.

I guess I need to decide exactly how far I wish to go before buying equipment.

We live beside a ravine and put in a decent size waterfall with a creek bed along in it. We have a good 20 birds in and around our back patio all the time. The Pileated actually would fly around from tree to tree calling. I would then go inside so he would come into eat. But decided to see if he would come in while I was out. He perched on a branch near the feeders and flew off when I grabbed the camera. But the other day...he flew in...went from the same branch to another tree...to the feeder! I sat there on my back patio with the English bulldog at my feet watching him eat. I didn't attempt to take his photo. Figured to let him come in a few times first before I try that again. The Downy woodpeckers shoot they are characters practically landing on my shoulder! The Hairy and red-bellied come in as well as a red headed woodpecker. All while I am sitting not far away. They wait in trees for a turn at the feeder. So getting them in natural habitat can be accomplished. Just they sometimes are hard to find.

Click to expand...

Klaus dk said:

Klaus dk said:

cadillactaste wrote:

A friend is suggesting...I look at the Canon Rebel Ti Line of camera bodies. Nice entry level DSLR. Would you also agree?

Click to expand...

I have owned the T2i which was the first 18MP Rebel. It has IQ similar to the 7D which I own now, and I think it is a very good camera considering the price. It also has live view, but focusing in liive view is not very fast, I am told. I never use live view myself. I'm used to an OVF and can't get used to not having one, especially when shooting with long lenses.

The issue with a DSLR is that to get a decent telephoto lens, you will need some pretty expensive glass. I don't think an EF-S 55-250 is long enough if you think that your present 400 mm equivalent lens is to short. 300mm on an APS-C is the equivalence of 480mm on full frame.

I just tried to shoot some birds in the garden to show you how a 300mm lens works on a crop camera, but to no avail. I lack in patience for shooting birds

Follow AlbertInFrance's advice to ask in the nature and wildlife forum.

Click to expand...

AndyGrogan said:

AndyGrogan wrote:

AndyGrogan said:

cadillactaste wrote:

Thanks Craig...I would almost put myself in the catagory of backyard feeder photographer. Except...I find myself wanting to go out in the wee early morning hours to catch a glimpse of the blue heron flying off in a pair. Or occassionally I see a kingfisher I would like to sit and lay wait for.

I guess I need to decide exactly how far I wish to go before buying equipment.

We live beside a ravine and put in a decent size waterfall with a creek bed along in it. We have a good 20 birds in and around our back patio all the time. The Pileated actually would fly around from tree to tree calling. I would then go inside so he would come into eat. But decided to see if he would come in while I was out. He perched on a branch near the feeders and flew off when I grabbed the camera. But the other day...he flew in...went from the same branch to another tree...to the feeder! I sat there on my back patio with the English bulldog at my feet watching him eat. I didn't attempt to take his photo. Figured to let him come in a few times first before I try that again. The Downy woodpeckers shoot they are characters practically landing on my shoulder! The Hairy and red-bellied come in as well as a red headed woodpecker. All while I am sitting not far away. They wait in trees for a turn at the feeder. So getting them in natural habitat can be accomplished. Just they sometimes are hard to find.

Click to expand...

That's how I did it. I actually regularly get buzzed by hummingbirds, which are laughably brave and once was attacked by a goldfinch.

The trees and the area they move across is their natural habitat just watch for them to come in from there.

The only problem is owls and hawks will come in on occasion. Also, chipmunks will clean up the seed on the ground but the squirrels will gorge and take everything they can get back to their nest.

Blackoil sunflower seeds is most popular. Birdbaths will draw in birds that normally wouldn't visit. And I noticed now at Wal*Mart, 'freeze-dried' mealworms to also attract other species that wouldn't otherwise visit.

I also put out a bluebird nest and around front is a small orchard to attract those type birds (various kinds or orioles).

So you can teach yourself to become a pretty good photographer in your own yard.

Click to expand...

Guidenet said:

Guidenet wrote:

Guidenet said:

AndyGrogan wrote:

Guidenet said:

cadillactaste wrote:

Thanks Craig...I would almost put myself in the catagory of backyard feeder photographer. Except...I find myself wanting to go out in the wee early morning hours to catch a glimpse of the blue heron flying off in a pair. Or occassionally I see a kingfisher I would like to sit and lay wait for.

I guess I need to decide exactly how far I wish to go before buying equipment.

We live beside a ravine and put in a decent size waterfall with a creek bed along in it. We have a good 20 birds in and around our back patio all the time. The Pileated actually would fly around from tree to tree calling. I would then go inside so he would come into eat. But decided to see if he would come in while I was out. He perched on a branch near the feeders and flew off when I grabbed the camera. But the other day...he flew in...went from the same branch to another tree...to the feeder! I sat there on my back patio with the English bulldog at my feet watching him eat. I didn't attempt to take his photo. Figured to let him come in a few times first before I try that again. The Downy woodpeckers shoot they are characters practically landing on my shoulder! The Hairy and red-bellied come in as well as a red headed woodpecker. All while I am sitting not far away. They wait in trees for a turn at the feeder. So getting them in natural habitat can be accomplished. Just they sometimes are hard to find.

Click to expand...

That's how I did it. I actually regularly get buzzed by hummingbirds, which are laughably brave and once was attacked by a goldfinch.

The trees and the area they move across is their natural habitat just watch for them to come in from there.

The only problem is owls and hawks will come in on occasion. Also, chipmunks will clean up the seed on the ground but the squirrels will gorge and take everything they can get back to their nest.

Blackoil sunflower seeds is most popular. Birdbaths will draw in birds that normally wouldn't visit. And I noticed now at Wal*Mart, 'freeze-dried' mealworms to also attract other species that wouldn't otherwise visit.

I also put out a bluebird nest and around front is a small orchard to attract those type birds (various kinds or orioles).

So you can teach yourself to become a pretty good photographer in your own yard.

Click to expand...

hahaha. good for you both. I love that we're having fun with birding on the forum and sharing experiences. It's a lot of fun. I couldn't join in because I was in back of some ponds about 40 miles away until it started to get dark and drove home. I've not processed the images yet so don't know if I got any much. I did get an image of a funny alligator I hope will be amusing when I develop it.

Take care my friends.

Click to expand...