A camera was the first item I thought to invest in to further my birding journey by documenting my sightings. After some experimentation with phone attachments for monoculars and binoculars, with varying success, I decided to invest in a proper point-and-shoot camera. Through my own research, the first three affordable, long-range cameras I owned are as follows:

1. Kodak Pixpro AZ421

2. Nikon Coolpix P510

3. Panasonic Lumix FZ80

Disclaimer: None of the products listed are currently sponsored, so I am providing my honest opinion. With this in mind, I have not included any links so that you, the reader, are free to use whatever store you chose.

Camera Background

Firstly, I cannot claim to be an expert on cameras although I am a hobbyist. However, through some research and from what I've gathered, here is my interpretation of the details listed here:

• Point-and-Shoot

All three cameras on this page are point-and-shoot cameras meaning the lenses are not detachable and the camera is generally more beginner-friendly and easier to use. Some birders opt to choose this camera over much larger DSLR or mirrorless cameras due to the portability. However, this comes with a disadvantage: you cannot switch lenses or clean the interior of the camera when dirty.

• Optical Zoom vs. Digital Zoom

"Optical" means that the image is physically magnified (through some fancy optical mechanism as the lens extends), whereas "digital zoom" means that the picture is merely cropped (and thus loses resolution). Although some software is becoming better at digital zoom (or a combination of both), optical zoom prevails in image quality.

• Photo Megapixels (MP)

Megapixels are generally synonymous with photo resolution and how much the camera can capture. Although, in theory, the bigger the number the better, in practice, higher MP photos depend on the camera quality and sensor power, among other factors.

• Video Resolution

Like photo resolution, video resolution predominantly depends on the camera. Numbers like 720p, 1080p, 1440p and 4K might sound familiar to you as these are standard video resolutions. 1080p is general standard quality video.

The Cameras

1. Kodak Astro Zoom Pixpro AZ421

Overall, a decent camera (especially given the price) that zooms far with fair resolution. Takes bursts at good speed for birds in flight. Solid starter camera.

2. Nikon Coolpix P510 (Discontinued, see Coolpix P-class)

An improvement over the Pixpro with better optic quality and quicker shutter capabilities; newer versions of this model are much more expensive, and thus much higher quality with more features. However, you can still find the Nikon P510 refurbished or used.

3. Panasonic Lumix FZ80

Excellent and reliable camera for the price with incredible video capabilities. Photos are moderately grainy in harsh light, but much better compared to other two cameras.

For now, I have graduated to a mirrorless camera with a long lens although I will never forget these three cameras which made me learn some intricacies of photography. The choice is yours, and I encourage you to explore many other resources and reading many reviews before buying your camera for birding!