RE: bird encounters/camera question

["Gregory Georges" <ggeorges@mindspring.com>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: carolinabirds-owner@acpub.duke.edu
> [mailto:carolinabirds-owner@acpub.duke.edu]On Behalf Of Rob G

> now, real question and purpose of post! (for any camera buffs):
>
>   Am wondering if those single-use pocket cameras that I see
> everywhere are worthless for nature photography or useful for
> occasional shots(tired of dragging along a bulky camera
> and lens on casual walks). If useful, which models are best,
> or are generic ones just as good as name-brand ones??? Thanks
> for any suggestions

You are the best one to answer your question. If you enjoy the pictures that
you can get from such a camera, then yes--a single-use pocket camera can be
useful. If it lets you get pictures that you ordinarily wouldn't get because
you don't want to carry a bigger camera, then again yes they are useful to
you. The lens in a throw-away camera is not a good lens. In fact, it is of
such low-quality that you use it once and throw it away! Also, many of these
single-use cameras use the variable speed film, which is just about the
worst possible film for getting a good sharp, low-grain picture.  If you
must use one, look for one that uses a lower ASA film like 200 or 400 ASA
film, not the 800 or variable speed film.

Lastly, you must realize that getting a good bird picture with such a camera
is all but impossible. Bird photography requires the best and most expensive
lenses of any kind of photography. Most of the good bird photographers use
600 or 800mm lenses with a 2x tele-extender. Those lenses cost about $8,000
and $10,000 each.

Having said all of that, I would repeat. If you enjoy what you get with a
single use camera--then it is a good one for you. We all have different
expectations. You might want to consider getting a digital camera. They are
very cheap to use once you have one. No consumables required. Just shoot and
download to your PC.

BTW, for those of you that are interested in taking bird photographs, you
might like to visit Arthur Morris' bird site. He is the best in my opinion
and his site offers lots of information on photographing birds and where to
go to get great shots. His last book is excellent! His site is at:

http://www.birdsasart.com/

---
Gregory Georges
Really Useful Content, Inc.
914 Kings Mill Road
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514
Tel: (919) 929-1778

www.reallyusefulpage.com
Author of Digital Camera Solutions--a comprehensive
guide to getting the most from your digital camera
and digital images