I was reading a post in a birding forum on Facebook and the poster had shared she’d used the P950 and was just learning bird photography. Lots of discussion, people making suggestions and so on. I thought I’d share with them about my experience, and here is what I said:
Noting the post re using the P950 and Bird mode, I’d like to share that I’ve had this camera for over 3 years now and have taken over 50,000 photos with it. In my first month of ownership I refused to touch any of my other cameras and only use this one, as that’s the best way to learn it. I have a Peak Design shoulder strap so that it sits at my hip all the time whenever I’m outside (every day) and have two spare batteries too as I regularly take anywhere over 80 photos a day – I am retired and it’s my passion and hobby. I can’t be bothered waiting for a battery to charge so keep a spare on me, but if I go out on day trips, then I’ll make sure I have both spares with me, just in case.
I have written a review for anyone who wants to read it – I reckon Nikon probably owes me a lot of commission these days 🙂
The shot I’ve shared here, I took this afternoon of a kookaburra in our willow tree at home. The image was processed in Lightroom but I don’t do a lot to my images, some brightening or darkening if needed and a bit of sharpening. And the occasional crop.
I love that I can zoom from a distance to get the shots I want without being too close – I believe very much in ethical birding and don’t like to disturb the birds I see. I feel privileged I get to watch them live their lives, often without realising I’m watching them.
And yes, I occasionally use Shutter Priority or Manual Mode, but I always come back to Bird mode as I get my best shots with that mode – excepting when I want to take Moon shots, then I use Moon mode 😁
The other thing I like about it, is it’s so easy to do videos – after focusing, just press the red button on the right side of the camera – the biggest challenge is learning to stand still, but you can lean on something or use a tripod. Have fun and enjoy!
So very true! I am also an owner of this wonderful camera! I have taken thousands of photos of my backyard birds over the last three years. Wonderful detail & color. I also do some light editing in LR.
Mark
Good to hear Mark. Sounds like you are enjoying it as much as I am!