Nikon D3000 Digital SLR
Once you begin to get serious about your zootography, you might want to consider cameras in a class known as Digital Single Lens Reflex, often abbreviated as DSLR. Entry level cameras in this class are slightly higher priced than point & shoot models but provide a step up in picture quality. They have larger digital sensors to capture more light and have superior color sensitivity. These cameras also allow the use of interchangeable lenses, giving you more options for shooting at different distances because you can buy lenses built for specific focal ranges. Cameras in this class always provide full manual control of shooting settings but many offer automatic modes to ease you into the more advanced functionality. If want better responsiveness while shooting or you're planning to reproduce your photos in print or sell them commercially, you should seriously consider a DSLR.
We have some specific recommendations for cameras at this level as well:
Longer Zoom Lens. Most cameras in this class come with what is called a kit lens. This is typically a lens with a short 3x zoom level with a focal length range of 18mm to 55mm, referring to the actual distances the glass lenses travel inside the lens body. Kit lenses are suitable for family vacation pictures or close ups, but do not have the reach you'll need for zootography. You'll want to pick up a complimentary zoom lens for longer distances. These typically have a focal range of 55mm to 200mm. This will provide the 10x magnification factor that you'll need to get close ups of animals at the zoo.
Image Stabilization. Depending on the manufacturer, image stabilization mechanisms may be present in either the camera body or the lenses. If your camera body does not handle image stabilization internally, be sure to purchases lenses that have this very desirable feature when hand-holding your camera.
Macro Lenses. As we discussed in the last section, macro photography is the art of taking close-ups of tiny subjects. To accomplish this with a DSLR, you need a lens that can to focus at very close range. Lenses of this type are always advertised as macro lenses. If you plan take photos of this type with a camera in this class, make sure the lenses you buy support macro photography.
