Best budget camera for newbie/hobbyist

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I'm just fishing around for ideas on a decent camera for getting pics of birds and other wildlife at feeders. I figure it'd be a fun way to pass time in the stand or even at home. Budget would be $300 or below. I would like a good enough zoom to get decent detail at 20 yards. What camera/lens combo would y'all recommend?

[Gunnyart]

Got my wife a Nikon D3300 she's very happy with it. Basic model is about $350 but used you can get well under $300

[Bill M]

DSLR doesn't sound like a fit for your goals. The Panasonic Lumix line is top notch and has been for some time. Here are a couple of links to a couple of different models. Honestly though I use DSLR equipment, I'd have one for kicking around if they shot RAW. I don't know that they don't shoot RAW but normally these types of cameras don't.

https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...=lumix+cameras

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...=REG&A=details

[WhiplashTX]

Originally Posted by Bill M

DSLR doesn't sound like a fit for your goals. The Panasonic Lumix line is top notch and has been for some time. Here are a couple of links to a couple of different models. Honestly though I use DSLR equipment, I'd have one for kicking around if they shot RAW. I don't know that they don't shoot RAW but normally these types of cameras don't.

https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...=lumix+cameras

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...=REG&A=details

X2, just lens for a DSLR are going to eat through your budget alone. I would also suggest a Panasonic, particularly the FZ line. I still use my FZ-50 at my tripod bow stands even though I have DSLR equipment.

Bill, I don't know about their newer cameras, but my FZ-50 shoots raw. It's also virtually silent since it has a manual zoom ring. Some of the new bridge cameras even have a 1" sensor for high ISO performance but cost as much as a high end APSC DSLR body.

[TexasWicked1]

Originally Posted by Bill M

DSLR doesn't sound like a fit for your goals. The Panasonic Lumix line is top notch and has been for some time. Here are a couple of links to a couple of different models. Honestly though I use DSLR equipment, I'd have one for kicking around if they shot RAW. I don't know that they don't shoot RAW but normally these types of cameras don't.

https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...=lumix+cameras

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...=REG&A=details

I agree. I think that you will find mirror-less camera more advantageous.