Just wondering what the distribution of camera types among iNatters is.
Note: If you use more then one pick the one you use the most. Only select 2 if both apply to that camera or you use both cameras equally. More advced compact camera could also be called superzoom/bridge camera. (This section was added on recommendation).
0 voters
Might want to put āmore advanced compact cameraā as ābridge cameraā or āsuperzoomā; or add that option. They have long zoom and manual controls. Many look like DSLRs but the lenses cannot be removed. I have seen plenty of people use superzooms on iNaturalist.
I have a small pocket stashable compact camera but with how it can be configured and the decent zoom I get with the lens Iād consider it under that advanced option that was suggested above! Iām more of a hobbyist slash enthusiast birder and not a professional so it was the perfect option for providing me with a good piece of equipment without tearing into my wallet too much!
Yes. The list is a bit confusing. I primarily use a Canon SX70. I mostly call it a bridge camera. Without āBridgeā on the list, I checked mirrorless. I donāt think it has a mirror. Itās not what I call compact or pocketable.
Edited vote to More Advanced Compact. Also removed Phone Camera since I only use it for large readily identifiable species or random photos when I donāt have a real camera.
Old compact Panasonic Lumix fz18 with raynox dcr-250 for smaller organism and without raynox for bigger. Last time I started to use a phone camera but sadly itās quite shitty :(
itās a little dated and represents only a small period of time, but hereās some data about different cameras used to make iNat observations: https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/good-cameras-for-nature-shots/1064/48.
Still using Canon 7D Mk II, but if the long-rumored R7 ever materializes, Iāll switch to mirrorless.
I use a Cannon EOS Rebel 75 with a 55-250 zoom. DSLR - I grew up with 35mm DSLR and film, so I went back to what I was used to. It meets my needs. The zoom allows me modest long distance shots, but also lets me shoot things quite close as well. I had started out with a standard lens and macro extensions, but I found it forced me to get too up close and person with insects who generally did not like it! I like this setup, and have no plans to change. Iām not out to take art photos, and if cropping and light adjustment does not work, cāest la vie!
Canon 700D (DSLR) when I can, but my phone is always with me and takes decent photos, so a good deal of my observations were taken on there.
Using my trusty yet outdated iphone7 camera, with an additional clip on macro lens for smaller subjects.
Old phone Xiomi mi9
For now two cameras
Nikon d750 + nikkor 105 2.8f for macro
Nikon d7500 + nikkor 200-500 for birds and mammals
I use Olympus TG for macro, though I do not use stacking. It is also waterproof, so have used it a bit submerged,too.
Although personally Iāve only used them for a handful of observations (lichens, microscopic things in pond water, etc.), I suppose what isnāt represented on the list are USB microscopes, and microscope mounted cameras, and there might be some folks on iNat focusing on exclusively those kind of observations.
Sorry I canāt edit the poll but I have put a note above it saying that more advanced compact means superzoom or bridge.
I use a Nikon D7000 with a 80-400mm lens for long-distance subjects and the same camera with a 60mm for most insects and plants.
Ditto - Iām waiting on R7.
I use a Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and an Olympus TG-6. The Panasonic is great for birds since it has a superzoom (20-1200 mm), but the picture quality isnāt amazing unless youāre in exactly the right light. Possibly I could get more out of it if I learned to use manual settings, but those are a bit beyond me at this point. I usually use the scene mode Freeze Animal Motion, which has a faster shutter speed.
The Olympus is great for macro; it has several modes, including āmicroscopeā and automatic focus stacking, which I hope to try out if I can find a bug thatās willing to sit still for a second or two. Itās also waterproof, which is a great feature - less because I actually use it underwater and more because it means I never have to worry about taking it out in the rain.
American Robin with the Panasonic: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/96546392
Jumping Spider with the Olympus: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/95200784
Following to see if anyone uses a film camera for iNat 
Same. Maybe out at Yellowstone, with the Bison.
