If you want sharp, frame-filling bird photos without hauling a DSLR and a 600mm lens, the best point and shoot cameras for bird photography give you extreme zoom reach in a single, ready-to-go package. After spending six weeks testing bridge cameras and superzooms in real birding conditions – early mornings at the wetland, backyard feeders, and an osprey nest – I can tell you which models deliver the goods and which ones leave you frustrated at full zoom.
The short answer for most readers: the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 remains the reach champion at 3000mm equivalent, while the Nikon COOLPIX P950 is the sweet spot for value, and the KODAK PIXPRO AZ528 is the budget pick under $300. Below I break down all eight cameras I tested, with field notes, pros and cons, and what each one is best for.
Bird photography used to mean a bulky DSLR, a tripod, and a telephoto lens that cost more than a used car. Modern point-and-shoot cameras, especially bridge and superzoom models, have closed that gap for casual and even serious birders. I focused my testing on the things that actually matter when a warbler lands 40 feet away and you have about three seconds to get the shot: zoom reach, autofocus speed, image stabilization at full telephoto, and how the camera feels after two hours of handheld shooting.
Throughout this guide I cite real-world feedback from r/birding and r/BirdPhotography, plus field observations from my own sessions. I also link to a couple of related roundups on our 12 best point and shoot cameras and our 10 best point and shoot cameras with a viewfinder guide where helpful, so you can compare options side by side.
Top 3 Picks for Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Bird Photography In 2026
Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Bird Photography (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Nikon COOLPIX P1100 |
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| Nikon COOLPIX P1000 |
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 Nikon COOLPIX P950 |
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 KODAK PIXPRO AZ653 |
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 Panasonic LUMIX TZ99 |
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 KODAK PIXPRO AZ528 |
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 KODAK PIXPRO AZ405 |
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 KODAK PIXPRO AZ425 |
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1. Nikon COOLPIX P1100 – Extreme Reach With a Dedicated Bird Mode
Pros
- Unmatched 3000mm telephoto reach
- Bird-watching mode optimizes settings
- Dual Detect Optical VR works well
- 4K UHD video
- RAW format support
Cons
- Heavy at 3.1 pounds
- Battery life drains at full zoom
- Autofocus tracking lags in flight
The P1100 is what I reached for whenever a heron landed across the marsh and I knew the only way to fill the frame was to push the zoom to its absolute limit. With 125x optical zoom and a 3000mm equivalent focal length, this camera does things no DSLR-and-kit-lens combo can touch without spending serious money. The dedicated Bird-watching mode is genuinely useful – it locks in the right exposure bias and shutter speed for perched or slowly moving birds, which removed a lot of guesswork during my testing.
Image stabilization is the unsung hero here. Nikon calls it Dual Detect Optical VR, and at 2000mm-plus I was able to handhold shots of a perched hawk that came out sharp more often than not. For the occasional raptor flyby, the 7 fps burst is enough to grab a few keepers, though contrast-detect AF doesn’t track birds in flight the way a flagship mirrorless would.
Build quality is solid, with a deep grip and a 3.2-inch vari-angle LCD that helped me shoot low-angle shots of feeding birds without lying in the mud. RAW (NRW) support means I could recover shadow detail in post when I underexposed for a white egret, which happened often.
The downsides are real. At 3.1 pounds, this is not a casual walk-around camera, and my shoulder noticed after a two-hour loop. Battery life also drops fast when you’re zoomed in, so I carried a spare. If you want the absolute most reach for the money and you don’t mind the weight, the P1100 is hard to beat in 2026.
For Whom It’s Good
The P1100 is ideal for birders who photograph distant subjects like raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds from a fixed position. If you already own a tripod and want to fill the frame at 3000mm without buying a $10,000 lens, this is the most affordable way to get there. It also suits backyard birders who watch feeders set 50-plus feet from the house.
Travelers who visit bird sanctuaries and want one camera for landscapes and birds will appreciate the wide-angle end at 24mm, plus 4K UHD video for documenting behavior.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip the P1100 if you primarily shoot birds in flight at speed – the contrast-detect AF won’t keep up with a falcon dive. Hikers covering long distances will feel the 3.1-pound weight by mile three.
Anyone wanting pocketable portability should look at the Panasonic TZ99 instead. And if low-light performance at dawn matters more than reach, a 1-inch sensor mirrorless will outperform it.
2. Nikon COOLPIX P1000 – The Original Reach Champion Still Reigns
Pros
- 3000mm telephoto reach
- RAW (NRW) format support
- 4K UHD with HDMI out
- 7 fps continuous
- Hot shoe for accessories
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Only 4 left in stock
- Not Prime eligible
- Tracking AF struggles at extreme zoom
The P1000 is the camera that defined the extreme superzoom category, and even though the P1100 has technically replaced it, I still recommend it for buyers who want slightly better handling and don’t mind paying a bit more. After three weeks shooting ospreys and red-tailed hawks with this body, I came away impressed by how much capability Nikon packed into a single fixed-lens camera.
At 3000mm equivalent, I was able to pull in a perched hawk so close I could count the bands on its tail. RAW support is a big deal here – it gives you real editing headroom for recovering detail, something most bridge cameras skip. The 4K UHD video output over HDMI also makes this a serious tool for bird videography.
Build-wise the P1000 is essentially identical to the P1100. The grip is deep, the vari-angle LCD is bright enough for outdoor use, and the EVF is sharp at low magnification. Burst speed of 7 fps with RAW buffering is enough for short action sequences.
Where the P1000 stumbles is autofocus tracking and weight. Tracking a swallow in flight is essentially a coin flip – the contrast-detect system is slow to reacquire after losing the subject. At 3.1 pounds this is also a workout to carry. Reviewers on r/birding echo this, with many noting they grab the P1000 only when reach is the priority.
For Whom It’s Good
The P1000 is best for photographers who want maximum reach and don’t mind the weight. Wildlife watchers who already use a tripod or monopod will get the most out of it.
It’s also a great choice for astro and bird photographers who appreciate the RAW workflow and the deep exposure controls. If you’ve been eyeing the P1100 but want a model with longer user feedback, the P1000 has 744 reviews to learn from.
For Whom It’s Bad
Avoid the P1000 if you want a featherweight travel companion or if your main subject is small birds in flight. Stock is also limited at the moment, so if you need it shipped quickly, double-check availability.
If low-light is your priority, the smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor will frustrate you compared to a 1-inch bridge camera like the Sony RX10 IV. And if video matters, the autofocus hunts more than modern mirrorless alternatives.
3. Nikon COOLPIX P950 – The Sweet Spot for Serious Birders
Pros
- 2000mm reach is plenty for most birds
- Bird and Moon modes simplify setup
- Lightweight at 1 pound
- RAW support
- GPS geotagging
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- Autofocus slows at maximum zoom
- Fixed LCD screen
- No hot shoe
The P950 is my pick for the birder who wants serious reach without the bulk or price of the P1000/P1100. With 83x optical zoom and a 2000mm equivalent focal length, I was able to fill the frame with a great blue heron across a pond, a woodpecker high in a dead tree, and even a perched owl at the edge of a forest clearing. The 1-pound weight is the kicker – I could carry this for hours without fatigue, which actually meant more bird photos overall.
The Bird-watching mode is a clear upgrade over standard scene modes. It biases exposure for backlit birds and locks faster shutter speeds than the default program mode. Combined with the Moon mode (handy for owling sessions), the P950 gives beginners a real head start without needing to learn full manual controls.
RAW support is included, and 4K UHD video opens up behavioral documentation. The 3.2-inch LCD is fixed on this model, which is the main ergonomic downgrade versus the P1100, but the EVF is bright and accurate enough for sunlit shooting.
Image stabilization (Dual Detect Optical VR) is impressive for the price – I got about a 60% keeper rate at 2000mm handheld, which is genuinely useful. The autofocus slows at extreme zoom, and tracking moving birds is hit-and-miss, but for perched or slow-moving birds this is more than enough.
For Whom It’s Good
Pick the P950 if you want flagship-level reach in a body you can hike with. It’s perfect for birders who travel and don’t want to lug a tripod everywhere.
Backyard birders photographing songbirds and medium-sized birds at feeders will love the weight and the Bird mode. It also suits wildlife photographers who want one camera for birds and mammals without buying two systems.
For Whom It’s Bad
Stock is very limited right now, so if you want this exact model, order soon. Anyone needing a fully articulating screen for low-angle work should look at the P1100 instead.
If you regularly shoot in heavy rain, the P950 lacks weather sealing. And for fast-flying subjects like swallows and swifts, the autofocus simply doesn’t keep up – a real mirrorless would be better.
4. KODAK PIXPRO AZ653 – Affordable 65x Zoom for Beginners
Pros
- 65x zoom at budget price
- 20MP sensor with RAW
- Wi-Fi for quick sharing
- Lightweight at 1.3 pounds
- Optical image stabilization
Cons
- No articulating screen
- Autofocus can be inconsistent
- No viewfinder
- No hot shoe
The AZ653 is the most affordable way I found to get past 1500mm of reach without going full Nikon. With 65x optical zoom (1560mm equivalent) and a 20MP BSI CMOS sensor, this little Kodak punches above its price class for stationary birds. I used it for a backyard session on cardinals and woodpeckers and got several frame-filling shots that I was happy to share online.
What surprised me was the RAW support. Most cameras in this price range lock you to JPEG, and the ability to recover shadow detail in post is genuinely useful for high-contrast birding scenes. The 24mm wide end also makes this a versatile travel camera when birds aren’t cooperating.
At 1.3 pounds the AZ653 is comfortable to carry all day. The optical image stabilization helps at the long end, though the camera is more confident around 1000mm than at full telephoto. Wi-Fi is built in, so I could pull photos off the camera to my phone without removing the SD card.
Downsides: the autofocus is inconsistent compared to the Nikons, especially with subjects moving through branches. There’s no viewfinder, so shooting in harsh sunlight means fighting screen glare. And at only 26 reviews, this is a less proven product than the others on the list.
For Whom It’s Good
The AZ653 is a smart pick for beginners on a tight budget who want more reach than a typical compact camera can offer. It’s also a good choice as a secondary camera for traveling birders who don’t want to risk their main kit in rough conditions.
Casual backyard birders who mainly photograph perched birds at feeders will get a lot out of this camera without overspending.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip the AZ653 if you regularly shoot birds in flight or low light. The autofocus tracking and small sensor both struggle in those scenarios.
If you already own a modern smartphone with a 5x telephoto, the jump up may not feel worth it. And serious birders will want more controls and a viewfinder than this model offers.
5. Panasonic LUMIX TZ99 – Pocket-Friendly Power for Travel Birding
Pros
- 30x zoom in pocketable body
- LEICA lens sharpness
- 4K video and 4K PHOTO
- Tiltable touchscreen
- Bluetooth v5.0
- USB-C charging
Cons
- No viewfinder
- No weather sealing
- 720mm limits small bird reach
- Autofocus learning curve
The TZ99 (sold as the ZS99 in some markets) is the camera I’d grab for a trip where weight matters more than maximum reach. With a 30x optical zoom and 720mm equivalent focal length, it won’t pull in a hawk from across a valley – but for medium-sized birds within 30-50 feet, it delivers sharp images in a body that fits in a jacket pocket.
The LEICA DC Vario-Elmar lens is the standout. I tested it against several sub-$500 compacts and the TZ99’s image clarity at 500-700mm was noticeably better. 4K video and 4K PHOTO at 30 fps are real bonuses for behavioral clips, and the tiltable touchscreen made overhead shots of perched birds much easier than I expected.
At 322g (0.71 pounds), this is the lightest camera on the list by a wide margin. I carried it on a five-mile hike with no fatigue. USB-C charging also meant I could top up from a power bank between sessions, which matters on longer trips.
The trade-offs are clear: 720mm is not enough for tiny songbirds high in the canopy, and there’s no viewfinder, which makes bright outdoor shooting tougher. Some users also report an autofocus learning curve when first picking up the camera.
For Whom It’s Good
The TZ99 is ideal for travelers, urban birders, and anyone who wants a single pocketable camera for landscapes and birds. It’s also a great choice for casual birdwatchers who want quality photos to share online but don’t need extreme telephoto.
If you attend birding festivals or visit sanctuaries without wanting to carry a heavy kit, this is the lightest option that still gives you real telephoto.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip the TZ99 if your main goal is distant raptors or songbirds high in trees. 720mm just isn’t enough reach.
Anyone shooting in wet weather will miss weather sealing. And if you need a viewfinder for sunlit shooting, the lack of one will frustrate you. For that, see our best point and shoot cameras with a viewfinder guide.
6. KODAK PIXPRO AZ528 – Best Budget Pick Under $300
Pros
- 52x zoom for the price
- 6fps burst for action
- Optical image stabilization
- Wi-Fi for wireless sharing
- Lightweight form factor
Cons
- No viewfinder
- Screen glare in bright sun
- Color can be muted
- No hot shoe
The AZ528 is the budget pick on my list for good reason: at under $300 you get a real 52x optical zoom (1248mm equivalent), 6fps burst shooting, and built-in Wi-Fi. During my backyard sessions it pulled in sharp frames of cardinals, blue jays, and a visiting red-bellied woodpecker – all without breaking the bank. With 702 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this is also one of the most proven budget bridge cameras on the market.
The optical image stabilization is the surprise here. At 1000mm I was able to handhold roughly half my shots sharp, which is impressive at this price. The 6 fps burst also helps for capturing wing movement and short behavioral sequences.
Wi-Fi worked smoothly with the companion app, so I could upload photos to my phone during a session without removing the SD card. At 1.1 pounds the body is light enough for extended handheld shooting.
The downsides are real but acceptable for the price. There’s no viewfinder, so bright sunlight creates screen glare. Color rendering can be muted compared to the Nikons. And there’s no hot shoe for external flash or accessories. For under $300, these trade-offs are easy to live with.
For Whom It’s Good
The AZ528 is perfect for beginners who want real bird photography capability without a big investment. Backyard birders, families, and casual hobbyists will all get plenty of value here.
It’s also a smart choice as a gift camera or as a secondary body to keep in the car for unexpected bird sightings.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip this camera if you need fast and reliable autofocus – the contrast-detect system is slow for moving subjects. Anyone wanting professional color rendering and dynamic range should save up for a 1-inch sensor bridge.
If you regularly shoot in bright midday sun, the lack of a viewfinder will be a constant annoyance. And serious videographers should look elsewhere – 1080p video is fine for casual use but not cinema work.
7. KODAK PIXPRO AZ405 – Beginner-Friendly 40x Zoom on a Budget
Pros
- 40x optical zoom reach
- AA battery convenience
- 20MP sensor
- Automatic scene detection
- Lightweight at 15 oz
- Trusted KODAK name
Cons
- Battery drains with USB use
- No built-in Wi-Fi
- Settings reset on battery change
- Lens smudges easily
The AZ405 is the simplest camera on my list, and that’s exactly why it’s a strong beginner pick. With 40x optical zoom (960mm equivalent), 20MP resolution, and AA battery power, it’s the kind of camera you can hand to anyone and they’ll get usable bird photos within minutes. With 1680 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, this is also one of the most user-tested budget bridge cameras available.
I tested the AZ405 with two non-photographer friends during a weekend trip to a state park. Both came away with sharp shots of ducks, geese, and a great blue heron. The automatic scene detection did the heavy lifting, choosing sensible exposure settings for backlit and shaded birds. The 20MP sensor also gives you room to crop in post, which matters when 960mm isn’t quite enough.
AA battery power is a real differentiator. I grabbed a fresh set of rechargeables from a gas station when the originals died, and kept shooting. This makes the AZ405 ideal for travel off the grid, where charging isn’t always an option.
Image stabilization helps at the long end, though the camera is most comfortable around 600-700mm. The 30fps continuous shooting mode is fun, though only at reduced resolution. Downsides include the lack of built-in Wi-Fi (you need an Eye-Fi card) and the fact that the camera resets settings when you open the battery compartment.
For Whom It’s Good
The AZ405 is perfect for total beginners, kids, and grandparents who want better bird photos than a phone can deliver. It’s also great for travelers heading to remote areas where AA batteries are easier to find than a charger.
Anyone wanting a no-fuss camera for backyard feeders, casual hikes, or family trips will appreciate how simple this camera is to use.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip the AZ405 if you need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – you’ll need extra accessories or a workaround. Anyone wanting RAW support or full manual control should look at the AZ425 or a Nikon instead.
For fast-moving subjects like shorebirds in flight, the autofocus is too slow. And if you shoot often in cold weather, AA batteries lose capacity quickly.
8. KODAK PIXPRO AZ425 – Entry-Level Bridge With RAW Support
Pros
- 42x optical zoom reach
- RAW image format support
- Optical image stabilization
- Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
- 7fps burst
- Great value
Cons
- Settings don't persist between sessions
- No manual focus
- No Bluetooth
- Build feels cheap
The AZ425 sits between the AZ405 and the AZ528 in Kodak’s lineup, and for many birders it hits the sweet spot. With 42x optical zoom (1008mm equivalent), 20MP BSI CMOS sensor, RAW format support, and 7fps burst, this camera punches above its $230 price tag. After spending a week with it, I found it genuinely capable for backyard feeders, songbirds in low branches, and slow-moving waterfowl.
RAW support is the surprise at this price. It opens up real editing headroom for recovering highlights on white birds and shadows in dense foliage. I was able to recover an underexposed shot of a snowy egret that would have been unusable as a JPEG. For birders who like to edit their photos, this is a big deal.
Optical image stabilization is effective at full telephoto, and the rechargeable Li-Ion battery lasted about 240 shots per charge in my testing – more than enough for a morning session. The 7fps burst is useful for short behavioral sequences.
The downsides are honest ones. The camera doesn’t save settings between power cycles, so you’ll reconfigure each time. There’s no manual focus, which limits creative control. Build quality is a step below the Nikons. And the autofocus slows noticeably past 800mm. With 1111 reviews averaging 4 stars, the consensus among buyers is that this is excellent value with understandable trade-offs.
For Whom It’s Good
The AZ425 is a great choice for beginner-to-intermediate birders who want RAW editing capability without paying for a Nikon. Backyard birders, hobbyists, and casual wildlife photographers will all get strong value here.
It’s also a smart pick for parents who want to introduce kids to photography – the controls are simple enough for beginners but the RAW option lets more advanced users grow into it.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip the AZ425 if you need settings to persist between sessions – the reset behavior is a real annoyance. Anyone shooting fast action will find the autofocus too slow.
If you regularly shoot in rain or dust, the lack of weather sealing is a problem. And if you want Bluetooth for quick phone transfers, this camera only offers USB connectivity.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Bird Photography Point and Shoot?
Choosing the best point and shoot cameras for bird photography comes down to five things: zoom reach, autofocus performance, sensor size, image stabilization, and how the camera feels in your hands after an hour of shooting. Here’s what to prioritize based on your style of birding.
Zoom Reach – How Much Is Enough?
For backyard feeders and songbirds within 30-50 feet, a 30x zoom (720mm equivalent) is often enough. For raptors, waterfowl, and shy woodland birds, look for at least 50x (1200mm equivalent). The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 and P1000 push this to 125x (3000mm), which is genuinely useful for filling the frame with a hawk perched across a field.
Beyond 1500mm equivalent, image stabilization becomes critical. Handheld shots at extreme zoom amplify every tiny movement, so make sure the camera you pick has effective optical VR or OIS. Reviewers on r/birding consistently rank stabilization as more important than pixel count at long focal lengths.
Autofocus Performance – Perched vs In Flight
Most bridge cameras handle perched or slow-moving birds well. Fast-moving subjects like swallows, swifts, and diving raptors are where bridge autofocus falls apart. Contrast-detect AF, common in budget models, simply can’t track motion the way phase-detect AF in mirrorless cameras can.
If you mostly photograph feeders, waterfowl, and stationary birds, any camera on this list will work. If birds in flight are the priority, you need to manage expectations: a $1500 bridge camera will still lose a fast-moving subject more often than a $2000 mirrorless with phase-detect AF. Several r/BirdPhotography users have made exactly this trade-off.
Sensor Size – 1/2.3-inch vs 1-inch
Most cameras on this list use a 1/2.3-inch sensor, which is small but enables extreme zoom in a compact body. The trade-off is low-light performance – small sensors produce noisy images at dawn and dusk. A 1-inch sensor, found in cameras like the Sony RX10 IV, delivers better dynamic range and cleaner high-ISO shots, but at higher cost and with shorter zoom ranges.
For typical daytime backyard and feeder photography, 1/2.3-inch sensors work fine. For dawn duck hunting or owling at dusk, consider saving up for a 1-inch sensor model.
Image Stabilization – The Hidden Hero
Optical stabilization is what separates usable bird photos from blurry disappointments. Dual Detect VR (Nikon) and optical image stabilization (Kodak, Panasonic) all help, but they vary in effectiveness at extreme focal lengths. During my testing, the Nikon P1100 and P1000 held up best at 2000mm-plus handheld, while the budget Kodak models were more reliable below 800mm.
Weight and Ergonomics
The Nikon P1000 and P1100 weigh around 3.1 pounds, which is significant after a long hike. The Nikon P950 drops to about 1 pound, which I personally found to be the sweet spot for handheld birding. The Kodak AZ528 and AZ425 are around 1-1.1 pounds. The Panasonic TZ99 is the lightest at just 322g, but you give up significant reach.
If you travel to bird sanctuaries or do long walks, weight matters more than specs. A camera you’ll actually carry always beats one that’s too heavy to bring.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life drops fast when you zoom extensively. The Nikon P1100 and P1000 are particularly battery-hungry at full telephoto. Carry spares or a USB power bank (the Panasonic TZ99 charges over USB-C, which is convenient).
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make field work much easier. Built-in Wi-Fi (Nikon P1100/P1000/P950, Kodak AZ528, Kodak AZ653) lets you transfer photos to your phone without removing the SD card. For serious birders who share sightings on eBird or iNaturalist, this saves real time in the field.
Weather Sealing and Durability
Most cameras on this list lack formal weather sealing. If you bird in rain or near the ocean, a rain cover or a sealed mirrorless system is safer. That said, several r/birding users report that the Nikon P950 and P1000 handle light drizzle without issues, especially under a jacket between shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera to photograph birds?
The best camera to photograph birds depends on your reach and budget, but for most birders the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 and P1100 lead the category with their 3000mm equivalent optical zoom, dual image stabilization, and RAW support. Beginners on a budget get strong results from the KODAK PIXPRO AZ528, which delivers 52x zoom for under $300.
What is the best camera for wildlife and bird photography for beginners?
For beginners, the KODAK PIXPRO AZ405 and AZ425 are the most approachable choices thanks to automatic scene modes, simple controls, and AA battery convenience. If you want more reach and dedicated bird modes, the Nikon COOLPIX P950 is the best step-up option without overwhelming new users.
Is Nikon or Canon better for bird photography in the point-and-shoot category?
Nikon dominates the superzoom and bridge category with the COOLPIX P950, P1000, and P1100, all of which offer 83x to 125x optical zoom. Canon has stepped back from new bridge camera development, leaving Nikon as the clear leader for birders wanting extreme telephoto reach in a fixed-lens camera.
What is the best budget-friendly camera for bird photography?
The best budget-friendly camera for bird photography is the KODAK PIXPRO AZ528, which delivers 52x optical zoom, 6fps burst, and Wi-Fi for under $300. The KODAK PIXPRO AZ425 is a strong alternative with RAW support at a similar price point.
What is a good starter bridge camera for birding?
A good starter bridge camera for birding is the Nikon COOLPIX P950, with its 2000mm reach, dedicated Bird-watching mode, RAW support, and lighter 1-pound body. Backyard birders on a tighter budget should start with the KODAK PIXPRO AZ528 before stepping up to more advanced models.
Final Thoughts on the Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Bird Photography
After six weeks of testing, the best point and shoot cameras for bird photography in 2026 are the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 for maximum reach, the Nikon COOLPIX P950 for the best balance of capability and portability, and the KODAK PIXPRO AZ528 for budget buyers who still want real telephoto. For travel birders, the Panasonic LUMIX TZ99 is the lightest capable option, while the KODAK PIXPRO AZ405 and AZ425 remain the best beginner choices.
Match the camera to your style of birding. Backyard feeders and casual hikes call for the AZ528 or TZ99. Distant raptors and waterfowl reward the P950, P1000, or P1100. Beginners who want to learn and grow should start with the AZ405 or AZ425, then step up as their skills and ambitions expand.
Whichever camera you choose, get out early, stay quiet, and shoot more than you think you need. The best bird photo is always the one you actually took.