Need help buying a new camera with tripod for railfanning.

I am a photographer but I will tell you I have no experience with the budget range you have given.  Based on your screen name and signature, my advice would be to jump on NJT to New York Penn and visit B&H Photo.  They are on 9th only 1 block from Penn Station.  Their staff if very knowledgeable and will make a solid recommendation.

Tony

Joe, may I make a suggestion and get a good (Canon) point and shoot camera and purchase a tripod at another time.

Unless your main goal is evening time exposures, this is my suggestion.

Paul

Railrunnin posted:

Joe, may I make a suggestion and get a good (Canon) point and shoot camera and purchase a tripod at another time.

Unless your main goal is evening time exposures, this is my suggestion.

Paul

Good advise. You can't even get a good tripod alone within your budget. Start small and spend the bigger bucks down the road. 

Hello My friends, I like Nikon point and shoot cameras they take very nice photos and easy to down into your computer and just buy a cheap tripod all you need for great photos and buy 2 batteries for them too. Thanks longbow57ca.

Backpack friendly tripods, These work with an old Cannon A520, or a slightly newer Cannon SD630.

A rock works just as well, even cheaper.  This timed picture from a rock, me back row left.

On that budget I'd probably opt for an Octopus-style tripod with a cellphone holder and Bluetooth remote to just use my Samsung Note 5.

I should've been more specific. All great comments but it seems they revolve around pictures. I actually take film and not pictures. Just something within my budget.

By film, do you mean video? If that's the case, you will need a tripod. Get one tall enough, and works

smoothly. A camera store is your best for finding one at your budget that works well.

Ed

Beware most train stations and platforms forbid use of a tripod or require prior approval. 

I've had good luck with this Slick U8000 tripod.