$500 Amazon gift card- want a camera?

[mc-cro]

Okay, so I know just above zero about photography. In the last couple of months I have become very frustrated trying to take macro pics with my point and shoot.

I just received a $500 gift certificate to Amazon, and I am considering spending it on a camera set up specifically for taking macro shots of my tank.

What should I be looking at? I know I need something that can output RAW, something with interchangeable lenses, and of course something with adjustable settings. But, not too many settings, because I will get lost.

I fully plan on purchasing refurbished, or maybe used bodies. But I have no idea what a decent macro lens will cost.

 

[Misled]

But I have no idea what a decent macro lens will cost.

Unless it's used, the cheapest will be somewhere around 500 dollars. That would be something like the Tamron 90mm macro. Used they run around 300-350.

 

[Mr31415]

Why do you need RAW? RAW adds to your workflow load, and unless you want to really get into photography I do not see that as important. Most cameras produce good JPEG's out of camera and that will save you the money you will need for something like Lightroom or DXO to process your RAW's (Most camera manufacturers have crappy RAW converters).

Get something like a Nikon D3100 (B&H has them for $500 with a stock lens). Add to that a $280 Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX lens and you are set.

 

[Misled]

Why do you need RAW? RAW adds to your workflow load, and unless you want to really get into photography I do not see that as important.

I and most other reef photographers will disagree with you. Getting the right white balance is not easy when shooting reefs. While you can set a manual wb with a white card or something, as you move through the tank different par will give a different wb, so you'll have to have a few set in the camera, then remember how those spots correspond to the wb. It's much easier to adjust it in post.

Get something like a Nikon D3100 (B&H has them for $500 with a stock lens).

I'll agree with that.

Add to that a $280 Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX lens and you are set.

A bit longer is better unless all your corals are up close to the glass. There's a sticky above that goes into macros. I have a 50mm and a 105mm. The tank is shot with the 105. The working distance is much better for shooting tanks. If price is an object, the Tamron 90mm becomes a better choice. The Sigma 105 and an older Nikon 105, manual, also come to mind.

 

[mc-cro]

Thanks for the specific info. I did start to read through the macro lens sticky, but didnt have much time to really dig into it.

I was pretty sure RAW was the way to go, specifically for the post. I was planning on using free sw like GIMP, for photo editing. It may not be a full blown photoshop, but I can probably at least learn how to tweak with it and get decent results?

There is another thread in this area that someone is asking about a Canon D40( I think it was) and putting a macro lens on it. Those bodies can be had used for about $250. Or would I be better off with a well used lower end DLSR body?

I think total I might be able to push my budget up to about $600. (although the wife is trying to convince me we need a new TV for the bedroom wall)

What other big expense is there besides the body and lens? I have a decent tripod, I think I want to mess with remote flash?

 

[Misled]

For software, Photoshop Elements can be had if found on sale for about 50 bucks. It will cover most of your Photoshop needs. I've never tried gimp.

It was most likely a Nikon D40. I have used that and it isn't too bad. It would be fine, but for the same price the D40x doubles the MP's. It doesn't matter that much though. Older Canon bodies can be had about the same also. The lens is really what will make the difference though. I love my remote flashes, but for shooting tanks, you don't really need them. Get a remote shutter though.

 

[mc-cro]

Thought I would update this since I finally made up my mind. after spending well over 2 months reading forums, reviews, and pouring over specs, and everything else I finally pulled the trigger today.

I got a Canon T3i with a 50mm lens. I had already decided I wanted a Rebel after talking with several people. but the tilting view screen really put me over.

I had an Canon several years ago that had a tilting view screen, and swore if I ever bought an expensive camera, it would have one.

they make top down shots much easier.