Camera recommendations for a n00b!

[chinzman93]

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good camera for taking pictures of my tank? This would be the primary use for it. I hope that it doesn't become to addicting...I can't afford 2 hobbies this expensive.... I would prefer not to break the bank, some where in the $275-$400 range. Also, this would not necessarily need to be a new camera. I would prefer to get the best camera for the money. If that means something that was top of the line a few years ago so be it. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Clay

 

[Absolute Reef]

A used Nikon D70/D70s or Canon Rebel XT would be a good start for your new pricey hobby.

 

[BlueCorn]

I use, and prefer, a DSLR. That being said since you have a tight budget it's probably not good advice. You'd need to spend at least double what you've indicated to get a decent used setup.

A used Canon G5 or G6 would do nicely as would the S3.

 

[Absolute Reef]

I was just cutting it short...and get to the last point.
We all started with a digital compact and ended up with DSLR+f/2.8 macro lens.

It really depends on your budget, really.
If you prefer to pay the maximum of $400, then go with what Beerguy has suggested...those are very nice cameras. But if you are willing to pay more to achieve more...goes for DSLR.

 

[chinzman93]

Thanks for the input Absolute Reef and Beerguy. I think that I probably will need to look at the Cannon S3. Most of my free cash will be going towards the tank. Probably best to make sure my fish and coral are happy before I start talking pics of them. I can upgrade a camera later if I get the "shudder" bug.

 

[chinzman93]

I just saw beachcamera has a S3 for $291. With the kits its $340 after rebates.

 

[Absolute Reef]

Good choice and Good luck !

 

[hyperfocal]

I can't agree with the suggestion of any compact point'n'shoot for aquarium photography. The small and noisy sensors used in these cameras make macro work extremely difficult. If you are seriously buying a camera for aquarium shooting, I suggest getting a DSLR.

Of course, if you are looking for a general purpose camera and plan on taking a couple of tank shots once in a while then it might be worth the compromise.

 

[chinzman93]

I think this first camera will probably a good general purpose camera with some tank shoots. If I really get hooked or have a terrible time taking tank shots I will probably upgrade.

 

[hyperfocal]

That being the case, I agree regarding the Canon point'n'shoots. I'm a Nikon guy for DSLRs but Canon does the smaller cameras right.

 

[BlueCorn]

They do the DSLRs right too.

 

[hyperfocal]

RC staff... trolling? and wrong? ;-)

 

[BlueCorn]

:lol:

Oh come on. Even the Nikon shooters that I know are drooling over the Mk III.

 

[hyperfocal]

<puts fingers in ears>

NANANANANANA I'm not listening NANANANANANA

;-)

 

[cybrsufr]

I use a Canon Powershot A630 8.1MP using full manual mode for all of my tank shots. For Corals I use ISO 100, f8, ans a shutter speed between 1/4 and 1/10 and possibly slower depending on the shot and whether lights are on off or just atinics. I also use this setup with a 25w MH strobe for underwater shots while diving, even though 80% of the time I still do not use the strobe and just adjust the shutter speed and aperture settings.


Michael

My 90 Gallon Bowfront Reef Tank
My Scuba Diving Pictures

*** New Bonaire 2007 Dive Pictures***

 

[Absolute Reef]

I own D70s and D200...I love them both, not that i'm a nikonian for life but Nikon do produce great great quality cameras and expecially "lenses".

Somehow, I think that Canon 5D takes better portraits than my D200, and MK III spec. makes me drool.....,but tooo bad just too bad, they are not affordable. :~(

PS : you see, he actually said "first camera" ! that means he's gonna pay more in the future.