Cannon camera help needed! Pictures posted!

[keepswimming]

SO here is the deal guys, I recently ordered the Cannon Rebel t3i two lense bundle pack from costco and i cannot figure out how to get those FSM money shots!!! With that being said, i have a couple of questions for you camera experts... I just noticed that with the rebates i can also get the T5i or SL1 for about the same price on costco. Should i take back my T3I and get one of those for a better value? Are my shots crappy because i don't know how to set it up/wrong lens, or is the T3i incapable of producing those super macro shots? I am running the 18-55mm macro lens it comes with and tried every preset on the camera btw. Let me know your thoughts camera men and women! MUCH APPRECIATED!

And now for the pics:












AND THE CAT SHOTS!

 

[keepswimming]

 

[mariusmeyer]

For full on macro shots you will need a dedicated macro lens like the 100mm F2.8. There is 2 of them in the Canon line-up, one has IS (image stabiliser) and is also the L series which means it is their pro grade lens and the other does not have IS. The non IS model is a very good lens as well.

The 18-55mm lens is a very budget lens and that is why they are included in the bundles. It is not a macro lens. Some people do use it for macro shots by using a lens reverse adapter but that is a completely new story.

To get the most out of your camera you will need to shoot in RAW mode and then adjust the white balance in post processing using either the Canon software or another program such as photoshop.

In order to get the crisp shots you will need to use a higher ISO to increase the shutter speed. I would start by trying some on ISO800 and then go higher to say ISO1600 if you need a faster shutterspeed.

To take pics of the fish change the auto focus system to AI servo, this is continuous autofocus and then you can track the fish you want by moving to the left and right. Always shoot straight ahead into the glass otherwise you get distorted/ out of focus shots due to the diffraction of the glass.

 

[mariusmeyer]

Double post....

 

[keepswimming]

Thanks for the GREAT INFO! SHOULD I TAKE BACK THE CAMERA AND GET THE T5I OR SL1 MODEL BECAUSE IT IS THE SAME PRICE?

 

[mariusmeyer]

The T5i has some improvements over the T3i but the image quality will be the same as the T3i since they use the same sensor as far as I know. But if you can take it back and get the T5i then why not. You will have a camera which is newer with some new features. I would not go for the SL1. The image quality will be the same as the T5i but the actual camera is just smaller and lighter. So if you have small hands then maybe give it a consideration but I personally prefer a more bulkier camera.

 

[faithenfire]

if it's the same price, might as well take it back. just because it will keep you closer to the cutting edge.

turn off all the poweheads and skimmers so the tank is still. you will probably need ot manually focus. use a tripod and if you can a external trigger so you can not be touching the camera to minimize camera shake.

it looks like you will also need to bring up your iso

18-55mm is a kit lens and not a macro lens

i usually keep my camera on servo even when not shooting aquariums.

 

[IslandCrow]

As a beginner, the difference between one DSLR and another is going to make very little difference (if any). Just keep practicing, reading, practicing, watching instructional videos, practicing, finding seminars, practicing. . .I think you see the trend here. Aquarium photography is some of the hardest photography out there, so don't get discouraged. I've been a photographer for over a decade, and I still think aquarium photography can be very difficult. Also, the camera you're using is extemely capable, so I wouldn't waste any time chasing after the next best thing. A macro lens will help quite a bit with your close-up shots, but educating yourself on photography basics will do far more.

 

[Reef Bass]

the difference between one DSLR and another is going to make very little difference (if any). Just keep practicing, reading, practicing, watching instructional videos, practicing, finding seminars, practicing. . . Aquarium photography is some of the hardest photography out there, so don't get discouraged... educating yourself on photography basics will do far more.

Well said. +1.