New tank pics - some new additions

[MrMikeB]

I will get some full tank shots with the spiffy SLR since I do not have to be in the water. I really dig this tank - no worries at all regarding things touching and wiping each other out, and the corals are a bit forgiving regarding water quality so I am not having to hover over it as much as I do my other systems.

In this tank there are 6 blue regals - my newest additions, a pair of Bangaii cardinals (From Kim months back - just about adult size now), a pair of black percs, 1 pearly jawfish (the one in my avatar)and 2 yellow tangs that got moved in together because they were bad fish and beating the hell out of a purple tang in the 150.

I am sure some folks just about fell out their chairs with the thought of "people can make a softie tank look even better than SPS tanks," but I think softies can be fun too - and a bit cheaper sometimes.

 

[MrMikeB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10323439#post10323439 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kdblove_99
Mike,

Just looked up that camera on amazon since i have a little one coming soon. i want to get a decent camera.

Alot of people loved the camera but alot also said the picture quality isnt that great and the functions are not user friendly?

What are you thoughts? Where did you purchase yours?

Davey,
I purchased mine from Ritz Camera. Not the cheapest, but I like to support the local stores when it makes sense. I have to admit, as a self claimed digital camera snob I have never been a fan for the point n shoot cameras, but this little guy really does a swell job for the cost. I have used Canon, Pentax, Sony, Kodak point n shoot models off an on for years and for one reason or another just gave up on them altogether - in fact I have a digital camer graveyard (aka desk drawer) where there are at least 3-5 of them collecting dust. I am a stickler for picture quality, image acquistion times, autofocus capabilities, low light usability, and practicality of the camera. Although the Olypmpus is not the not most user friendly in my book - it takes a superb pic once you get it all set up and can work its sometimes cumbersome menu systems.

One thing I do not really care for is the special memory card it uses... not too common out there, and image upload form the camera can take awhile. I have also had mediocre results in low light conditions where image acquisition and shutter speeds typically result in blurred images or a missed shot. Most point n shoots have this problem so I was not expecting much here. If you ever want to take it for a test drive before you buy, you are more than welcome to try it out.

And did I mention, you can take pics under water??! Freakin' amazing!

 

[mpoletti]

Mike. When I am taking shots of fish (higher speeds), I got 17 or 18; the point and select. It still has supermacro mode and you can hold the button down and it will snap 5 pics in a row with decent shutter speed.

We will have to get together one day. I am in the market for a SLR. I have just started my research. I like the Rebel XTi, but it seems like the Nikon lenses are a little better. I know the differences and preferences are from user to user, but I will get around to making a choice one of these days.

 

[MrMikeB]

If you ever want to play with my Canon SLR, just let me know. I have a 10D and a 5D (the latter is the one I use now). I have a 4 pro lenses, and about 5-6 Ultrasonic types. The XTi is really a screamin model and for the price is one of my all time faves.

The 5D simply rocks with full frame, excellent buffer, and incredible image clarity - but a little pricey. The 10d I used for about 2 yrs then moved up to the 5D. Great camera, but I am now spoiled on the full frame and haven't picked it up since.

 

[mpoletti]

Do you have the 105 macro lens?

 

[MrMikeB]

I have the 100mm EF USM Canon macro. Not the high tech lens, but makes for interesting shots. I love closeup of nature (your atypical flower, bees, creepy crawlers, etc.) and this lens is perfect for that. I have not had much success with the reef due to the distortion from the glass and the focal length requirements of the lens. I have not broke down and bought the watertight case for the 5D, but I imagine it is only a matter of time.

I swear - photography, reefing, and now diving, could I have found a more expensive combination?

 

[pv1191]

Mike,

How is that colony of dragon eyes doing?

 

[dots]

Looking good!!!

 

[MrMikeB]

Dragon eyes are doing well, although one side seems to have picked up something that is keeping them closed. I will be taking it out this weekend and doing a closeup examination and possible freshwater dip.

 

[aquaman007]

wow love those orange mushrooms on the 2nd to the top pictures, where'd you get those? nice tank!

 

[Nu2SW]

Hey Stranger, the Blue shrooms. Did you get those from Me. Cant remember.

How about that Purple Cap. How is that doing. Still alive, got any pics?

 

[MrMikeB]

Aquaman - Those orange rhodactus were special ordered from a company I do business with down in LA. One of faves. I love the texture.

Edwin - Good to see you on the Board! The purple cap is doing well, approx doubled in size although it seems to have lost some of its purple. I kind of noticed many of my montis lose a bit of their color (i.e. the superman monti looks a little faded). I do not mind too terribly much but it is something I need to get on top of.

Thank you all for your support!