Nikon D40x - best settings for fish?

[mkbtank]

I am a total amateur and am curious what the best settings are to get clear, close shots of fish and corals in a reeftank. (Without a Macro lens)

Thanks for any opinions

 

[Bluemorningwind]

You have a tripod?

 

[mkbtank]

Yes. and I use it and I get pretty good shots on the auto and closeup settings. What I want to know is how to set it manually for better shots.

if there is a specific setting that I can try.

 

[Bluemorningwind]

Cool...The P (program) or A (Aperture) modes are probably best. Use a small f number to blur the backround and make better use of available light. Avoid using flash. You may need to manually set WB for accurate colours.

Which lens are you using?

 

[mkbtank]

Using the one that came with the camera, as well as the zoom that was also a factory option. If you need the exact spec, I will get them.

ok - so - assuming I am using P mode (avoiding flash) . what is a good F number to start with?

Thank you VERY much for the guidance.

 

[luisgo]

I have a Nikon D40x. After some test these are the settings I prefer:

For fish I use the "S" setting. You select the speed and the camera will select the aperture. Fish move fast so I want a fast speed of around 1/60 sec. You will need a high ISO, I use 800. This is the result:


By luisgon

You will need to shot ten pics to get one like this.

For corals I always use long exposures and a tripod. That is the only way to get good depth of field (all in focus) without any movement. Using the "S" setting I use the smaller aperture possible. This one is .62 sec., f/25 ISO 400. Great depth of field.


By luisgon

For coral shots don't forget to turn off the pumps to avoid movement. Another important thing is turn the room lights off and clean the glass.

Good luck!

 

[mkbtank]

luisgo


This is EXACTLY what I was asking for! Thank you so much!

Great pics btw! - funny - I have very similar blastos (color and size). I will have to start with coral pics of them for comparison. -Love the cocoa worm peekin in!

 

[latazyo]

I like to do full M

agree w/ forementioned shutter speed

put a white index card under your lights and take a pic to set your WB manually

 

[mkbtank]

thanks Latazyo. Will do.

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

Wow I have to chime in here...I love the pics luisgo, I've been starting to read, and don't know a lot, about the Nikon cameras...the D40 - D80...I had my mind set on a D80 after seeing some other pics on another thread, from a user who uses a D80...but wow, if I can get these kinds of pics with the D40, I might just go that route, cheaper!

What would be some major differences in the D40 vs. D80?
I'm going to start training and working part time for a company that is like a "Part Pics" company here in my home town, so I'll be learning the cameras a lot etc...but wanted to know what you all knew about these two particular cameras.

Thanks!

 

[latazyo]

Chris, check your other thread

hijacking is bad

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

Sorry wasn't meaning to...Red Wings will win the Cup PS.

 

[latazyo]

you're trying to get me to hijack with a response! lol

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

I need to take a photography class again, its been years since I had one back in college, but it taught me all the camera settings etc...course back then there were no DSLR, only SLR...Or maybe just a good book?

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12473415#post12473415 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by latazyo
I like to do full M

agree w/ forementioned shutter speed

put a white index card under your lights and take a pic to set your WB manually

Question about the index card under the lights -- BTW, I am using a D60, just picked up -- Do you take your lights off the tank for that? Seems like a stupid question, but I tried that and it really didn't work all that well for me.

 

[Bluemorningwind]

No, stick a large, white object into your tank and take the reference pic under your full lights.

The idea is that the light reflects off the ref' object and the camera can compensate. Just be sure to get as much reflected light as possible. Fill the view finder and go for max reflection.

Some objects that might work well are plastic lids from large jars, plastic ice cream buckets that have been cut to layed flat, meat trays, laminate, etc.

 

[latazyo]

I used a cover from a cool whip container

 

[Bluemorningwind]

My wife has a cool whip and I manage to contain her, but not by much...

 

[Toddrtrex]

Wow a plastic top ( white ) off of something, seems so simple -- don't I feel stupid now.

 

[latazyo]

dont feel stupid todd, I was the one that said index card in the first place