Point & Shoot

[TreyK]

So although I would like to be a pro-sumer and take some really awesome macro shots with a $2k-$3k lens/camera, Im not and I dont think I could blow that kind of money on a camera, definitely on some new corals, but not on a camera. So heres my question; is there any point and shoot cameras that I can take ok close up and overall tank shots with? The consensus here seems to be that PS cams are garbage, but could somebody recommend one to me in the $150.00 range?

 

[jaygalindo]

I was thinking this same thing. Ill be awaiting some feed back on this.

 

[IPT]

you could probably get something decent in a P&S model but likely not at $150. The biggest problem with P&S is the noise. Sites like DPreview have some really good comparisons and evaluations. I'd start there.

Personally I shoot DSLR most of the time, but I also have a Canon S90 to carry around. It was like $400 though.

 

[JNicho]

I just spent the afternoon playing with the camera and posted the pics here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1879026

They were taken with a Casio Exilim 7.2mp (sorry don't know the model off the top of my head) point and shoot that cost right at $150...snapshot mode with the auto focus set for macro and some manual white balance for some shots...the only real trick on the shots in the above referenced post is I used a $40 underwater housing that is made for the camera...actually bought the camera for my wife due to it's super slim/small size and the housing to snorkel with it...it works better in the tank than in the open water though, LOL! Not DSLR quality, but I'm pretty happy for a fairly inexpensive P&S.

 

[Gamepro_inc]

I just bought a Canon D10. Its an underwater/shockproof/freezeproof durable P&S but a little outside your range.You might find one on ebay or craigslist. Here are some shots of my tank.

Sorry no FTS but also does well with that. These shots were all underwater shots taken under a 14K MH

 

[ShawnKPD]

I take some nice pics with my Sony Cybershot. I even bought an underwater case for it and I will be diving with it too. It takes short video's and is just an all around good camera for me.

 

[chimmike]

if you get a P&S don't look at the megapixel numbers. Those are sales ploys. Most idiots think the bigger number is better.

Research the models and the optical sensors to find out how good the camera really is.

 

[JNicho]

if you get a P&S don't look at the megapixel numbers. Those are sales ploys. Most idiots think the bigger number is better.

Research the models and the optical sensors to find out how good the camera really is.

Good point...the only advantage I've found to a "larger" image is it's easy to crop shots for macros...otherwise I end up resizing most pics to a smaller file size/resolution anyway, LOL!