Which camera should I get

[Octoberfest]

I know...I'm sure this has come up numerous times and sorry if this is frowned on but I figured it was worth a shot.

Quick history - I've been using an Olympus Tough style camera for quite some time and I've been able to get some great coral photos with this point and shoot camera. Well it finally quit on me, while it is a waterproof camera I'm guessing they weren't testing it in saltwater for someone as much as I use it down there (I'm sure I could have rinsed it in freshwater more often). So now it's time for a new camera.

I'm looking for a camera that will take good photos both in the tank and out of the tank. I know a big part of it is the lens which is why I'm looking for a good base to build off of. I have not had any formal photography training so I'm looking for something that I can learn to use.

Here are the three that I have it narrowed down to:

Sony NEX 5N - I've used this camrea already and I'm very familiar with it. I know the lenses are more limited than other camreas out there but it can still pull some quality shots.

Nikon D3100 - I know nothing about this camrea other than what I've read about it.

Nikon D5100 - Like the 3100 I know nothing about this camrea other than what I've read about it. I know it's about a $100 difference and I'm trying to determine if the difference is worth the cost or not.

 

[brad908]

Canon t2i

 

[Misled]

Read this.

 

[SaltyWenStirred]

I have a D90 and am very pleased with it, for what I use it for. I also have Adobe Photoshop, so I can compensate if I don't like the exposure or color.

When comparing Nikon to Canon, one of the things I kept reading was that Canon has better color. When I saw the comparison, it looked like it might have a bit more color.

If your plan is to primarily use your camera to shoot your fish, I would think color would be a primary factor in your decision. And I'd probably lean toward the Canon if that was the case.

All things being equal, the difference is likely too small for anyone to notice unless they are experts in photography.

If you haven't shot much before with a DSLR, I would recommend a few classes to learn how to get the most out of your camera. Otherwise, it will just be a pretty decent point and shoot.

And not to toss any more confusion into your decision, but I would get the D90 over the D3100:

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon_D3100-vs-Nikon_D90

It is about $300 more. However, as I am learning with my new fish hobby, if you want something nice, you are going to have to be willing to pay a little more.

 

[Octoberfest]

Well I ended up going with the Canon EOS Rebel T3i (EOS 600D). I have a lot to learn as far as how to use this thing. I'm looking around for classes right now to see what I can come up with.

I messed around with it last night and here are two of my first pictures with it. Still plenty to learn but I'm already happy.

 

[Stolireef]

This thread is perfectly timed and the 'read me' was great. I'm about to buy a used Canon T1i. I don't want to use it for anything but the tank and I figured that between the image sensor and the solid Canon lenses, I should be OK. To me, the most important thing is to be able to focus manually and to be able to take the shot when 'the button is pushed'. Can't wait to get the camera and play with it.

October, those are great shots for an early attempt. Hope I do 1/2 as well.

 

[SaltyWenStirred]

Your pics look great.

When shooting for color and in low light settings, you're going to get better color by manually adjusting your aperture and shutter speeds:

http://digital-photography-school.com/low-light-digital-photography

Your camera lens is going to stay open longer to draw in from the only light source available, such as your tank light.

For this reason, it is paramount to have your camera fixed to a tripod or sitting on a solid surface. There's no way you can hold it still enough to get pictures that aren't blurred.

To add to that, it is a good idea to get a remote wireless shutter control:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Wireless-Remote-Control-Cameras/dp/B00004WCIC

Not sure if the one above works with the Rebel. I'd find out for sure before ordering. They are only $20 or so.

I shoot in low light pretty often, often from a distance. I'm usually the only person there with a tripod, and the only one not using a flash. And I'm usually the only one who gets the shot, lol.

The problem with not using a remote control is that your finger will still move the camera ever so slightly when you release the button on top of your camera.

 

[nwcronauer1242]

Great choice on the camera. I'm a nikon guy myself, but for someone with admittedly limited knowledge and skill, you picked a really good one. Your shots look great. With some practice, reading, and maybe a class or two you're on way.