Taking Camera recommendations.

AJSTITAN14 · 04/27/2009, 09:43 AM

Can anyone recommend cameras that can get good results for taking tank shots?

Sugar Magnolia · 04/27/2009, 09:52 AM

If you're looking to buy a DSLR, check out this article - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1503490

Flipper62 · 04/27/2009, 09:59 AM

My wife takes shots of the tanks all the time with her canon power shot. It was like a $200.00 camera. One trick to taking the close shots is to use the Macro setting. When your looking for a camera, make sure that it has a Macro setting.

lbaldrey · 04/27/2009, 10:06 AM

if youre buying DSLR on a budget the canon rebel XTI is decent. You will also need to consider an appropriate lens for macro.

If you going point and shoot the powershot G series is a good buy.

Slightly cheaper point and shoots Powershot A640 or similar model

rdlisby · 04/27/2009, 10:16 AM

It's a little pricy but if you have a local camera store check out the Lumix DMC-LX3 Digital Camera, it has Leica components with out the Leica price. I believe it has Macro mode and it takes excellent pictures. I never would have bought if I hadnâ€™t tried it in the camera shop first. Itâ€™s a "big" camera in a point and shoot size.

wmilas · 04/27/2009, 10:26 AM

Canon and Nikon are the kings of DSLR... I'm a amateur photog who as sunk quite a bit of money (think reef tank) into various DSLR's over the years. Stick with Canon or Nikon because of the glass. The camera bodies come and go, you keep the glass between generations.

I'm personally a Canon shooter, but to each his own. The Rebel as mentioned above is a very nice beginner DSLR.

kuyatwo · 04/27/2009, 10:33 AM

if you can wait till may the new canon t1i will be out.

records hd video
15 mega pixels

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0903/09...noneos500d.asp

runningstix · 04/27/2009, 10:35 AM

I prefer Nikon unless your buying the Canon 5D or higher.

Nikon low end Canon high end. I dont care for the rebel plastic. But as said before to each is own, shop around and feel before you buy. Canon's glass is easier to aquire used.

IslandCrow · 04/27/2009, 11:35 AM

A digital SLR will definitely be your best bet. Canon and Nikon are of course the kings, and will give you the best array of lenses (a.k.a "glass"). The next secret is a good macro lens (assuming you want to take pictures of individual fish or corals). Lenses or cameras with a "macro" mode just don't measure up. Both Canon and Nikon make some very nice macro lenses at pretty reasonable prices. If you're on a budget, I'd give more consideration to the glass than the camera body. Pretty much any of the current Canon or Nikon bodies will allow you to take some very nice pictures.

If you were thinking more along the lines of point and shoot cameras, there are certainly some that will take some nice pictures, but I'm afraid I can't help out much there.

RockyMtnReef · 04/27/2009, 01:10 PM

I have the Nikon D90 and love it. So much flexibility plus it has a movie mode which you dont see in a DSLR very often.

kb27973 · 04/27/2009, 02:42 PM

Canon 40D with 100mm Macro gives me shots like this:

Ken

IslandCrow · 04/27/2009, 02:48 PM

Excellent pictures, Ken. That's the exact combo I use. That macro is one of my most used and favorite (L glass included) lenses.

kb27973 · 04/27/2009, 03:23 PM

Thanks Mike. I'm very happy with my 40D.

Ken

SkyPapa · 04/27/2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kb27973
Canon 40D with 100mm Macro gives me shots like this:

Ken

I have a 40D and need a macro, which brand are you using?

kb27973 · 04/27/2009, 05:26 PM

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens - great lens.

Ken

SkyPapa · 04/27/2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kb27973
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens - great lens.

Ken

Thanks, I'll check it out

sassafrass · 04/27/2009, 07:09 PM

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens - great lens.
I love mine here are some pics I took with it , first one amphipods and bristle worm

a hungry favia

and a lavender hairy mushroom

wmilas · 04/27/2009, 07:44 PM

I shoot macro with a Canon 5D. I own th 50mm, 100mm, and180mmL. By far the most useful is the 100. Its VERY sharp, almost like a L glass. The 50 is ok but its a bit wide.... although you dont HAVE to have a tripod with a the 50. Its quality is no where near the 100. The 180 is just awsome quality wise, but its hard to use and really only good with VERY close subjects. I also use a light ring when I use it.

Recomendation, buy the 100 and 50 if you can for fish work along with a good tripod. If low on cash get just the 100 or 50 if reall low.

Also remember that beginner SLRls are not "full frame". This means their sensors are smaller, don't use all the glass, just the center. Because of this the beginner DSLRs are more forgiving on the lens as it doesnt show the outer imperfection in cheaper lenses.

The important part though is that with a non full frame camera (with canon) you get a 1.8x magnification. so the 100 turns into a 180 on a non full frame. Because of this you might want to start with the 50 (90 ish) first.

IslandCrow · 04/28/2009, 06:57 AM

I find even on a cropped sensor, the 100m works very well for anything except probably full tank shots (my tank's small enough and I can get far enough away to still use my 100mm). Plus, you get the flexibility of those nice, close-up shots. So, I agree completely that if you can only get 1, the 100mm would be the best choice. Just as a side note, I believe the crop factor for Canon is 1.6x. Definitely something to keep in mind when choosing a lens, though.

04/27/2009, 09:43 AM	#1
AJSTITAN14 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 305	Taking Camera recommendations. Can anyone recommend cameras that can get good results for taking tank shots?

04/27/2009, 09:52 AM	#2
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	If you're looking to buy a DSLR, check out this article - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1503490 __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

04/27/2009, 09:59 AM	#3
Flipper62 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naperville, Il. Business Owner, President & CEO Posts: 3,045	My wife takes shots of the tanks all the time with her canon power shot. It was like a $200.00 camera. One trick to taking the close shots is to use the Macro setting. When your looking for a camera, make sure that it has a Macro setting. __________________ If todays automobile had followed the same development as the computer, A Rolls Royce would cost $100.00. It would get a million miles per gallon, but it would explode once a year killing everyone inside." Current Tanks... 90 gal Reef... My awesome Office BioCube....( 180 was on hold ..no time ) ... The 180 gal has been sold...Yay..yay..yay. Hobby Experience: 19 years Reef...22 years FW

04/27/2009, 10:06 AM	#4
lbaldrey Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Posts: 401	if youre buying DSLR on a budget the canon rebel XTI is decent. You will also need to consider an appropriate lens for macro. If you going point and shoot the powershot G series is a good buy. Slightly cheaper point and shoots Powershot A640 or similar model __________________ Let Him Who Hath Made No Mistakes Cast The First Live Rock... Current Tank Info: 175G Mixed Reef, Aqua Excel Skimmer, 2x150w 20K Radium, 200w VHO Actinics, MP40x2

04/27/2009, 10:26 AM	#6
wmilas Keep magnets 9" apart! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lemont, Il Posts: 1,023	Canon and Nikon are the kings of DSLR... I'm a amateur photog who as sunk quite a bit of money (think reef tank) into various DSLR's over the years. Stick with Canon or Nikon because of the glass. The camera bodies come and go, you keep the glass between generations. I'm personally a Canon shooter, but to each his own. The Rebel as mentioned above is a very nice beginner DSLR. __________________ 120x36x30 acrylic display, 1000 gallon sps with lots o fish

04/27/2009, 10:16 AM	#5
rdlisby Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 324	It's a little pricy but if you have a local camera store check out the Lumix DMC-LX3 Digital Camera, it has Leica components with out the Leica price. I believe it has Macro mode and it takes excellent pictures. I never would have bought if I hadnâ€™t tried it in the camera shop first. Itâ€™s a "big" camera in a point and shoot size.

04/27/2009, 10:33 AM	#7
kuyatwo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Flower Mound, Texas Posts: 409	if you can wait till may the new canon t1i will be out. records hd video 15 mega pixels http://www.dpreview.com/news/0903/09...noneos500d.asp

04/27/2009, 10:35 AM	#8
runningstix Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,544	I prefer Nikon unless your buying the Canon 5D or higher. Nikon low end Canon high end. I dont care for the rebel plastic. But as said before to each is own, shop around and feel before you buy. Canon's glass is easier to aquire used. __________________ Go Buckeyes! Current Tank Info: tankless

04/27/2009, 11:35 AM	#9
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	A digital SLR will definitely be your best bet. Canon and Nikon are of course the kings, and will give you the best array of lenses (a.k.a "glass"). The next secret is a good macro lens (assuming you want to take pictures of individual fish or corals). Lenses or cameras with a "macro" mode just don't measure up. Both Canon and Nikon make some very nice macro lenses at pretty reasonable prices. If you're on a budget, I'd give more consideration to the glass than the camera body. Pretty much any of the current Canon or Nikon bodies will allow you to take some very nice pictures. If you were thinking more along the lines of point and shoot cameras, there are certainly some that will take some nice pictures, but I'm afraid I can't help out much there. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

04/27/2009, 01:10 PM	#10
RockyMtnReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: GA Posts: 635	I have the Nikon D90 and love it. So much flexibility plus it has a movie mode which you dont see in a DSLR very often.

04/27/2009, 02:42 PM	#11
kb27973 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Denver, CO. Posts: 715	Canon 40D with 100mm Macro gives me shots like this: Ken __________________ Sometimes I think we're alone. Sometimes I think we're not. In either case, the prospect is staggering! - Arthur C. Clarke Current Tank Info: 125G SPS - Regal Angel (3 yrs and going), Pascalus Anthia, Bartletts Anthias, spawning pairs of Six Line Wrasse, Mandarin Gobies, P. Fridmani, Gold Stripe Maroon Clowns

04/27/2009, 02:48 PM	#12
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	Excellent pictures, Ken. That's the exact combo I use. That macro is one of my most used and favorite (L glass included) lenses. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

04/27/2009, 03:23 PM	#13
kb27973 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Denver, CO. Posts: 715	Thanks Mike. I'm very happy with my 40D. Ken __________________ Sometimes I think we're alone. Sometimes I think we're not. In either case, the prospect is staggering! - Arthur C. Clarke Current Tank Info: 125G SPS - Regal Angel (3 yrs and going), Pascalus Anthia, Bartletts Anthias, spawning pairs of Six Line Wrasse, Mandarin Gobies, P. Fridmani, Gold Stripe Maroon Clowns

04/27/2009, 05:26 PM	#15
kb27973 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Denver, CO. Posts: 715	Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens - great lens. Ken __________________ Sometimes I think we're alone. Sometimes I think we're not. In either case, the prospect is staggering! - Arthur C. Clarke Current Tank Info: 125G SPS - Regal Angel (3 yrs and going), Pascalus Anthia, Bartletts Anthias, spawning pairs of Six Line Wrasse, Mandarin Gobies, P. Fridmani, Gold Stripe Maroon Clowns

04/27/2009, 07:09 PM	#17
sassafrass Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: capitola ca Posts: 1,729	Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens - great lens. I love mine here are some pics I took with it , first one amphipods and bristle worm a hungry favia and a lavender hairy mushroom

04/27/2009, 07:44 PM	#18
wmilas Keep magnets 9" apart! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lemont, Il Posts: 1,023	I shoot macro with a Canon 5D. I own th 50mm, 100mm, and180mmL. By far the most useful is the 100. Its VERY sharp, almost like a L glass. The 50 is ok but its a bit wide.... although you dont HAVE to have a tripod with a the 50. Its quality is no where near the 100. The 180 is just awsome quality wise, but its hard to use and really only good with VERY close subjects. I also use a light ring when I use it. Recomendation, buy the 100 and 50 if you can for fish work along with a good tripod. If low on cash get just the 100 or 50 if reall low. Also remember that beginner SLRls are not "full frame". This means their sensors are smaller, don't use all the glass, just the center. Because of this the beginner DSLRs are more forgiving on the lens as it doesnt show the outer imperfection in cheaper lenses. The important part though is that with a non full frame camera (with canon) you get a 1.8x magnification. so the 100 turns into a 180 on a non full frame. Because of this you might want to start with the 50 (90 ish) first. __________________ 120x36x30 acrylic display, 1000 gallon sps with lots o fish

04/28/2009, 06:57 AM	#19
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	I find even on a cropped sensor, the 100m works very well for anything except probably full tank shots (my tank's small enough and I can get far enough away to still use my 100mm). Plus, you get the flexibility of those nice, close-up shots. So, I agree completely that if you can only get 1, the 100mm would be the best choice. Just as a side note, I believe the crop factor for Canon is 1.6x. Definitely something to keep in mind when choosing a lens, though. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?