DSLR Cameras

LauraGreenImp · 03/15/2018, 08:37 AM

I want one. I’ve looked at so many online, I’m totally confused.

I’m just not satisfied with the pics from my iPhone 6 or my (new) iPad Pro.

But! Every penny that goes toward a camera is a penny that could go into tank, so...

Reccs, please? I would really like to see pros vs cons, also.

Thanks!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

JohnZena · 03/15/2018, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LauraGreenImp

I want one. I’ve looked at so many online, I’m totally confused.

I’m just not satisfied with the pics from my iPhone 6 or my (new) iPad Pro.

But! Every penny that goes toward a camera is a penny that could go into tank, so...

Reccs, please? I would really like to see pros vs cons, also.

Thanks!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Have you tried any of the lenses designed to take pictures with your cellphone. I know they sell a lens designed to take photos of your aquarium. I cannot give first hand info but I will indeed research these lenses. It is indeed worth looking into IMHO. I am looking forward to hearing from others on this topic. Good luck in any case.

Sent from my LGMP450 using Tapatalk

LauraGreenImp · 03/15/2018, 09:27 AM

Haven’t tried iPhone lenses, but I need speed as well, so not sure just a lens would help. I’ll google it, though. Thx!

EDIT: lens kit on Zon for $7, so that’ll be here in 2 days, still think I need speed, though...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

RobZilla04 · 03/15/2018, 09:33 AM

Just picked up a Nikon D3400 dual lens package from Walmart dot com. While I was looking I came across a special (under $500) and couldn't pass it up. Early impressions are good. Haven't taken pix of the tank yet, just a vacation and some pictures messing with the settings.

Entry level & easy to use IMO.

Xandernfs · 03/15/2018, 09:36 AM

The great debate is going Nikon or Cannon. That like arguing Audi or BMW: both high end, but just more of a person preference. I'm a Nikon guy, but Cannon makes great lenses too. If you have the budget, go full frame but the real quality is going to be in the lens you go with. You'll want a macro lens (I'd suggest 3rd party like Sigma), a descent tripod, and probably some extension tubes as well.

There is a fairly strict learning curve when shooting with DSLR cameras but it's more of a trial and error kind of thing. It can be frustrating at times, but thats why we are in the forum in the first place.

LauraGreenImp · 03/15/2018, 09:51 AM

From what I’ve read, the lenses are what counts. I *really* don’t wanna go > 500$, but! Every body + lens (multiple) + tripod package I look at is at least $1000. Am I better off $ wise getting ‘package’, or should I go piece by piece?

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Xandernfs · 03/15/2018, 09:53 AM

So you're looking at a crop sensor SLR, but I would look at getting the body and then buying the lens separate. You could always look at used as well.

d0ughb0y · 03/15/2018, 11:14 AM

good equipment may help, but not required to get good pictures.

if you are going to use the camera occasionally, then same logic applies as what you said that it is better spent elsewhere.

you can find a picture you like, and contact the person that took it and ask how it was taken.

I'm sure you can take good pictures with your current phone if done properly. start in photography forum here on RC, there is a long picture of the day thread. some really good pictures there were taken using cell phone.

rjjr1963 · 03/15/2018, 03:30 PM

Buy a used Canon Rebel T3i or up and a new macro lense. Lense makes all the difference.

madweazl · 03/15/2018, 07:17 PM

Much of it is personal preference just like anything else you buy. I had a Pentax K-r and it took excellent shots without post processing but switched to a Nikon D3400 about six months ago to get something a little newer (figured I may as well buy glass for something nine or so years newer if I were going to do it).

I took better shots overall with the Pentax but I've got some pretty good ones with the Nikon.

Nikon D3400

Pentax K-r

Galaxy S7

You can get a nice shot with anything if you take the time to learn the camera. Pick a brand and go.

tkeracer619 · 03/15/2018, 11:33 PM

I have a few thousand in camera gear and can still take some bad pictures. So there is that too. Just a warning

If you are really wanting to dive into a hobby that can cost more than aquariums then I would go to a camera board and see what is recommended to start.

I'm just getting started but have a...
Canon D5 Mark ii
Canon24-105mm f/4 IS lens
Canon50mm f/2.5 Macro Lens (1/4 Life Size)
CanonLife Size Converter for Macro Lens
White Balance Lens covers.
Backpack
Tripod
Couple memory cards and batteries

Wiskey · 03/16/2018, 12:21 AM

I'm a canon guy,.. if it were me I'd look for a Rebel T4i or above. Make sure it has the "i" because that means it has the better sensor.

There are lots of great macro lenses out there,.. but the 18-55 goes a little macro and is very cheap because most people upgrade from it.

These shots were taken from my T4i:

IMG_9809 by Wiskey2727, on Flickr

IMG_8523 by Wiskey2727, on Flickr

IMG_8618 by Wiskey2727, on Flickr

Whiskey

LauraGreenImp · 03/16/2018, 08:01 AM

These are exquisite. Besides being able to get good shots of my corals (a work in progress), I also want to be able to capture my fast moving fish. I’d really like to be able to sit in my ‘tank observation chair’ (abt 4’ foot from tank) & zoom in + plus freeze movement. That’s possible, right?

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tkeracer619 · 03/16/2018, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LauraGreenImp

These are exquisite. Besides being able to get good shots of my corals (a work in progress), I also want to be able to capture my fast moving fish. I’d really like to be able to sit in my ‘tank observation chair’ (abt 4’ foot from tank) & zoom in + plus freeze movement. That’s possible, right?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Yes, but it is very difficult. You'll need a tripod, remote trigger, and a lot of patience. To get up close shots you'll likely need some serious lensing.

LauraGreenImp · 03/16/2018, 10:43 AM

Looks like I’ll be waiting a while b4 I purchase a camera.

I’ve been looking at prices, and, even used, I just can’t justify taking that much money away from my tank budget.

There’s just too much I want to do w tank. Priorities!

Thanks, everyone, y’all have helped a *lot*.

03/15/2018, 08:37 AM	#1
LauraGreenImp Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Nashville Posts: 131	DSLR Cameras I want one. I’ve looked at so many online, I’m totally confused. I’m just not satisfied with the pics from my iPhone 6 or my (new) iPad Pro. But! Every penny that goes toward a camera is a penny that could go into tank, so... Reccs, please? I would really like to see pros vs cons, also. Thanks! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro __________________ No glass box turns into a beautiful reef tank quickly. Current Tank Info: 150gT Mixed Reef - help me trap/remove/destroy my hateful Molly Miller Blennys!

03/15/2018, 09:27 AM	#3
LauraGreenImp Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Nashville Posts: 131	DSLR Cameras Haven’t tried iPhone lenses, but I need speed as well, so not sure just a lens would help. I’ll google it, though. Thx! EDIT: lens kit on Zon for $7, so that’ll be here in 2 days, still think I need speed, though... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro __________________ No glass box turns into a beautiful reef tank quickly. Current Tank Info: 150gT Mixed Reef - help me trap/remove/destroy my hateful Molly Miller Blennys! Last edited by LauraGreenImp; 03/15/2018 at 09:42 AM.

03/15/2018, 09:33 AM	#4
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	Just picked up a Nikon D3400 dual lens package from Walmart dot com. While I was looking I came across a special (under $500) and couldn't pass it up. Early impressions are good. Haven't taken pix of the tank yet, just a vacation and some pictures messing with the settings. Entry level & easy to use IMO. __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

03/15/2018, 09:51 AM	#6
LauraGreenImp Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Nashville Posts: 131	From what I’ve read, the lenses are what counts. I really don’t wanna go > 500$, but! Every body + lens (multiple) + tripod package I look at is at least $1000. Am I better off $ wise getting ‘package’, or should I go piece by piece? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro __________________ No glass box turns into a beautiful reef tank quickly. Current Tank Info: 150gT Mixed Reef - help me trap/remove/destroy my hateful Molly Miller Blennys!

03/15/2018, 03:30 PM	#9
rjjr1963 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Nebraska/Missouri Posts: 770	Buy a used Canon Rebel T3i or up and a new macro lense. Lense makes all the difference. __________________ 72x24x16 115 gallon under construction Current Tank Info: 40 gallon reef

03/15/2018, 09:36 AM	#5
Xandernfs Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: STL Posts: 730	The great debate is going Nikon or Cannon. That like arguing Audi or BMW: both high end, but just more of a person preference. I'm a Nikon guy, but Cannon makes great lenses too. If you have the budget, go full frame but the real quality is going to be in the lens you go with. You'll want a macro lens (I'd suggest 3rd party like Sigma), a descent tripod, and probably some extension tubes as well. There is a fairly strict learning curve when shooting with DSLR cameras but it's more of a trial and error kind of thing. It can be frustrating at times, but thats why we are in the forum in the first place.

03/15/2018, 09:53 AM	#7
Xandernfs Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: STL Posts: 730	So you're looking at a crop sensor SLR, but I would look at getting the body and then buying the lens separate. You could always look at used as well.

03/15/2018, 11:14 AM	#8
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	good equipment may help, but not required to get good pictures. if you are going to use the camera occasionally, then same logic applies as what you said that it is better spent elsewhere. you can find a picture you like, and contact the person that took it and ask how it was taken. I'm sure you can take good pictures with your current phone if done properly. start in photography forum here on RC, there is a long picture of the day thread. some really good pictures there were taken using cell phone.

03/15/2018, 07:17 PM	#10
madweazl Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NOVA Posts: 774	Much of it is personal preference just like anything else you buy. I had a Pentax K-r and it took excellent shots without post processing but switched to a Nikon D3400 about six months ago to get something a little newer (figured I may as well buy glass for something nine or so years newer if I were going to do it). I took better shots overall with the Pentax but I've got some pretty good ones with the Nikon. Nikon D3400 Pentax K-r Galaxy S7 You can get a nice shot with anything if you take the time to learn the camera. Pick a brand and go.

03/15/2018, 11:33 PM	#11
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I have a few thousand in camera gear and can still take some bad pictures. So there is that too. Just a warning If you are really wanting to dive into a hobby that can cost more than aquariums then I would go to a camera board and see what is recommended to start. I'm just getting started but have a... Canon D5 Mark ii Canon24-105mm f/4 IS lens Canon50mm f/2.5 Macro Lens (1/4 Life Size) CanonLife Size Converter for Macro Lens White Balance Lens covers. Backpack Tripod Couple memory cards and batteries __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k. Last edited by tkeracer619; 03/15/2018 at 11:48 PM.

03/16/2018, 12:21 AM	#12
Wiskey Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fallbrook, CA Posts: 3,049	I'm a canon guy,.. if it were me I'd look for a Rebel T4i or above. Make sure it has the "i" because that means it has the better sensor. There are lots of great macro lenses out there,.. but the 18-55 goes a little macro and is very cheap because most people upgrade from it. These shots were taken from my T4i: IMG_9809 by Wiskey2727, on Flickr IMG_8523 by Wiskey2727, on Flickr IMG_8618 by Wiskey2727, on Flickr Whiskey __________________ This video shows 15 months of coral growth in my tank in a 30 second timelapse: https://youtu.be/bF6C57aTDEo

03/16/2018, 08:01 AM	#13
LauraGreenImp Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Nashville Posts: 131	These are exquisite. Besides being able to get good shots of my corals (a work in progress), I also want to be able to capture my fast moving fish. I’d really like to be able to sit in my ‘tank observation chair’ (abt 4’ foot from tank) & zoom in + plus freeze movement. That’s possible, right? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro __________________ No glass box turns into a beautiful reef tank quickly. Current Tank Info: 150gT Mixed Reef - help me trap/remove/destroy my hateful Molly Miller Blennys!

03/16/2018, 10:43 AM	#15
LauraGreenImp Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Nashville Posts: 131	Looks like I’ll be waiting a while b4 I purchase a camera. I’ve been looking at prices, and, even used, I just can’t justify taking that much money away from my tank budget. There’s just too much I want to do w tank. Priorities! Thanks, everyone, y’all have helped a lot. __________________ No glass box turns into a beautiful reef tank quickly. Current Tank Info: 150gT Mixed Reef - help me trap/remove/destroy my hateful Molly Miller Blennys!