View Full Version : Best Pictures with what device ????
kengeroo
12-02-2014, 01:39 AM
I have thousands of dollars in DSLRs,, points and shoots, GOPROs , etc... to get the "GOODEST" aquarium shots....
I think I have came to the conclusion that the bigger the glass... the worst the distortion you will get through thick glass..
I used to laugh at the people at the vancouver aquarium taking pictures with their phones...
then I tried it on my home aquarium,,, and voila,, the pictures are "gooder"...
give it a try and post your results....
rishu_pepper
12-04-2014, 08:49 PM
I have thousands of dollars in DSLRs,, points and shoots, GOPROs , etc... to get the "GOODEST" aquarium shots....
I think I have came to the conclusion that the bigger the glass... the worst the distortion you will get through thick glass..
I used to laugh at the people at the vancouver aquarium taking pictures with their phones...
then I tried it on my home aquarium,,, and voila,, the pictures are "gooder"...
give it a try and post your results....
You notice more blemishes or "distortion" with nicer lenses/cameras mostly due to its better image quality.
With a quality DSLR/lens, proper technique and post processing, there is no way it will come out worse looking than iPhone pics. :biggrin:
Let me know if you need help.
* a CPL, or Circular Polarizing Filter may be a welcome addition on compatible lenses as it will drastically reduce glare/reflection on aquarium glass
** lens distortion is generally more rampant in wide/ultra-wide angle lenses, which can be fixed in post processing
Scythanith
12-05-2014, 02:00 AM
Some quick tips:
Always shoot straight through the glass, NO ANGLES!
Turn the pumps off when you shoot to limit polyp motion.
Shut lights off outside of the tank and wear a dark shirt.
Use a tripod.
Play with aperture to get what you want in focus, up the ISO if need be to get a fast shutter speed and less motion blur.
Try and set a custom white balance if your camera allows it, if not, shoot in cloud mode or 10000K.
Top down is the best way to shoot. Get a top down camera box.
Have fun!
sphelps
12-05-2014, 02:12 AM
Total shenanigans, phones won't beat out DLSRs regardless what you're doing, just yet anyways :wink:
Here's a few of my favorites, all taken through 12mm glass with a DSLR.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Lionfish.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Fish/scorpionandfrogfish.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/Tort.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_5.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Sept%203%202008/DSC_1312.jpg
If you're looking avoid the glass consider an underwater case, this one with taken with a basic P&S Cannon G9 in case.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Corals/IMG_0099.jpg
Scythanith
12-05-2014, 07:20 AM
Steve, do you have that yellow acro still? I may need to beg for a frag :)
sphelps
12-05-2014, 02:49 PM
That was my toon tank so long gone I'm afraid. Pretty sure it was just maricultured yellow mille from solomon islands.
Skimmer Juice
12-05-2014, 04:10 PM
that seahorse pic is the best pic ever .
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