Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board  

Go Back   Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board > General > Photography

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-27-2011, 05:01 PM
doch's Avatar
doch doch is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Fort McMurray
Posts: 649
doch is on a distinguished road
Default Camera recommendation?

I'm in the market for a new camera, and I want something that I can take good pics, very close up. I want to be able to take the kind of pics that really show off the colors of corals right up close. Can this be done with a point and shoot, or do I need something with replacable lenses?
__________________
-Murdoch

160 gallon Reef, almost all SPS, a few LPS, small handfull of Zoas, and 5 clams. LOVING the upgrade (now that most of the work is done!)

My tank Journal: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=75924

Last edited by doch; 08-28-2011 at 04:10 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-28-2011, 04:09 PM
doch's Avatar
doch doch is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Fort McMurray
Posts: 649
doch is on a distinguished road
Default

Anybody?
__________________
-Murdoch

160 gallon Reef, almost all SPS, a few LPS, small handfull of Zoas, and 5 clams. LOVING the upgrade (now that most of the work is done!)

My tank Journal: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=75924
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-28-2011, 04:17 PM
mike31154's Avatar
mike31154 mike31154 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Vernon
Posts: 2,073
mike31154 will become famous soon enough
Default

Point & shoot are limited in their ability to provide good quality macro shots. For the best close ups you'll want a camera that can be fitted with a specialized macro lens, so yes, one with interchangeable lenses. This type of camera/lens will also allow you more options to limit the field of view and focus on the subject, keeping the background & surroundings more subdued. You're looking at minimum $600 for something decent, or look for a used one to save some bucks. Often there are folks with plenty of disposable income that are looking to sell a very good quality SLR in order to upgrade to the latest/greatest. If money is no object, then there's no point in even considering a point & click.
__________________
Mike
77g sumpless SW
DIY 10 watt multi-chip LED build http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=82206

Last edited by mike31154; 08-28-2011 at 04:21 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-28-2011, 06:52 PM
sphelps's Avatar
sphelps sphelps is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Lyalta, East of Calgary
Posts: 4,777
sphelps is on a distinguished road
Default

Depends on your budget, many people do have success with P&S but the DSLR route really is better but it does come with a price. How much are you looking to spend?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-28-2011, 07:24 PM
doch's Avatar
doch doch is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Fort McMurray
Posts: 649
doch is on a distinguished road
Default

Yeah, I kind of figured that would be the case, but I was hoping that somebody out there was having success with a good point and shoot... ideally one that can go under water.

I haven't set a budget yet... I just want to get some ideas first and go from there. $600 doesn't scare me... but I don't know if I'd want to go much higher than that.

Here's the next question: Being that I know nothing about the tech behind photography, will I be OK to start with a DSLR? They seem pretty advanced from the few times that I've played with them. Would I be smart to take a photography class?
__________________
-Murdoch

160 gallon Reef, almost all SPS, a few LPS, small handfull of Zoas, and 5 clams. LOVING the upgrade (now that most of the work is done!)

My tank Journal: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=75924
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-29-2011, 06:03 AM
Starry Starry is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Lethbridge, AB
Posts: 619
Starry is on a distinguished road
Default

Ive found my sony cybershot dsc-tx10 to take pretty good macros, and its submersable. also takes HD video. pretty sure i have some pics i took with it in my gallery
__________________
Starry
180 custom starfire
http://s1083.photobucket.com/albums/...0%20july%2007/
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-29-2011, 01:04 PM
Blom's Avatar
Blom Blom is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Cochrane AB
Posts: 360
Blom is on a distinguished road
Default

doch, Ive had my DSLR for close to 2 years now and to be honest I still dont know all that much about using it. To be fair I dont use it as much as I should, nor have I spent to much time reading up on it. That being said the picture quality is unreal and I wouldn't want to snap pictures with anything else.
__________________
Tyson Bloom

28G JBJ Cube Last Tank

Seriously shopping around for a new tank
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-29-2011, 01:40 PM
Blom's Avatar
Blom Blom is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Cochrane AB
Posts: 360
Blom is on a distinguished road
Default

Sorry forgot to mention the camera lol. It is an Olympus E-620. I know a few years ago it was over $1000 but I have noticed that the price of DSLR cameras has come way down. You can pick up a Canon EOS Rebel T3 for just over 500 bucks now from bestbuy.
__________________
Tyson Bloom

28G JBJ Cube Last Tank

Seriously shopping around for a new tank
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 08-29-2011, 02:22 PM
StirCrazy's Avatar
StirCrazy StirCrazy is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Kamloops, BC
Posts: 7,872
StirCrazy is on a distinguished road
Default

take a look at the cannon EOS series, I have the 12.something MP one and an very impressed with it but I did spend close to 8 to 900.00 but it came with two lense and such. doe 750 costco has the 15.something mp with a external flash bag ect but no extra lense, which you would have to look at buying anyways with any DLSR for good macro stuff.

some people like the nikon also I don't know much about it though...

Steve
__________________
*everything said above is just my opinion, and may or may not reflect the views of this BBS, its Operators, and its Members. If cornered on any “opinion” I post I will totally deny having ever said this in a Court of Law…Unless I am the right one*

Some strive to be perfect.... I just strive.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 08-29-2011, 02:29 PM
sphelps's Avatar
sphelps sphelps is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Lyalta, East of Calgary
Posts: 4,777
sphelps is on a distinguished road
Default

It'll almost be easier to use a DSLR these days compared to a P&S. Take a look at the entry level nikons, the D3100 for example sells for $600 with a lens and this camera can take great pictures on it's own with all it's auto features. Plus it has a built in guide to teach you more advanced features. Just keep in mind that this camera will need AF-I and AF-S lenses unless you want to focus manually, probably not a big deal as all new lenses are but if you're looking to save a few bucks by using the older style then that's something to consider.

Last edited by sphelps; 08-29-2011 at 10:01 PM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 01:38 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.