Camera Recommendation

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a camera for taking pix of fish and plants in tanks? I have a lot of problems taking pix they never turn out well no matter what settings i use.

Stephen.

Hicker12 wrote:

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a camera for taking pix of fish and plants in tanks? I have a lot of problems taking pix they never turn out well no matter what settings i use.

Stephen.

+1

Hi stephan, bullfrog the winner of august comp give us a brief discription of how he gets his super pics.look up the reply .

Thanks Paul and John, im in the market for a new camera anyway so was just looking for suggestions as i dont have a clue!

Stephen.

I use a mix of DSLRs and Compact cameras.
There are advantage and disadvanatges of any camera.

Compact camera quality has got pretty good, and, in general, I don't think that image quality is much of an issue anymore (unless you're wanting advertising sized pics)

Some advantage of many compacts is that many come with a decent sized zoom lens (eg a 30x zoom lens is an impressive zoom that would cost thousands to get the equivalent of with a DSLR); most I have seen have a pretty good macro function; and many come with a good video function.
All seem to have a flash built in (not all DSLRs have a flash....and a flash can be expensive). Compacts are light and small.
If going for a specific brand of compact, then I would say simply get it based on the specific camera rather than be a brand follower.
ie look at a range of reviews and prices to see what gives you the best deal and the most camera.

Consumer level DSLRs are now pretty cheap and many contain video function (neither of my DSLRs have video function though). Many also have a built-in flash (but not all....and a flash can be expensive).
One key advantage of a DSLR is that if the lens or flash doesn't do something then you can buy one that does (there are many second pieces on the market for certain brands of camera).
Visualising the image is in real-time as opposed to delayed digital visualisation.
When you hit the shutter button, there is no real delay (the delay in shutter release can be problem of compact on fash moving subjects).
The ability to manually focus is easier with a DSLR than many compact (manual focus on compacts can be a bit fiddly).
If going for a DSLR, then think about the specific brand in view of accessories or second hand gear.
I think second-hand is king.....hence why I stick to Nikon (as lens from 30 years ago still fit).

On the whole, it could be the delay of the shutter release that is a real problem with compact cameras.

ian

Patience, and lots of it
As above a Macro Lens is also useful and I normally try to use a tripod and a cable release.
With just about all DSLR Cameras these days and also most phones I`d say, is the ability to take Multi Shots when you press the button.
I`ve seen on the net and youtube some people remove their fish from the tank and place them in a smaller bare tank where they can heard them in to a smaller space, not something I would be bothered with.
For me practice and patience are the two biggest things you will need, sit down relax and prepare to wait

Chris