Best camera for corals without breaking the bank?
- Thread starter Devlin
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chefjpaul
2500 Club Member
Here is my new Samsung Galaxy
Looks more like xenia[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
Look into nikon brands. I have one works great, also bought some cheep camera gels to off set blue light, but I rarely take photos as I suck at it.
hatfielj
2500 Club Member
How much do you want to get into photography? There can be a steep learning curve to start unless you stick with a point and shoot set up.
If you're okay with a learning curve, I would recommend a DSLR. Most modern DSLR's, even budget range, are capable of taking great reef photos. It really depends on what kind of pics you want though. Are you looking to do macro shots (close ups of small things) or just full tank/fish pictures? If you want to do macro you'll also have to invest in a macro lens. I personally use Nikon so I would recommend any of their entry level camera body's would do (look up the Nikon D3200 or 3300). They would come with a kit lens (18-55mm) and cost around $400-500 new with the lens. You would then need a macro lens (if that's what you want to do) and that could add another 300-400 new depending on which one you go for (the tamron 90 f/2.8 is a great, inexpensive one). So, staying under 1000 is possible, but you'll be getting pretty close to $1000 for a full set up.
You could try to save quite a bit of money by purchasing used (downside is no warranty). Look for a camera body with as low a shutter count as possible and a lens from a reputable seller.
I'm not as familiar with point and shoot options, but if you don't see yourself needing interchangeable lenses, you could look at Nikon coolpix.
Also, a big part of digital photography is post-processing, especially for reef shots because of our artificial lighting. Most cameras can not correctly deal with the crazy blue light we have on our tanks and require a lot of adjustments after you get the pics on the computer. So, I would recommend also budgeting for a program capable of some basic editing features as well (adjusting white balance, exposure, highlights/shadows, contrast, etc). Something I forgot to mention is to make sure whatever camera you get has the capability of shooting in "RAW" format. This will allow you to more easily make adjustments on your computer later.
If you're okay with a learning curve, I would recommend a DSLR. Most modern DSLR's, even budget range, are capable of taking great reef photos. It really depends on what kind of pics you want though. Are you looking to do macro shots (close ups of small things) or just full tank/fish pictures? If you want to do macro you'll also have to invest in a macro lens. I personally use Nikon so I would recommend any of their entry level camera body's would do (look up the Nikon D3200 or 3300). They would come with a kit lens (18-55mm) and cost around $400-500 new with the lens. You would then need a macro lens (if that's what you want to do) and that could add another 300-400 new depending on which one you go for (the tamron 90 f/2.8 is a great, inexpensive one). So, staying under 1000 is possible, but you'll be getting pretty close to $1000 for a full set up.
You could try to save quite a bit of money by purchasing used (downside is no warranty). Look for a camera body with as low a shutter count as possible and a lens from a reputable seller.
I'm not as familiar with point and shoot options, but if you don't see yourself needing interchangeable lenses, you could look at Nikon coolpix.
Also, a big part of digital photography is post-processing, especially for reef shots because of our artificial lighting. Most cameras can not correctly deal with the crazy blue light we have on our tanks and require a lot of adjustments after you get the pics on the computer. So, I would recommend also budgeting for a program capable of some basic editing features as well (adjusting white balance, exposure, highlights/shadows, contrast, etc). Something I forgot to mention is to make sure whatever camera you get has the capability of shooting in "RAW" format. This will allow you to more easily make adjustments on your computer later.
chefjpaul
2500 Club Member
Or that^
twilliard
Tank pests..
chefjpaul
2500 Club Member
OP
OP
Devlin
Active Member
Thanks for all the info. I've been reading into it a lot. I figure if I can get the editing part on the computer down I will really enjoy it. Also allow me to branch off into doing other things picture wise.
OP
OP
Devlin
Active Member
2 boys!. But my 3 year old is hell on wheels. And my 5 month old is already mobile. Not much time or money to be starting over but I'm addicted. I purchased from a sale last night. Told them just send them. I have a friend housing them until I can get back up and running. LOL!
Get like a canon g16 or something. It takes great macro photos. You will end up spending much more on stuff like getting a macro lens. Remember, you should still get a tripod and a memory card, so it starts to add up fast. I think you can get a canon g16 relatively cheap. don't worry about brand, as long as it has the features you are looking for everyone is about the same level.
if you really want a interchangeable lens camera and not looking to be a professional sports or commercial photographer, your mirrorless options are great. They are light weight and portable and have comparable performance of a heavy dslr. like a sony a5000 or a6000 are good options.
if you really want a interchangeable lens camera and not looking to be a professional sports or commercial photographer, your mirrorless options are great. They are light weight and portable and have comparable performance of a heavy dslr. like a sony a5000 or a6000 are good options.
Joshky
Well-Known Member
blue cespitularia :)
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