Good first camera

[KStatefan]

I shoot in RAW with the TG-6 and just adjust the color temperature slider in Lightroom. It's pretty easy to color correct. I attached an orange lens to my GoPro, but I still wasn't happy with the color. I have tried wide shots with the TG-6, but most of the picture is out of focus. I think people add a wide angle lens for non macro photos while diving.

I am going to have to figure out those setting and get lightroom.

 

[IntrinsicReef]

I am going to have to figure out those setting and get lightroom.

You can also shoot pictures in .jpg + raw. Which will give you two images for every shutter click. One will look pretty nice as the .jpg presets adjust color, sharpness, lighting etc. And one will be RAW, that is most receptive to adjustment in post processing.

 

[exnisstech]

You can also shoot pictures in .jpg + raw. Which will give you two images for every shutter click. One will look pretty nice as the .jpg presets adjust color, sharpness, lighting etc. And one will be RAW, that is most receptive to adjustment in post processing.

This is how I always shot when I was more serious with my photography. Often the jpg would be fine but with RAW often I was able to recover blow highlights or pull details out of shadows the jpg missed. I just had to be careful or would find myself spending hours on the PC editing after a mornings outing trying to get that last little bit.

 

[Reefer911]

I’m impressed with those close up shots from the TG-5. And surprised at the price

 

[KStatefan]

I’m impressed with those close up shots from the TG-5. And surprised at the price

This is the first picture I took with my TG-7 and the first underwater pic. Not great photos but a good base with out doing anything.

 

[Aquarist76]

I'm not going to tell you what specific model to get. But if you want a serious "good" camera sensor size is what matters. Megapixels don't matter. You want at least a APS-C sensor; probably can't get a full frame one at that price though. That means don't even consider GoPros or Point and Shoot cameras. Also, you want a viewfinder, either optical or electronic. I like Sony mirrorless personally. I would imagine you could get a used Sony NEX for well under 500 and it's an excellent beginner camera (EVF is an optional accessory).

This is a very old pic I took with my NEX5.

 

[Reefer911]

I'm not going to tell you what specific model to get. But if you want a serious "good" camera sensor size is what matters. Megapixels don't matter. You want at least a APS-C sensor; probably can't get a full frame one at that price though. That means don't even consider GoPros or Point and Shoot cameras. Also, you want a viewfinder, either optical or electronic. I like Sony mirrorless personally. I would imagine you could get a used Sony NEX for well under 500 and it's an excellent beginner camera (EVF is an optional accessory).

This is a very old pic I took with my NEX5.

Thanks, that’s very helpful information. I read up on sensor size and now see that an appropriately sized sensor will be beneficial in a couple of ways at least for taking photos of the aquarium.

 

[Reefer911]

@Aquarist76 or anyone else, can you tell me if the sensor on this camera isn’t least APS-C? I couldn’t find the size.

Edit: I figured it out. It has a DX sensor which is equivalent to APS-C, 15.5x24mm.

I’m now considering spending more for a good camera. I have a classic Porsche 911 Turbo that’s getting restored and once it gets out, it will be getting a lot of camera attention, and it deserves more than what the phone can provide.

I like the classic looks of this camera. It looks like my old 35mm.

https://www.nikonusa.com/p/z-fc/1671/overview

Pic of my old Nikon below. I bought it used and it has some light leaks that I need to get repaired.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@Aquarist76 or anyone else, can you tell me if the sensor on this camera isn’t least APS-C? I couldn’t find the size.

Edit: I figured it out. It has a DX sensor which is equivalent to APS-C, 15.5x24mm.

I’m now considering spending more for a good camera. I have a classic Porsche 911 Turbo that’s getting restored and once it gets out, it will be getting a lot of camera attention, and it deserves more than what the phone can provide.

I like the classic looks of this camera. It looks like my old 35mm.

https://www.nikonusa.com/p/z-fc/1671/overview

Pic of my old Nikon below. I bought it used and it has some light leaks that I need to get repaired.

While I’ve personally never used the zFC. It looks like a nice camera packed with some good features and a stylish body to go along with it. I say if you like it and it’s in your budget? That seems like a good buy!

 

[Jay Hemdal]

GoPros are neat, but the wide angle and color always looks a bit off. After messing around with one, I jumped over to the Olympus TG-6 for underwater shots. Especially coral macro photography. It is really specialized for that. And I shoot a used Nikon D810 for fish shots.

Here are some TG-6 shots

I have a TG-6 also - I use it while snorkeling, but I have also used it for in-tank shots (not as good as yours though).

With a bit of searching, I found some add-ons for this camera. I have a clip-on CPL filter and a macro ring light. The latter is great for macro shots, but they say it isn't waterproof (I've used it underwater though, just rinsed it off carefully after use).

 

[reefluvrr]

I purchased a waterproof phone camera case and use it all the time to capture videos and pictures close up of my corals.

Amazon product

 

[IntrinsicReef]

I have a TG-6 also - I use it while snorkeling, but I have also used it for in-tank shots (not as good as yours though).

With a bit of searching, I found some add-ons for this camera. I have a clip-on CPL filter and a macro ring light. The latter is great for macro shots, but they say it isn't waterproof (I've used it underwater though, just rinsed it off carefully after use).

I like using the macro ring light as well. I was able to get a shot of these clownfish embryos in a dark corner of my tank with it. Very useful

What is the clip-on cpl filter?

 

[KStatefan]

I like using the macro ring light as well. I was able to get a shot of these clownfish embryos in a dark corner of my tank with it. Very useful

What is the clip-on cpl filter?

This one?

 

[IntrinsicReef]

This one?

Yup! It redirects the flash into the ring around the lens.

 

[BryanM]

Having a new Waterbox 35.2 and a pair of candy basslets on the way, I’d like to get serious about taking quality photos.

I’m looking for recommendations on a good first camera. I have an old Nikon 35mm that I’d like to play around with at some point but I’d have to relearn everything

Im ok finding a used camera and would like to stay under 500, and preferably a Nikon.

DLSR vs mirrorless, at this point I don’t even know the difference. But I will research it today.

Thanks

Honestly I think I'd buy a moderately priced used DSLR, just to not spend a ton of money, just to find out that you might use the camera for a month and then stop.

Camera, lenses, tripod (oddly expensive for anything good), are all expensive.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

I like using the macro ring light as well. I was able to get a shot of these clownfish embryos in a dark corner of my tank with it. Very useful

What is the clip-on cpl filter?

A CPL filter is a circular polarizing filter. You turn it in a circle until any surface glare is reduced. It works great for seeing below the water's surface when it is lit by the sun (think fisherman's polarized lenses). I've messed around with it a bit, but haven't seen too much use in aquariums. The trouble with using it on a non-SLR is that you can't see the results through the lens, you have to take a shot, then look for glare, and if any is seen, you rotate it it 45 degrees in one direction at a time until the shot is more glare-free.

 

[strep]

GoPros are neat, but the wide angle and color always looks a bit off. After messing around with one, I jumped over to the Olympus TG-6 for underwater shots. Especially coral macro photography. It is really specialized for that. And I shoot a used Nikon D810 for fish shots.

Here are some TG-6 shots

Nice shots.

 

[KStatefan]

Yup! It redirects the flash into the ring around the lens.

Thanks ordered it to try.

 

[cilyjr]

GoPros are neat, but the wide angle and color always looks a bit off. After messing around with one, I jumped over to the Olympus TG-6 for underwater shots. Especially coral macro photography. It is really specialized for that. And I shoot a used Nikon D810 for fish shots.

Here are some TG-6 shots

This is good news, I just bought a tg7 and was basically scrolling around looking for affirmation for my purchase. This is it!

 

[Hunna’s Stunnas]

This is good news, I just bought a tg7 and was basically scrolling around looking for affirmation for my purchase. This is it!

This is from a TG-5, I’m sure you’ll be very happy with the TG-7 once you figure it out