Help a noob! Which camera?

[BaileyB]

So I am obsessed with taking pictures of my corals, and got the polyp lab clip and an app to adjust some setting like white balance and iso etc, but obviously the iPhone XR isn’t going to take the most beautiful pics in the world when zooming and what not.. I’m looking for a budget type digital camera like cannon, Nikon, Kodak, etc. what would be the best bang for my buck? I don’t mind buying second hand because it would probably be cheaper, but my budget is about $120!

 

[Ron Reefman]

This is funny because I have a Nikon and 2 different Olympus digital cameras that work great. But my Galaxy S6 photo takes way better photos of my tank!

Sorry, I know that doesn't help.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Welcome Noob.

Nikon D3500 or similar series

 

[45ZoaGarden]

Welcome Noob.

Nikon D3500 or similar series

That’s not $120 LOL

 

[vetteguy53081]

That’s not $120 LOL

Check Ebay - very close otherwise Id invest into a phone such as iPhone 11, Samsung 10 OR S20 or Moto.
Nikon D40 was one of the best I had (mini SLR )

 

[45ZoaGarden]

In that price range your iPhone has a way better camera than all the other options in your price range. A decent macro lens will cost $400+. A decent camera body typically starts around $5-600 on sale. Keep in mind I’m throwing out prices for cheap equipment that still works. Tripods are always nice to have ime.

 

[timthetoolman1]

When your talking about DSLR cameras the body is a single part of the package and once you buy the lens that does what you're talking about adding a factor of 10 to your budget.
But there are other options. If you can find an older Nikon D70 with a higher end lens that would maybe be in the $200 range.
There are a number of used online camera vendors but maybe Craigslist or similar would be cheaper.
The DSLR cameras will give you much better control over settings than the all-in-one cameras plus you can get additional lenses as your camera bug grows.
I have a Nikon D70 and most of the Nikon lenses are quality. If you can find a used 105mm Macro lens you will be set for aquarium photos.
I don't use Canon often but they are awesome too.
I have a Sony A7R3 as well but their cheap $200 lenses I avoid because any DSLR lens for around $200-$400 can't give you what the camera is capable of. So I use the G Master lenses that give the camera body reach it's max specs.
My avatar picture was taken with the Nikon D70 with the 105mm Macro lens. New that lens is around $800 but in my opinion the prime lenses will be the best for what you want.
The last option is find a good used body and maybe see if the local camera shop will rent lenses. Use it for a couple days and take it back. Or maybe they have some all-in-one cameras you can rent to see if they do what you want.
Instead of lens adapters or other devices to adjust colors I use Adobe Light Room.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

When your talking about DSLR cameras the body is a single part of the package and once you buy the lens that does what you're talking about adding a factor of 10 to your budget.
But there are other options. If you can find an older Nikon D70 with a higher end lens that would maybe be in the $200 range.
There are a number of used online camera vendors but maybe Craigslist or similar would be cheaper.
The DSLR cameras will give you much better control over settings than the all-in-one cameras plus you can get additional lenses as your camera bug grows.
I have a Nikon D70 and most of the Nikon lenses are quality. If you can find a used 105mm Macro lens you will be set for aquarium photos.
I don't use Canon often but they are awesome too.
I have a Sony A7R3 as well but their cheap $200 lenses I avoid because any DSLR lens for around $200-$400 can't give you what the camera is capable of. So I use the G Master lenses that give the camera body reach it's max specs.
My avatar picture was taken with the Nikon D70 with the 105mm Macro lens. New that lens is around $800 but in my opinion the prime lenses will be the best for what you want.
The last option is find a good used body and maybe see if the local camera shop will rent lenses. Use it for a couple days and take it back. Or maybe they have some all-in-one cameras you can rent to see if they do what you want.
Instead of lens adapters or other devices to adjust colors I use Adobe Light Room.

Yes! I forgot to mention editing! That plays a HUGE role in picture quality. Adobe light room and photoshop both work wonders! If you plan on saving up, shoot for a camera capable of Atleast 24mbp and a shutter of 4000/s. Try for lenses capable of apertures less than 5. This allows you to really open up the lens to soak in as much light and really focus on your piece! This was taken with my Nikon d5600 and a fairly high end lens. Just keep in mind, no matter how fancy of a camera you have, it means nothing if you don’t know how to use it. I’ve seen people work wonders with cameras I would’ve given to the trash man ;)