novice here need help:)

[spspirate]

Ive got coral but no camera yet:sad: Will be taking close ups of fish SPS and my chalices of course but haven't any idea on what camera and lens to purchase. Should I buy new or look on craigs list/ebay? I have a tripod and used to take pics with my old manual 35mm back in school....but times have changed! Can some one throw some guidance my way please:bigsmile:

 

[soccerbag]

Hey Andy. A shame we have to talk on the forum as we live so close...lol. I would go with something along the lines of a Canon Rebel XT or XTi. You can likely find a good deal on a body and stock lens (whether be ebay or Craig's List). You can always pick up a macro lens down the road or ask Santa for one : ). That would be my recommendation. If you went the Canon route, you are more than welcome to borrow any of my lenses anytime (I rent by the hour...lol).

 

[spspirate]

LOL! Your pretty nomadic with your job so understood....:) I was looking at a cannon 1ds? Ill check out the XT and XTi! Thanks dude...let me know when you'll be in one spot for more than 48hrs!..LOL

 

[Brie]

I second the Canon Rebel... I've owned every single model since the original digital Rebel and can say they're very good entry level DSLRs... The kit lens that comes with them is a pretty good lens to boot, so you can also pick up a macro later on down the road. The newest in the Canon Rebel line is the T2i.. I personally am using the T1i right now and definitely think its a step up from the XTi I was using previously. If you want to save a few dollars on buying used, I would go with KEH.com, they've been around for a LOONGGGG time and they have a very good rep. Everything is graded and priced accordingly. Canon Digital REBEL T2I 18 MEGAPIXEL WITH CABLES, CD, BATTERY & CHARGER (SD CARD ), DIGITAL SLR INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA - KEH.com Here's one for $699 new or a Like New for $679. Or for 100 less you can get the T1i used, Like new. Canon Digital REBEL T1I 15.1 MEGAPIXEL WITH BATTERY & CHARGER (SD CARD ) DIGITAL SLR INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA - KEH.com

 

[Brie]

Oh, found one here with the lens for $649... Canon Digital REBEL T1I 15.1 MEGAPIXEL WITH 18-55 F3.5-5.6 IS, CABLES, CD, BATTERY & CHARGER (SD CARD ), DIGITAL SLR INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA OUTFIT - KEH.com

 

[spspirate]

Hey Brie for that information!!!

 

[dougers31]

FWIW, I started a thread with a similar question here.... https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/photography-forum/55637-easy-use-quality-camera.html

 

[RogerWilco357]

So you were looking into the 1D MarkIII?

 

[Akwarius]

Canon xti all the way. Takes good shots even with the basic lens, and you can always upgrade to a macro later.