Picture this: What type of camera do you use to take pictures of your reef tank?

What type of camera do you use to take pictures of your reef tank?

  • Cell phone

    Votes: 322 85.0%
  • DSLR

    Votes: 80 21.1%
  • Mirrorless

    Votes: 42 11.1%
  • GoPro/DJI/other video

    Votes: 7 1.8%
  • Other

    Votes: 10 2.6%

  • Total voters
    379

BlueAntec

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Galaxy s22 ultra here. I use the pro mode with the White Balance set to 10k.
 

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IsaacHunt

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Currently using a Nikon Z6ii and 105mm macro.

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Doesn't it just show when you use a quality camera and lens. Phones are great but simply cannot match the quality and clarity achievable with a decent camera/lens combo and of course the knowledge on using it
 

SunnyX

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Nikon Z6 and a variety of lenses. This shot was taken with an older 100MM f2.8 Macro lens. The new mirrorless class lenses are too sharp in my opinion for most reef photography.

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jasonrusso

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Nikon Z6 and a variety of lenses. This shot was taken with an older 100MM f2.8 Macro lens. The new mirrorless class lenses are too sharp in my opinion for most reef photography.

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Explain what you mean when you say "too sharp" because I agree with you.

There is a reason Canon flagship cameras are still 24MP. Often less is more when it comes to MP.
 

steveschuerger

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I use my iPhone 13 Pro. Just use a pair of cheap Kraken reef glasses for the filter.
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SunnyX

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Explain what you mean when you say "too sharp" because I agree with you.

There is a reason Canon flagship cameras are still 24MP. Often less is more when it comes to MP.

Well, I would say that the images just look more like a painting, with subjects in and out of focus, and imperfections all around. Perhaps its nostalgia, or something else, but the older lenses breath life into photos in ways that the newer technology cannot.

The way the light is captured is different, and in a world where ANYTHING can now be created by AI at the flick of button, these images feel real, and as intended, capture a singular moment in time.

Plus, on a personal level, I know the work that goes into a shot like this and it makes it all the more special for me. For instance, I had to manually focus the shot, and the image taken;the way the fish lined up and how things were in or out of focus, is something I likely will not be able to reproduce again.

Perhaps I am digging too deep into it, but at one point Photography was an art. It still is, but has really been watered down by the amount of images that are now out there due to the advent of cell phones and the built in cameras.

-Sonny
 

IsaacHunt

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Doesn't it just show when you use a quality camera and lens. Phones are great but simply cannot match the quality and clarity achievable with a decent camera/lens combo and of course the knowledge on using it
Only one WORD to describe this photo QUALITY.

Phones are fine for a snapshot but taking a decent photo requires a DSLR or Mirrorless partnered with a macro lens off camera flash and some knowledge on focus and exposure
 

Tripod Ninja

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Picture this: What type of camera do you use to take pictures of your reef tank?

How do you capture pictures of your tank? Do you use the cell phone in your pocket or do you go for your DSLR? Have you ever used a tripod or a top-down porthole adapter? Maybe you are just getting started with aquarium photography and are trying to figure out why all of your images are nearly unrecognizable when you are just trying to get an ID of a hitchhiker, coral, or fish. Wherever you are on your journey in aquarium photography, please tell us about what camera you use to take pictures of your reef tank and feel free to share any tips!

Reefraff_Sep2020POTM.jpeg

December 2020 Photo of the Month winner; Photo by @Reeffraff

Reef2Reef has several articles on aquarium photography such as: “Your Guide to Aquarium Photography; Getting the Basics” as well as photography and videography sections of the forum. Feel free to dig in for more info about getting great pictures of your tank!
iphone and the following tripod https://tripodninja.com/best-gopro-tripod/
 

eislekel

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I have two phones. IPhone 11 & Samsung S8 Plus. I have made several tests and in the end, I figured out that Samsung S8 Plus has better results.

Here are some shots with a cheap macro phone lens (clip-on) and Flipper magnifier with an orange filter.

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For now, I'm using a Samsung S8 Plus. I want to increase the quality of my macros and entire aquarium photography results.

I was looking to buy a new camera. Do you have any suggestions?
Olympus TG 6 or Canon G7 X Mark III?
 

Reefer Matt

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For casual posting online, a cell phone with a filter and a photo app will do. For making canvasses and prints, a dslr camera is unmatched, imo. Both require proper technique and post editing for quality photos.

Cell Phone:

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DSLR:

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aws2266

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I work 'IT' for a company that photographs vehicles on car lots. Our reps in the field had been using Sony a6300's but we recently switched to Galaxy active tablets. Honestly, there's not much difference in quality, at least not that the everyday Joe would notice.

When we completed the rollout I was able to snag me one of the used a6300's. I love it! I'm still learning how to use it and I just got a macro lens for it as well.

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zoomonster

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Samsung S23+ and Nikon D7100. Still experimenting with Reefing Art filter set for cell phone and filters for Nikon. Most cameras only do white balance up to 10k so photography under 10k+ - 20k lighting has been a challenge to get the results I want. Plus need to break down and get a decent macro lens for the Nikon.
 

kmurphy

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I use a Canon Rebel T6 for those wanting a budget camera that is still a massive upgrade on phone cameras. What makes them so much better is that I can sit down a distance from my tank and get natural and non-blurry photos.
When the camera can see more than your eye it makes photography a far funner hobby!

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What lens are you using?
 

Slocke

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What lens are you using?
EFS 55-250mm
 

A worm with high fashion and practical utility: Have you ever kept feather dusters in your reef aquarium?

  • I currently have feather dusters in my tank.

    Votes: 70 37.8%
  • Not currently, but I have had feather dusters in my tank in the past.

    Votes: 62 33.5%
  • I have not had feather dusters, but I hope to in the future.

    Votes: 25 13.5%
  • I have no plans to have feather dusters in my tank.

    Votes: 28 15.1%
  • Other.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
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