Need A Camera

[RedDevilRyan]

Okay, so my birthday is coming up on Nov. 10th:) and I want a good camera to start photographing all of my fish. The only problem is that I dont know much about cameras:confused2:. I would like some sort of Nikon and I also need a flash, lens and everything else. Have any ideas? What are you using?
Thanks, Ryan

[Greenhacker]

The advice you get may depend more on the dollars you want to spend rather then the things you want to have. LOL I've had a D-70 since the day it hit the market and love my Nikon setup. I've purchased aftermarket lenses as well as Nikkor lenses and all I can say is that the other companies don't hold a candle.

If you look at the trends, the digital format, AKA DX, lenses are going to be a bygone concept. Full sensor, AKA FX, cameras are all over the market and the prices are down almost to where my D-70 was in 04. This said DX cameras are still cheaper and will likely be around long enough to make it worth it. I haven't looked at the models lately, but the last I looked the D700 (FX) and 300s (DX) where the best bangs for the buck. Personally the 700 is what I am aiming for once they up the pixels.

A great way to shoot these newer cameras is on manual mode with ISO set to auto because they have such low noise at any ISO up to 1600 that shutter speed and depth of field are your only real concerns.

If I was going to get a new set up from scratch and gear it towards aquarium photography this is what I would get.

D700 or other FX body
Micro 105mm vr f 2.8 g ed-if af-s
50mm f/1.8D or 1.4 AF
R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight Kit

Most other micros / macros extend when focusing and will hit the glass. Nikon has designed theirs to be completely internal. The 50mm 2.8 is an incredible lens for just over a hundred bucks and is super fast. The wireless close-up kit comes with 2 flashes and the infrared command unit which allows you to control the flashes from the camera without getting the strike-back that always happens when using on-board flash or other attached flash command unit.

Zooms are always nice if you can get them fast enough, but I love my fixed lenses when doing aquarium shooting.

As always this is just my opinion, but as always I think I'm right. :heh: Good luck!

[maddog10]

Hi Ryan,

This is a hard question to answer as it is different for every person. I will try to point you in a direction and will be happy to try and answer any specific questions you come up with.

Nikon is a GREAT choice, it is my favorite brand. You can get good shots with any of the models that they currently have on the market, from the D40 on up to the D3. Your budget is going to be your limiting factor.

For aquarium photography, the most important thing to look at is your flash setup. I actually shoot about 90% of my shots with a single overhead flash. Others religiously shoot with at least one overhead and one fill flash in front of the tank at an angle. The fill flash provides a more even exposure over the whole subject. If you look at most of my photos you will see that the bottom of the fish tends to be a bit underexposed, that is the trade off. There are several ways to trigger the overhead flash, but wireless is the way to go. Start with it now, because you will end up there in the long run. Several models of Nikons have a Commander Mode which is a built in wireless flash controller. My old D80 had this function and it was GREAT! I currently shoot with a D3 (which does not have Commander Mode) and an SU-800 wireless controller. It is basically an SB-800 flash without the flash. IMO the flash setup is more important than the camera body. Spend the money on the flashes and get a cheaper body if you are on a tight budget.

You can get decent shots with the 'kit' zoom (multiple focal lengths) lens that comes with a lot of the bodies, but you will notice a difference when you shoot with a nice prime (single focal length) or better yet a quality micro/macro lens. I shoot with both the 60mm and 105mm Nikon micro lenses.

A final thought, go to a local camera shop and actually hold the different models. They will all feel different in your hands and one may just 'fit' better. You want a camera that you are comfortable holding.

Feel free to ask any other questions that may answer may have caused.

[steve0199us]

Hi Ryan- I'm in the same boat as you, I've been asking around and doing some searches. instead of buying a simple camera, I personally want a mid level camera that is versatile and learn the various funtions as I go. I was comparing the Nikon D90 and D5000. I'm going to wait until black friday and see if there are any deals for either model. I'm leaning more towards the D5000 body and purchase a different lense. Not sure which, I still have a lot of reading to do on that. Let us know what you decide!

http://nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Digital-SLR/index.page

[Crowned]

I bought a Canon Rebel Xsi kit in February from Ritz before they closed up. Has been great so far and basically went with this model because of hearing good reviews, was at the top of what I wanted to spend, and as maddog had mentioned fit my hand.

I also agree with maddog about the flash. It is definitely the most important part of fish photography. This is actually the point I am at now, and am looking at wireless units. Find a good shop and ask tons of questions. Might even want to take a photography class.

Let us know about your birthday present, lol!!

[AlishanAS]

Ryan - tell Adam to buy you a decent camera. You can be the official Pet Safari photographer for his website. LOL

[RedDevilRyan]

Thanks for the input everyone, it really helps.
So far it looks like i'm leaning toward 50mm and 105mm Nikon micro lenses, and the Nikon d90. Tha flashes i'm not sure about though. I would like to get 2, one to go over the aquarium and the other as a fill in flash. The questions I have about them are what models should I get? Would 2 SB 800s work?

[maddog10]

I use SB-800's, have not tried the new SB-900's but they are supposed to be even easier to use.