Best camera for taking Fish Pics?

[ecal468]

Hello all! Recently my digital camera has broke. It was about four years old, so no big deal. I had a real hard time taking pictures of the fish with it though. It was a Canon Powershot S500.

I was wondering if anyone has better experience with any cameras? I would like it to be able take some clear pics of the fish that move around a lot, as well as quality everyday pics. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[rallysman]

DSLR.
Nikon and Canon have a great reputation. I prefer Nikon.

You can get great shots with another point and shoot, but DSLR makes it easier. Keep in mind that a lot of what goes into a photo is the person behind the camera. Practice and understanding go a long way.

 

[AHoskins]

DSLR.
Nikon and Canon have a great reputation.

You can get great shots with another point and shoot, but DSLR makes it easier. Keep in mind that a lot of what goes into a photo is the person behind the camera. Practice and understanding go a long way.

 

[Ianab]

DSLR cameras are better of course, manual focus, remote flash and things like that make life easier.

But even with a point and shoot there are things you can do to get better shots.

Clean the glass.. that one allways gets me
Turn down the room lights, turn off the flash and just shoot using the tank lights. Not so good for fast moving fish though - longer exposure time blurs the pic.
If the camera has a manual focus then using it can help. Focus on a part of the tank the fish regularly swims though, and wait. With the focus already set you dont get the long delay while the camera hunts for focus and the fish swims away.
Shoot LOTS of picture, it's digital, so it doesn't matter if you shoot 100 shots and only get one good one

I have a Sony H-7, not as good as a DSLR, but much cheaper, has full manual settings and a 30-465mm equlivant lens with macro down to about 1". A DSLR is better, but I would need a camera and 3 good lenses to do what the Sony can do. Much more $$$.

Cheers

Ian

 

[rallysman]

I would need a camera and 3 good lenses to do what the Sony can do. Much more $$$.

Cheers

Ian

I think it would be more accurate if you said that your camera will do everything that a DSLR and 3 good lenses will do, but not as well.

You sacrifice quality for versatility when you try to package it all in one unit.
I also wanted manual focus when I was using a P&S, but now that I have a DSLR with that capability I only use it in total darkness.

 

[Ianab]

I think it would be more accurate if you said that your camera will do everything that a DSLR and 3 good lenses will do, but not as well.

True And I understand the compromises that have to go into a lens / camera like I have. It still takes pretty good shots though.

But the DSLR and lenses would set me back about 5X the $$?. Less money to spend on fish and other toys.

I dont use manual focus a lot, but when I do it's darn handy. Like you said, low light is one, where there isn't enough light for autofocus to work. Most point and shoots dont have the ability, so it's nice to have

If I win the lottery I will get a DSLR of course

Cheers

Ian

 

[rallysman]

Used lenses and Ebay are your friend when buying a DSLR. Get a new body and used lenses. You won't spend as much as you think. I got a $1k+ lens for $125 used, and it's flawless. I'm not saying you can't get good pix with a P&S. One of my best pictures came from a P&S. It's just irritating to spend 3-400 bucks when and struggle when a couple hundred more can make it almost effortless.

 

[ecal468]

Thanks guys, that information that you gave me was really good. Unfortunately though, I'm going to have go with a not-so-good point and shoot. After looking at the prices I can't do it. I don't have that much money to throw around for a camera. Maybe in a few years, but not just yet.

I was thinking about getting something used on ebay, maybe at most $300. I have been looking at http://reviews.cnet.com/Digital_cameras/2001-6501_7-0.html?tag=cnetfd.dir
for camera reviews. Are there any better sites?

 

[AquataHolic420]

Whatever u choose, good luck you will need it, its pretty hard to get the perfect picture when your target is swimming all over the place. Lots of PICS!

 

[pacu mom]

Thanks guys, that information that you gave me was really good. Unfortunately though, I'm going to have go with a not-so-good point and shoot. After looking at the prices I can't do it. I don't have that much money to throw around for a camera. Maybe in a few years, but not just yet.

I was thinking about getting something used on ebay, maybe at most $300. I have been looking at http://reviews.cnet.com/Digital_cameras/2001-6501_7-0.html?tag=cnetfd.dir
for camera reviews. Are there any better sites?

Check out the Cannon G7. I am really pleased with mine. For those who want to fiddle with everything, this camera can be adjusted manually. I'm not into that. The point and shoot settings are wonderful--there are a bunch of different modes for different situations--aquarium mode, underwater mode, portrait, landscape, beach, fireworks, action, and more. The aquarium mode is great! It allows you to take pictures without the flash reflecting off the tank walls. You can even get an underwater housing for the camera.

I especially like the video mode, because I can get action shots of our fish and wakeboarding/wake surfing videos. You can print out still shots from the video clips. I'm showing some of the things this gem of a camera will do. BIG LOAD WARNING--at 10MP, this little camera takes big pics.



Aquarium mode:

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, Hawaii...it was turbulent, so there was a lot of stuff being churned up:

Fish videos:
End of a "Potato Chip" feeding...what a mess


Still shots taken from video clips:

Waikiki:

You can also get wide angle and telephoto lenses for the G7. This pair were sitting in the top of trees. My telephoto was maxed out, and the boat was rocking and pitching from all the wave/wake action on the lake. I was really happy to get this:

I was going to get a DVD Camcorder, but after this summer, I really don't have any need for one. I'm very happy with the quality of the video taken with the G7.




http://www.lowpricedigital.com/item.asp?item_Id=143078&partner=g123&keyword=cannon_g7