Need help on choosing a Camera

[Chicxulub]

You can't go wrong with any Nikon or Canon DSLR. You do NOT need to buy the newest and shiniest model, either. You can get a Canon t2 or a Nikon d5100 new with the 18-55mm lens (same size for both and it works flawlessly for aquarium photography) for less than $500.

Remember though, if you get a Canon or Nikon don't WASTE your money on off brand lenses. Both of those companies are optics companies who make cameras. The reason they cost so much isn't because of the camera, its the quality of the lens.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[koltsixx]

^^^ I agree the model of DSLR isn't too important. The most important things are the equipment and the patience. A tri-pod over head remote flash and a good lens go along way and you can tell the good lenses because they cost more than a SLR itself. In my opinion it's the over head remote flash that makes the real difference as it creates the black background effect and illuminates the subject efficiently which is probably one of the most important aspects of pic taking. Light allows the details to be taken in by the camera clearly and the tri-pod helps prevent blur from shaking hands. So going cheap for quality pics I'd say go for the over head remote flash and tri-pod and wait on purchasing the lens.

 

[Jc1119]

I'm a Nikon guy myself, and still a newb, but Canon makes an excellent DSLR too. Just depends on your preference.

I shoot with a D7000, but ironically my go to lens for 75% of my shooting is the Nikon 18-55mm lens. Costs around $100. I do agree that good quality glass is the difference maker, but I'm constantly amazed at the quality of pics I get with the basic 18-55.

 

[Skurj]

Hmm some pictures... bear in mind these are with the lens it came with, I am going to buy a macro lens as soon as I stop buying tanks.. Not only lens but I have added no optional accessories like flashes and such. I sometimes use a tripod, though often I just leave the camera on the tripod sitting in front of the tank in the hopes that the fish will get used to seeing it.