First Digital SLR

Post by **corybreed** » 03 Jul 2007, 01:20

I just purchased my first digitl SLR. I am just amazed by the quality of the images. I hope to start posting images of my fish in the near future.

Mark

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 04 Jul 2007, 15:34

Hey, Mark! What kind did you get? I'm looking to upgrade myself.

Amanda

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 04 Jul 2007, 18:28

Don't know what Mark got, but if you want it for "fishy" stuff, I'd recommend the combination of a Canon 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) and the lens Canon EF 100/2.8 USM Macro or a Sigma 105/2.8 EX Macro. That's probably the best value for money camera body you can get - and the lens is what you need on a [D]SLR to photograph small things and close up (it goes right down to 1:1 scale at the sensor, so you'll get pretty decent close-up stuff).

There's obviously a Nikon alternative as well, and the Sigma lens comes in a Nikon fitting too - I know more about the Canon than the Nikon, becuase my DSLR is a 2.5 year old model of Canon's.

Another option is of course a used Canon Digital Rebel[XT] - they are often quite good price if you can find one in a shop.

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Mats

YouTube · Post by **Jools** » 04 Jul 2007, 19:37

I have to second Mats view and say that the Canon SLR (I have a 350D) is really very good indeed.

Jools

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 04 Jul 2007, 20:42

Thanks, Mats and Jools. I've got a pHD(push here, dummy) type of digital. It's worked very well for me, but I think it's time to broaden my horizons and expand on things like this:

Amanda

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 04 Jul 2007, 21:41

May I recommend a web-shop here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com - they are a "REAL" shop in New York, and if you live in the US [or visit often/long enough for shipping to get to your staying place], they probably the best option for web-purchases of photographic equipment. If you find noticably lower prices elsewhere, it's most likely because the company is scamming!

I've bought 4-figure's (counting in US $ at least) worth of stuff from them, over a period of about 15 years.

However, before you buy any digital SLR, you should go to a local camera shop (preferrably a large but independent store - and I definitely wouldn't consider "Best Buy" a camera shop, Wolf Camera and such is just barely acceptable here). In this local camera shop, try out the different models that are in your price-range. Ask the staff what the important features are (and tell them that "Macro" is an important feature).

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Mats

bslindgren · Post by **bslindgren** » 05 Jul 2007, 04:27

I bought a Canon rebel 300D and the lens recommended by Mats. I've been experimenting a bit and can get decent photos even with the built-in flash. Most photo sites recommend against using the flash due to reflection, but if you just have clean glass and shoot at an angle it doesn't seem to be much of a problem. I also have a Canon twin macro flash (pricey, but you can find them for under $1,000 on eBay sometimes) and with that I seem to be able to adjust things pretty much anyway I want.

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 06 Jul 2007, 14:31

Awesome!!!

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 12 Jul 2007, 01:23

One of these days I hope to get a "real" camera, DSLR.
In the meanwhile I have a fish friend with a gem and jewlery business who was able to buy the best Nikon body and accessories. His stuff is at least a qualified business expense tax write off. He is my cheap way to get the best photos when I really want a good photo.
His hobby is macrophotography of butterflies and other insects.

Better having a "phd" camera than no way to record the important events when they happen in an aquarium.
Amanda, I like your "technical" description of the types of cameras we each own.

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 12 Jul 2007, 12:37

I won't be able to spend the money on any sort of camera for a few months. Why is it that household emergencies always arise when I'm about to make a purchase of this nature? Never fails. Uncanny.

Amanda

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 12 Jul 2007, 18:01

Sorry to hear that. But at least you can be sure that the price/performance of the camera will be better when you do get around to buying an SLR. 'cause the price is pretty much constant, but they add more features and more megapixels every 18 months or so (new model release), which brings down the price of older models.

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Mats

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 14 Jul 2007, 15:45

Mats,
I was looking forward to buying it and with the macro lens. No sense in going half-way. As you said, at least I know now what to get. Thanks for all your help!!!

Amanda

Post by **corybreed** » 15 Jul 2007, 02:00

I purchased the new olympus E-510. It just came out last month. As was said by MatsP, each time a new model comes out there are more improvements in the technology. Here are some of the features of my camera. 10mp live MOS sensor allows live preview with autofocus. The MOS sensor utilizes a narrower 4:3 aspect ratio that is equal to an 11,2mp DSLR with a 2:3 sensor. The camera has built in image stabilization, chip based, in most other DSLRS the image stabilization is lens based. The camera can be set to counteract horiz. and vert. shake together or just vert. if you use the IS while panning. I purshased 3 lens so far including a 50 f2 macro which is equal to a 100 35mm lens.

Mark

synoguy · Post by **synoguy** » 16 Jul 2007, 21:31

I'll cast my vote for canon too, I have a 300D personally, but have used the 1D, 1Ds 10D and 20D's too all are excellent cameras. If you have the money spare the most important part is the lens and when i was working in photography i was using canons L-Glass fluorite lenses, including a Canon 500mm f/4L Image stabilized for rowing race events, a bit big for fish though

....have used an L glass macro lens once too, and i *wish* i could afford one for myself it was incredibly sharp and produced a great image. oh and before i start sounding like a canon ad, Nikon's and Canons seem to have the best range of 3rd party lenses available from sigma and the like so you aren't tied to a proprietary lens mount.

First Digital SLR

First Digital SLR

First digital SLR