Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Which one do you recommend for taking snake pics? I have read revues, and most say it is pretty much a wash, both good, D80 is a little better, but which one is the best for snake pics? I would really like to buy a kit with a lense or two, one for vacation pics, and one for snake pics. Any opinions?

Dave

choices for taking pictures of reptiles - if that's mainly all you are going to do.
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

But if the only two cameras I wanted were these two, any preference one way or the other?

Dave

I like my D70s and I'm told there's not much difference from the D80. I know nothing about the other so...
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

I'd say that anyone who wants to sell reptiles online should invest in a digital SLR with a decent macro lens. I've seen so many pics on Kingsnake and elsewhere that look like they were taken with a cellphone or a disposable camera -- including in ads for snakes that cost a whole lot of money.

Yes, you can get serviceable shots with a Coolpix or a midrange digital camera. But if you get an SLR and learn how to use it right, you can consistently get amazing photos which add dollar value to your snakes.

I have seen some damn good shots with coolpix and mid-range digitals. It's not so much what you shoot with but how you shoot. A good camera does not make a good photographer. I took better pictures with my old film 35mm Minolta - $350 20 years ago - than I do now with my digital SLR Nikon - $3,500 and counting.
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

n/p

I own a Canon Digital Rebel and love it.

One big question: what kind of SLR camera do you currently own? If you own a Nikon, you should get the Nikon digital SLR as you'll be able to use your current Nikon autofocus lenses: if a Canon, you should get a Canon for the same reason. If you own neither it's a tossup -- I favor Canons but either will be a perfectly good camera for your needs.

I got tired of taking bad photos of incredible animals so I decided to go with the Nikon D80. It's taking me awhile to figure out how to use it properly, but I'm working on it. The biggest problem I'm having is the white balance. Most of my "white" backgrounds are coming out kind of blue. Here's an example photo of one of my caramels. I think the photos turn out a lot better than they did with my old camera, but I know this camera is capable of much better photos.

Garrick DeMeyer
www.crestedgecko.com
Royal Constrictor Design

Royal Constrictor Designs/www.crestedgecko.com

Garrick, what lense are you using, did you get a kit, and where did you buy? The pic does not look bad, wonder what it would look like on a black background? Thanks for the input,

Dave