Reptile & Amphibian Forums

looking to get a new digital camera as my camera sucks and is a pain to use. I am looking for a good quality camera that is easy to use and takes good pictures of snakes. Looking for something under $500---any reccomendations? With all the nice pics I see on this forum, I figured this would be a good place to ask.
Ben

I hope someone replies to this as I am in the same boat you are. If anyone privately emails you please post here and help a fellow floridian out, lol.
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Josh & Krysty Hutto
J&K Reptiles

Various Ball Pythons, boas, dogs, cats, fish, an amel tiger retic female, a couple sulcatas and a few other odds and ends.

a BAD dog is MADE not bred, support the American Pit Bull Terrier as the greatest breed of dogs on Earth!!!!!

I bought a Nikon D40 a few months ago for 599.99, I just did a search for it and found it for 549.00. It comes with two lens', 18-55mm and 55-200mm. It's a great camera.

Rich

I am a big fan of Canons, I personally have a D-10 and D-50 SLR an dlove them both. They are a little pricey, but I think that the Canon Rebel is an excellent camera for the money. It is cheaper then the bog SLRs but has alot of the same perks If you go with a Reble macro lens's work very good for snakes, they give you all the detail that people love. Also if you are looking into lighting Studios in a box are wonderful solutions for portable easy to set up lights, and you always get that professional look
Good luck
Kim

Its an Kodak EasyShare 550...Its cheap, but has taken lots of pictures, and I have been happy with the quality. Its pretty easy to use which is why I picked that one. Its not fancy at all, and its 3 years old, but still takes ok pics.

Here are some examples of pics I have taken, its not a fancy SLR, but I wanted an easy to use small camera that I could fit into my pocket for shows and vacations. I like taking pics, but havn't moved up to an expensive Digital SLR yet...

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Executive Reptiles
Amanda Kingsbury & David Kendrick
www.executivereptiles.com

I forgot to post this, I think I paid something like $200-$250 range for it 3 years ago...And after I bought it... I was told at the time I didn't get a deal...LOL...Oh well.

I tested out a bunch of digital point and shoot cameras, at every electronics store I went too, Many have what they call "Macro", but they don't seem to take very good closeups at all. This was the first one I actually tested at a store that was able to take pretty decent closeups, and for a point and shoot, the macro was pretty good.

I don't even know if they still make this version of the EasyShare, but I have liked it.
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Executive Reptiles
Amanda Kingsbury & David Kendrick
www.executivereptiles.com

I have the Nikon D40 and with the amount of pictures you do. I think that is a great option. They should be in your price range and also have alot of auto functions. It also gives you the ability to use many of the other Nikon lenses. I could always bring it down for you to try.

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www.hybridhaven.net

Ben I have a D80, which is the bigger brother of that one. The 18/55 lens that comes with the kit will be perfect for all of your Reptile photo needs. Here is the link to a review of it.

www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/

Here is the link to pricing on it.

www.dpreview.com/shop/merchants.asp?id=nikon_d40

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Albey Scholl
Albeys Too Cool Reptiles
Email Me

Here is a picture I took with said camera yesterday of a Desert Ball.

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Albey Scholl
Albeys Too Cool Reptiles
Email Me

thanks todd--your a mench!!-

thanks alby

I will check in that d40--

Very Nice!
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Louis Kirkland
Cornerstone Reptiles

Didn't you say Matt takes pics for you sometimes? What does he use? I need a camera also, I'll be interested to see what you decide.
Mike

matts cameras are way expensive!!!-

Ben,

I recently purchased a Canon PowerShot G9 and I couldn't be happier. Its 12.1 MP and it has many features of a higher end camera without the bulkyness of huge lenses. In Macro, you can practically be touching the snake (or whatever your shooting)with the lens and get a great shot. This camera also fits perfectly in the price range you're looking for.

Here's a few shots I've taken with it recently.

is that your octopus?
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Kyle
www.royalvariations.com

"be safe, be happy and dont let anyone make you afraid" David Coverdale

The Octopus (his name is OPUS)is mine and the King Cobra is Don Kaye's.

Eric Baker~

how well does an octopus do in a tank? I have considered setting up an octopus many times and that one is beautiful. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
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Kyle
www.royalvariations.com

"be safe, be happy and dont let anyone make you afraid" David Coverdale

I have a Canon Powershot S5 IS. It's within the price range you're looking at and fairly easy to use. Here are some of the pictures I've taken with it.

Full optical and digital zoom used in this one.

Here's a shot with the super macro turned on.

Then here's a link for you or anyone else to check out.
Canon

Another thing I really like about this camera is that you can attach the lenses from any canon SLR camera.
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Phil Red Hernandez-

Pitoo

One of the best 'value for money' cameras on the market at the moment, is the Samsung L310W Digital Camera. 13.1 megapixels. simplicity itself to use and small enough to slip into your pocket. Takes great pictures too!!
I have just bought a new one for less than £100 (British Pounds).