Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I figured after all the drama we could change direction and talk cameras. I've always used point and shoots but just made a big upgrade to a Canon Rebel XSI 12.2 megapixel. Now I get to learn how to use it. I should have enough practice this offseason for W. TX next year. I hate the down time but I'll made good use of it. Now it's time to buy lenses! So what kind of cameras do you guys use?

Chris Drake

The Rebel XSi better be g-o-o-d because that's what the wifey is getting for Christmas. She promised me the pictures will come out better if I get her THAT camera...LOL!

Robert

Last few years I've been using a decent 7 mp point and shoot-so if you've seen any pics from me on KS, that was used.

but this season I plan to take the plunge and get a quality DSLR. Right now I'm leaning toward a Nikon D90-a friend recently got one and it is SWEET!!
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

"Some things are flat impossible-until they're done."
Robert A. Heinlein

I could only dive to about 600 ft., lol. The Nikon D90 is SWEET, but I had to hold onto some cash while the current administration is still in the White House

Robert

I haven't heard anything but good things about the rebel xsi so I think we will both be pleased with it Robert. I have been using a sony cybershot 8.1 mp point and shoot and was very happy with it. The kids broke it so I picked up a canon powershot s5 is for my last trip to west tx back in September. It worked well but it's time to catch up with all my herping buddies. I think its a toss up with canon and nikon. Both have great dslrs.

Chris Drake

It's not really the camera that I'm worried about. Please don't tell my wife I said that!!! OH MAN!!!

I have a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90 that is being phased out. I clean the cages, go out and get the lizards, feed all the snakes, but the wife takes the pictures. I try to pose the snake, but the DSC-90 is usually too slow to capture the image before the snake moves. Also, I have to tell my wife (all too frequently IMO, lol) NOT to snap the pic when the head is buried under rocks because she can't really "SEE" the object in fine enough detail before the shot. In addition, I get some pics that are totally blurred or sometimes half-blurred; even the color tint will be inconsistent between shots. AM A PERFECTIONIST OR WHAT! LOL.

Robert

WOW Robert! Next time I see her I'm going to tell her. lol. J/k. I was using the Sony Cybershot DSC T100. It actually took very good macro. I went to use it one day and it turned into a womans best friend. It wouldn't stop vibrating!lol.

Chris Drake

I'll tell my wife to hold onto her old DSC-90. One day it might "malfunction" the way your DSC-T100 did. LOL!

Robert

I have a bunch of Canon point and shoot cameras and I also have a Canon xti along with a really nice Macro lens, but i have not really had time to play around with the xti.. so, i mostly use my point and shoots.. I am hoping work will slow down for me in Jan and with most of my animals hibernating i will have more time to play with the xti..

~ Mike Russo

I got Sony's first generation Alpha ( formerly Minolta) a few years back, along with a couple of higher end lenses. I'm fairly happy with it, but find that the color is the hardest to get right. I'd like to upgrade to a Canon/Nikon in the future. Check out this link for a cheap "studio" set up. I'm looking to have this set up ready to go in the spring, with some natural settings.

http://graphic-design.com/photographic/studio/index.html

John

I have been experimenting with different things to try and make a small studio to really capture the animals I have. The link you provided seems to have some really good info. Even with that info getting the lighting just right is always tough if you want to get the true colors to show. Thanks for the link.

I use a Nikon D40 with 55-200mm lens for anything in house (like a small studio). For field shots I think that lens would be hard to shoot and I would go with 18-55mm and just try to get in the snakes face a bit if you can. If you want some kind of macro in the field the 55-200mm will work but will take some practice and a steady hand (or tripod). The problem I run into with the bigger lens is that you have to stand back from the animal a bit to focus and it takes off, but the smaller lens lets you get in their face and freeze the animal up a bit.

One thing I do for in house shots is to get a remote and tripod then focus the camera on your studio that way you can manipulate the snake and snap a pick without having to mess with your camera. Not to mention prevent the snake from taking off under furniture or what have you.

Hopefully that info will help some of our aspiring photographers (myself included), we all enjoy quality alterna photos .

John

I got Sony's first generation Alpha ( formerly Minolta) a few years back, along with a couple of higher end lenses. I'm fairly happy with it, but find that the color is the hardest to get right. I'd like to upgrade to a Canon/Nikon in the future.

Upgrade? Why not "upgrade" to the Sony Alpha 700 or even 850? If you already have decent glass, changing systems is a complete waste of money, IMHO. I'm sure you can find people who use Canon or Nikon that will tell you different, but I'll bet none of them have used Sony's newer cameras (A700, A850, A900).

If your problem is color, shoot RAW and learn to process photos or adjust the settings in camera.

Honestly, if you gave me the money to do so, I wouldn't "upgrade" to the Canon or Nikon systems. They are great camera systems, but they aren't superior. I've used all three brands of DSLR ( Olympus and Pentax DSLRs) and none is superior. If you already have good glass, changing systems is throwing money away unless you have a real concrete reason to take the loss.

Chris
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Thanks for the input, I guess I was under the impression that these other two brands are superior. I will be sure to look into Sony's newer models before making a decision.

John

Chris, this was with a Canon Rebel XSI (without learning anything about them beforehand)...can't wait to get out in the field with it. There are a few good books on how to use them well, and we have a DVD too that I haven't been able to watch yet.

Dusty

Suboc.com

Very nice Dusty. I can't wait until it gets here. Now I'm shopping for lenses. Did you take that pic with the 18-55 kit lens?

Chris Drake

>>Very nice Dusty. I can't wait until it gets here. Now I'm shopping for lenses. Did you take that pic with the 18-55 kit lens?
>>
>>Chris Drake

Yeah, the 18-55. My wife has another lens on her wishlist...an EF 50mm.

I'm eyeballing that lens also Dusty. The 50mm 1.8 they say is good but feels cheaply built and kinda loud. The 50mm 1.4 is suppose to be a big upgrade from the 1.8. I'm trying to learn and study all these lenses and make the best decision on which one to get first.

Chris Drake

Took this photo this morning with the Canon... (YES, it's a Snow!!! And yes, it just hatched this morning after 105 days of incubation -- the first Suboc of the season, and my first Snow!!)

Dusty

HOLY CRAP!!! Forget the camera. I'll take the snow. Very Cool. Good work Dusty.

Chris Drake

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"There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line."
Oscar Levant