Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am not a professional photographer, just somebody who wants to take some really nice pictures. I want to be able to do two things which my current camera is giving me major problems accomplishing.

1. Take close up shots. I don't need the close ups to be super close ups. Just close enough to get a really nice look at the animal.

2. I want to be able to take a picture without having the picture come out blurry whenever the object is moving.

My current camera is a Sony Cyber-shot 5.0 DSC-P92. I hate this camera. Maybe I am a really bad photographer, but the only shots that come out clear are landscape shots from a distance. Example: I took pictures of my friend walking down the isle at his wedding only to have him and his wife blurry (6ft away) because they were moving.

I just want crisp clear shots whenever I click the button (especially when the object is moving) and I want to be able to take some non-blurry close up's.

I am willing to spend about $500. Any suggestions?

Thanks

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0.0.2 RES's (The Boondock Saints)
0.0.1 Common Snapping Turtle (Aggro)
0.0.1 Eastern Red Bellie (Jake)
0.0.1 Map Turtle (Mappy)
0.2.0 Bearded Dragon (Yeungling,Killian)

The camera you have now is a point and shoot correct? If so the reason your getting blurry shots is because the shutter speed is too slow and you probably cannot adjust it. The best thing to do would be go out and buy a DSLR with a nice zoom lense. The only problem is DSLR's are expensive. Also if you invest money in a DSLR you should also invest some time in buying a good photography book and learning the core concepts of photography that way you can control the way your image will look. Or if you want o turn your brand new exopensive DSLR into the photographer and let it do everything than just flip it to Auto (you may be able to tell i hatee Auto mode). Good luck!
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-Doug Daly

"Dad, Can I scratch your Beard?"
"Did you finish your homework?"
"Yes"
"Well ok then."

0.1.0 Leucistic Texas Rat Snake (Elaphe Obsoleta lindheimerii)

1. Take close up shots. I don't need the close ups to be super close ups. Just close enough to get a really nice look at the animal.

I don't know what the maximum magnification of your camera is, but with a minimum focusing range of 10cm, you should be able to get decent shots. Try getting as close as you can with the camera zoomed all the way out.

2. I want to be able to take a picture without having the picture come out blurry whenever the object is moving.

You will have the same problem with a $5000 DSLR or any other camera on the market. The problem is that you are using too slow a shutter speed. You would be much better off spending $20-30 first on a good photography book which would teach you how to choose the correct shutter speed and aperture combination for the effect you want.

Once you learn the basics of photography you will be able to make an informed decision about whether your camera meets your needs or not. If it doesn't, then you will be able to know how to choose another that is right for you, rather than relying on other people's biases.
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Chris Harrison
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