Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok we decided that with my tax refund we would get a new camera and pay off some bils. Chrissy will use her refund to get our new snakes and maybe a rack. That is when they are hacthed or if somone has a pastel for a good deal lol. I am still wishing I had filed before we went to the expo. But oh well we did not get it in time.

Ok what I am asking you guys is, what is good camera to get?
What do you guys use? We would like to take good pic's. our old camera's quality is not the best.
We love the close ups that a lot of you do and we would like to take awsome close ups like that.

Here are some examples

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2.1.0 ball python (aragorn, frodo, arwen)
2.0.0 columbian boa (wiggles and squiggles)
1.0.0 rat snake (alabastered)
0.1.0 corn snake (baby)
3.3.0 cats (rockie, bs, brownie, lerrado, kole, camie)
1.3.0 kids (dilyen, dakota, chyanne, sierra)
Brian n Chrissy

If you just want to post pics in the forum and in your classifieds, you don't have to spend a lot of money. I've been using a 3.3MP Nikon CoolPix 995 for years. I use it for online pics as well as closeups of printer parts at my day job.
If you plan on printing your images and want to be able to print larger images, 11x17 and larger, and maintain detail and sharpness, then you need something better than what I'm using. Look at the digital slr's like Nikon D50, D70 or Canon Rebel XT, 10D, or even the 20D. Bigger bucks, extra lenses to buy $$$, and a steeper learning curve. These offer all the control you'd want and need.
If you go for a digital point and shoot in the 3-8MP range check out the following options and how they function. Look at the white balance options. You want/need to be able to set a custom white balance. Look at the macro function. Sometimes the macro mode has limitations like no zooming. Stay away from any model that does not let you zoom in when in macro mode. Also, look for the option of using an external flash. It's nice to be able to use a ring flash or external flash and control your lighting for macros. Most built in flashes are too strong and blow out the image when your in macro mode.
Just my opinion, hope it helps.
One of my dinking projects

Western Hog hatching from moldy egg

Go to: Howstuffworks.com, for indepth look at digital cameras and price range.

mike

I use a Canon d30 , its a great camera, 200mm lens works the best i beleive wth a mounted flash. Nikon coolpix also work well for slr's. This pic was taken with the Canon, the only problem is it takes large photos and when you resize them sometimes they are not as clear. The one below had to be resized and lost some of its clarity.
Kim
NARC reptiles

I also agree that if you decide on a Canon or a Nikon to purchase Sigma lenses, they are all i use and i have never had a problem with them and they run at about half the price of canon or nikon lenses. I have used 47th street photo in NY and have had very good experienses with them, you can find them on a search through Amazon, they also have many other cameras, and package deals, they deliver quickly and they have very fair prices. Good luck.. in your searches.
Kim
NARC Reptiles

I have used Nikon cameras for years and I have never been disapointed. Both my 35mm camera (Nikon N65) and my digital SLR (Nikon D50) are Nikon. I just got the D50 Last week and I have had no trouble using it at all. I got mine from a camera shop and they were able to explain everything that I needed to know about it. In some peoples opinions they are a bit pricy, but when it comes to digital cameras, you get what you pay for. The body for the N50 runs around $650, and the lenses will cost a little more. Some shops offer packages where you can get the body, lens(or lenses), memory card, camera bag, etc. for less than you could get each peace for. I personaly did not get the Nikon lenses (I think they are over priced, and I went with the Sigma brand, which has been good for me). For me, it's all about the optics. If you are going to spend $300 - $400 on a point and shoot digital 4 mega pixal with a 3x optical zoom and a 6x digital zoom, then spend the extra couple of hundred and get the Nikon where the zoom is all optical (whick equates to clearer pictures). Whatever you do, do your homework. Find out as much as you can about each camera you are interested in and find the one that fits you. I would suggest going to the Ritz Camera web site and check out all of the cameras that they offer. I've found some great deals on that web site. I have yet to be disapointed with my choice to pay more for a better camera. Good luck and let us know what you get.

Dave

We are very happy with our Canon PowerShot S2 IS. It's 5 mp and a point and shoot and most imporantly it has two macro settings for those close up shots - you can also add on more lense if you feel the need. For $400 it really does a great job.

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Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

10.35.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi - yeah I know but my kids love the book)
0.1.0 Bredls Python (Smurfette)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.1 Lizard rescued from feline
0.0.0 frogs rescued from pool skimmer

I just bought a Panasonic FZ5 about two weeks ago, and so far I really like it. I'm no camera nut, but I wanted something that I could learn with and this is a great compromise between all of the point-n-shoot 3x zoom cameras out there and an expensive SLR. I like the macro function on this camera, but the flash does over expose some close-in shots. I also like the burst mode. It can take 3 or 4 frames in a very fast burst. I really like the 12x zoom after being limited to 3x with my old camera.

I am going to do a little research now.
I will probably do a little shopping as part of my research
I will let you all know what I get. It might not be tell tomorrow though.

Thank You again
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2.1.0 ball python (aragorn, frodo, arwen)
2.0.0 columbian boa (wiggles and squiggles)
1.0.0 rat snake (alabastered)
0.1.0 corn snake (baby)
3.3.0 cats (rockie, bs, brownie, lerrado, kole, camie)
1.3.0 kids (dilyen, dakota, chyanne, sierra)
Brian n Chrissy