The newest of the newbies! Looking for suggestions

[markbianco]

I am looking for a suggestion on purchasing a new camera. What I want to do is take good pictures of my aquariums. So far every picture I take with my Sony Cybershot or my Samsung Galaxy they turn out dull, fuzzy, and not true color. I have spoke to one person who has taken great pictures of his tank and he told me to adjust the F stop and adjust the white balance, however he did not tell me how to adjust them UP / Down. Anyways can someone suggest an easy to use, not break the bank (< 300.00) camera? I know I have a lot to learn and I have read many of the stickies, but still confused. Also if you have any tips on taking pictures of Aquariums you would like to add that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Mark

 

[pgriz]

Unfortunately, there's more to it than equipment. To get good aquarium shots, you do need to have the right lighting, a camera which you can adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and white balance on, ability to do the focusing manually, have the camera on a tripod, be able to use off-camera flash, etc. An experienced photographer can get good aquarium shots with a P&S, because he or she knows how to set up the lights, ensure that no reflections are seen, etc. If you don't have that experience, then you'll need to acquire it. If a DSLR and related equipment like flashes are not in the budget, you could consider an advanced P&S like a Canon G15, but that's probably out of your budget as well.

The technical challenge is to get enough light so you can take clear pictures. That usually means flash, or putting the aquarium into bright sunlight. The second is to avoid distracting reflections, which is achieved by any number of ways. The third is to adjust your focus and depth-of-field that the fish you are interested in shooting (assuming that it's fish in the aquarium) is in focus and properly located in the frame. To get "true color", you need to know how to adjust the camera and (if possible) have a reference which you can use to correct the color in post-processing work. This is one place where "good" and "cheap" just don't walk together.

 

[markbianco]

Thanks for the quick reply. I know all too well about cheap is not good I am into Marine reef tanks. I did look at cameras but most of the online information does not give you all the information such as is xxx feature manually adjustable. I did see this and was wondering if anybody had any thoughts good or bad? Amazon.com: Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black): Rosewill: Camera & Photo Or would I be better off going to a local camera shop (providing we have any in the area) and have them pick me out a camera? I am not opposed to used however someone like me being new will probably get either something that will not serve my purpose...

 

[pgriz]

Do you have an aquarium club or photo club in your area? If so, either will probably give you a lot of good information relevant to you. The camera you referenced isn't bad, but there's more to it than the camera. Let's see if other TPF members who do have aquariums chime in.

 

[Designer]

Hi, markbianco, and welcome to the forum! You can get a used/refurbished camera that will get you started, and get the flash later as money becomes available. Look at KEH, Adorama, and B&H for used and or refurbished. Look for a fairly new DSLR and lens kit. By new I mean something that has been released within the past 3-4 years or so. If you find a deal you are interested in, call them and talk about what your application is. Flash doesn't have to be expensive either.

 

[Bob01721]

Kinda surprised no one has mentioned a polarizing filter.

 

[markbianco]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Perhaps I would be better off (not that I don't want to learn) just to hire a professional to come in and take 5 or 6 pictures. Anybody have any idea what a photographer would charge, do you think a 100.00 would do it?

 

[Bob01721]

"... do you think a 100.00 would do it...?"

Dunno for sure, but I think you're in the ballpark. Call around.

BTW, what kind of aquarium? Salt? Fresh? I used to have a 100 gallon aquarium with fresh water Cichlids I raised. Angels, Discus, Jack Dempseys... Great hobby. Unfortunately, I never thought to photograph them.