What kind of camera should I get for pet photography?

thelittlekangaroo · Feb 10, 2014

I'm not too familiar with photography equipment but our family recently adopted a puppy and I'm interested in purchasing a good camera to take some good shots with everyday

We don't have a good camera in the house so I figured it might be worth it to invest in one anyways. The little pup runs and moves around so fast like a blur, it's just so hard to get any clear shots of him with just my little iphone camera.

What would be a good camera with low shutter lag, that would be good for some pet photography? I don't need anything super duper fancy, but something that would be able to take some clear shots of him while he's moving all over the place would be good! Thanks in advance.

BillM · Feb 10, 2014

Hi,

What is your budget ? Congrats on the new puppy :thumbup:

tecboy · Feb 10, 2014

You can get a Rebel dslr, a swivel flash, and a light modifier.

thelittlekangaroo · Feb 10, 2014

My budget would probably be <$500

snowbear · Feb 10, 2014

For a dog . . . slobber proof.

If you don't mind used, you be able to find a decent DSLR and kit lens. Not sure if you are in the US, but if so, KEH, Adorama and B&H are very trustworthy.

BillM · Feb 10, 2014

Both Canon and Nikon have entry level kits in that price range that would do fine.

Here's an example from Nikon

D3200 Nikon HDSLR Camera | Digital SLR Camera from Nikon

goodguy · Feb 10, 2014

Nikon D3200 with the 18-55mm kit lens

FYI you dont buy a good camera and think it will do the work for you, you need to learn how to work with the camera and then your pictures will shine, it takes time, commitment and love.

thelittlekangaroo · Feb 10, 2014

Thanks for all the recommendations! I'm actually located in Canada and I just took a look at the local craigslist and found that a lot of people are actually selling the Canon Rebel XSi for about $200. Any thoughts?

Canon Rebel XSI+lens (charger, USB, Manual, Cleaning Supplies)

pgriz · Feb 10, 2014

Couple of thoughts - with a relatively close, fast-moving subject (like a puppy), under indoor conditions, your primarily lack will be light. So, a flash that you can use on the camera in bounce mode will give you both a reasonably fast shutter speed so your puppy is not all blurred, and you can get some more-or-less decent light so that the puppy doesn't look like the walking dead. You'll also probably be shooting at close range (3-6 ft.) so a lens that is capable of close focus (1 ft. or more) would be a good idea. And finally, lots of practice.

tecboy · Feb 10, 2014

If your puppy is small, you may need a long focal length lens.

trevorjb1406 · Feb 11, 2014

Hi, Sounds great to have anew puppy! Animals are generally quite difficult to photograph as you have already found. I am not going to suggest a camera because I think you have been given choices by other members, so instead a couple of tips. Try putting a fun object on the end of a cane to attract the dogs attention. This way you can be "out of shot" and the dog will be calmer...hopefully. Items you can use include: a feather, some pieces of string or a doggy treat. Good luck!

goodguy · Feb 11, 2014

thelittlekangaroo said:
Thanks for all the recommendations! I'm actually located in Canada and I just took a look at the local craigslist and found that a lot of people are actually selling the Canon Rebel XSi for about $200. Any thoughts?

Canon Rebel XSI+lens (charger, USB, Manual, Cleaning Supplies)

Wouldnt bother, old camera, not very impressive in low light.
To shoot indoors you need a camera with good high ISO performance.
As I said I think the Nikon D3200 will be best suited for your needs in your price range.

steveraw · Feb 11, 2014

You need a camera that has to be as active as your pet and a vari focal lens is a must have you can choose a camera of your choice but don't miss on the lens. AS when you need to click at a distance you may loose the sharpness of your image.
And if you don't want to spend here is a trick for you, it depends though.
There is this give an idea to your Valentine by Unique photo. It's called #DropAClue, you can drop in on this thread : http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/creative-corner/351920-what-way-show-love-dropaclue.html#post3158607.
Or visit the website (Valentine's Day ? | Unique Photo) and let her know waht you want this valentines.

Dao · Feb 11, 2014

thelittlekangaroo said:
Thanks for all the recommendations! I'm actually located in Canada and I just took a look at the local craigslist and found that a lot of people are actually selling the Canon Rebel XSi for about $200. Any thoughts?

Canon Rebel XSI+lens (charger, USB, Manual, Cleaning Supplies)

This camera will work. Same as other entry level DSLR cameras from Sony, Nikon, Pentax etc. If you are planning to take photos of your puppy indoor, light is the key. Since your budget is less than $500, so that $200 camera and a external hotshoe flash that allow you to bounce the flash off the ceiling should be able to get the job done.