the online meeting place for all who love our amphibians and reptiles |
|
Reptile Digital photography |
Post Reply | Page 123 6> |
Author | |
djp_phillips
Senior Member Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 180 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: 30 Jan 2006 at 12:25pm |
I live where that red dot is on the french map on my pic under my name.
I'm posting this to ask people what equipement you use. I had up until recently a NIKON COOLPIX 5000 which was ok, but not super. I now have a CANON Powershot A95. But these are not really the ideal thing. I dream of the day to upgrade to a CANON D350 or similar... What eqipement do you people use, and what would you recomend to get the results needed (speed, sharpness...). Also does anyone want to sell their cameras as I would be interested. |
|
Reptiles & Amphibians of France:
www.herpfrance.com European Field Herping Community: www.euroherp.com |
|
Vicar
Senior Member Joined: 02 Sep 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1184 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
A fair question this.....but probably a question without a definitive answer. I can offer some thoughts from experience. I would personally recommend an Single Lens Reflex digital camera (you look at the optical image thru the lens, rather than on a screen). I find that I throw away far fewer 'out of focus' images now I've upgraded to an SLR. I have found that megapixels do matter. Especially when you want to digitally crop or zoom onto a part of an image, then high MPs help. I would suggest 8+, although you can certainly get good results with fewer. Lens choice is wide open. It depends on what you are shooting (both subject and effect required) and the distance from which you shoot. The general consensus on the forum appears to be a dedicated macro lens, although a mid-range telephoto and the use of close-up 'filter' lenses is a cheaper option. For in-situ shots, beware heavy body/lens combinations as you may be off-balance and holding your 'shot' position for some time. In conclusion, I think your goal of a Canon EOS 350 would be an excellent choice. It has very nearly the quality of its big brother (20D) but is much lighter. Some Canon's do have a very loud shutter, but I've never found this a problem with reptiles (especially snakes ). Go to a camera shop and see how different models 'feel' is my best advice. Edited by Vicar |
|
djp_phillips
Senior Member Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 180 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thank you, my father has a D10 and D20, he may give me his D10...
For the moment I only have that CANON Powershot A95 |
|
Reptiles & Amphibians of France:
www.herpfrance.com European Field Herping Community: www.euroherp.com |
|
Berus
Member Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Location: Belgium Status: Offline Points: 3 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hi Djp,
I personnaly own a Canon 350 D and I find it great - well the viewfinder is rather small and you may encounter a few trouble with the exposure when you're facing the sun. I use it on reptiles with the 100 mm Canon macro lens and sometimes a 380 EX flash device. If you were to use your father d 10, I'm sure that any macro lens, even from a third party (Sigma, Tamron) would also deliver great results. When the subject is moving and when the light is poor, you cannot beat a dslr. But it's also the most expensive and heavy (even a 350 d) solution. And with a dslr, depth of field matters again : the head of the snake may be razor sharp in focus, and the entire body blured ; naturalists who are not in photograhy (yes, they are some) could find it strange. The last big difference with compact cameras is that you cannot use the screen before you take the picture, which would be easier (and safer...) for macro shots. Eventually, and whatever be your choice, I would advice you to make a little trip to Andorra... |
|
All that's goldfinch does not glitter
Not all those who migrate are lost |
|
djp_phillips
Senior Member Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 180 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Why Andorra, are the cameras cheaper? or did you mean to go skiing?
|
|
Reptiles & Amphibians of France:
www.herpfrance.com European Field Herping Community: www.euroherp.com |
|
Berus
Member Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Location: Belgium Status: Offline Points: 3 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Both of course !
But yes, prices are said to be really lower there than in France (there's a limit to what you can take back with you without paying tariffs). |
|
All that's goldfinch does not glitter
Not all those who migrate are lost |
|
*SNAKE*
Senior Member Joined: 16 May 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 226 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
yes i agree with vicer just have a look at his pics there awesome and you cant go wrong with his advice paul
|
|
Vicar
Senior Member Joined: 02 Sep 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1184 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
PAUL ! How you doing mate ? Out of hibernation already ? |
|
*SNAKE*
Senior Member Joined: 16 May 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 226 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
im ok now hope you have been keeping well m8 fancy a trip out this year paul |
|
Alan Hyde
Senior Member Joined: 17 Apr 2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1437 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The camera itself is only a small percentage in the creation of a good picture. Although expensive cameras can make the job easier with more flexability and the ability to use different lenses it's really down to the person behind the camera. I've seen many poor quality photos from top notch gear and some fantastic photos taken on cheap compacts.
|
|
O-> O+>
|
|
Post Reply | Page 123 6> |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |