Help with used dslr purchase

[masssnapz]

Hello everyone,

 

I am currently in the market for a used dslr just for taking shots of my reef. I am in no way a photography fanatic and am not looking to spend a whole lot of money just to take pictures of my reef tank. Would a canon xs10is manufactured in 2009 take decent photos. I've read up on it online and it says its 10mp and has custom white balance. I have looked but i cant find any pictures anyone else has shot of their tank using this camera.

 

- MassSnapz

[LeCharlesMuhDickens]

Did you mean sx10is? If so that's a dslr style camera with a fixed lens. It would be fine but I personally prefer the ability to swap lenses around as needed. With that one you might need to use a macro diopter to get decent shots of the tank, assuming one is available for that camera.

[ManGups]

I would suggest you decide what you want get the camera for. DSLR are not smal and sometime does not make sense to carry them around.

 

look at a micro 4/3 camera like a Panasonic dmc G5. They also take really good pictures and are smaller in size. They come with all that you get in a dslr.

 

Also u are not restricted to a model. A Panasonic camera will take an Olympus lens. You. Can research the at dpreview

[masssnapz]

Ok thanks for the info

[HarryPotter]

Ok thanks for the info

What is your budget?

[uwharrie]

Budget would be helpful.

what else do you plan to take photos of besides your tank?

I shoot with Canon bodies and mostly Canon lens ( but never seem to take photos of my tank with them)

I also have a Panasonic G5. I use it when I need a light weight body/ lens combo but it is no where near the quality of my 5DMKIII and L lenses ( and no where near the price)

[masssnapz]

I am only going to use it for my reef. My budget is around 200-300.

[HarryPotter]

I am only going to use it for my reef. My budget is around 200-300.

Canon T3i with kit lens would be great IMO. Used on Amazon they're pretty cheap

[uwharrie]

yep what Harry said!

[ManGups]

Nikon d3100 is also cheap ..or u could look at the Nikon d3300 .. Nikon d3300 is apparently one of the highest selling dSLR camera...

[Pickle010]

Here is a great source for used camera gear that has been checked out, quality rated and fairly priced.

 

https://www.keh.com/

[LeCharlesMuhDickens]

I agree, check around for used stuff. I got my rebel xti, 4 lenses, a tripod and a bunch of other random stuff for $375 a few a years ago. Still have it and it still works great.

[rickztahone]

Here is a great source for used camera gear that has been checked out, quality rated and fairly priced.

 

https://www.keh.com/

Keh is a great place to shop for used stuff. Their rating system is very accurate and their return policy and customer service is top notch.

[shaner014]

I'm a canon shooter, and as such suggest you join http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

 

It's by far you're best resource forum wise, IMO. Fredmiranda is up there too.

 

With $300 bucks I'd look for a t3i as Harry suggested, but plan to want to spend another 3-400 on a macro lens if your tank is your main subject.

 

Edit: if your going cheap as possible, make sure it has the capability to shoot in "RAW"

 

Also, the camera will get you closer to shots like urbaneks and rehypes, but practice, and editing will take you the rest of the way.

[Polarcollision]

Plus one on previously owned. Your biggest expense should be your lens. They can make more of a difference in the shot quality than fairly similar cameras. 100mm macro is a great place to start.

[ajmckay]

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/357246-getting-a-used-dslr-camera-advice-on-how-to-set-up-for-tank-shots/

 

I think I've got about $130 invested total for the body, kit lens, fixed lens, extra battery & palm strap, remote shutter release, tripod, and macro extension.

[rickztahone]

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/357246-getting-a-used-dslr-camera-advice-on-how-to-set-up-for-tank-shots/

 

I think I've got about $130 invested total for the body, kit lens, fixed lens, extra battery & palm strap, remote shutter release, tripod, and macro extension.

 

That's impressive. I have well over $130 on my tripod alone! That isn't including the ball head, lol

[ajmckay]

 

That's impressive. I have well over $130 on my tripod alone! That isn't including the ball head, lol

Hehe thanks - I wanted to make sure that I was going to use it before I went spending anything serious. Turns out older cameras are still plenty capable of taking nice photos and you can usually find them cheap after someones upgraded.

 

Here are some photos I just took the other day http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/371728-new-coral-pictures-been-practicing/

 

I did choose the Nikon D60 somewhat strategically because it's compatible with almost every lens Nikon makes, even old lenses that were used on film SLRs. Since those lenses are a lot cheaper I can experiment more with what kinds of lenses I would like to use.

 

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm

[rickztahone]

Hehe thanks - I wanted to make sure that I was going to use it before I went spending anything serious. Turns out older cameras are still plenty capable of taking nice photos and you can usually find them cheap after someones upgraded.

 

Here are some photos I just took the other day http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/371728-new-coral-pictures-been-practicing/

 

I did choose the Nikon D60 somewhat strategically because it's compatible with almost every lens Nikon makes, even old lenses that were used on film SLRs. Since those lenses are a lot cheaper I can experiment more with what kinds of lenses I would like to use.

 

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm

Yes, this is true. If you know how to shoot film, the market is a gold mine really. Bodies for pennies, the glass still fetches a good price since so many can be adaptable now-a-days. I know I personally have a lot of legacy glass that I adapt to my Nex6 Camera.