Camera Suggestions

A

Apexpredator

Members
My wife and I are just beginning to get into photography at a level above simple point and click camera's. I would love to hear some of your opinions on a good quality camera that wont break the back. I have been looking at the Nikon D70 DSLR.

I plan to take pics of my fish. The wife wants to take scenic shots outside, etc. Hopefully this can become a nice hobby for the two of us. Plus it gets me one step closer to diving lake Tanganyika.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I dont want to waste money on the wrong camera only to have to spend more in a year or so. Thanks.

Leigh
 
maddog10

maddog10

Members
Leigh,
The D70 would be an excellent choice. Bobby and Pat have used them for aquatic shots and their work speaks for itself. It would also be a good walk around camera. There is the added bonus of free advice since so many people in the club use Nikon's. If it is in your budget the D70 or D80 would be worthwhile investments.
 
phishphorphun

phishphorphun

Members
A

Apexpredator

Members
Thanks guys for the info. :D I think the D80 might be a little too steep for just getting into this hobby.

I am leaning towards the D70 and might use the extra money to just get a nice lens.

Quick question though....Is the D40 worth a darn?
 
maddog10

maddog10

Members
The D40 will take nice pictures. However, Bobby and I both try to lead people away from it for aquarium photography. The D40 is limited in what lenses will work (with auto focus) and it does not have Commander Mode, which triggers remote flashes. Remote flashes (and the ability to adjust their power) is pretty much a must have when taking pictures of our fish. It is money well spent! You would quickly realize the limits of the D40 when you started advancing your photography skills.
 
A

Apexpredator

Members
Thanks for the advice guys. I am going to hold out for a D80 or D200 after tax season.

Then, of course, I will bribe you to come over and show me how to use it. :D
 
phishphorphun

phishphorphun

Members
I am glad you are showing some patience and saving up for something that is better equipped to handle most of your needs down the road. To throw another wrench into the mix, the D200 will most likely become more affordable due to it's new replacement, the D300, which is arriving in most stores as we speak. However, in my opinion, unless you are planning on doing a lot of low light outdoor photography (it offers new and improved high ISO capabilities) , the D200 will still be the best buy.

More info on the new D300....
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5184...tal_Camera.html
 
mscichlid

mscichlid

Founder
My advice has always been to buy a camera that allows you to grow into it. I suggest this because of a couple of reasons. One is that you might find that your abilities may supercede the cameras capabilities after a while. Secondly, with the help from the members of the CCA community, you will be able to use your purchase more effectively. Thus eliminating the urge or temptation to upgrade everytime a new model hits the market.

A D200 would be a good purchase in this regard; however, I would advise you to get at least 2 replacement batteries and a charger for that model because as new models appear the accessories for older models become extremely hard to come by. A good source for used equipment is Keh.com and B & H is getting in on that market as well.

In my case I would love to have the Nikon D3 or the D300. I think for all intents and purposes I will probably get the D2Xs and the D300 for backup. Not at the same time! My plan is to get the D2Xs during tax season and save my duckets to get the 300 after the first shipment has worked out the kinks (if any).

Good luck with your decision. Remember, we can help you once you get whichever unit in some aspect of photography.

Francine
 
Spine

Spine

Members
I just picked up a D80. I was able to buy it locally at the same price (lowest) I could find on the internet. Local merchants are dropping their prices to match internet prices to attract last minute xmas shoppers
 
phishphorphun

phishphorphun

Members
Congrats Kevin. Nothing better than a Christmas present for yourself. :happy0144:

Mike can give you all the inside dos and don'ts about your new toy.

Now, just have to wait for Leigh to pull the trigger.
 
longstocking

longstocking

Members
Not sure if you already bought the camera or not... but I thought I might give you some food for thought.

Knowing that you eventually want to become a scuba diver. Look into the under water housings and what they cost etc for each camera. Other wise you will be spending even more when it comes to your camera for scuba. I'm looking at them right now... it's going to cost WAY more than a land camera. So in order to use your money wisely in the long run make sure you are gtting a good under water camera as well. Nikons are considered great cameras for scuba. I haven't looked into the housings though. I know the housings themselves can cost more than the camera.

I'm looking for a good camera that I can use for the most part under water but also on land... also consider that you will want to be adding at least 1 strobe to your scuba set-up maybe 2.

Just some food for thought.

I think there is one member on here that might be able to help you in this area much better than me as he takes some great under water photos. Not sure what camera he currently has for scuba. Hoepfully he'll chime in. This way you can use one camera for both instead of buying 2 set-ups and spending twice as much. I know i'd like him to help me with figuring out what is best for my needs.
 
maddog10

maddog10

Members
GOOD housings, for Nikons) are between $1200 and $2000, plus you will want the strobes (more money)! I would suggest a GOOD housing, nothing can ruin a trip quicker than a drowned camera.
 
longstocking

longstocking

Members
There is a company... don't know the name... that makes housings for nikon. They are just as good and sometimes depending on the model better in terms of flooding. This is just what I was told... so not sure if they are really better. But it does give you options.

When you do , do this... get insurance on the dang camera. As flooding is a very real issue !
 
marge618

marge618

CCA member
My daughter has Nikon 1X. I know that it is the older version of the 2X and 3 that you have all been talking about. How does it measure up? (I know next to nothing about cameras and fish fhotography.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top