Camera Questions

Ok you guys are always posting amazing pictures of your snake. I want to buy a new camera in the near future but I have no idea as to what is a good camera. What do all of you use?

Cannon Rebel XSi DSLR

I have not posted many pics with it yet, but I think it does very well. I think a few people on here have about the same camera. It works well, and doesn't break the bank. I need to get a few more lenses for mine though.:D

I've always wanted a big professional one with all the works, but that is definitely in the distant future for me. Right now I have a Lumix Mega o.i.s/24mm wide and it works pretty great and takes some great pictures, I haven't had a problem with it yet :) It's also nice and small, and it's held up really well through several zoo trips and family holidays :D

Here's a picture of the black version, mine is silver:
http://i47.tinypic.com/307n38g.jpg
(not my picture)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

Ok you guys are always posting amazing pictures of your snake. I want to buy a new camera in the near future but I have no idea as to what is a good camera. What do all of you use?

---

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...1500-front.jpg

Depends on how much you want to spend and what features you want. Mine is Fugi finepix S1500. 12x optical zoom. Its a great camera but not the greatest for just point and shoot. Has a good macro and super macro setting. The highspeed setting is not what I would like it to be and often still blurs. The double image stablizer is ok. If I take my time while taking pictures and use the manual settings, the quality is better than my old Kodak easyshare but the easyshare was better for faster point n shoot pictures.

The 12x zoom is good to have but If I had spent just a couple hundred more I could have gotten a much better camera.

Remember snakes move alot. Whatever you choose, do some research on the high speed capabilities of the camera and look for one with a good macro mode.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...1500-front.jpg

Depends on how much you want to spend and what features you want. Mine is Fugi finepix S1500. 12x optical zoom. Its a great camera but not the greatest for just point and shoot. Has a good macro and super macro setting. The highspeed setting is not what I would like it to be and often still blurs. The double image stablizer is ok. If I take my time while taking pictures and use the manual settings, the quality is better than my old Kodak easyshare but the easyshare was better for faster point n shoot pictures.

The 12x zoom is good to have but If I had spent just a couple hundred more I could have gotten a much better camera.

Remember snakes move alot. Whatever you choose, do some research on the high speed capabilities of the camera and look for one with a good macro mode.

---

Its funny you posted foschi because it was when I posted on your thread about your pastel when I realized my camera sucks haha

I want a camera that is your "style." I don't want another pocket camera just because I'm looking for professional grade shots, and want something thats going to deliver. How much did that baby run you? And if you could upgrade what would you get?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fallguy

Cannon Rebel XSi DSLR

I have not posted many pics with it yet, but I think it does very well. I think a few people on here have about the same camera. It works well, and doesn't break the bank. I need to get a few more lenses for mine though.:D

---

Just got done checkin this one out, and seems like one serious camera with a serious price. But I would rather invest in something of that quality for the long run. From what I read it has great point and shoot capabilities which is a function Foschi pointed out being critical in terms of capturing your snake the best on film.

PS If you guys are in a good mood I would love to see some shots of your babies and make sure to leave what equipment was used to create the shot.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

Its funny you posted foschi because it was when I posted on your thread about your pastel when I realized my camera sucks haha

I want a camera that is your "style." I don't want another pocket camera just because I'm looking for professional grade shots, and want something thats going to deliver. How much did that baby run you? And if you could upgrade what would you get?

---

Well, I was an idiot and purchased it the moment it caome out so it ran me a little over $200.00

There is a new Cannon that looks almost identical with better features I just saw the other day for around $450.00

The one I really really want though is this one..

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09072704panafz38.asp

Successor to the multiple award winning DMC-FZ28, Panasonic is pleased to introduce the Alumni DMC-FZ38 digital still camera, featuring an AVCHD Elite high-definition movie recording capability combined with powerful 27mm wide angle 18x optical zoom high quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens*1. Joining Panasonic's highly regarded FZ series of cameras that pack a high-powered zoom and a host of creative options including manual operation into a compact body, the FZ38 also boasts an upgraded O.I.S(Optical Image Stabiliser) the newly named POWER O.I.S. and ultra high-speed AF together with other enhanced features that boost user fun and convenience...etc etc

And its only between 4/5 hundred$. Better than the Cannons IMO but we have some more professional photographers here on BP.net that can tell you way more than I can.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...1500-front.jpg

Depends on how much you want to spend and what features you want. Mine is Fugi finepix S1500. 12x optical zoom. Its a great camera but not the greatest for just point and shoot. Has a good macro and super macro setting. The highspeed setting is not what I would like it to be and often still blurs. The double image stablizer is ok. If I take my time while taking pictures and use the manual settings, the quality is better than my old Kodak easyshare but the easyshare was better for faster point n shoot pictures.

The 12x zoom is good to have but If I had spent just a couple hundred more I could have gotten a much better camera.

Remember snakes move alot. Whatever you choose, do some research on the high speed capabilities of the camera and look for one with a good macro mode.

---

I have this camera and I find it very hard to get the shot I want but I am certainly NO PRO. Someday I want a rebel and photography classes

I like the one you posted Foschi(second one). Really well priced and by all the great reviews I just read, seems like the best camera in terms of bang for the buck. I wanna see some pics though, I think it'd be interesting to see what each camera is capable of.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by singingtothewheat

I have this camera and I find it very hard to get the shot I want but I am certainly NO PRO. Someday I want a rebel and photography classes

---

Glad Im not the only one lol.. Yeah this camera is pretty good but you have to play with it alot. You need patience and some understanding of the manual settings. The macro pictures are amazing for a non moving target but the pictures always look slightly fuzzy or "soft". Like a brushed look. The colors are good with this camera but its definately lacking in areas. What were saying is unless you want to have to tinker with the camera for every shot, dont get this one LOL

Some of my favorite pics. Like I said though. I am not a great photographer and seem to get about one keeper in ever million shots. All of these are with the Fuji Finepix s1500

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...ons/Jetta4.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...9_10190083.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...0909290048.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...0909290056.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...taoutside1.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...9_10190096.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...9_10020027.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

I like the one you posted Foschi(second one). Really well priced and by all the great reviews I just read, seems like the best camera in terms of bang for the buck. I wanna see some pics though, I think it'd be interesting to see what each camera is capable of.

---

Ask "musicalKeyes" to post some pictures her Lumix takes. The quality of the shots should be pretty much the same for all the lumix cameras. I know Im defiantely looking into buying that new one they just released though. I like to get nature shots too. Having 18x optical would make photographing hawks in flight and distant animals alot easier.

Here are 2 shot I took with my Fugi Finepix S1500. See what I mean about the shots looking too soft or brushed? Just not clear enough for me.

~08' Vin Russo Surinam BCC~
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...4dbe8add70.jpg

~06' Super Dwarf Reticulated Python~
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...ab14ee0963.jpg

They look too grainy to me. If I get to play around with that new Lumix I just may be posting better pics myself in the not to distant future.

Look at pictures 3 & 4 that "singingtothewheat" posted. Same problem. Great macro shots but they look soft and grainy. Its gotta be that camera

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

Ask "musicalKeyes" to post some pictures her Lumix takes. The quality of the shots should be pretty much the same for all the lumix cameras. I know Im defiantely looking into buying that new one they just released though. I like to get nature shots too. Having 18x optical would make photographing hawks in flight and distant animals alot easier.

---

I also take a lot of nature shots, but I've been doing a lot of reading on this rebel and it sounds great but A LOT of money. So far its between those two. Tax returns are coming and I'm gettin' somethin nice for myself!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

I also take a lot of nature shots, but I've been doing a lot of reading on this rebel and it sounds great but A LOT of money. So far its between those two. Tax returns are coming and I'm gettin' somethin nice for myself!!

---

Try to find a camera store. Not just Best buy or walmart. I mean a real photography store. There you can actually get better reviews and hands on experience with the cameras your interested in. You can take a few shots with each, immediately upload them on their computer and see the differences first hand.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

Here are 2 shot I took with my Fugi Finepix S1500. See what I mean about the shots looking too soft or brushed? Just not clear enough for me.

~08' Vin Russo Surinam BCC~
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...4dbe8add70.jpg

~06' Super Dwarf Reticulated Python~
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...ab14ee0963.jpg

They look too grainy to me. If I get to play around with that new Lumix I just may be posting better pics myself in the not to distant future.

Look at pictures 3 & 4 that "singingtothewheat" posted. Same problem. Great macro shots but they look soft and grainy. Its gotta be that camera

---

I agree. Nice shots none the less. I just want pics that have that flawless jaw dropping look to them. I love coming on here and seeing pics that look like that. It really shows the detail that snakes deserve when being photographed. Its crazy how clear some of these shots are sometimes, and there so nice that its like my eyes can't comprehend the quality at first. And all I think when I see them is "I need to get me one of those...":O

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by singingtothewheat

Some of my favorite pics. Like I said though. I am not a great photographer and seem to get about one keeper in ever million shots. All of these are with the Fuji Finepix s1500

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...ons/Jetta4.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...9_10190083.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...0909290048.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...0909290056.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...taoutside1.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...9_10190096.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...9_10020027.jpg

---

LOVE the 3rd and 4th pics!!

I don't have the patience though to sit like you said and take 1500 shots haha

Still managed to pull of some sweet shots though. It seems like they can pull off nice shots when provided with the right enviroment, but we all know how the enviroment likes to cooperate :P

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

Here are 2 shot I took with my Fugi Finepix S1500. See what I mean about the shots looking too soft or brushed? Just not clear enough for me.

~08' Vin Russo Surinam BCC~
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...4dbe8add70.jpg

~06' Super Dwarf Reticulated Python~
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...ab14ee0963.jpg

They look too grainy to me. If I get to play around with that new Lumix I just may be posting better pics myself in the not to distant future.

Look at pictures 3 & 4 that "singingtothewheat" posted. Same problem. Great macro shots but they look soft and grainy. Its gotta be that camera

---

I agree 100%. I have the most trouble with trying to get a crisp shot.

We use a Canon Rebel XSi
Here's some sample pics:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2.../bumblebee.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...lemonblast.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...bik/lesser.jpg

These 3 were taken with my Kodak Easyshare 8x optical zoom in 08'.

~Black Vulture. Zoomed in all the way.~

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../5/vulture.jpg

~Fledgling Robin on my fence~

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../1/5/robin.jpg

~My Hibiscus flower with a pink & white Crab Spider on it~
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...5/hibiscus.jpg

And thats just an inexpensive point & shoot Kodak.

I did a lot of research when buying mine (a year or two ago). I ended up with a Canon PowerShot SX110 IS, which is pretty much perfect for me. Point-and-shoot enough that I don't need to know much, enough zoom, megapixels, and speed for what I want to do with it.

It takes really fantastic pictures, and was in my price range (somewhere between $200-$250, I'm sure they'r a bit cheaper now).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/...1405ef34dd.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/...2cd65566e3.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2694/...219ef85265.jpg



Here's a shot of an owl my son spotted, taken from very far away. The camera has 10x optical zoom, 3x digital zoom, bt the optical stabilization is good enough that even when you zoom all the way in the pictures are fantastic!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/...c3f50caa6b.jpg

It does nice close-ups, too.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/...ce8de20779.jpg


I really recommend Canons, and for this price range this is an awesome camera!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by paulinacbr

We use a Canon Rebel XSi
Here's some sample pics:

---

How easy is the Rebel to use? What are the stats? Im with the OP on this one. When I can get a new camera to replace my Fugi its probably going to be between the Rebel and Lumix super zoom.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fallguy

Cannon Rebel XSi DSLR

I have not posted many pics with it yet, but I think it does very well. I think a few people on here have about the same camera. It works well, and doesn't break the bank. I need to get a few more lenses for mine though.:D

---

Agreed - it's the same camera I have :) here are some of my pics, you can find them on my website!

>>Sarah Hinchliffe Photography<<

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

How easy is the Rebel to use? What are the stats? Im with the OP on this one. When I can get a new camera to replace my Fugi its probably going to be between the Rebel and Lumix super zoom.

---

I'd say fairly easy to use. I'm new to cameras and photography myself. We just picked this up about a month ago and with a bit of manual reading it was smooth sailing. We do also use a speedlite external flash, and paired with a light tent, makes for some great photos :)

man you guy make me and my little kodak 9.2 meg feel like I using a kiddie cameras, and I upgraded to it from a 3.1 cause it can't be found. and I had to argue with mom about spendign the money ( me against it and her for ) sincei need one to take pics. I gave my self a mental case breakdown spending on those nice models lol.. I am a real tight wad when comes to buying stuff. I reather put the money to a future bill or keep on hand just in case type of issue than spend on on stuff.

I was the same way with my truck I argueed that I could make out with the old mazda and work on the repairs than spend onthe newer truck lol..

Now it the best thing I could of done wit hthe 2 ft of snow in spots and it having 4x4 drive and a higher clearance . My old truck would be just bump in the snow still.

Man, that rebel can take some nice shots...

I think that might have just sold me on it lol

thanks for posting everyone!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

Man, that rebel can take some nice shots...

I think that might have just sold me on it lol

thanks for posting everyone!

---

It's by far the best investment I've ever made :D by far. I love that camera. My fiance knows it's like my long lost sibling, that camera and I are inseperable. If I can recommend a few lenses let me know!

I haven't used it much, but my dad got the Nikon D-90. It's awesome, if I do say so my self. He's got a few different lenses for it, and a UV filter for taking pics outside. Something went wrong with his D-80, and they just gave him this instead :D http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+...0D90&cp=1&lp=4

First thing I would recommend is to go to a store that carries a few different brands of dslr and hold them. Figure out which one fits best in your hands, not to heavy. You will shoot better with something you are comfortable with holding. Nikon feels better in my hands than Canon but both are excellent camera's. Second, do tons of research on the brand that you feel fits you best.

Any photography forum you will visit will have threads about canon vs nikon and in the end it will all fall down to what fits you best.
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Clear

First thing I would recommend is to go to a store that carries a few different brands of dslr and hold them. Figure out which one fits best in your hands, not to heavy. You will shoot better with something you are comfortable with holding. Nikon feels better in my hands than Canon but both are excellent camera's. Second, do tons of research on the brand that you feel fits you best.

Any photography forum you will visit will have threads about canon vs nikon and in the end it will all fall down to what fits you best.
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

---

Good points, personally I like the feel of my Nikon but I believe lenses are cheaper for Canon's. Both take amazing pictures but that also depends on the photographer. My pics are ok but I've seen many amazing pics on this forum. :gj:

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...DBT_2-Copy.jpg

I used to use a nikon d200 but had to sell(needed cash!) until I can replace the d200 I have been using fujis S200 EXR great bridge camera and awesome quality..not that expensive either!..heres a review of it
http://www.trustedreviews.com/video/Fujifilm-S200-EXR

I can tell you that for an entry level DSLR the Nikon D90 is a great starter. It has all the options of a great DSLR while still keeping all of the "point and shoot" functions that make PS camera's so easy to use.

Detachable lens means you can upgrade, auto focus built in to the lens, and full control of shutter speed and aperture if you want it. Combine that with 12mp images in .jpg .bmp and .raw/.jpg formats it's everything someone shopping in the 300-800.00 range for a camera

Word of warning!!
Some stores only sale the body make sure your getting the lens and the body when you buy the kit..

I'm still using a 3 year old camera...my trusty canon 5D :D
When using DSLR, imho the lens plays a big role in getting the kind of shots you want.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/...f9e51fc0_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/...c8f6f50f_o.jpg

I hope it's ok to post non reptile picture here
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/...1f81e7dc_o.jpg

Cannon Rebel T1i offical camera of the NFL

I have a Canon digital Rebel XTI 10.1 and I love it.

It takes amazingly clear, crisp photos, it's fairly simple to use, yet has lots of extras and option to really get some professional looking shots.

Best of all, I can really enlarge the photos with little to no loss of quality. I have several lenses that fit it, because almost all Canon lenses fit, not just digital specific ones. I have a standard 35-70 mm, a panoramic 26-80 mm, and 100-300 zoom. I also just invested in a set of macro lenses. Not the big expensive ones mind you, these are just little things that look like filter you screw onto the front of your lens, and they work great.

Here are a few examples:

Taken with my 26-80 mm and a 4X macro.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...kes/Mauro2.jpg

Taken with just my 35-70 mm
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...Picture006.jpg

Picture of the heavy snowfall we had a couple years ago
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...c/IMG_snow.jpg

Taken outside in bright sunlight

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4.../IMG_tulip.jpg

Gale

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by h4y4sh1

I'm still using a 3 year old camera...my trusty canon 5D :D
When using DSLR, imho the lens plays a big role in getting the kind of shots you want.

[IMG]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4221641273_e0f9e51fc0_o.jpg[IMG]

[IMG]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4221641591_31c8f6f50f_o.jpg[IMG]

I hope it's ok to post non reptile picture here
[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/4222402412_281f81e7dc_o.jpg[IMG]

---

Just thought you should know I have a picture of your chameleon as the background on my phone :P

I actually just bought a new camera last night.

http://www.panasonic.net/avc/lumix/c...ft2/index.html <--- I got the first version of this camera. I am very excited for it to arrive tomorrow morning :P It is supposed to take great video (and has an led light so you can actually see when there is crappy lighting) and best of all it is steffe-proof! Waterproof, dustproof, sandproof, shockproof, fallproof. You name it. Its a tank camera that takes excellent pictures. Hooray!

Also a few have mentioned that the lens is very important. I totally agree, without a good/great lens your pictures will not be the best it can be.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by h4y4sh1

I'm still using a 3 year old camera...my trusty canon 5D :D
When using DSLR, imho the lens plays a big role in getting the kind of shots you want.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/...f9e51fc0_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/...c8f6f50f_o.jpg

I hope it's ok to post non reptile picture here
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/...1f81e7dc_o.jpg

---

wow.

those are some great shots....Thats an expensive camera though...About 2000 dollars out of my price range actually haha. But regardless beautiful pictures.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kaorte

Just thought you should know I have a picture of your chameleon as the background on my phone :P

---

I'm glad you like my picture :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

wow.

those are some great shots....Thats an expensive camera though...About 2000 dollars out of my price range actually haha. But regardless beautiful pictures.

---

Thank you for the compliment :)
Actually you don't really need an expensive camera body to take a good picture.
These were taken with canon 350D or canon rebel xt ( it was the second generation rebel series I think) and canon 100mm macro lens 4 years ago.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/...40bc5e92_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/...826b9ea4_o.jpg

Under good lighting, a consumer level body can take the same quality picture as a more expensive body.

Gear wise, the Lens plays bigger part in how your picture look. The pictures above was taken with a 100mm macro lens.
When you "plunge" deeper into this hobby, you'll find out that the biggest investment will be in the lenses :)

The good thing is the lens you buy today, will still be usable when you upgrade the camera body for years to come.

One day I will have a nice digital SLR camera, but for now, the point and shoot will have to do as my wallet cannot take much more of this! Lol

Those are some fantastic pictures. :bow:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by h4y4sh1

I'm glad you like my picture :)

Thank you for the compliment :)
Actually you don't really need an expensive camera body to take a good picture.
These were taken with canon 350D or canon rebel xt ( it was the second generation rebel series I think) and canon 100mm macro lens 4 years ago.

****Pictures Removed****

Under good lighting, a consumer level body can take the same quality picture as a more expensive body.

Gear wise, the Lens plays bigger part in how your picture look. The pictures above was taken with a 100mm macro lens.
When you "plunge" deeper into this hobby, you'll find out that the biggest investment will be in the lenses :)

The good thing is the lens you buy today, will still be usable when you upgrade the camera body for years to come.

---

I agree 100%. The more and more I learn, light and lenses are the #1 and #2 things needed for great pictures. #3 being a great subject :D

You can get a nikon d40 or a low end canon for around $400. The rest of the budget should go into lenses!!! I am a sucker for buying refurbs off adoroma.com and havent had a problem with any of them!