FL CommunityFans

After months of seeing pictures of different fish that just look outstanding, I've decided I wanted to throw down a chunk of change and get myself my first DSLR camera and learn how to do better photography than with a point-n-shoot.

I am looking at getting:
Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens
Nikon D40x, 10.2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera (Camera Body)

Talk about 2 expensive hobbies feeding each other crack, photography and fish keeping. It's insane. Since I can't put in any more fish tanks, I guess I start buying photog equipment ;p



What do you photo freaks out there tend to use?

lew2000

I actually went with the Canon EOS 40D with the EF28-135mm. At the time i bought it (middle last year) it and one Nikon model (don't remember which) came with Live View. From reading , i understand more camera models came out with this feature. It sure makes taking pictures easier. The mutli-shot function is a great feature for sports and aqaurium fish - i can actually get some good varied shots of my plecos before some go to hide.

Tavel

I like Nikon's. they definitely offer the most value for your dollar and are very easy to use. I find the Canon menu system confusing.

I have a Nikon D50, and I LOVE it.

I've used the D40/D40x and it's pretty nice. I say "pretty nice" because it lacks some features I really use on my D50...but you won't miss what you never had!

It's the lightest SLR around so it won't fatigue your wrists or become bothersome during long outings. It's a nice camera and I would certainly recommend it to a new photographer.

You're going to be absolutely amazed at how long the battery lasts. You'll manage 400-500 photos per charge because the display is only on when you're doing something in the menu (changing WB, for example).

I got lucky with my D50. Nikon didn't really know what a consumer DSLR was supposed to be because it was their first try. So they put a lot of awesome features on the D50 that are normally reserved for the pro-level cameras these days.

These features are a mini-display on the top of the camera that displays all pertinent operating information, and shortcut buttons for ISO, WB, and quality. The D40 uses the main LCD to display the operating information and adjust ISO, WB, and quality. I suppose that makes it easier to read...but I like my shortcuts.

agabr123

they discontinued the D50, didn't they?

Tavel

yup, but it was a great camera.

agabr123

yeah, that's a shame. i've been looking into a new camera (you know for when i have a few hundred dollars laying around that isn't going to my fish, as if that will ever happen ) and that one would have been great, but that's alright. right now i just have a regular old point and shoot compact camera and I'd really like to get a new one.

other than the D50 does anyone else have any recommendations? i'm definitely an absolute beginner at this, but i'd really love to get some good pictures of my fish!

FL CommunityFans

I've been referred to the dx40 (or 40x) and the D70. I am going to end up going with the d40x as my beginner/newbie DSLR.

Tavel

excellent choice

agabr123

interesting, ill definitely look into it! thanks for all the info!