To FishDaddy

jetski · 11-15-2005, 12:14 PM

What kind of camera do you use to take pics of the tank? and how do you set it that it doesnt come out fuzzy and unfocused?

Geoff · 11-15-2005, 02:41 PM

it is all about the macro. my top of the line Sony DSC-F707, granted it is several years old, but still. this cameras macro's suck! the best seem to be Nikons. some of the upper end Olympus seem to do a great job also.

i am planning on getting a Nikon D70, just for the reason listed above. this way i can get the lense i want.

G~

FishDaddy · 11-15-2005, 04:09 PM

Hi, Jetski,

I would recommend first reviewing the tips and searching the threads in our Photography Forum... some great advice in there. http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/fo...ysprune=2&f=75

I agree with Geoff about the macro function for isolating portions of the tank or individual corals or critters. Some cameras are better at this than others. I have used Olympus C-5050Z and an old C-2100UZ, each of which does a good job. I haven't really used my newer Nikon D70 for tank photos but it would be my choice, with a good macro lens. When shooting macros, try to use the smallest aperture you can get away with and still keep your shutter speed up. The wider apertures narrow the depth of focus. I also recommend putting the camera on a tripod and using manual focus, focusing on some stationary point, such as a rock, as autofocus is not as reliable and harder to use, especially on moving fish. Flash will cause glare but is the best way to 'stop action' for the moving fish. You have to experiment to see what flash setting and angle works best. Putting the lens right up to the glass helps avoid lens flare from reflections off the glass for macros of a portion of the tank.

You would not use the macro function for whole tank shots and you will have to move the camera back. Again, just experiment to see what works best.

Regards,

Dick