Help finding an entry level DSLR camera for LED coral photos

[vokrey09]

I'm looking to buy an entry level DSLR camera mainly for documenting coral/fish growth.

Currently looking at the Nikon D3300.

I would like to spend no more than $350. Does anyone have any recommendations.

Also, I know next to nothing about cameras so not sure which lens would be best to take close up photos. It looks like most of the bundles I am seeing come with a 18-55mm lense. Is this what would be best or should I just buy the body and then a different lense??

Any advice would be awesome!

 

[namkiii]

Good starter camera

 

[twilliard]

I shoot with the Nikon D40 the standard lens will take good full tank shots but if you want more up close you will have to buy another lens.
I use a sigma 90mm for my close-up

 

[vokrey09]

I shoot with the Nikon D40 the standard lens will take good full tank shots but if you want more up close you will have to buy another lens.
I use a sigma 90mm for my close-up

What should I look for in a lens to know that it will take good close up shots? The size?

 

[Vpham]

Tagging along...
Can u post a closeup photos Twilliard?

 

[Chris Adams]

you should seriously consider
olympus tough tg3
Underwater macro capabilities and these have not been altered in anyway software wise. No photoshop nonsense.
So many different and cool features to play with.
Also takes great normal photos, video capability etc etc

 

[hybridazn]

I use a canon rebel xti. I use different lenses for different situations. I suggest finding what brand you like and roll with them. Lenses are not cheap and are brand specific. I use a tamron 90mm macro for close ups and portraits. I love this lens

 

[twilliard]

Lights are still ramping up for the day. Once they get to the top I will get some pictures up
I love my 90mm macro!

 

[Chris Adams]

I use a canon rebel xti. I use different lenses for different situations. I suggest finding what brand you like and roll with them. Lenses are not cheap and are brand specific. I use a tamron 90mm macro for close ups and portraits. I love this lens

Also have an XSI but (have 2 kids) and my macro lens came up broken some how. Ghost in the house thing!!! Will check out the lens you posted. Great camera and pics.

 

[twilliard]

you should seriously consider
olympus tough tg3
Underwater macro capabilities and these have not been altered in anyway software wise. No photoshop nonsense.
So many different and cool features to play with.
Also takes great normal photos, video capability etc etc

I have been thinking of underwater shots but hate putting my arm in the water

 

[Vpham]

Thanks for good infos guys...
I might go with underwater camera (thanks to Chris Adams). I don't mind to get hands wet, besides my friend always motivated me to do so. So they can get frags...

 

[Oceansize]

I use a canon rebel xti. I use different lenses for different situations. I suggest finding what brand you like and roll with them. Lenses are not cheap and are brand specific. I use a tamron 90mm macro for close ups and portraits. I love this lens

Hybridazn: This may be a silly question but did you take these pics with the camera in the water or through the glass?

 

[Chris Adams]

I have always had my hands in my tank.. some 20 years and running. I do not disagree with those that say it is best not to put hands in tank but I choose to break the law ha ha. My daughter had a photography class and she was given the Olympus to use for the class. I did some research on it and it is highly rated for underwater shots and you cannot beat the price.

All my daughters projects had nothing to do with underwater it just so happens she was playing with it and showed me what it could do. Point and shoot you will be amazed.

 

[Chris Adams]

Hybridazn: This may be a silly question but did you take these pics with the camera in the water or through the glass?

You would need underwater housing (not sure if they make one but maybe there is a universal water proof housing for these).
I have the Cannon Rebel XSI also and with the correct lens you can get some great macro shots from outside of tank. Here is an old pic with my xsi from outside tank

 

[vokrey09]

You would need underwater housing (not sure if they make one but maybe there is a universal water proof housing for these).
I have the Cannon Rebel XSI also and with the correct lens you can get some great macro shots from outside of tank. Here is an old pic with my xsi from outside tank

Could you please elaborate on what "the correct lens" means. That is what I'm trying to find out! I'm going to buy the Nikon D3300 and buy the lens separate, but not sure which one would be best for close up coral/fish shots

 

[Chris Adams]

Did you read this thread?
http://reef2reef.com/threads/juniors-aquatic-photography-how-to-the-basics.9217/

Then go and look at b&H photo and search for macro lens that mount to nikon. Here you will be able to do comparisons. Yes a good lens is important but there are tricks that you will learn as you practice.

Go there see what they have and come back and ask about the specific lens.. not cheap. I know there are a lot more experienced people than me.. I am just a hack

 

[twilliard]

Sigma 90mm macro through the glass

 

[hybridazn]

Hybridazn: This may be a silly question but did you take these pics with the camera in the water or through the glass?

These 2 were thru the glass. When I take top downs I use the avast marine porthole.

 

[Dyonopses]

Here is a few through the glass with my new Nikon D7200 with 50mm nikor V2 lens

 

[vokrey09]

Here is a few through the glass with my new Nikon D7200 with 50mm nikor V2 lens

Awesome photos, What type of lighting are you using on your tank?

I am about to buy the Nikon D3300, hoping that I will be able to take nice shots of my corals under led lighting