Nikon D5500 or Olympus TG-4

[dragon99]

I'm torn. I like the idea of putting the camera in the tank and not having to worry about distortion through the glass, but the Nikon is obviously a better camera.

Then there's is issue of cost, I can get the TG-4 for under $300, but the D5500 w/ a macro/zoom lens is ~$1100.

I've had a DLSR before (Sony Alpha 350) and I'm using a Samsung NX300 now. But frankly I like the simplicity of a P&S. I'm getting better using manual settings on the NX300, but it spends a lot of time in AUTO mode when I'm not doing reef pictures.

 

[Shep]

Unless you want to use it for lots and lots of other stuff or are really into photography, I would not spend $1100. If you want a Nikon, look in to the D3300 or something similar.

 

[dragon99]

Half of that cost is a 18-300mm lens. The D5500 is actually at a really good price on refurb @ ~$500.

 

[zeeGGee]

Are trying to shoot macros? What lens are you planning to get?

 

[dragon99]

Are trying to shoot macros? What lens are you planning to get?

Yes, I was looking at this to be able to do macro's and as a multi-use lens. It's not a dedicated macro lens, but with a min focus of 19" it should work OK.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-pr...-18-300mm-f%2f3.5-6.3g-ed-vr-refurbished.html

 

[zeeGGee]

Yes, I was looking at this to be able to do macro's and as a multi-use lens. It's not a dedicated macro lens, but with a min focus of 19" it should work OK.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-pr...-18-300mm-f%2f3.5-6.3g-ed-vr-refurbished.html

I don't think that would work as a good Macro lens. If you really want a GOOD macro
photo, go and invest on a dedicated macro lens. Just an oppinion. Some
shots using a Tokina 100ATX pro with Nikon D7200 (I'm still a newbie to both reefing and photography-trying to learn everyday

*Detail is not good cause I uploaded the photos directly to my phone then posted it here. It converts it automatically to a very small jpg file -less than 200kb from a RAW file.

 

[dragon99]

If you really want a GOOD macro
photo, go and invest on a dedicated macro lens.

Yep, thinking a dedicated macro lens will probably be better. A Tamrom 90mm or Tokina 100mm might be good.

I'm leaning towards the Nikon because I'll get more use out of it. The TG-4 would probably only get used for reef pictures.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

silly me. Id buy a 55 or hundred mm macro for the samsung and an adapter.

 

[dragon99]

silly me. Id buy a 55 or hundred mm macro for the samsung and an adapter.

I looked into that and immediately got confused. I'm probably overthinking it, but trying to make sure the adapter, lens, AF, and etc are going to work correctly makes my head spin.

Plus, I've just never been super happy with the NX300. I take it out to soccer games then get home and realize the camera was focusing on ground for half of the game. User error I know, but I'm ready to go back to a viewfinder. The shots I've taken of my tank so far are never quite focused. Macro ability aside, every picture I take seems fuzzy. Still probably user error...

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I looked into that and immediately got confused. I'm probably overthinking it, but trying to make sure the adapter, lens, AF, and etc are going to work correctly makes my head spin.

Plus, I've just never been super happy with the NX300. I take it out to soccer games then get home and realize the camera was focusing on ground for half of the game. User error I know, but I'm ready to go back to a viewfinder. The shots I've taken of my tank so far are never quite focused. Macro ability aside, every picture I take seems fuzzy. Still probably user error...

Gotcha I'm pretty stoked on the mirrorless systems peronsally. Super compact super flexible. The mirrored view finders I love too.
Tough choice.

 

[dragon99]

I was initially pretty excited by the mirrorless from Samsung, but they then went and gave up. I'm tired of buying into a dead system. Sony dropped the Alpha and they moved to a new lens mount, now Samsung is quitting on the NX platform. I should have just bought a Cannon or Nikon 10yrs ago, at least my lenses would still be useful.

 

[ChiCity]

You should definitely go FX over DX if you're going to invest in dslr bodies

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I was initially pretty excited by the mirrorless from Samsung, but they then went and gave up. I'm tired of buying into a dead system. Sony dropped the Alpha and they moved to a new lens mount, now Samsung is quitting on the NX platform. I should have just bought a Cannon or Nikon 10yrs ago, at least my lenses would still be useful.

hahahaha
I HATE THEM ALL

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

You should definitely go FX over DX if you're going to invest in dslr bodies

if ya want to get deep, im not even sure that matters anymore. Pretty sure actually. unless you have, like me still, full frame lenses and want to use all the glass.
case in point. Iphone.
Next case. half the pics I post here.