Needing a new camera

[bunnie1978]

Wow! Well, I paid a little more than that.... about $450, but I got a brand new lens, and the camera has less than 7000 actuations. I don't know what that means, but it's seems that the lower the better, and compared to the ones on ebay, that was pretty low. Most had over 15000. I don't have the bag though.

[jon carman]

You can find a good bag for about $50. Just get us some great pics

[bunnie1978]

I'm all about it as soon as it gets in. You know what's going to be really great? Not having to have a million AA batteries on hand at all times! My camera is coming with the charger and two batteries, so I can always have one ready, and one charging. That's so awesome.

I just hope I'm not disappointed. I bought a microscope thinking I was getting this great deal. The manufacturers kindof present it as sophisticated, and better than what a student would need, but it's plastic, doesn't focus well, has dust and debris inside the lenses and inside the camera, and it's almost completely useless. I guess it really can't be beat for less than $20... I actually ordered two different ones that were really cheap, but I haven't seen the other one yet. I'm going to have to really shell out for one if I want one that meets my expectations.

[fishme]

I'm a Nikon man, but I'm certain the Canon Rebel line of cameras is excellent. What lens did you get? That's the key to getting good photos, especially in low-light situations. Wish I had seen this sooner. I would have recommended a 50mm 1.8 lens. Both Nikon and Canon make them and you can get them in the $100 range. They're great for fish photography with no flash, so even if you ordered a different lens, you could probably add one of these in the future. The pic you see at left in my signature was taken with it with no flash. Good luck and enjoy your new camera and lens.

P.S. If you're talking about one camera and one or two lenses, I would recommend against an expensive bag. You can get a cheap, small one to carry them in to protect them from getting scratched up. As Jon said, you can get what you need for $50 easily.

[bunnie1978]

I got the 18-55mm lens. I do other shooting besides my fish. Being able to not miss the moment to get great pictures of my son is actually the highest priority - but the two things are about the same. I actually plan on maybe getting a second lens later. I want to try to standard one first and see what it can do.
I also just ordered a much better microscope. All glass lenses and metal frame, with a mechanical stage. Hopefully this one will be good enough to not feel like a toy.

[signde]

i also have a 1.8 50mm. it is great for fish with no flash.

[angel]

Actuations are pictures taken. The number of times the shutter has been pushed.

[bunnie1978]

I kinda thought that was what it was... logical assumption. Anyways, it should be here Monday or Tuesday and the lens will probably be another couple of days.

[fishme]

Bunnie, the 18-55 mm lens is an excellent all-purpose choice. And, there's nothing to say you can't use a flash to shoot fish photos. You just have to practice shooting with the flash at angles rather than straight on to avoid a bright reflection on the glass. Congratulations. I think you'll really enjoy your new outfit. (Beware, though. If you enjoy it too much, photography can be a lot like fish keeping. There is alway an upgrade (especially lenses) out there calling your name...lol)

[bunnie1978]

so its multiple lens syndrome? GREAT.

[jon carman]

When will you get it?

[bunnie1978]

The camera came today, but still waiting on the lens. The camera is actually at the post office. I'll go pick it up first thing tomorrow.

[bunnie1978]

No lens today... I'm dying to try out my new camera!

[bunnie1978]

So, I got the camera. I've posted a couple pics in my 75g planted display thread. I ended up getting the standard lens and the 1.8 50mm lens too. I have a tripod coming soon too. I'm still learning how to use it. The only thing I don't like is that on the basic photo modes, like auto and portrait, I can't override the flash to turn it off.

[signde]

that doesn't sound right. i've owned many canon cameras, 2 of which were dslr and you can always disable the flash regardless of what mode you are in.