CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I've been posting a few pictures lately(just to let everybody know what I'm about and my setups)and the picture quality stinks! I have no clue on taking pictures.

I've just been using my video camera because I don't have a digital camera. The video camera is a Sony and it's supposed to be top of the line. The video's turn out great but the lens for the photos must be garbage or something.

So should I go out and get a seperate camera just for taking digital photos? Are ther any tricks that anybody knows of that will improve my picture quality?

Now don't be scared to tell me that there is no hope for me in this alternate hobby. I'm a pretty tough guy that can take bad news. Just kidding I'm SUPER sensitive!

Has anybody gotten sick of my sarcasum yet?:D

Hi tug,
The answer is YES you need a separate 'digital camera', video cameras are really no good for pictures. You can get some cheap decent ones, try mustek brand on ebay, in fact, very recently in some thread maybe someone can find it for you, I listed some specific links to decent resolution cameras at very low prices. Lowest price for a decent resolution would be around $99....And when/if you get one, I recommend not using the built-in flash but turn on some strong lights/lamps in the room, or use one of those big home-depot style high-power lights. (Light needs to be diffuse or at an angle to the aquarium surface so as to not bounce straight back into the camera producint those bright white spots.)

Well looks like I'll be getting myself a new camera. I'll probably have more questions when that time gets here.I think the video camera might have to work for a couple months but I'll make sure to give you a ring when I get one.

Thanks for the helpful hints Cichlidfish I'll take all the help I can get with the photo takin'!

Sounds good, keep us posted. Here's an excerpt from a PM I sent to Mark Stone....(ie about digital cameras...):
"You need to put aside about 100 bucks for a digital camera so no more eating out for a while

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...3876580448&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...3878133924&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...3877934006&rd=1

http://www.mustek.com/html/prod_camra/dv5500.html

http://www.mustek.com/html/prod_camra/gsmart_a30.html

http://www.mustek.com/html/prod_camra/dv3500.html

http://www.buy.com/prod/ BUSLink_7_...4/90139082.html

http://www.buy.com/prod/Q_SEE_1_3MP...4/90136639.html

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/de...roductID=574685
"

Tug
The sony, is that the dvd model. (I have one) there are a couple models, but the mgpixels on the best one, is only 1.2 megs. While the average dig cam is about 2.5 to 3 now. The bigger the number, the better. Plus you can get manual focus ones too. My Sony's not to good with still pics, something about the auto focus settings, you have to focus them manualy to get it right, I read the book, and still can't figure it out, so I use my digital instead. Leave the sony for DVD's which is why I got it in the first place.

No, mine doesn't have the DVD:( man I'm jealous that's the one I wanted but the price didn't fit with what I wanted to spend. Not sure of the model I got (don't have it with me right now)but it's only about six months old and it cost about 700$ smackers. The guy said besides getting a cannon that the sony was next on the list for quality. He was talking about the video part however. I'll be gettin a camera soon,so thanks for the sites cichlidfish!