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Need advice on camera with lenses for aquarium/terrarium filming

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Mieszko

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Hello guys, Im considering stepping into this camera hobby after using phones for a few years and feeling their limiting powers.

This will be my first camera, and I will be shooting typically amphibians rather up close. The point will be to give the viewer a feeling of nature up close with good quality and beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere.

I assume 4k is a given these days for that extra level of detail. Any advice on cameras with lenses? Thanks
 
The Panasonic S5 is much liked by those who own one.

It uses the L lens mount, for which there is a nice new range of lenses by Sigma as well as Panasonic's own lenses.

Don Cox
 
Mieszko said:
Hello guys, Im considering stepping into this camera hobby after using phones for a few years and feeling their limiting powers.

This will be my first camera, and I will be shooting typically amphibians rather up close. The point will be to give the viewer a feeling of nature up close with good quality and beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere.

I assume 4k is a given these days for that extra level of detail. Any advice on cameras with lenses? Thanks
Click to expand...
It seems like you may be wanting to do a lot of close/MACRO work ???

You have a choice of an Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) w/ MACRO lens or a fixed lens w/ macro-adapter.

An ILC can have a larger sensor (better for lower-light) but will have a shallow/narrow Depth-Of-Field (DOF) that can be problematic for close/macro.

My personal recommendation is the smaller-sensor of the FZ-1000 w/ RAYNOX 150 or 250 adapter. This camera has a 1"-type sensor that I personally consider a perfect-compromise between small and large sensors.

But you may also want to consider the FZ-300 w/ a wider/deeper DOF of a (smallest) 1/2.3" sensor, (and a 600mm-EFL lens which can allow greater distance from your subjects).

If you have a larger budget, you may also want to consider the Sony RX10-IV which has a sensor that allows "Continuous"-AutoFocus @ 25fps.

What is your budget and what other types of photography do you intend?
 
Last edited:
Mieszko said:
Hello guys, Im considering stepping into this camera hobby after using phones for a few years and feeling their limiting powers.

This will be my first camera, and I will be shooting typically amphibians rather up close. The point will be to give the viewer a feeling of nature up close with good quality and beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere.

I assume 4k is a given these days for that extra level of detail. Any advice on cameras with lenses? Thanks
Click to expand...
I do not shoot those lovely animals but if IIRC I could get too close to them, so might nor be in close up shooting, not even macro shooting.

I might consider a longer lens, in 35mm/Full frame terms, in the range of 50mm ~ 100mm, which can allow me to keep certain distance that would not scare the animal.

Since you could be in low lighting indoor mostly, a fast speed lens could be your best option. The larger aperture of it allow to use faster shutter speed to avoid possible movement of the animal (usually they are very steady), reduce handshake (if no tripod) and cleaner image (lower ISO). i would think a f/2.8 lens, better a f/1.7~1.8 or best on f/1.4 lens could be considered.

An interchangeable lens camera might give you more option on lens for this particular task, and also future growth on this hobby.

Any recent generation of cameras are good enough for your usage. So upon your budget, your expected portability which will determine the system you might want to use, as well as how you will use your image will further narrow down your option.

My 2 cents.
 
PhotoTeach2 said:
Mieszko said:
Hello guys, Im considering stepping into this camera hobby after using phones for a few years and feeling their limiting powers.

This will be my first camera, and I will be shooting typically amphibians rather up close. The point will be to give the viewer a feeling of nature up close with good quality and beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere.

I assume 4k is a given these days for that extra level of detail. Any advice on cameras with lenses? Thanks
Click to expand...
It seems like you may be wanting to do a lot of close/MACRO work ???

You have a choice of an Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) w/ MACRO lens or a fixed lens w/ macro-adapter.

An ILC can have a larger sensor (better for lower-light) but will have a shallow/narrow Depth-Of-Field (DOF) that can be problematic for close/macro.

My personal recommendation is the smaller-sensor of the FZ-1000 w/ RAYNOX 150 or 250 adapter. This camera has a 1"-type sensor that I personally consider a perfect-compromise between small and large sensors.

But you may also want to consider the FZ-300 w/ a wider/deeper DOF of a (smallest) 1/2.3" sensor, (and a 600mm-EFL lens which can allow greater distance from your subjects).

If you have a larger budget, you may also want to consider the Sony RX10-IV which has a sensor that allows "Continuous"-AutoFocus @ 25fps.

What is your budget and what other types of photography do you intend?
Click to expand...
Fz300 better stays on shop shelves.

Fz1000 is far better and it has a 3cm close-up.
 
PhotoTeach2 said:
Mieszko said:
Hello guys, Im considering stepping into this camera hobby after using phones for a few years and feeling their limiting powers.

This will be my first camera, and I will be shooting typically amphibians rather up close. The point will be to give the viewer a feeling of nature up close with good quality and beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere.

I assume 4k is a given these days for that extra level of detail. Any advice on cameras with lenses? Thanks
Click to expand...
It seems like you may be wanting to do a lot of close/MACRO work ???

You have a choice of an Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) w/ MACRO lens or a fixed lens w/ macro-adapter.

An ILC can have a larger sensor (better for lower-light) but will have a shallow/narrow Depth-Of-Field (DOF) that can be problematic for close/macro.

My personal recommendation is the smaller-sensor of the FZ-1000 w/ RAYNOX 150 or 250 adapter. This camera has a 1"-type sensor that I personally consider a perfect-compromise between small and large sensors.
Click to expand...
I don't think the FZ-1000 shoots 4K video ? The OP wants to do this.
PhotoTeach2 said:
But you may also want to consider the FZ-300 w/ a wider/deeper DOF of a (smallest) 1/2.3" sensor, (and a 600mm-EFL lens which can allow greater distance from your subjects).

If you have a larger budget, you may also want to consider the Sony RX10-IV which has a sensor that allows "Continuous"-AutoFocus @ 25fps.

What is your budget and what other types of photography do you intend?
Click to expand...
 
alcelc said:
Mieszko said:
Hello guys, Im considering stepping into this camera hobby after using phones for a few years and feeling their limiting powers.

This will be my first camera, and I will be shooting typically amphibians rather up close. The point will be to give the viewer a feeling of nature up close with good quality and beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere.

I assume 4k is a given these days for that extra level of detail. Any advice on cameras with lenses? Thanks
Click to expand...
I do not shoot those lovely animals but if IIRC I could get too close to them, so might nor be in close up shooting, not even macro shooting.

I might consider a longer lens, in 35mm/Full frame terms, in the range of 50mm ~ 100mm, which can allow me to keep certain distance that would not scare the animal.

Since you could be in low lighting indoor mostly, a fast speed lens could be your best option. The larger aperture of it allow to use faster shutter speed to avoid possible movement of the animal (usually they are very steady), reduce handshake (if no tripod) and cleaner image (lower ISO). i would think a f/2.8 lens, better a f/1.7~1.8 or best on f/1.4 lens could be considered.

An interchangeable lens camera might give you more option on lens for this particular task, and also future growth on this hobby.

Any recent generation of cameras are good enough for your usage. So upon your budget, your expected portability which will determine the system you might want to use, as well as how you will use your image will further narrow down your option.

My 2 cents.
Click to expand...
By no means all recent cameras shoot 4K video.
 
Full HD 60FPS is more than enough for most needs.

Edit: FZ100: 4k/30fps
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the input guys. Budget wise I guess I could go all the way to 2500 dollars if I am sold on a particular device for my particular usage.

I have read a bit on the different camera systems in here but I havent and dont have many opportunities to try them out now either so I will have to take a chance eventually.

Perhaps I am looking for you experienced users to recommend a few systems for me under 2500 dollars including lenses for my usage. It can be a lot cheaper aswell if you think I wont notice too much difference as a beginner in my work.

Thanks
 
D Cox said:
alcelc said:
Mieszko said:
Hello guys, Im considering stepping into this camera hobby after using phones for a few years and feeling their limiting powers.

This will be my first camera, and I will be shooting typically amphibians rather up close. The point will be to give the viewer a feeling of nature up close with good quality and beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere.

I assume 4k is a given these days for that extra level of detail. Any advice on cameras with lenses? Thanks
Click to expand...
I do not shoot those lovely animals but if IIRC I could get too close to them, so might nor be in close up shooting, not even macro shooting.

I might consider a longer lens, in 35mm/Full frame terms, in the range of 50mm ~ 100mm, which can allow me to keep certain distance that would not scare the animal.

Since you could be in low lighting indoor mostly, a fast speed lens could be your best option. The larger aperture of it allow to use faster shutter speed to avoid possible movement of the animal (usually they are very steady), reduce handshake (if no tripod) and cleaner image (lower ISO). i would think a f/2.8 lens, better a f/1.7~1.8 or best on f/1.4 lens could be considered.

An interchangeable lens camera might give you more option on lens for this particular task, and also future growth on this hobby.

Any recent generation of cameras are good enough for your usage. So upon your budget, your expected portability which will determine the system you might want to use, as well as how you will use your image will further narrow down your option.

My 2 cents.
Click to expand...
By no means all recent cameras shoot 4K video.
Click to expand...
Is it? I suppose if it is not every recent model does 4K video, most of them should do.

4K video is a norm feature to my brand nowadays. My 1st MILC which support 4K video is already a 2016 model...

However, I guess OP is not actually asking for video. He might not sure the actual resolution of 4K and hence take 4K (resolution likely) be a basic requirement might be?
 
Mieszko said:
Thanks for the input guys. Budget wise I guess I could go all the way to 2500 dollars if I am sold on a particular device for my particular usage.

I have read a bit on the different camera systems in here but I havent and dont have many opportunities to try them out now either so I will have to take a chance eventually.

Perhaps I am looking for you experienced users to recommend a few systems for me under 2500 dollars including lenses for my usage. It can be a lot cheaper aswell if you think I wont notice too much difference as a beginner in my work.

Thanks
Click to expand...
I would suggest a Panasonic GX85 (16Mp resolution photo) or GX9 (20Mp resolution photo), do 4K video, plus a 25mm f/1.7 lens to give a closest shooting distance of around 9" from your target (reasonable distance not to scare the animal I think)...

GX85 and twin lens kit set (12-32 & 45-150), an older model, is offering at US$600 as per

GX9 kit set (single lens of 12-60), the latest generation of the line of product, is around US$1000...

Then the Panasonic 25 f/1.7 lens alone is US$150.

(prices are quoted by B&H. All of the 3 lenses included in the kit set are usable to shoot amphibians, but better for outdoor shooting and are not the best for indoor low lighting shooting.)

If you would be print huge hard copy, says not bigger than 15" x 11.5" (in terms of GX85, slightly larger for GX9), basically the above could be a low cost for you to start your journey on camera shooting.

In case if you would need some more specialized lens, e.g. a macro lens for macro shooting etc, there are plenty native lenses from Panasonic and Olympus at reasonable cost for your future growth into the hobby. BTW, these models are all on Live View based shooting. Their see-to-adjust style of shooting is very similar to the smartphone you are using.
 
Mieszko said:
Thanks for the input guys. Budget wise I guess I could go all the way to 2500 dollars if I am sold on a particular device for my particular usage.

I have read a bit on the different camera systems in here but I havent and dont have many opportunities to try them out now either so I will have to take a chance eventually.

Perhaps I am looking for you experienced users to recommend a few systems for me under 2500 dollars including lenses for my usage. It can be a lot cheaper aswell if you think I wont notice too much difference as a beginner in my work.

Thanks
Click to expand...
First I would advice to understand if you'd prefer rangefinder body style or DSLR style. This helps you on first big filtering.

Then, if your big passion is macro photography, have a look on high quality macro Lenses (good ratio price/quality I mean). Once you filtered here, then you combine with your budget and finally the choice of system and body will be much narrowed

Then let us know for the models you mostly will be focus on
 
D Cox said:
PhotoTeach2 said:
Mieszko said:
Hello guys, Im considering stepping into this camera hobby after using phones for a few years and feeling their limiting powers.

This will be my first camera, and I will be shooting typically amphibians rather up close. The point will be to give the viewer a feeling of nature up close with good quality and beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere.

I assume 4k is a given these days for that extra level of detail. Any advice on cameras with lenses? Thanks
Click to expand...
It seems like you may be wanting to do a lot of close/MACRO work ???

You have a choice of an Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) w/ MACRO lens or a fixed lens w/ macro-adapter.

An ILC can have a larger sensor (better for lower-light) but will have a shallow/narrow Depth-Of-Field (DOF) that can be problematic for close/macro.

My personal recommendation is the smaller-sensor of the FZ-1000 w/ RAYNOX 150 or 250 adapter. This camera has a 1"-type sensor that I personally consider a perfect-compromise between small and large sensors.
Click to expand...
I don't think the FZ-1000 shoots 4K video ? The OP wants to do this.
Click to expand...
Absolutely it does. And was only the second camera to do so, (first in its price range of < $1000 -- now < $500).

The only proviso is 4K is cropped, (but so we're all original 4K cams).

D Cox said:
D Cox said:
But you may also want to consider the FZ-300 w/ a wider/deeper DOF of a (smallest) 1/2.3" sensor, (and a 600mm-EFL lens which can allow greater distance from your subjects).

If you have a larger budget, you may also want to consider the Sony RX10-IV which has a sensor that allows "Continuous"-AutoFocus @ 25fps.

What is your budget and what other types of photography do you intend?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Unless you will be doing UNDERWATER filming, practically any beginner digital camera made since 2015 would do. It is more on the technique than the camera itself.
.

Here is a link to, basically, snapshots of marine life I took 8 years ago at Toledo, Ohio Acquarium.

Loading…

img.gg
.
All shots were taken with a mid-level Nikon DSLR / kit lens using existing light. Basically OOC
 
You really need to find clips of the exact same thing * you want to do and see what camera they have used for it.

Because of your subject , how close the camera can focus is less important than from what distance it can do that as well as the angle of view the camera can film at (if doing video) on your 4K resolution.

For example the FZ1000 crops the wide view from 25mm to 37mm, the FZ 300 crops from 25mm to 27mm however if not needing the extra angle , the FZ1000 is better in low light.

* as an example , people often reccomend cameras that do have a long zoom for bird photography overlooking that they may have a very slow (for that use) AF rendering them almost useless for birds in flight.

I don't know about shooting fish....
 
Mieszko said:
Hello guys, Im considering stepping into this camera hobby after using phones for a few years and feeling their limiting powers.

This will be my first camera, and I will be shooting typically amphibians rather up close. The point will be to give the viewer a feeling of nature up close with good quality and beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere.

I assume 4k is a given these days for that extra level of detail. Any advice on cameras with lenses? Thanks
Click to expand...
I don't know what distances you're working with.

To do my pond frogs, I've used 50mm in Full frame, but have to get well within arm's reach, and can't fill the frame from that distance. I need the 90mm to 400mm range when the subject can be 6 to 8 feet away and you're trying to get down to their level.

At short distances a good kit zoom should work. The hard part is avoiding camera shake and motion blur. Since they are wet and around water, I'll usually need a CPL. I still think it's too close if they aren't trapped in a small aquarium.

I have a short macro lens, but there is no way I could get close enough to use it with a live frog, toad or snake. A salamander maybe, but they don't sit still for long.

If I did this specifically, I think I'd look close at the Panasonic FZ1000. I think you'll want the long zoom at a moment's notice.

anytime I've done my frogs or fish in the pond, I needed a long zoom. I think 90mm in FF is about the minimum.
 
AM77 said:
FrancoD said:
AM77 said:
First I would advice to understand if you'd prefer rangefinder body style or DSLR style. This helps you on first big filtering.
Click to expand...
What is a rangefinder body style ?
Click to expand...
For example:

Sony A6xxx series.

Panasonic GX series

Etc etc..
Click to expand...
Those are mirrorless cameras, nothing to do with rangefinder.

This is a digital rangefinder camera



fd383bc8e9054c2f9195538a896589bc.jpg
 
Last edited:
Mieszko said:
Thanks for the input guys. Budget wise I guess I could go all the way to 2500 dollars if I am sold on a particular device for my particular usage.

I have read a bit on the different camera systems in here but I havent and dont have many opportunities to try them out now either so I will have to take a chance eventually.

Perhaps I am looking for you experienced users to recommend a few systems for me under 2500 dollars including lenses for my usage. It can be a lot cheaper aswell if you think I wont notice too much difference as a beginner in my work.

Thanks
Click to expand...
I'd suggest a D750 and Nikon f/2.8 105mm. It'll get you excellent dynamic range (low light performance) and extremely close to your subject. Fits in your price range.
 
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