Two Questions

[Richard]

I have a Canon Powershot A70 but it is very hard to get it to focus on aquarium critters so I think I will buy a new one. Any suggestions on a good mid range digital camera specifically for shooting aquarium pics?

Also I am cursed when it comes to timers. Been through more than I can count. The only ones that I had luck with are the Icecap digital timer but of course they have been discontinued just when I need one more. Know of any "GOOD" digital timers out there. I've been through all of the Home Depot/Lowes ones I think and they never last more than a month for me. Like I said - I'm cursed when it comes to timers.

[brewercm]

If you are looking for a camera more for that reason I'd go with about any Nikon product. Their macro has easily been the best in the business for years for digital cameras, they are what all the others shoot for in macro shots.

I bought some digital timers from a guy a while back and have been extremely pleased with them. I'll check the brand tonight but other than that they are also stamped Timex. They have 20 different on/off settings for every 24hour period, but they are not sold under the Timex brand on the package.

[Brett Wilson]

I second brewercm but add a MAJOR caveat.
Your A70 is already comprable to the Nikon point and shoots... except the 4500.
The 4500 isnt a regular point and shoot and frankly doesnt take great outdoor or motion photos... but takes AMAZING macro images for the price!

the good one:
Nikon Coolpix 4500
http://img.dpreview.com/reviews/nikoncp4500/Images/europevsus.jpg



the point and shoot, which your camera already compares to for macro imaging:
Nikon Coolpix 4200
http://img.dpreview.com/reviews/images/nikon_cp4200.gif


My thinking is that if you arent happy with what you have now, you wont be that much happier with the nikon point and shoot. i'd go with the 4500 seriously. it's much cheaper than an SLR and it takes uncomparible macro images for the price.

That's my buck fitty.
Let me know if you want some examples.....
:)
-Brett

[pilot_bell777]

I use the Minolta Dimage and it take great pictures of my tank.....

check it out... http://www.jaminetworks.com/reef and go to pictures.

[don-n-sa]

hmm...the cheap digital timers that I bought at walmart $10 have worked flawlessly for almost a year now, what happens to yours? do they just stop working? lose time?

[Instar]

Cheap timers from a local department store have a limit on the amp total. If you run a million amps thru a little 16 gage wire or smaller switching device, it will toast the switch for sure. Or you may be experiencing spikes and voltage loss enough at your place to make the wires hot. An UPS would help with that and then you just have to run all the timers thru the UPS power. Its really hard to say, but, if you have burned timers that are made for the device from the manufacturer like Icecap, then perhaps the UPS is it? I have yet to replace a timer, but, my total amp/timer is low cause each has only one single pump or light on it and my household voltage is high all the time.

[Richard]

Do they still make the 4500? I don't see that camera anywhere on Nikons site. What do you think about the Coolpix 5000 or 5700? Also has anyone had any experience with reconditioned cameras from Nikon? Here's the link...

http://www.nikonmall.com/searchresults.asp?dept_id=14&searchcat=Digital+Ima ging+Products%3E&searchcatid=3

What goes wrong with the cheapy timers? You name it and it'll happen to me. I sell the cheapy coralife one's and haven't had any returned. My partner Mark is running his tanks with them. I brought one home and 3 days later it wouldn't turn off. Seriously, I am cursed when it comes to timers.

[dow]

RIchard,

Sounds like you're seeing some power spikes. You might look into a line conditioner of some type. While it isn't reef related, here is a pretty good article on electricity and how to protect electronics. Good information here and applicable to reef keeping as well, I'd say.

http://www.networkclue.com/hardware/power/index.php

[Richard]

Ahh, didn't see your post Instar. Never thought about trying a ups on the timers, I think that's probably my problem. I know have alot of voltage spikes/loss because my ups for my computer is constantly clicking on/off. I know it's not the amperage because I've had the same issues with my FW light which is just a 36" NO light. Thanks for the advice! OK one down :)

[Instar]

have alot of voltage spikes/loss because my ups for my computer is constantly clicking on/off.

I hate when that happens. And combine that with the little alarm, drives me nuts. Fortunately I only get days like that when the river floods and the power supplies go under water.

[Ram_Puppy]

I have a nikon 4300 and all the tank photos i have posted have been done with it, there was a learning curve... I would encourage you to try this though! When I first started taking shots I zoomed in all the way, and my shots were horrible, quite by accident i discovered it I didn't zoom in (and I am not even talking digital zoom) and just did a close up shot with no flash, they came out great.

I would encourage you to fiddle with your settings and experiment some more, it will probably pay off.

as for timers, I don't have any digitals, I have been running some HEAVY DUTY timers I got at lowes without a problem. (I only have 175 MH on it though>)