1.Point and shoots.

The images you take are completely controlled by the camera itself, which, is very annoying since oftentimes cameras can make "bad desicions".

2.Advanced digital zooms.

These cameras have "advanced digital zooms" (believe it or not) so they can zoom up on an object from farther away than point and shoots. Also, and more importantly, you can have complete control over the image, or, just put it on auto so that the camera makes all the desicions for you (NOT a good idea).

3.D-SLR.

D-SLR. That stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. These cameras have interchangible lenses so if your shooting landscape, put on a wide angle lense where you can catch the scenery. Or if you need to zoom in on something from a distace, slap on a telephoto (zoom) lense. These cameras are by far the "best" camera to use when it comes to taking good pictures. You can control everything manually, or, put it on manual (once again, thats bad). These are usually kind of spendy, but trust me, its worth the cost.

Now, when it comes to taking pics of herps, it helps to be able to have a macro, or "close-up" lense (or, if you don't go for a D-SLR, a camera that allows you to focus closely) which alows you to get better pics of them. I mean, a picture of a tree frog that fills in the frame is very much more appealing than one where the frog is barely discernible.

When it comes to camera brands, you'll probably want to go with Nikon (I use their D80 D-SLR camera). You can trust your equipment, though Canon and Pentax aren't the worst options either.

Well...thats enough for now.

...I look out for you, you look out for me...

Just to let everyone know, I am Reptile_Dude...I just changed my username.

Now before I go babbiling on about various prices, I must mention that a D-SLR may not come with any lenses...okay, so you also need to buy a lense-along with the camera. When I shoot herps I use a 28-80 mm lense. Also, the majority of my lenses were used before I purchased them, so, if you do that also, you can save ALOT of cash on lenses. Also, you need to purchase a memery card, cleaning supplies and various other items.

Alrighty, so what does a D80 actually cost? Well, they typically-with no lenses included-cost about $650-*$800. Now, before you completely forget the whole D80 thing, you must know that it is well worth the money, and will make your herp shooting a real joy.

Now, not to make you not want to get a D80, you could get a camera that would cost less and still get good images. If you believe that photography is something that you will be doing for a long time, shell out for a nice camera (D80). Or, if not, you might just want to go with an advanced digital zoom camera. The choice is up to you.

Hope that helps! And make sure that you read as many books on nature photography as you can get your hands on...trust me, its worth it.

...I look out for you, you look out for me...

Just to let everyone know, I am Reptile_Dude...I just changed my username.

I am training as a veterinary technician for cats, dogs and exotics. To me every animal needs a little help from a vet.

Cuban Rock Iguana and Rhinoceros Iguana

Reptiles I own:

^{3.2.1 Green Iguanas (Godzilla, Charmilion, Larz, Esperonza,Izzy and Blaze.)
1.0.0 Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Sombra)
1.1.0 Eastern Box Turtles (Speedy and Shelly)
0.2.0 Common Snapping Turtles (Miss.Snappy and Radaga)
0.1.0 Red-Eared Slider (Rae)
1.0.0 Ball Python (Spikles)
0.0.1 New Caledonian Giant Gecko (Silver)}

Other animals I want to Own: Hyacinth Macaw and a Savannah Cat

Animals I own:

0.1.0 Maine Coon (Kova)
0.1.0 Yellow Lab (Mia)
1.2.0 Sugar Gliders (Tejano,Blanca and Larissa)

Just to let everyone know, I am Reptile_Dude...I just changed my username.