• Posted 12/19/2024.
    =====================

    I am still waiting on my developer to finish up on the Classifieds Control Panel so I can use it to encourage members into becoming paying members. Google Adsense has become a real burden on the viewing of this site, but honestly it is the ONLY source of income now that keeps it afloat. I tried offering disabling the ads being viewed by paying members, but apparently that is not enough incentive. Quite frankly, Google Adsense has dropped down to where it barely brings in enough daily to match even a single paid member per day. But it still gets the bills paid. But at what cost?

    So even without the classifieds control panel being complete, I believe I am going to have to disable those Google ads completely and likely disable some options here that have been free since going to the new platform. Like classified ad bumping, member name changes, and anything else I can use to encourage this site to be supported by the members instead of the Google Adsense ads.

    But there is risk involved. I will not pay out of pocket for very long during this last ditch experimental effort. If I find that the membership does not want to support this site with memberships, then I cannot support your being able to post your classified ads here for free. No, I am not intending to start charging for your posting ads here. I will just shut the site down and that will be it. I will be done with FaunaClassifieds. I certainly don't need this, and can live the rest of my life just fine without it. If I see that no one else really wants it to survive neither, then so be it. It goes away and you all can just go elsewhere to advertise your animals and merchandise.

    Not sure when this will take place, and I don't intend to give any further warning concerning the disabling of the Google Adsense. Just as there probably won't be any warning if I decide to close down this site. You will just come here and there will be some sort of message that the site is gone, and you have a nice day.

    I have been trying to make a go of this site for a very long time. And quite frankly, I am just tired of trying. I had hoped that enough people would be willing to help me help you all have a free outlet to offer your stuff for sale. But every year I see less and less people coming to this site, much less supporting it financially. That is fine. I tried. I retired the SerpenCo business about 14 years ago, so retiring out of this business completely is not that big if a step for me, nor will it be especially painful to do. When I was in Thailand, I did not check in here for three weeks. I didn't miss it even a little bit. So if you all want it to remain, it will be in your hands. I really don't care either way.

    =====================
    Some people have indicated that finding the method to contribute is rather difficult. And I have to admit, that it is not all that obvious. So to help, here is a thread to help as a quide. How to become a contributing member of FaunaClassifieds.

    And for the record, I will be shutting down the Google Adsense ads on January 1, 2025.
  • Responding to email notices you receive.
    **************************************************
    In short, DON'T! Email notices are to ONLY alert you of a reply to your private message or your ad on this site. Replying to the email just wastes your time as it goes NOWHERE, and probably pisses off the person you thought you replied to when they think you just ignored them. So instead of complaining to me about your messages not being replied to from this site via email, please READ that email notice that plainly states what you need to do in order to reply to who you are trying to converse with.

Camera recommendation?

Celtic Constrictors

Celtic Constrictors

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I am a compete camera novice. My iPhone just won't cut it anymore. Can anyone suggest a good camera for photos of my critters? I purchased a light tent and all that jazz. I just need a more professional look to assist with sales.

Any input is appreciated.
 
Lenses are more important than camera bodies. Any modern DSLR camera will make great photos, if you use it correctly. Obviously some are better than others, but unless you're a professional and opting for a $1500+ full frame camera, you won't be able to tell the difference. The best advice I have is to stick to either canon or nikon, not because they're any better than some of the others, but because there are more second party lenses available for them. Pick out a camera body, then get a good prime lens - something like a 50mm.
 
That's a phenomenal help. I didn't even know where to start. So I think I can buy the kit at Sam's club with the Nikon camera and I'll find a quality lens.

Much obliged, Scott!
 
Great advice above. As a newbie to DSLR, I've been quite happy with my Pentax and that's without getting any fancy lenses yet besides what it came with. I went with that brand over a Canon or Nikon as it seemed comparable from the forums I read and pricing was a tad easier on the wallet.

I found this site to be of great help when I was shopping:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

good luck!
 
Thanks April. That's the site I was looking at. I found that link on a previous similar thread from a year or more ago. Wasn't sure if the camera technology was any different from waaaaayyyy back in 2013. ;)
 
As already mentioned, most DSLR bodies on the market will outperform all the needs an amateur photographer might have. A very good way to get a great deal on a used camera is to visit one of the reputable Canon/Nikon forums and search the classifieds. Many photographers will upgrade each time a newer model comes out which means there are typically a large number of lightly used, great condition, bodies available.
To reiterate what another poster said, spend your money on quality lenses if you want to truly take your photography to the next level. If your finances allow, try to stick with prime lenses instead of zoom lenses since they usually offer better image quality. My main lens is a 100mm Macro which allows for a very wide range of use. It cover 95% of my needs in regards to field herping, photos for ads, and general portraits.
Myself, I like the layout and operations of the Canon D series. Great track record, readily available in the used market, wide range of lenses for every budget, and a huge aftermarket for accessories.
If you find yourself perusing the classifieds, keep an eye out for the 40D or 50D. Both great units that can usually be had for a very fair price.
Good luck and enjoy the journey!
 
B&H also has a large used and refurbished section. There's a link to the used dept. on their front page.
 
Are there particular brands or models you already have in mind?
 
Well I was looking at the Nikon D series based on previous recommendations. I'm wanting to spend as little money as possible (since I'm not really into taking pictures for recreation) but I want enough quality and clarity to appear professional as possible from a business stand point.

What would you recommend?
 
barid said:
Do you think of something like these http://thedigitalcamera.net/nikon-d750-vs-d810-vs-d610-vs-d4s-vs-df/
Click to expand...

Those are all full frame cameras, which, in my opinion, are complete overkill for what he's wanting. No need to spend 2-5 times the price for features he won't use.


The photos in the link below were all shot with a Nikon D40, which was their bottom of the line DSLR SEVERAL years ago. Anything you buy now, will be at the very least, equal to this camera, and almost definitely superior.

That said, good photos are about knowing HOW to capture them, and LENSES.

https://pixelpeeper.com/cameras/?camera=403
 
I should add that for truly professional-looking photos, you'd need to get some editing software for touchups and adjustments.
 
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