I have asked several folks individually what type camera they use to get the shots posted here. I am saving my few pennies to order one. The question is what to get and where to get it? I am looking for a simple to operate camera. Also, if you can comment on the setting you use in terms of lighting and background, it would be helpful to the discussion.
thanks
DJ
Hosted by Darren Baker
What type camera do you use?
210cav
Joined: February 05, 2002
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 03:01 AM UTC
pigsty
Joined: January 16, 2007
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 03:54 AM UTC
I use an Olympus C760, which I bought because it had 10x optical zoom and 3x digital on top. The resolution is 3.1 megapixels, I think, although it has four settings; I could have gone higher but reasoned that I wasn't likely to need more unless I was blowing up the results to poster size. Compression for display on websites may have some coarsening effect because of the relatively low resolution but I've not seen it yet. The camera is almost certainly OOP now, but I reckon you could do a lot worse for your pennies than consider second-hand. There are few moving parts in a digital camera and, with the rate at which they get replaced, the electronic bits won't have had time to wear out, so you could potentially get a fair bit more for a given price without too much extra risk. Having said that, my dad just paid fifty quid for a new Samsung with 7mP - it has few bells and whistles, but that's amazing performance for the price.
I've no photos posted on Armorama etc yet but if you check out my M107 on Track-Link and the Sea Fury and F-4J on ARC you can see the results I've got. The first two are photographed in sunlight; the F-4 is indoors with either two ordinary bulbs and the flash, or the light from the window. In all cases the camera was set to automatic and was hand-held - it compensates brilliantly for my utter incompetence at photography.
I've no photos posted on Armorama etc yet but if you check out my M107 on Track-Link and the Sea Fury and F-4J on ARC you can see the results I've got. The first two are photographed in sunlight; the F-4 is indoors with either two ordinary bulbs and the flash, or the light from the window. In all cases the camera was set to automatic and was hand-held - it compensates brilliantly for my utter incompetence at photography.
210cav
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 6,149 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 04:34 AM UTC
Sean-- I just looked up the Olympus Stylus 760 7.1MP Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 3x Optical Zoom (Black) on Amazon.com. It sells for $165. Not too bad a price and she got good reviews.
thanks for the input.
DJ
thanks for the input.
DJ
wbill76
Joined: May 02, 2006
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 06:58 AM UTC
DJ,
The only thing I'd caution against is factoring in the "digital zoom" into your buying decision. It's not an actual optical zoom but is done instead electronically and this tends to produce a grainier and/or blurred result when used, especially for small scale subjects.
The real advantage that you want to check out in the various models you look for is the Macro setting and how far away the focus length needs to be for the Macro to work properly. Most point-and-shoot cameras have a minimum distance away from the lens that has to be maintained for it to be able to focus and it will vary from camera to camera. This usually is expressed as a number next to the Macro/Flower icon and will be 1.2 ft or 0.2 meters, etc. depending on the make/model. HTH
The only thing I'd caution against is factoring in the "digital zoom" into your buying decision. It's not an actual optical zoom but is done instead electronically and this tends to produce a grainier and/or blurred result when used, especially for small scale subjects.
The real advantage that you want to check out in the various models you look for is the Macro setting and how far away the focus length needs to be for the Macro to work properly. Most point-and-shoot cameras have a minimum distance away from the lens that has to be maintained for it to be able to focus and it will vary from camera to camera. This usually is expressed as a number next to the Macro/Flower icon and will be 1.2 ft or 0.2 meters, etc. depending on the make/model. HTH
pdelsoglio
Joined: November 13, 2005
KitMaker: 561 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 07:16 AM UTC
Hi there!
I use a Samsumg Digimax S800. It is not the best camera around, but it provides me with some fine results. And the price is right for what it can offer to a modeller, I paid in my local money the equivalent of U$S 580. I am not going to open a Photo Studio
, but it has good definition and it is really simple to use.
Cheers.
I use a Samsumg Digimax S800. It is not the best camera around, but it provides me with some fine results. And the price is right for what it can offer to a modeller, I paid in my local money the equivalent of U$S 580. I am not going to open a Photo Studio
, but it has good definition and it is really simple to use. Cheers.
210cav
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 6,149 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 08:01 AM UTC
Quoted Text
DJ,
The only thing I'd caution against is factoring in the "digital zoom" into your buying decision. It's not an actual optical zoom but is done instead electronically and this tends to produce a grainier and/or blurred result when used, especially for small scale subjects.
The real advantage that you want to check out in the various models you look for is the Macro setting and how far away the focus length needs to be for the Macro to work properly. Most point-and-shoot cameras have a minimum distance away from the lens that has to be maintained for it to be able to focus and it will vary from camera to camera. This usually is expressed as a number next to the Macro/Flower icon and will be 1.2 ft or 0.2 meters, etc. depending on the make/model. HTH
Bill -- your point is well taken. I would trust that after we have a representative amount of feedback, I can post a list of cameras that folks use for their models. Let's see where we go!
thanks again
DJ
exer
Joined: November 27, 2004
KitMaker: 6,048 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 10:28 AM UTC
DJ I use a Canon A530, All the photos on my revews were taken with it. It has a good Macro function. Any of the Canon Powershot range should suit your model photography needs.
Idid a digital photography course and the Tutor warned me against splashing out a lot of money on a camera as A) The technology is advancing so rapidly that whatever you buy will become obsolete and B) Digital cameras don't have the logevity of old style cameras.
Idid a digital photography course and the Tutor warned me against splashing out a lot of money on a camera as A) The technology is advancing so rapidly that whatever you buy will become obsolete and B) Digital cameras don't have the logevity of old style cameras.
Eismann
Joined: February 03, 2008
KitMaker: 30 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 10:36 AM UTC
DJ, It all depends on your budget. The more you spend, the better the quality of the hardware. Look at some photo sites such as www.dpreview.com to see what's available. Almost all cameras on sale now will take a nice picture, just make sure you're happy with the one you buy.
wbill76 was right to highlight that 'digital zoom' isn't worth the time it takes to type it on a pc.
Just for your information I have and use a Canon Ixus 200 about 7 years old, a Nikon Coolpix 200, a Fuji S2pro and two Nikon D2X slr's with Nikkor lenses. The Canon will still take a good enough 'model/family event picture' even compared to the slr's mentioned.
wbill76 was right to highlight that 'digital zoom' isn't worth the time it takes to type it on a pc.
Just for your information I have and use a Canon Ixus 200 about 7 years old, a Nikon Coolpix 200, a Fuji S2pro and two Nikon D2X slr's with Nikkor lenses. The Canon will still take a good enough 'model/family event picture' even compared to the slr's mentioned.
KoSprueOne
Joined: March 05, 2004
KitMaker: 4,011 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 01:18 PM UTC
We have one digi camera. The Cannon Power Shot S2IS, I think.
http://i.pricerunner.com/prod/9_6_6_4_352311s/Canon_PowerShot_S2_IS.jpeg
Mr. Mohinga just found a comfortable spot on my lap right now so I can't check for sure, it's in the other room.
Power: 4 AA batteries. (important because you don't want a rare and expensive power source)
The memory card is the small kind.
There is a USB port on the side for direct downloading onto my computer. (Very compatible with my platform)
This camera great macro and super macro options. I've accidentally bumped into my model with the lense and it was still in focus! wbill76 provides very good points above.
http://i.pricerunner.com/prod/9_6_6_4_352311s/Canon_PowerShot_S2_IS.jpeg
Mr. Mohinga just found a comfortable spot on my lap right now so I can't check for sure, it's in the other room.
Power: 4 AA batteries. (important because you don't want a rare and expensive power source)
The memory card is the small kind.
There is a USB port on the side for direct downloading onto my computer. (Very compatible with my platform)
This camera great macro and super macro options. I've accidentally bumped into my model with the lense and it was still in focus! wbill76 provides very good points above.
Plasticbattle
#003
Joined: May 14, 2002
KitMaker: 9,763 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 03:06 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I use a Canon A530, All the photos on my revews were taken with it. It has a good Macro function. Any of the Canon Powershot range should suit your model photography needs.
Last summer I bought a canon A570IS with 4x optical zoom, image stabiliser and 7.1 Mp. Ive never been so dissapointed in a camera yet. I needed to take 20 images to get 4 or 5 decent images. Funnily enough this camera has gotten "best in test" reviews and is tipped often, but for modelling and macro work, (maybe it was just me?) I just couldn´t like it.
I bought another camera since from a guy at work as he said it was too bulky for his liking. Its a Fuji Finepix S6500fd, with 10x optical zoom, 6.3 Mp and images can be taken in RAW format. My faith in cameras has been restored immediatly. I love this camera. Great for models, scenery outdoor in the sun, or in museums with very poor light sources. For a camera with so many options and functions, its relativly easy to use and 20/20 images can be used!!
Henk
Joined: August 07, 2004
KitMaker: 6,391 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 03:30 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I bought another camera since from a guy at work as he said it was too bulky for his liking. Its a Fuji Finepix S6500fd,
I have the (original) S5000, which has given me, and my family, superb service. The Automatic mode takes care of all but the most demanding occasions, the Macro facility is good enough for 1/72 (to a degree), it takes standard AA batteries, an XD memory car, and gives you options from 1MP (for direct downloading to the net), via 3MP (for classic paper prints for family gifts etc.) to RAW files (up to 50 MB per photo....
) The pop-up flash is good for what it is, but it is the one thing that I would change on my next camera. Short from buying an (expensive) SLR, you can't go wrong with a Fuji. Really.
Cheers
Henk
Plasticbattle
#003
Joined: May 14, 2002
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 03:57 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Short from buying an (expensive) SLR, you can't go wrong with a Fuji. Really.
Hi Henk. I borrowed this camera first to evaluate it. I already decided on the first trial, that this was perfect for what I needed. Its my first Fuji camera, but I would probably buy this brand again .. but hopefully its not too soon
pigsty
Joined: January 16, 2007
KitMaker: 1,226 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 09:24 PM UTC
Quoted Text
DJ,
The only thing I'd caution against is factoring in the "digital zoom" into your buying decision. It's not an actual optical zoom but is done instead electronically and this tends to produce a grainier and/or blurred result when used, especially for small scale subjects.
The real advantage that you want to check out in the various models you look for is the Macro setting and how far away the focus length needs to be for the Macro to work properly. Most point-and-shoot cameras have a minimum distance away from the lens that has to be maintained for it to be able to focus and it will vary from camera to camera. This usually is expressed as a number next to the Macro/Flower icon and will be 1.2 ft or 0.2 meters, etc. depending on the make/model. HTH
That was why I bought the Olympus - most of the zoom capability is optical. I forgot to mention the macro funciton, which also works well and also deletes most of the errors I manage to introduce.
That Stylus 760 you mention might be distantly related to mine (which is, ooh, three years old?) and it sounds like a good one for the price.
betheyn
Senior Editor#019
Joined: October 14, 2004
KitMaker: 4,560 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 10:02 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I have the (original) S5000, which has given me, and my family, superb service. The Automatic mode takes care of all but the most demanding occasions, the Macro facility is good enough for 1/72 (to a degree), it takes standard AA batteries, an XD memory car, and gives you options from 1MP (for direct downloading to the net), via 3MP (for classic paper prints for family gifts etc.) to RAW files (up to 50 MB per photo....
Short from buying an (expensive) SLR, you can't go wrong with a Fuji. Really.
Cheers
Henk
I have this camera as well. Great piece of equipment, and I have just bought a 30 Filter Kit, which includes a Macro +1, +2 and +10 lens.
The only downside of this camera is the lack of manual white balance. Newer Fuji models probably have this feature added though.
Andy
emroglan
Joined: December 16, 2004
KitMaker: 1,163 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 10:53 PM UTC
I have purchased a Nikon D80 DSLR last year. It's the king of the photo battlefield, but yes for that price you can purchase 10 good priced or 5 good quality cameras.
Still, even without a Macro lens attached and with its 18-70 standard lens it can produce astonishing results. If you are ever into photography and can spare the budget, think of getting a good DSLR. You will immediately notice the difference.
Still, even without a Macro lens attached and with its 18-70 standard lens it can produce astonishing results. If you are ever into photography and can spare the budget, think of getting a good DSLR. You will immediately notice the difference.
Petran
Joined: October 30, 2007
KitMaker: 134 posts
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Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 12:19 AM UTC
I have a DSLR Nikon D50 with a 18-55mm lens and a 55-200mm zoom lens.I need only some good spot lights and they will come better photos.
I think the light its the most important
I think the light its the most important
210cav
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 6,149 posts
Armorama: 4,573 posts
Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 12:28 AM UTC
Great feedback, I shall construct an Excel spreadsheet to lay out what folks are using. Keep it comin'
DJ
DJ
jaypee
Joined: February 07, 2008
KitMaker: 1,699 posts
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Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 01:01 AM UTC
I use a Canon Powershot A520 cheap and cheerful. According to my friend who is a pro photographer, Canon and Nikon have the best optics. Given the choice I'd buy the Canon or Nikon according to your budget.
SIRNEIL
Joined: July 30, 2007
KitMaker: 658 posts
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Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 01:10 AM UTC
hi guys
my wife bought me a cannon 350D wich came with a 18-55mm lens and used with a tripod gives me excellant photos of my models (8.1mp).
the only downside was that the camera does not come supplied with a memory card. you would think that paying nearly £400.00 on a camera they could at least supply a small amount of memory to go with it
neil....
my wife bought me a cannon 350D wich came with a 18-55mm lens and used with a tripod gives me excellant photos of my models (8.1mp).
the only downside was that the camera does not come supplied with a memory card. you would think that paying nearly £400.00 on a camera they could at least supply a small amount of memory to go with it
neil....
210cav
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 6,149 posts
Armorama: 4,573 posts
Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 03:46 AM UTC
Quoted Text
hi guys
my wife bought me a cannon 350D wich came with a 18-55mm lens and used with a tripod gives me excellant photos of my models (8.1mp).
the only downside was that the camera does not come supplied with a memory card. you would think that paying nearly £400.00 on a camera they could at least supply a small amount of memory to go with it
neil....
Wow! That's more than $800 US!
Nice wife, I don't think mine would pay that to ransom me.wbill76
Joined: May 02, 2006
KitMaker: 5,425 posts
Armorama: 4,659 posts
Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 07:10 AM UTC
DJ,
Since you're compiling a list (I know I've responded to your question in another thread but just to keep it all in one place), I use a Canon Rebel XTi DSLR with a EF-S 60mm Macro lens. Normally I shoot in RAW mode and then convert to JPG for posting here on the web.
Since you're compiling a list (I know I've responded to your question in another thread but just to keep it all in one place), I use a Canon Rebel XTi DSLR with a EF-S 60mm Macro lens. Normally I shoot in RAW mode and then convert to JPG for posting here on the web.
milvehfan
Joined: June 26, 2007
KitMaker: 2,116 posts
Armorama: 1,080 posts
Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 07:25 AM UTC
Good Question and Good answers. I dont own a camera, ued my sons a few times but no longer have access to it, So Ill be shopping around for one. Thanks for the info on the cameras now i can make a good choice on one. .......milvehfan
bulivyf
Vendor
Joined: April 03, 2006
KitMaker: 2,450 posts
Armorama: 2,409 posts
Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 07:47 AM UTC
Hi DJ,
I use Panasonic DMC FZ 30. All photo I make of without flash. Now I purchase Samsung NV 15 ( price-only 117 €).
I can this camera highly recommended.
Miloslav
I use Panasonic DMC FZ 30. All photo I make of without flash. Now I purchase Samsung NV 15 ( price-only 117 €).
I can this camera highly recommended.
Miloslav
210cav
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 6,149 posts
Armorama: 4,573 posts
Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 08:04 AM UTC
Once again, I am compiling the list and will post it shortly for all to view and comment.....Keep those cards and letters coming.
dispatcher
Joined: November 04, 2007
KitMaker: 396 posts
Armorama: 325 posts
Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 08:34 AM UTC
DJ, keep up the good work. I am also in need of a good camera (cheeper the better). It would be of help if someone with knowledge of cameras would go to an online seller like Best Buy and check out the cameras there. They could check each price range and pick a camera or two for consideration. That would help alot on the knowledge end. I will still need to save my pennies for a purchace.
Joe
Joe
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