Camera?

[Jim-Iowa]

As I sit and admire the pictures of all the outstanding work on this site.
I am becoming more and more aware that it is time I invested in a Digital Camera. What to look for and what features are a mystery to me, as to what is benificial for carving photo's? Was not really sure whether to post this here or in Tools, but it's here for now.
I suspect this could be a very interesting and informative discussion.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I have a Nikon D70. You can't fit it in your pocket but you can do just about anything with it and it takes studio quality photos.

[JIM QUILICI]

I have always have had Nikon cameras.....top of the line.....and I would not buy anything but a nikon camera now........But do not buy a nikon coolpix 8700...It is junk.....how do I know........ I have one.
Jim

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

This may or may not help ....
Digital cameras; compare digital camera reviews to find the best one for you - CNET

[lorax]

I just went on vacation, so I used that excuse to buy a new camera.Mine, I would reccomend to anyone. It is a 10 Megapixel Panasonic Luminix. What I like about it is that it has an auto intelligence mode, that determines if it is a portrait, outdoor, indoor, ect. It also has a great lens and processor. I was replacing a 2.1 megapixel vivitar, so my enthusiasm may stem from the enormous uprgrade.

[Claude]

Looking at the basics, what you need is a camera that has a couple of megapixels or more. Less than that and you don't get the resolution you'd like. For reference, 3 megapixels will give you a 3 inch by 5 inch "Kodak Film quality" photo (my opinion, not to be confused with scientific facts).

The camera needs to have a Macro setting. This allows you to get within a few inches of your carving and still have things in focus.

The camera needs the little screw hole in the bottom that a tripod attaches to, and you need a tripod, so the camera isn't shaking and moving all over when you click the shutter - prevents a lot of blurry photos.

I don't know what you call it, but most modern cameras have one: a "half-click" on the shutter release (photo taking button), that locks the focus when you press half way down, then takes the photo when you press even farther down. This is very useful when you have two carvings and you're trying to take a single photo of both on Macro setting. First, point the camera at the center of one carving, click the shutter half way down (usually, you can see the focusing grid appear in the viewfinder), hold the shutter setting half way down and then move the camera to include both subjects, and click the button all the way. This locks the focus at the right distance, instead of letting the camera try to focus on your background in between the two subjects.

...and I'm partial to the FUJI cameras - I've owned three. They connect to my computer for downloading right out of the box with no software installation.

And, if you have young children or grandchildren, a "less expensive" digital camera is a good thing to let them use at times. They can take photos of anything and everything, such as the doorknob, the cats tail, the glass of milk, you (without a head), etc. When you download the photos, you can delete the "bad" ones, without having to pay for film development and photo paper, and you can save the occasional "gem" that shows up.

Claude

[BobD]

For the magazine, we like people to use at least a 5mp camera...that gives us a good photo of 300 DPI at 5x7

As for the kind, it really depends on what you are trying to do. If you want studio quality photos, you'll need a higher end camera (I like Canons and Nikons, personally). But more importantly, you'll need proper lighting. There are all sorts of light tents out there, and if you are doing pieces small enough to fit in one of those tents, great. But we have good luck with the lowell Ego

Lowel ego · Digital Imaging Light

you are not constrained by what fits inside a light tent with this. And it doesn't require a hot foot or flash control cable.

With the Lowell, I've seen people take excellent photo with an ordinary point and shoot camea (myself included).

In most cases, I prefer a point and shoot. You can put it in a pocket, carry it with you, and use it without carrying a camera bag. But you will not get 100% studio quality photos with a point and shoot!

Bob

[gumbyteeth04]

Hi Jim,
I have a Canon S2-IS, 5 megapixel, & I can't say enough about it. It takes GREAT pictures, it has a macro mode...good for up to 10cm from your target & a SUPER macro mode...good for up to 1 cm awa from your target. You can REALLY get some nice close up shots for fine details. It also takes movies & records in stereo sound. If you'd like to check out all the latest digital cameras, try this site Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ They review EVERY digital camera coming on the market. VERY informative site. I hope this helps more than confuses anyone. Keep on carving!! Have a great day!!

Dan

[Dundee]

I have a Nikon D70s body That I'm getting ready to put on eBay. I'm selling it with an extra battery, 512MB and 1GB memory card, and the wired and wireless shutter release. It is very clean. You would need to get a lens though. To do macro with it I have been using the Nikon 60mm F2.8D lens. I bought a D300 body this year. The D70 and D70s have been selling on eBay for $300+.

Chris

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Like the others have said, while the camera is the most important part of the equation being as it takes the photo, the lighting is the next part. Back in 2006 I posted a thread "Carving Photography Set-up" which explains the system I came up with for taking studio quality shots of my work without having to spend a lot of money. Those comercial lighting setups are nice but they are also expensive. A couple trips to WalMart, some PVC pipe and a lightbulb and light diffuser you can get at a camera shop will have you competing with the big boys!