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General discussion

Close-up's

Mar 31, 2005 10:22PM PST

I am looking for a camera that I can take detailed pictures of Jewelry, without spending the money for one of those cameras they use in a jewelry store for there adds. If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be helpfull.

Discussion is locked

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Macro Mode
Mar 31, 2005 11:11PM PST

Any digital camera that has a Macro Mode that can focus down to 4cm (1.6 inches) will photograph jewelry.

One lower cost camera is the Nikon 3200 which sells for under $200.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/nikon3200.html

The Nikon 3200 is being replaced by the Nikon 4600.
There are no reviews on the 4600 yet but I don't expect it to be much different than the 3200.

Amazon.com shows that the 4600 is available now.
Priced under $200.

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When using macro mode it is advisable to use a tripod.
Cameras take longer to autofocus in macro mode and if you hand-hold the camera it may not focus at all due to camera movement.

You can find table-top tripods for about $10.

You will also probably need to add some lighting as you will be too close to the subject to use flash.


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Panasonic
Jun 2, 2005 11:40AM PDT

Hi, my friend had suggested me to buy a panasonic (lumix) brand dg camera to take close-up pictures of jewellary. not sure why he suggested that. can you clarify more. tq

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Panasonic
Jun 2, 2005 12:07PM PDT

Long lens cameras tend to have good close focus and macro ability.

The Panasonic FZ5 can close focus to 50cm (about 20 inches). And it can macro focus down to 5cm (2 inches). Plus Panasonic FZ5 has that great Leica lens.

Good lighting is very important to increase depth of field when shooting very small objects.
A tripod is a must.

Here is information on ''table top photography'':

http://www.shortcourses.com/using/tabletop/chapter7.htm#Focusing%20and%20Depth%20of%20Field

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