Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Doctor needs a cool camera

by Aliaz Apr 24, 2006 1:25AM PDT

Hi everyone.

I am doctor and i need a camera to capture all the pictures and clinical signs of rare diseases. So i would like some insight on a camera with features:

1) Excellent quality with ability to capture even minute changes in the skin of a patient.

2) since i would be standing close to my patients i dont know if zoom would be a problem. But if zoom means something else let me know how i can capture minute changes in the skin.

3) would need a good night vission as hospitals and ER's not always have good lights where i work.Especially when taking a picture inside the mouth ( oral cavity) for example the Koplik Spot ( u dont need to know if you dont know what it is) of measles.Looking for a camera that has the ability to capture changes in the tongue and oral mucosa , yes ofcourse gross changes not microscopic.

4) Price is no problem.

5) would like the camera to trnasfer the pic to the computer via USB.

6) if Design is sexy and sleek would be an amazing add on.
I am a total newbee when it comes to technical terms for a camera so please guide and advice asap.

thanking anyone who takes the time to read and advice.

Discussion is locked

16 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
You are probably looking for a DSLR with an excellent
by Kiddpeat Apr 24, 2006 3:05AM PDT

macro lense. I've heard that Nikon is the undisputed leader in macro photography. You probably also want what is sometimes called a ring flash. These are circular flashes that mount on the end of the macro lense.

If it were Canon, I would say a Canon 5D with a 100mm f2.8 USM macro lense. Canon has either the MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite Ringlite Flash, or the Canon MR-14EX TTL Ring Lite Flash. The MR-14EX is reasonably compact, so I think that would be a better choice.

I'm sure Nikon has similar equipment, but I am not very familiar with Nikon stuff.

- Collapse -
still confused
by Aliaz Apr 24, 2006 4:39AM PDT

Thank you so very much for your reply.

Are the links you gave me flash or cameras. I am sorry if i get you of the edge here but trust me i have no idea on cameras. Any ways i assume they are flashes. So which camera to go for. Any model number and any site where i can check in the details.

So what is a DSLR ans is this stuff easy to use.I am sure i have the IQ to learn but maybe not the time. HE he but i would learn!!

I just checked a few canon 5 D cameras on amazon and they are about 3000$ ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/102-3347565-6894561?search-alias=aps&keywords=Canon%
205D)

Anything below 800$ would do for me to start off.

- Collapse -
Below $800. Sorry, there is no point in attempting to
by Kiddpeat Apr 24, 2006 5:45AM PDT

answer your questions. You said you are a doctor, and that price is not a problem. I answered based on that information by pointing you to equipment matching your criteria and able to operate at a professional level. If it were a matter of knowledge, the camera can operate in a fully automatic mode. However, no system like those I described can be purchased for less than $800.

You need a point & shoot camera, and I do not have extensive knowledge in that area. I am sure that others will be able to answer your questions.

- Collapse -
Digital Camera for the Doctor
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Apr 24, 2006 12:24PM PDT

To be able to photograph and see minute changes in the skin, you must have a consistant light source.

The flash would seem to be the best for providing a light source that is always the same. But digital cameras try to put the flash as far from the lens as possible, to help prevent red-eye.

This means that when you get very close to your target, the flash is not pointing at the same place as the lens. That is why Kiddpeat was suggesting the circle flash (encircles the lens).

You can not get circle flashes for small cameras.

....

To shoot as close as you outlined, any camera you buy will have to have a macro mode, and most do.
Some will let you get as close as 1 inch from the lens.

Zoom will not help you at all.

............


I just don't know of a small digital camera that will provide what you ask. The problem is lighting.

...
..
.

- Collapse -
Digital camera for the doctor.
by Doc_photo Apr 27, 2006 10:30AM PDT

Doc, you're killing me. (Pun intended.)
There are cameras specifically made for medical photography. They come equiped with a ringlight flash(circular, goes around the lens.) and a quality zoom-macro lens. They are also very expensive. (Make sure the ringlight has adjustable lights for directional lighting.)
There is simply too much to explain in this forum. I would suggest checking with your local Medical Examiners's office, local Dentists, or a hospital forensic pathology dept. to see what they use.
There are some companies that market point and shoot digital cameras as medical cameras. I would be skeptical.
Try your local camera shop and explain what you need to do. They can help. (Not bigbox store)
I once set up a rape-crisis office with a Digital Rebel, Canon ringlight and short zoom-macro lens.
Good luck.

- Collapse -
stability
by draaagula Apr 29, 2006 4:15AM PDT

Hi Doc,4/5 should be more than enough for your needs just make sure you use a tripod

- Collapse -
(NT) What is 4/5. Sorry i am not a techno doctor
by Aliaz Apr 29, 2006 6:59PM PDT

hope i dont get you of the edge with that question

- Collapse -
i have a question for Snapshot, DocPhoto
by Aliaz Apr 29, 2006 3:23PM PDT

Thanks Everyone
For starters ok here is what i need.

A camera with good flash and the best option is the type of flash called ring flash.

Good macro mode should be the second priority and not zoom.

Can anyone guide me through to some models.

I just bought:

Sony Cyber-shot

- Collapse -
Medical Camera
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Apr 29, 2006 11:34PM PDT

Apparently we did/do not understand what you are trying to do.

It is interesting that the two cameras you found acceptable, have a very weak flash by digital camera standards.

The T5 flash only reaches out to 5 feet and the S1 flash reaches out to 7 feet. But since you are using it at very close range, that is not an issue.

Some small cameras do not trottle down the flash when used at close range and you over expose the shot. If your shots are not over exposed, you camera choice is a winner.

...
..
.

- Collapse -
Thanks
by Aliaz Apr 30, 2006 3:54AM PDT

If i have your email address i can show u the pics and and the type of stuff i am capturing or want to capture. I tried pasting the pics but wont paste.

Yes zoom is not a problem as i can stand really close to my patients. Overexposure would be an issue once i start using it then maybe i would know the cons. If things go cool and amazing then i would reasses the need for the professional camera kidpeat recommended me.

- Collapse -
Pictures
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Apr 30, 2006 4:38AM PDT

It would be nice to post the photos here, so that everyone can see them.

You can use:

http://www.photobucket.com

Set up an account there (free) and upload your
photo(s). Photobucket will put three links under the photo. Highlight the top link and copy it (Ctrl C).

When you write your message to this forum, paste (Ctrl V) the link into the body of the message.

...
..
.

- Collapse -
Canon Power Shot S2 1S is what I bought yesterday...
by Ladymaggic Apr 30, 2006 11:17AM PDT

I am thrilled with it...has 2 interchangeable lens which I will buy next month...cost Me $520US..about $760 Aus...I bought it in Korea in the huge Computer Store in Yongsan...

I also bought a tripod (25,000 won) a 1GB card (50,000 won) and rechargeable batteries (38,000 won)

The long distance telephoto lens is 60,000won, and the attachment is 35,000 won...there is also a wide range lens.

I used it and learnt how to use it...with a manual written in Japanese and Korean...am off to download the English one...and am very happy with this great camera which focused in on birds perfectly.
I still have to learn how to use it..but can recommend it highly..

Maggi

- Collapse -
Thanks for all the reviews I read as a result of this
by Ladymaggic Apr 30, 2006 11:22AM PDT

I really learnt a lot and appreciate the information you gave Doc...and me too as I tracked this posting and 2 others.
I am happy with what I bought...I could not afford the Canon 20D as that was close to $2,000 with everything...Next future buy..and it was also rather heavy...and would be heavier with the lens added..
Thank you all Maggi

- Collapse -
Check out Panasonic
by tintinet May 5, 2006 11:09PM PDT

Might wanna consider Panasonic's new compact superzoom, the Lumix DMC-TZ1. Great macro (closeups) and 10X zoom with autofocus. Basic point and shoot with Leica lens, image stabilization, etc.

Small, pocketable: can carry with you into patient exam room without being obtrusive.

- Collapse -
A Cool Camera for the Doctor
by snapshot2 Forum moderator May 6, 2006 3:59AM PDT

I stumbled across the Sony R2 which has the flash as near to the lens as physically possible. You should be able to get a well lit shot into someones mouth.

Its macro focus can be as close as 1cm.

The camera's looks say COOL.

Here is a look at the camera that dared to be different:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/m2.html

...
..
.

- Collapse -
Thanks a heap Snapshott
by Aliaz May 7, 2006 2:55AM PDT

For educating me and helping me through the models. I still havent gone through the photobucket thingy thats why i was unable to upload the pics. Any ways do let me know more about ring flash and DSLR cameras if u have time. Otherwise its all cool.

Peace.

Back to Cameras forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info