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Resolved Question

Help selecting camera for online Jewelry site.

by Dec 4, 2013 6:39AM PST

Hi, I make jewelry consisting of stones, crystals, leather, and metals. In researching what camera to purchase -- it has become clear that all of my materials are difficult to shoot. I'm considering:

Canon Rebel T3i or the Nikon Coolpix 7800 (plus wifi adapter)

I have a neck/spine injury which makes a camera with a rotating screen a big plus for me.

With the Canon Rebel, the Macro lens are expensive - do the extension tubes work well enough or should I bite the bullet?

I'm also selecting a table top studio for lighting if anyone has one that they feel is a great selection.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks -

Sheri

Discussion is locked

shadfield61 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
10 Posts
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Best Answer

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jewelry designs
by Jan 7, 2014 8:24PM PST

If your site is on jewelry designs then you must prefer the SLR cameras as they are the ones that will give exceptional pictures.

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Did you read the link above?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 8, 2014 4:03AM PST
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Thanks!
by shadfield61 Jan 9, 2014 5:06AM PST

Thanks for the article. I ended up getting a Samsung NX300 and also have an iphone 4s... between the 2 I have been getting some good shots. I will LOVE my pictures while cropping on the camera...but then when I put them up on the site....the background on some will not be as white. I am learning to adjust in post production and doing ok. But, I do hope that I will get better at judging when the light is right. Thanks again for all posts!

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Thank you
by shadfield61 Jan 9, 2014 5:02AM PST

Thank you for your comment. I am finding that the macro "setting" works well for many of my shots but the macro "lens" is what I'm using for the super close up shots to show the intricate details. I actually need more of the macro "setting" type shots but they are also the easiest to achieve. I'm still learning so much every single day. I had no idea how technical photography could be....but I'm so enjoying it. Thanks for all comments. I have read anything you guys have suggested and very much appreciate it.

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Answer
Be aware
by Forum moderator Dec 4, 2013 6:54AM PST

It doesn't take anything as good as you noted. Why not get the tabletop setup first, even it it's one you make yourself and use your existing camera and of course play with lighting.
Bob

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Answer
Tabletop Photography
by Forum moderator Dec 4, 2013 7:54AM PST
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TableTop Course
by shadfield61 Dec 4, 2013 8:15AM PST

Thanks for the short course - I'm going to read it now. Currently, the only camera that I own is on my iPhone.

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It's not funny is it?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Dec 5, 2013 12:32AM PST
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Macro lens
by JacobPrince Dec 11, 2013 7:07PM PST

Anything particular should be looking at for macro lenses?

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Macro
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Dec 11, 2013 11:35PM PST

Close focus or Macro focus.
All lenses are rated as to how close they can focus (lets say 18 inches).
Lenses capable of macro focus can also focus from 18 inches down.

Just about all point and shoot cameras have a micro focus setting.

Cameras with changeable lenses have special lenses for Macro shooting.

Here is a look at Canon lenses.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup

There are very few lenses that can shoot macro and they are relatively expensive.

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