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

indoor large wall art camera - which to buy?

by jayshootsart Jan 21, 2011 11:14AM PST

I want the camera for shooting pics of my art that are good for galleries. I don't want to buy an expensive one. I realize the gallery I am in will need a greater detail, greater size, resolution (what is it?) than what I can afford getting. They want the size or resolution good for printing. I have had photos printed in good magazines. I need to buy a lower cost camera for my own use, for now, for my 80" tall paper pieces. Can I get something good for 250?

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
price range
by jayshootsart Jan 21, 2011 11:29AM PST

would $100 more, say $350. get me the camera I need?

- Collapse -
$200
by nicholasarmwood Jan 21, 2011 6:04PM PST

I think u can get something around $200-250

- Collapse -
Questions
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Jan 21, 2011 11:17PM PST

Are you saying the art pieces are 80 inches tall?

What size print do you want to make?

..

- Collapse -
yes
by jayshootsart Jan 22, 2011 3:41AM PST

The art is tall and wide too at times, full walls. The print will be digital, or 8" x 10" for portfolio.

- Collapse -
Art Photography
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Jan 23, 2011 7:43AM PST

If I were going to photograph art, I would want a larger camera with manual controls.
And I would want to use a tripod (for sure).

The Fujifilm S1500 is a good choice.

10 megapixels (the sweet spot), manual controls, strong flash.

It is not the very latest model but for what you are doing, the latest model is not a good choice because they went to a wide angle lens and more megapixels.
More megapixels is not a good thing.

You can still find the S1500 at many on-line stores.

..

- Collapse -
Art Photography........
by aridart Jan 29, 2011 10:44AM PST

A few more megapixels won't hurt if you're really after a quality photograph of art work. I'd try to stay away from superzoom or point & shoot cameras - their quality isn't up to snuf.
There are some very good used cameras on the market that can be had for an affordable price with good interchangeable lenses that will make an exceptional print without too much, if any, noise in the prints, which is what you really are after.
Try to get at least 3200 ISO as a top limit for low light if you're shooting in natural light. Some museums or galleries aren't especially too well lit, and if you can, customize your color balance for the right color in your prints.
You're right to use a tripod for any copying of any artwork, no matter how large or small so that you can stay at the lowest ISO with the best depth of field. If you can't use a tripod, you'll welcome the extra ISO for handholding the camera. Some cameras have a lot less noise for higher ISO's - check the comparison charts and reviews.
Finally don't shoot at too wide a zoom or you'll get barrel distortion - don't shoot from too close. Good luck!

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