Camera advice

[markb9060]

I`m after some advice on what camera would be best to photograph my collection.

Just a decent mobile phone camera would do or whatever !.....you`re probably thinking.

Allow me to explain. It is sadly a fact that my knowledge of any modern gadgetry would leave plenty of room for additions if written on the back of a postage stamp !

You name it, i phones, cell phones, blackberries, strawberries.....you get the picture, I`m stumped !

Ok here`s the deal, I`m looking for the closeup picture quality which my old £300 Samsung camcorder used to give me (it took photos as well) before I permanently damaged the lens when I accidently pointed it at the sun for longer than I should have....don`t ask !

I would love to buy a Sony A77 special single lens reflex digital blah blah (see earlier description of my gadgetry knowledge) because this is one of the best around at the moment and I`m sure it would do everything I`d like it to do which would be to photograph individual items from my collection in microscopic detail as well as just doing my collection justice, but also to be used for taking great outdoors pics as part of a hobby....another of my interests.

Problem is this camera with all the bits and bobs would set me back £1600 or thereabouts. Basically what I`m trying to get at is I`d like advice on what type/make of camera to get which would tick the following boxes ;

(a) Exceptional zoom feature digital camera to photograph programmes etc in great detail and possibly capable of adding a longer lense (not sure about this) to feed my hobby aspirations.
(b) Affordable price range ie max £800 with 2nd hand seriously considered.

I know this isn`t your run of the mill Football Programme Forum topic but in my defence it is general chit chat and it may even give all you seasoned pros out there a chance to show your undoubted expertise in the field of football programme display photography.

What camera does it for you ?....Any tiny snippets of advice would be greatly appreciated.

[martino]

Cameras have improved loads and, depending on what you want to use it for, I do not think you have to spend a lot of money on one.

I know you are looking at spending a good sum on a new one but, as an example, around a fortnight ago I bought a Samsung PL20 series from Jessops for forty odd pounds, including a card, as it does not come with one. I use it just to photo programmes for E Bay (the wife has her more expensive one for holidays etc). It does the job well and takes really good, clear, photos.

I am not saying you should buy one of these but my point is do not get sucked in to spending loads on features that you will never use. A cheaper camera will probably do the things you are looking to do just as well.

Probably best to visit a shop and look at the options.

I hope this helps.

[markb9060]

martino wrote:

Cameras have improved loads and, depending on what you want to use it for, I do not think you have to spend a lot of money on one. I know you are looking at spending a good sum on a new one but, as an example, around a fortnight ago I bought a Samsung PL20 series from Jessops for forty odd pounds, including a card, as it does not come with one. I use it just to photo programmes for E Bay (the wife has her more expensive one for holidays etc). It does the job well and takes really good, clear, photos. I am not saying you should buy one of these but my point is do not get sucked in to spending loads on features that you will never use. A cheaper camera will probably do the things you are looking to do just as well. Probably best to visit a shop and look at the options. I hope this helps.

Thanks for that. I was thinking about just going into a shop but I`d ideally want to get something cheaper 2nd hand on Ebay or somewhere but it can`t do any harm getting some free advice from a camera shop as well.

[Kickoff3pm]

I take 1000 of product photos and the one I rely on is a Cannon. The reason I use a can is the software & feature fit the need.

You don't need a big fancy camera, one of the G range will be fine, I was even using a g2 upto a year ago but the software that uses needs XP. So now I just use a 648.

You should be able to get g10 for about £200 now but in general as long as you use a tripod you should be quality images from any Canon over about £80.

It's not all about pixals don't fall into that and if you don't need feature like loads of zoom don't pay for it.

If Canon are out your range I took some great images with my Lumix DMC-FZ28 but I can't use it for all my products because the computer software does not do things like timed shutter speed.

[Drvonshineck]

Hi Mark,

Martino is absolutely right given your needs you don't need to spend any more than £100 for a domestic camera.

Any high street camera shop will have a plethora to choose from.

If you want to push the boat out then you want to go for a digital SLR, these are professional standard.

Note I would only recommend one of these if you are serious about experimenting photography i.e shutter speeds, apertures, etc. If you are just looking to take happy snaps and photos of programme then a domestic camera will do the job.

You should not have to spend any more than £400 on an SLR, Cannon is very well respect in terms of lens quality (it's all about the lens).

Happy hunting.

[markb9060]

Kickoff3pm wrote:

I take 1000 of product photos and the one I rely on is a Cannon. The reason I use a can is the software & feature fit the need. You don't need a big fancy camera, one of the G range will be fine, I was even using a g2 upto a year ago but the software that uses needs XP. So now I just use a 648. You should be able to get g10 for about £200 now but in general as long as you use a tripod you should be quality images from any Canon over about £80. It's not all about pixals don't fall into that and if you don't need feature like loads of zoom don't pay for it. If Canon are out your range I took some great images with my Lumix DMC-FZ28 but I can't use it for all my products because the computer software does not do things like timed shutter speed.

Thanks for the great advice. I also had canon in mind but because I would also like to experiment with zoom outdoors, I`m prepared to pay a little extra. I may just do a little research on the specific cameras you mentioned.

[markb9060]

Drvonshineck wrote:

Hi Mark, Martino is absolutely right given your needs you don't need to spend any more than £100 for a domestic camera. Any high street camera shop will have a plethora to choose from. If you want to push the boat out then you want to go for a digital SLR, these are professional standard. Note I would only recommend one of these if you are serious about experimenting photography i.e shutter speeds, apertures, etc. If you are just looking to take happy snaps and photos of programme then a domestic camera will do the job. You should not have to spend any more than £400 on an SLR, Cannon is very well respect in terms of lens quality (it's all about the lens). Happy hunting.

My present digital camera takes ok pics but really seems to struggle with zoom. I was hoping to maybe get something cheaper on Ebay but to be certain, I`m probably better off going to a shop.

Anyway, many thanks for your helpful advice. Much appreciated.

[Kickoff3pm]

markb9060 wrote:

Kickoff3pm wrote: I take 1000 of product photos and the one I rely on is a Cannon. The reason I use a can is the software & feature fit the need. You don't need a big fancy camera, one of the G range will be fine, I was even using a g2 upto a year ago but the software that uses needs XP. So now I just use a 648. You should be able to get g10 for about £200 now but in general as long as you use a tripod you should be quality images from any Canon over about £80. It's not all about pixals don't fall into that and if you don't need feature like loads of zoom don't pay for it. If Canon are out your range I took some great images with my Lumix DMC-FZ28 but I can't use it for all my products because the computer software does not do things like timed shutter speed. Thanks for the great advice. I also had canon in mind but because I would also like to experiment with zoom outdoors, I`m prepared to pay a little extra. I may just do a little research on the specific cameras you mentioned.

The G range is about as close to SLR as you'll get but if you really want to learn photography you will want a full SLR.

In fact my daughter is just starting out on that. I gave one of my old manual SLRs to do the learning. She loves it but the processing is too expensive so she's after an SLR. I too might buy one soon so if we all agree on the same one perhaps we can get a job lot

Problem with SLRs is you won't find a small one, the G range is still small enough to put in the pocket and carry around without looking like a snap-happy-jap

[markb9060]

Kickoff3pm wrote:

markb9060 wrote: Kickoff3pm wrote: I take 1000 of product photos and the one I rely on is a Cannon. The reason I use a can is the software & feature fit the need. You don't need a big fancy camera, one of the G range will be fine, I was even using a g2 upto a year ago but the software that uses needs XP. So now I just use a 648. You should be able to get g10 for about £200 now but in general as long as you use a tripod you should be quality images from any Canon over about £80. It's not all about pixals don't fall into that and if you don't need feature like loads of zoom don't pay for it. If Canon are out your range I took some great images with my Lumix DMC-FZ28 but I can't use it for all my products because the computer software does not do things like timed shutter speed. Thanks for the great advice. I also had canon in mind but because I would also like to experiment with zoom outdoors, I`m prepared to pay a little extra. I may just do a little research on the specific cameras you mentioned. The G range is about as close to SLR as you'll get but if you really want to learn photography you will want a full SLR. In fact my daughter is just starting out on that. I gave one of my old manual SLRs to do the learning. She loves it but the processing is too expensive so she's after an SLR. I too might buy one soon so if we all agree on the same one perhaps we can get a job lot Problem with SLRs is you won't find a small one, the G range is still small enough to put in the pocket and carry around without looking like a snap-happy-jap

Out of all the advice given...the G range is definitely shouting out at me. I`d be quite happy to carry a camera around on my shoulder so doesn`t need to be pocket type. Thanks again for much needed info.

[pnefan]

You don't need a camera with lots of mega pixels either as uploading will be a nightmare .

I got my camera on ebay for £30 over 3 years ago and needed to take close up pics of subbuteo players - liked it so much i got another for £20 - both like new - still going strong .

I'd tell you what it is but theres one on ebay i'm after .

Why do you need close ups of programmes ?

Don't need to get lenses either .

I got a more expensive camera for groundhopping but its useless for close ups . Cost £240 but perfect for outdoors .
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[markb9060]

pnefan wrote:

You don't need a camera with lots of mega pixels either as uploading will be a nightmare . I got my camera on ebay for £30 over 3 years ago and needed to take close up pics of subbuteo players - liked it so much i got another for £20 - both like new - still going strong . I'd tell you what it is but theres one on ebay i'm after . Why do you need close ups of programmes ? Don't need to get lenses either . I got a more expensive camera for groundhopping but its useless for close ups . Cost £240 but perfect for outdoors .

Hi, the reason that I need to take closeups is I occasionally sell things like badges on Ebay with very small detail and also football programmes. I prefer to show the more valuable items in extreme closeup...Just my way....people know where they are with me on that score, nothing hidden. I suppose though that it`s more for the future when I sell up but also to mabe put them on Flikr etc.

The bottom line is, and I don`t want to detract from this, I want a really good quality camera with a view to doing some outdoor stuff ie landscapes, crowds of people...from a distance. I want the best zoom available up to say £800 (obviously I`d like to find that camera cheaper somewhere and am happy to search). That`s what I want....it might not be what Ill get....but that`s what I want. Thanks for your advice as well.

[MaccProgrammesWanted]

Scanners are perfect for small details and close ups of programmes and that is what everyone on here uses for flickr.
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[markb9060]

MaccProgrammesWanted wrote:

Scanners are perfect for small details and close ups of programmes and that is what everyone on here uses for flickr.

Hi, Thanks for that...Still doesn`t solve my camera specs problem though (see previous reply)

Cheers anyway.

[pnefan]

I have a relative who's into Leica cameras and president of the local camera club . Spends a fortune on his 'hobby'
I'll pass on your message at the top as they're a pendantic bunch who use a variety of digital/film cameras , lenses etc and will probably come up with several ideas .
They meet every Wednesday - in fact its a bit like listening to Prof. Brian Cox whenever i meet them .

As for Badges i sell a few and let my Mrs take the pics 'casually' and she doesn;t have a clue - here's a random pic with a £20 camera without trying .

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayI.....RK:MESE:IT
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[markb9060]

pnefan wrote:

I have a relative who's into Leica cameras and president of the local camera club . Spends a fortune on his 'hobby' I'll pass on your message at the top as they're a pendantic bunch who use a variety of digital/film cameras , lenses etc and will probably come up with several ideas . They meet every Wednesday - in fact its a bit like listening to Prof. Brian Cox whenever i meet them . As for Badges i sell a few and let my Mrs take the pics 'casually' and she doesn;t have a clue - here's a random pic with a £20 camera without trying . http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayI.....RK:MESE:IT

Sounds good. Like I said, any snippets of info are most welcome. I know what you`re saying about the £20 cameras but I was thinking more of perhaps the Canon range which allows the whole range of lenses to be added at some stage in the future should the need arise and as someone mentioned in a previous post, it`s all about the lens (or not ! ) Thanks for info anyway.

[Kickoff3pm]

MaccProgrammesWanted wrote:

Scanners are perfect for small details and close ups of programmes and that is what everyone on here uses for flickr.

In fact scanners can be less then perfect because the blast of scanner light not only can show text on inside pages but washes out the colour in the image.

The best way to image you programmes and most other things is to take them outside on a sunny day. Setup the camera on a stand and set the camera on timed shooting. Background too has an effect white might distort the image and colours, black is best for websites but gray is best for image production.

[pnefan]

Quote:

The best way to image you programmes and most other things is to take them outside on a sunny day.

How often do we get a sunny day ?

Although i do agree , lighting needs to be good - those low energy bulbs are terrible for providing good lighting when taking pics .

I use the stronger lighting in my garage especially at night - have to freeze to death though .

I can usually get away with decent photos during normal daylight but don't go outside to take them .
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[markb9060]

Kickoff3pm wrote:

MaccProgrammesWanted wrote: Scanners are perfect for small details and close ups of programmes and that is what everyone on here uses for flickr. In fact scanners can be less then perfect because the blast of scanner light not only can show text on inside pages but washes out the colour in the image. The best way to image you programmes and most other things is to take them outside on a sunny day. Setup the camera on a stand and set the camera on timed shooting. Background too has an effect white might distort the image and colours, black is best for websites but gray is best for image production.

I am by no means an expert (please see all my above posts) but what I have heard is that one of the most common natural aids to premature ageing of a document is sunlight. Surely, it wouldn`t be advisable to expose ie a 1940`s (or earlier) rare and delicate football programme to sunlight or even `Flash` for that matter.

I know I`ve heard somewhere that flash photography is sometimes not allowed in art galleries. This might be for copyright reasons but I`d be interested in any comments on this subject.

[Kickoff3pm]

markb9060 wrote:

Kickoff3pm wrote: MaccProgrammesWanted wrote: Scanners are perfect for small details and close ups of programmes and that is what everyone on here uses for flickr. In fact scanners can be less then perfect because the blast of scanner light not only can show text on inside pages but washes out the colour in the image. The best way to image you programmes and most other things is to take them outside on a sunny day. Setup the camera on a stand and set the camera on timed shooting. Background too has an effect white might distort the image and colours, black is best for websites but gray is best for image production. I am by no means an expert (please see all my above posts) but what I have heard is that one of the most common natural aids to premature ageing of a document is sunlight. Surely, it wouldn`t be advisable to expose ie a 1940`s (or earlier) rare and delicate football programme to sunlight or even `Flash` for that matter. I know I`ve heard somewhere that flash photography is sometimes not allowed in art galleries. This might be for copyright reasons but I`d be interested in any comments on this subject.

Don't take it literally, by daylight you don't need to take them outside, but if you did it would only be a short time and not enough to do any damage. What I do is just go by our french windows.

As for Flash, it won't damage most things. The reason gallerias don't allow flash light is simply because of the rise in tempreture may affect the artwork as it's very sensitive to that type of thing. It's also helps to sell postcard

You can, in fact, get natural light builds, they are better all around even for humans but do tend to be costly. Having said that last month I had stop my mrs paying £20 for a eco light bulb :0