camera selection

mike4627 wrote:

I want to take some pictures at a model show. which digital camera do I need? Mike

Well, their is many things to consider: the optical zoom, the megapixels(bigger isn't always better), the size(that may or may not be an issue for you), and you should see if you can find one with a ole-fashioned viewfinder(most just have the LCD screen, but if that breaks your're screwed.) Just remember don't get distracted by the special  yuppie things the camera does like smile finder and face recognition, these aren't a necesity and are more often the not gimmicks. Some good brands to look at, with reasonable prices are Canon and Nikon. But it pays to shop around.

I currently am still using a Canon PowerShot A520, 4 mega pixels, 4X optical zoom that I bought about 4-5 years ago. It's obsolete tech wise, but it still does the job perfectly. However now you can buy a much better, newer model Canon PowerShot camera at less then half the price I paid. Thus it's about time I start lookin' for a new camera myself.

Just remeber their is no such thing as a modeling camera, and theirs no one perfect camera. So take your time, shop around, and look for good sales. Hope this helps.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Mike

While this doesn't specifically answer your questions, if you're thinking of a particular camera or you've got your choices narrowed down to a couple of cameras, this may be helpful:

http://www.dpreview.com/

 This site, oriented to model photography, may be helpful as well:

 http://photoguide.tiono.com/

I found this how-to on hypersclae.com, it's a multi-part series on photographing your models:

http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/photobg_1.htm

I have not looked at the links DDonSS3 posted, but I will share my experience...

I am going mediaschool, so we do get alot of photography lessons (Even though I'm more into video and film) and one thing you should know, megapixels..  If you are going to publish your photo on a huge poster, such that cover a wall or standing next to the road, or if you have an sbolute urge to zoom into your picture from your PC, only then is it need for a high megapixel rating.

Go for macro-focus. If you check more specific details about a camera, it will for example say "Macro - 2,3" that means the closest you can go to an object, is 2,3cm. May be inches overseas. They usually supply if it is mm, cm, m, inches, foot, etc..  The lower the number, the better the modelcamera!

And I do agree, get one with the old fashioned viewfinder. Your camera will last better, and you will actually take better pictures aswell. Always use the viewfinder (Exept when on a tripod) for the simple fact you do support the camera to your face that way. Which do simply equal to a way more stable camera. Which again, equals to better photos.

Do neither go for these extremely tiny cameras either. Like, debit-card sized (Overexagerating, I know! lol) but rather for a good chunk of camera. This will result in a larger cencor inside, and better photos.

If you also do like to go amateur photographing, you may aswell pick up an SLR camera, with a macro-lens for modelling. These are, indeed, way more expensive, but if you are more serious into photographing, this is the way to go. But if it is only for modeling, turn around! quick!

A lens of a good brand and good quality can quickly get over 1000, even 2000 US Dollars.. But a decent lens is around/under 1000$

If you go the SLR way, and then the cheaper models (Canon EOS 400, 450, Nikon D40, D60, etc.) that are around and under a 1000$, do not think that one brand is better than another. They are all equally good, be it a Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony and whatnot. You should go to a store near you where they sell these, and simply ask if you could try them, atleast hold them. Then go for the one which your hand fits the best, and the one with the buttons suiting you.

When it comes to my camera, I use a Panasonic NV-GS 230. It got 2.3 megapixels and 3CCD. That is one core on the colour processor for the three main colours, so my camera is top-notch on colours.

The camera is, indeed, a video digital camera. But I can slap in a memory card and take photos on it aswell. And the focus of my camera is just loveable. I can go very, very close to an object and still get a sharp photo, and that is without the macro...

Here for example, is a photo of two 1/72 Jerrycans from an Italeri kit.  In focus pretty good, good quality, 2.3 megapixels, no macro. I can even go closer. And turning on the macro, I can go superclose:

And a photo of my camera:

Hope my talking helps!

-Lasse