Question Re Quality of Digital Cameras

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

David - 17 Nov 2004 23:48 GMT

I am trying to decide whether to buy a digital camera good enough to
take close up shots of jewelry (2-3 foot distance). My present cheapo
digital camera can;t handle such close up shots (they get blurry).
Can digital cameras in the $300-500 range take such close up shots, or
is it just the professional quality cameras in the $1000 range that
take those shots? I don't even care about all the bells and whistles
that go with a camera. Just want the quality close up shot. Can you
recommend camera? Thanks.

Reply to this Message

Stan - 18 Nov 2004 00:07 GMT

> I am trying to decide whether to buy a digital camera good enough to
> take close up shots of jewelry (2-3 foot distance). My present cheapo
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> that go with a camera. Just want the quality close up shot. Can you
> recommend camera? Thanks.

I have a Nikon Coolpix 950 (2 megapixel) that can get as close as less
than 1 inch, and a Panasonic FZ10 (4 megapixel) which can get as close
as 3.5 inches.

You need to stay away from the low-end digital P&S cameras, and look
into the many "Prosumer" models. Nikon, Canon, Minolta, Olympus, Pantax
are some that you could look into.

Check the following sites for camera reviews, and specs.

http://www.dcresource.com/
http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/

Signature

* * * To reply, remove numbers from address.

Stan, New Orleans

http://www.neworleansphotographs.com
http://www.atneworleans.com
http://www.sbeckart.com/sbeck

Reply to this Message

RSD99 - 18 Nov 2004 00:14 GMT

For a very good discussion of the subject "Jewelry Photography" ... see
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/directory/library/subject/9

[Hint: It's probably *not* the camera ... ]

Reply to this Message

D.R. - 18 Nov 2004 01:19 GMT

My Nikon Coolpix 4300 takes great macros.

Reply to this Message

Steve Evans - 18 Nov 2004 22:21 GMT

>> I am trying to decide whether to buy a digital camera good enough to
>> take close up shots of jewelry (2-3 foot distance). My present cheapo
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
>My Nikon Coolpix 4300 takes great macros.

So does my Olympus mju300. Plus if you disable the flash and light the
item(s) properly from external sources and bolt the camera down to a
nice, sturdy tripod; the results can be truly outstanding!

Signature

Fat, sugar, salt, beer: the four essentials for a healthy diet.

Reply to this Message

Tom Ellliott - 29 Nov 2004 22:49 GMT

Untill I got my NIKON D70 I used the coolpix 995. Focus, focus, focus and
lighting and then use the highest resolution setting for your camera.

> I am trying to decide whether to buy a digital camera good enough to
> take close up shots of jewelry (2-3 foot distance). My present cheapo
> digital camera can;t handle such close up shots (they get blurry).

The great thing about digital is that you can put just about any closeup
lens attachment on the lens and shoot! You will see right away if it is
sharp and if that particular setup works or not.

> Can digital cameras in the $300-500 range take such close up shots, or
> is it just the professional quality cameras in the $1000 range that
> take those shots? I don't even care about all the bells and whistles
> that go with a camera. Just want the quality close up shot. Can you
> recommend camera? Thanks.

As long as the sensor is in the three to four megapixel range and the final
print/reproduction using full frame goes only to about 8x10 you should be
home free.

Have Fun,
Tom

Reply to this Message