Powershot Pro 1 Replacement Ideas?

[swaaye]

We take hundreds of photos a week of fine antique furniture we sell in our store. We've been using a Canon Powershot Pro 1 for awhile now and it's getting a bit worn out, and I know it isn't probably the best cam for the job.

Photography of our furniture takes place under less than ideal lighting, because we don't have room anywhere for a proper studio. So color correction features are nice because of the darned flourescent lighting. And, of course, adequate lighting amount is a problem too. We usually use the ISO 400 mode to help take photos where the tripod can't be used. So a cam that doesn't degrade too much with this setting would be a plus.

Points:
-Resolution is not a big concern, believe it or not. We usually use normal quality and a size of 1024x768 because the photos go directly to our web page. Resizing them on the comp adds another step to the process. An option for progressive JPEGs would be cool.

-Excellent autofocusing is obviously a plus. In fact, autofocusing is absolutely the biggest concern I think. If it's really good it would be a tremendous effort saver. Macro mode is essential as well. The Pro1's super-macro mode is quite nice.

-The flash is unimportant.

-We have a collection of CF cards now from using the Pro1 so reusing those is a priority if possible.

-Price of around $800-1000 I suppose.

-Would ideally like to stick with Canon because everyone here is used to their functionality.

You can see our store online http://www.harpgallery.com/. Seeing the photos help?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

[adas]

Rebel XT would make it.
At ISO1600 will beat the pro1 at ISO400, regarding the noise.
Also you guys, you should use some bounced flash for those furniture photos.

[Tom W]

Indeed, the Rebel XT would be my choice. It operates somewhat like the Pro-1, but has the advantage of very clean high-ISO performance. You can also select from a wide array of Canon lenses to suit your needs.

BTW, that 1925 art deco cabinet would be perfect for storing my camera equipment. :)

[swaaye]

Thanks for the ideas! Will look into the XT.

[FlyingPete]

Rebel XT would make it.
At ISO1600 will beat the pro1 at ISO400, regarding the noise.
Also you guys, you should use some bounced flash for those furniture photos.

Exactly! and throw in a high speed prime such as the 50 f/1.8 or f/1.4 you will really be away! To keep cost down you will probably find a second hand 300D/Drebel would suit fine.

[saravrose]

I just upgraded from the pro 1 myself, went for the xt, remarkably it feels very similar and takes just a few minutes to get used to the differences, also, they are marked at just under a thousand dollars right now..... Sari.

[swaaye]

Thanks for all the ideas and feedback! I keep hearing that the Rebel XT is the way to go! Another question though:

I heard on another forum that the Rebel XT doesn't have Macro mode, a feature usually not built into these SLR cams. Macro mode is extremely useful for us. We take tons of close up shots in addition to the distanced shots. What are my options here?

[zacker]

keep the pro1 for the macros! youll be sorry if you dont. I did and am glad. Plus its a great back up for the XT. try shooting in raw mode for your shots...this way you can "Fix" any problems that arise.
-zacker-

[Tom W]

Thanks for all the ideas and feedback! I keep hearing that the Rebel XT is the way to go! Another question though:

I heard on another forum that the Rebel XT doesn't have Macro mode, a feature usually not built into these SLR cams. Macro mode is extremely useful for us. We take tons of close up shots in addition to the distanced shots. What are my options here?

Shooting macro is a function of the capabilities of the lens to focus closely. What's called macro mode on a lot of digicams isn't true macro, but is rather a decent close-up capability. True macro will get you so close to your subject that something like a peanut will more than fill your screen.

The close-focusing capabilities of the standard "kit" lens that can be gotten with the Rebel XT is 0.92 feet (about 11 inches) which when zoomed to 55 mm, allows some pretty good close-up shots of details.

[zacker]

I CANT REMEMBER EXACTLY BUT THE PRO1'S MACRO focus is around 1 - 3 inches from the subject.
-zacker-

[swaaye]

Should I just stick with the stock lens or buy a body only model and grab a lens? (which lens would you guys go with for photographing furniture?)

[formula4speed]

I think it depends on how much room you have to work with, the kit lens will probably be fine for what you want to do. Its not the most amazing lens but if you are resizing for the web it should be more than adequate and give you a good range. If you find it doesn't get close enough for your macro work you could pick up an inexpensive Sigma 50mm macro lens down the road sometime. Or just use your Pro 1 for macro shots, the reason the Pro 1 doesn't perform well at high ISO is because of the small sensor. But the small sensor also means you get more depth of field to your shots and when shooting macro getting sufficient depth of field can be tricky if you aren't using a tripod.