digital cameras for macro

Hi everyone,

I do not know much about cameras, so I am asking for your advice. I need to buy a digital camera for taking close-up pictures of jewelry. I'd like to get a quality camera that will allow me to quickly and easily transfer pictures to my computer. I've read good reviews on the Rebel, but I'm really not sure if that is the way to go. I'd appreciate any recommendations on digital cameras, lenses, and accessories that would work well for me.

Thank you in advance!

Lisa

Lisa,

welcome to the forum

Yes the Digital Rebel (300D) is a very capable camera that's available at a good price. Still, you'll also need a good lens to go with it. A very capable macro lens is the EF 100/2.8 Macro lens (~500$)

However, be aware that there are also other (maybe less expensive) cameras that can fulfil the criteria you want. The important thing for jewellery photography is lighting.

Take a look at these threads and links:

EDIT .... had to remove some thread links, because the interesting information (Bloo Dog posts) was no longer available there....

techniques for shooting Jewellery
http://www.webphotosch​ool.com …ooting_Jewelry/​index.html
Photographing Rings the Easy Way
http://www.webphotosch​ool.com …s_the_Easy_Way/​index.html
_______________

Best regards,
Andy

Are you going to use the camera for anything else besides the jewelry?

An entry level digital SLR, a macro lens (105mm or so) and tripod will get you started. What is VERY challenging is lighting setup. I've done jewelry only a few times working on a minimal budget - just a few halogen lights and a simple background setup with improvised diffusers and reflectors. It was the hardest thing I've ever done with my Canon equipment!

If you're going to be doing this seriously, you must investigate lighting setups that are specific to the type of product you are shooting. Start by googling "light tents" and search B&H for the same. You'll also find some excellent posts on this forum -> search.

If you are looking for a low cost alternative to $1000+ of a camera and lenses, look at the Fuji F10. It does amazing marcro work with a LCD screen that's big enough with enough pixels to see right after the shot whether the focus was right. You can probably find it for about $300.

Canon SD500. Great for close-up, without spending a fortune. Really, any of the Sd series. I had the 300...great macro shots. I could get half an inch from the subject, and get a perfectly clear picture. However, as the others have said...lighting is the key.

Thank you all! You have been very generous with your information.

I like the idea of getting an SLR. What is a good entry level SLR?

Lisa

Around here, the recommendation would be a Digital Rebel (just discontinued, but you can probably find one on the shelves somewhere) or the Digital Rebel XT.

A good idea might be to hunt for a second hand 10D or 300D. There are a lot of people upgrading to the latest and greatest (20D & 350D), so these cameras are available at good prices.

Best regards,
Andy