OK Camera people. I've been looking and I

[Mike Chgo area]

would like some input on digital cameras. What kind do you use and why? Of course I want close up capability for jewelry pics and from what I have looked at so far I think I would want a view finder and Lcd capability. Let me get your ideas. Thanks in advance.

 

[steve in so la]

I got a Cannon Powershot A650 for Christmas and it works great so far. Except - - it does not shoot closeups. So I still use my Sony Mavica for that, works perfectly real close. Steve inso az

 

[Joe G]

Doug is the one who should be doing this but...

Your camera DOES shoot close ups As soon as Vicky unloads her camera (she has the PowerShot A540) I'll show you some close up shots. It doesn't get as close to the object as my Lumix, but it really doesn't make a difference. I'll do my best to press her to unload the disk. Then I'll give you some detail on how best to do it and give you some examples. For now, here's how it works with my Lumix (it'll be around the same for your camera).

At 6 mega pixels this next picture is really 39.111" by 29.333". I didn't even take this in "macro"; just in "program mode" with all the settings in auto except I shot it in the highest quality. I measured the distance between the coin and the lens and it was 4". I'm using a $3. adjustable aluminum fixture with a clamp on the end; one of those cheapo work fixtures. It's got a 60 watt equivalent fluorescent light-bulb with a full spectrum light. I covered the fixture with some of that "Press and Seal" stuff to diffuse the light a bit.. I use a tripod.

I don't know which software you use for photo editing, but you can't possibly view an entire pic that big on your monitor. Photoshop shows the pic at 33% it's original size. Here's what it looks like: (I use Photobucket)
Make sure you "click" on all the pics to enlarge them to their original size.

OK, now all I did was crop it a little to remove the surrounding area and see more coin:

What the heck, how about a little photoshop lighting affect?

To get even "closer", all I did was crop the same pic just a little more...

Now, that last shot isn't really that "clear" as there's some "halo" from the lens I guess... but shooting it in macro, it would be a bit clearer. I don't know, but I think the next to last shot is pretty good don't you? And that's WITHOUT using a macro feature. So, what I'm trying to say is, you don't necessarily have to be an inch from your coin or ring. Shoot in the highest quality and crop it.

I actually tried a macro shot after these and couldn't get the lighting right. The color of the coin above is much better. After doing this exercise, I probably won't shoot in macro anymore

Hope that helps....

 

[steve in so la]

I have never used a photo shop outside of Shutterfly's simple ones. And when I do use them the pic does not come out as good. I have experimented with the settings on my Canon and half clicking the shutter to get a close up before finishing and I have gotten some fair ones. But they are not white and good looking, comes out gold colored and dull. And I have tried all kinds of light. Besides , my old Mavica shot the gold ring pic and it's good for me. That pic was right off the disc - no photo shop at all. - So you are way ahead of me in photography but with experimentation I may improve. Thanks for any help you can give, steve

 

[Joe G]

Whenever Vicky empties the memory card on her camera, I'll take some pics and give you the settings. The off color of your pics may just be the white balance setting on the camera. Anyway, I'm NOT way ahead of you in the photography dept The editing software that comes with the Cannon can do a ton of stuff. Cropping is a basic editing tool. Next "macro" shot you take, don't get too close, use a tripod and take the pic at the highest quality you can. Open the pic in the cannon software and simply crop the pic to get more of the subject. It'll automatically become "bigger".

Oh, the "subject" on my first email should have read, "Here's a little example"... not "lesson" Hope it didn't sound bad...

Joe

 

[Digdoug]

Hey Mike,

I use an ancient, by todays standards, Canon Pro-1 point and shoot. There are many cameras that should do the job for you. If it is to be used mostly for jewelry to be posted on the web you don't need a lot of megapixels to get good results. I prefer Canon cameras because I am familiar with their features. If you look at my photo galleries at the link below, click on the gallery titled macros. Some are with my first Canon, the A-80, a 4 mp camera, some are with the Pro-1 and some are with the 350D, an SLR.

For research go here: www.dpreview.com

On the left hand side of the page click on cameras. From the drop down list of manufacturers click on the manufacturer. The site is very informative and you can also get the latest prices of the cameras.

Do you have a digital camera now?

 

[Digdoug]

Hey Steve,

As long as the Mavica does the job keep using it...the pics look great!! The reason the pics didn't look good when you cropped them could be because of the original size of the image. You lose quality fast when cropping small files. You can get much better quality shots, more detail, and crop a lot closer with your new camera but to be honest it requires a little more work. And since you are just posting images on line the Mavica is doing a great job. Keep using it til it gives up the ghost.

When I shoot pics of my finds I try to do it outside in bright light. Indoors you need lots of light. Joe's advice is "right on" and I couldn't have written it any better or clearer. Heck, he ought to consider writing operating manuals!!

My dad has the A-640 and I'll borrow it and play with it to see what settings work best.

 

[Digdoug]

Great advice Joe, I couldn't have said it better. Have you considered writing operating manuals??

Excellent shots too!!

 

[Greg from Mi.]

I just want to point and click
Baaaaaaaahahahahahahaha
Greg

 

[steve in so la]

d

 

[steve in so la]

is what I recently figured out and when I shot using it correctly I could not get close without blurring. I really dont want to get deeply into a photo shop thing. Just only so much time and interest in certain things. Thanks if you can send the settings from Vickie's camera. Steve

 

[Joe G]

Now if only I had your artistic eye

 

[Joe G]

you don't need to do the "photoshop thing". Between Doug and I, maybe we can give you a few settings to help you out. There's just a couple of things you can do with the settings that can make all the difference in the world in how your pic comes out. You don't need any fancy software. It's kinda like you're going from your Fisher to an Exp SE... they both find things but you just need to know how to use them

 

[steve in so la]

I love my Fisher and know it well. I dont know the Exploder but appreciate what it does - but dont want to take a lot of time learning it I would appreciate any "directed" help, Steve

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

I have a Sony Cyber Shot and it has been a great camera. I just found a small point and shoot 7.2 MP Sony at Walmart that was clearanced from $150 to $85 for my mom for Christmas.