Deciding Upon initial Camera Purchase
Aug 31, 2017 07:38:42 #
Greetings,
With a need to photograph garments on a dressform for my new cottage venture I come here for advice on which camera will meet that need. Here are particulars that surely weigh in on the decision:
Budget:. Less than beer budget (thus the need to make the sewing business successful). I have been consulting eBay, Amazon and thinking of purchasing from a pawn shop (yeah, I am that broke 😩).
Experience: None to speak of. Took Photography 1, 2, and 3 at university; a decade ago. Don't know what I did with my Canon Rebel, I loved that camera and can't afford one now.
Subjects desired to shoot:. Garments inside the Lady Lair in a dressform. But, it would be nice to be able to take general photos. And what if I decide to do some outdoor shoots for variety sake?
If there is something else I need to state in making a decision for a digital camera, please advise. I realize my meager funds are less than desirable; however, I must start somewhere and the plan is definitely to upgrade as the venture experiences monetary success.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
With a need to photograph garments on a dressform for my new cottage venture I come here for advice on which camera will meet that need. Here are particulars that surely weigh in on the decision:
Budget:. Less than beer budget (thus the need to make the sewing business successful). I have been consulting eBay, Amazon and thinking of purchasing from a pawn shop (yeah, I am that broke 😩).
Experience: None to speak of. Took Photography 1, 2, and 3 at university; a decade ago. Don't know what I did with my Canon Rebel, I loved that camera and can't afford one now.
Subjects desired to shoot:. Garments inside the Lady Lair in a dressform. But, it would be nice to be able to take general photos. And what if I decide to do some outdoor shoots for variety sake?
If there is something else I need to state in making a decision for a digital camera, please advise. I realize my meager funds are less than desirable; however, I must start somewhere and the plan is definitely to upgrade as the venture experiences monetary success.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Aug 31, 2017 07:46:09 #
See KEH.com online for high quality used photo gear. Prices are reasonable and customer service is very good. Used and refurbished cameras are also available from B&H Photo and Adorama.
Aug 31, 2017 07:50:31 #
bratliff
Loc: Atlanta, GA
Honestly, if budget is that tight, I assume you have a smart phone. Use that until your business venture takes off and you have some money to invest in a better camera. My guess is you need to take pictures to post to a web site to show items for sale, examples, etc. A smart phone is more than capable of that. Should your business take off and you are doing photoshoots outdoors, you might first consider renting some equipment to try before you buy. There are so many options out there that it is literally impossible for anyone here to give you accurate advice, esp since you are shopping pawn shops. :)
I do agree though that when you decide to purchase a more capable camera, buy used or refurbished, but not from a pawn shop. Use a reputable online dealer (Adorama, B&H Photo, are two big ones but I'm sure there are more) that offer a return policy. You will stretch your camera buying money further.
I do agree though that when you decide to purchase a more capable camera, buy used or refurbished, but not from a pawn shop. Use a reputable online dealer (Adorama, B&H Photo, are two big ones but I'm sure there are more) that offer a return policy. You will stretch your camera buying money further.
Aug 31, 2017 07:50:41 #
At this point, I'd suggest that you find an inexpensive tripod and an attachment that allows you to mount your cell phone to it. Since you'll most likely be posting these to the web, as opposed to making large prints, this would be your best bet.
--Bob
--Bob
Lyric wrote:
Greetings, br br With a need to photograph garmen... (show quote)
Aug 31, 2017 07:52:09 #
Lyric wrote:
Greetings, br br With a need to photograph garmen... (show quote)
Some folks here have quite a substantial "beer fund" so that doesn't help. I personally have bought 3 Nikons over the last 10 years, buy the most you cannot afford!
Aug 31, 2017 08:09:54 #
Aug 31, 2017 08:37:57 #
bratliff wrote:
Honestly, if budget is that tight, I assume you ha... (show quote)
I agree with Bratliff. For what you're talking about, a smartphone will probably work. My last 3 iPhones took excellent photos. I've even used some smartphone pictures in printed ads. I actually wish the higher end cameras had some of the features of the common smartphones.
Aug 31, 2017 09:50:10 #
Aug 31, 2017 10:09:38 #
toxdoc42 wrote:
What features on your iPhone is missing in a camera?
The simple yet powerful user interface, mainly. The seamlessness between it and other devices. And while my D7500 shutter will do 7 FPS, my iPhone will do at least twice that ... endlessly. It seems most camera companies are lagging far behind the smartphone in UI and device integration.
Aug 31, 2017 10:35:15 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
Learn to use your phone camera. A cheap tripod with a phone attachment head works extremely well. Scott Kelby's wife strictly uses a phone camera with really great results. She may have a blog as I seem to recall.
Aug 31, 2017 10:51:33 #
I know several people that run their clothing resale business using a smartphone for photographs. They take good pictures, and are easy to use.
You do need to pay attention to lighting and background. Those cheap constant light setups will work just fine, if you upgrade the bulbs with brighter bulbs (and get good daylight balanced bulbs for better color, preferably 90CRI or so).
You can step up to a P&S camera which allows you to zoom; get one with wifi so you can easily transfer images to your computer. The main advantage to a real camera is the ability to set custom white balance, so you compensate for off color in your environment.
Personally, I use an EyeFi card that transfers images to the computer as they are taken (and automatically imports to Lightroom and runs an import preset). So when I'm done shooting, I walk over to the computer and the files are ready to go. A little adjustment, export and upload, and done.
You do need to pay attention to lighting and background. Those cheap constant light setups will work just fine, if you upgrade the bulbs with brighter bulbs (and get good daylight balanced bulbs for better color, preferably 90CRI or so).
You can step up to a P&S camera which allows you to zoom; get one with wifi so you can easily transfer images to your computer. The main advantage to a real camera is the ability to set custom white balance, so you compensate for off color in your environment.
Personally, I use an EyeFi card that transfers images to the computer as they are taken (and automatically imports to Lightroom and runs an import preset). So when I'm done shooting, I walk over to the computer and the files are ready to go. A little adjustment, export and upload, and done.
Aug 31, 2017 10:58:15 #
Ditto on cell phone. Put money into a few cheap movable lights and a coupe pieces of fabric for backdrops. Maybe a reflector.
Aug 31, 2017 11:09:20 #
JerryJDavis wrote:
The simple yet powerful user interface, mainly. The seamlessness between it and other devices. And while my D7500 shutter will do 7 FPS, my iPhone will do at least twice that ... endlessly. It seems most camera companies are lagging far behind the smartphone in UI and device integration.
Maybe so, but iPhones cannot take 600 mm photos or greater! As good as my phone is for photos, I will always have my camera to do the "heavy" work!
Aug 31, 2017 12:08:08 #
Tet68survivor wrote:
Maybe so, but iPhones cannot take 600 mm photos or greater! As good as my phone is for photos, I will always have my camera to do the "heavy" work!
Sure, but for web work it won't make a difference. The OP has better things to spend money on.
Aug 31, 2017 12:14:39 #
Peterff wrote:
Sure, but for web work it won't make a difference. The OP has better things to spend money on.
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