Close up pics of jewelry: Good morning, I am looking for some guidance regarding the selection of a camera for close up pics of jewelry to be posted on a web site. Thus the camera must...

jeronay Loc: Rockport, TX

Good morning,

I am looking for some guidance regarding the selection of a camera for close up pics of jewelry to be posted on a web site. Thus the camera must have download capability. Under $300 seems appropriate if possible since the camera will be used mostly for that task. Any input will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Almost any DSLR will do what you're looking to do. More importantly is lighting and lens. You'll want a macro lens and a lighting setup. On camera flash is not an option. If you do a search for jewelery, you should find some guidance.

jeronay Loc: Rockport, TX

Thanks Nick.

I will do a search and see what I can turn up. Navigation is challenging with so many choices of cameras, lenses, and features. If I need to exceed $300 I will but I just suspect equipment in that range may be available. Plus looking for a "tripod" that will hold the camera above the jewelry on a table.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Any good tripod should work as far as height. You can find good information about tripods by doing a search. There's been several threads lately. You can spend less than $300.00 for your gear but you may not be happy with the results. Close focus is 1 area that smaller cameras are not great at. I have a Sony Alpha 850 & Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 zoom that will focus down to 1'. I also have a Sony DSC-H400 bridge camera with a 4-277mm zoom (24-1550mm 35mm equivalent) that will only focus to about 3' at the closest. I would recommend checking out cameras at Best Buy, Sam's Club, Costco, and any local camera stores. See how they feel in your hands. Do the controls seem to be in a "natural" place. Then check prices for used gear at B&H Photo Video. Their website is http://www.bhphotovideo.com/. They have a great used department. Their customer service is 2nd to none and any purchase over $49.00 gets free expedited shipping. My deliveries are typically 2 business days here in Columbus.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

In terms of lighting, you'll probably want to build a light box. PVC pipe, white fabric, and a couple of lights will serve as a beginning setup. Again, use the search function and you'll probably find information on what you need.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

There's a very recent post from a member in the UK about a fluorescent light setup he's selling. I'm not advocating that you have it shipped from over there, but this is similar to what you might want to use. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-243471-1.html

jeronay Loc: Rockport, TX

Great input. Thanks for such quick responses. I will look at the suggested sites and products.

Is the Canon PowerShot SX20Is 12.1 mp a sufficient choice as well. Understand the low cost lighting suggestion however, I suspect moving into a PhotoBox Plus would be a reasonable step since we are moving toward transiting from three brick and mortar stores to all on line. With camera (of some type), light box and additional support items it appears the price of entry would be about $1800. Any thoughts about what I have mentioned?

jeronay Loc: Rockport, TX

Am I at great risk in buying a used camera?

Such as this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX20IS-Stabilized-Articulating/dp/B002LITT3I/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1410367168&sr=8-6&keywords=Canon+S5+IS

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

If the Powershot focuses close enough to get a good picture, try it. At 12.1mp it might not give you as good quality picture as you'll need. the Photobox Plus you mentioned should do quite nicely. I've seen several similar setups that are homemade for significantly less money even including lights. If I was going to recommend a camera setup, I'd go with a good full frame DSLR with at least a 20mp sensor and a good macro lens. Tamron & Sigma both make very good ones. My choice would be Tamron 180mm f/3.5 macro.

jeronay Loc: Rockport, TX

I did review BH as suggested and found, for example, these options:
Canon PowerShot SX400 IS Digital Camera (Red) (Black)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400 Digital Camera
Fujifilm FinePix S9200 Digital Camera
Fujifilm FinePix S9400W Digital Camera
Pentax Q7 Compact Mirrorless Camera with 5-15mm f/2.8-4.5 Zoom Lens (Black)
Sony Alpha a3000 Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens
Nikon COOLPIX P530 Digital Camera (Black)

Which brand may be the better choice for lenses (quality), dependability, and durability? Which of these examples might be a better choice for the jewelry work?

jeronay Loc: Rockport, TX

I appreciate your comment about mp.. These have 20mp:
Sony Alpha a3000 Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 Digital Camera (Black)

Is there a big difference between 20mp and 16mp?

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

jeronay wrote:

I appreciate your comment about mp.. These have 20mp:
Sony Alpha a3000 Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 Digital Camera (Black)

Is there a big difference between 20mp and 16mp?

There shouldn't be too much difference between 16 & 20mp. If your budget can stand it, go with the 20mp. I would stay away from bridge cameras. As a general rule, they don't focus close enough to do detail shots. My preference would be the Alpha3000 and start with the 18-55 kit lens. As soon as you can afford it, purchase a macro lens. I tend to like Tamron lenses but, Sigma also makes some very nice ones. They are designed for close work down to within inches. The longer the focal length, the further back from your piece you can be & still get a good image size.

EmilMiller Loc: Miramar, FL

jeronay wrote:

Good morning,

I am looking for some guidance regarding the selection of a camera for close up pics of jewelry to be posted on a web site. Thus the camera must have download capability. Under $300 seems appropriate if possible since the camera will be used mostly for that task. Any input will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

I would look for a light tent as well. Jewelry is tough to shot and a light tent or box would simplify it greatly.

Cibafan Loc: Virginia

Jim I agree you need a dslr and a macro with some sort of lighting setup and a tripod. I would suggest one of canon or nikon older cameras such as Nikon D70. I am not familar with canon numbers. With nikon you can save money with a manual focus lens such as a 55mm f3.5 micro. If you are not familar with this type of gear I would look at B&H, KEH, Adorama or National Camera Exchange in thier used departments. They won't sell something that will not work call and talk with them. You can take a translucent piece of plastic over a pvc or wood frame and put a couple of clamp on lights outside.

Dlevon Loc: New Jersey

jeronay wrote:

Good morning,

I am looking for some guidance regarding the selection of a camera for close up pics of jewelry to be posted on a web site. Thus the camera must have download capability. Under $300 seems appropriate if possible since the camera will be used mostly for that task. Any input will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

Try this .http://www.amazon.com/Adorama-De-Shadow-In-A-Bag-Halogen-Background/dp/B0029VCUG0