jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I have a little folding "booth" like this, but mine is more basic - two colors and no accessories. This one includes some "extras." It's great for photographing small items. With a tripod and some external lights, almost any camera will take pictures that will be fine for posting online. You can find used and refurbished cameras that will work well and save you money.

https://smile.amazon.com/LimoStudio-Photography-Studio-Lighting-AGG349/dp/B005CX9S8A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549976623&sr=8-4&keywords=portable+photo+booth

Don't rush into this, and keep coming back with questions.

Below are links to camera comparisons.

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Funny - I linked the same item.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

The idea to go to a local camera store is a great one, even if it’s only a Best Buy. When there, check out the Olympus Tough TG5. It’s a point and shoot that has excellent macro settings. Most important, choose what feels best to you.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Use a refurbished Nikon D7200 with a Nikon 60mm D lens from ebay. I have used this for years to photograph my ebay stuff. I also use a white poster board bent to give me a seamless background to put my items on and light it with a fluorescent light source.
Just an example of a 60mm D off ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Nikkor-AF-60mm-f2-8-D-Micro-Lens-60-2-8-798/401697534486?epid=1909886801&hash=item5d8709f216:rk:4:pf:1&checksum=4016975344863a05265430214776b98c888b19af7025&enc=AQADAAAC4FjVrDbVsZ8oH%2F8PNHtt9VX4%2Fw7FZcmMuqsX8uaFEduVzTefyHoROPrijYzudB2Ssef3hRIvW%2F%2BHDfBrcagDFOQzIuPsweUQpbh9wmySUDV3Qt7YX4%2FzWuL9jOTGUJEWkSLDY1hspkTKCA3IJ6TScd%2Fzq7UO1ErznLBH5zJgYM0ZDqnwwQFyiqn99EdvX7SwlrBZZQ%2BA86z5hXft9I8NG7sN8DBn3e4ol1ToS%2B%2F09K1%2BKAv8XT0wgXOp0sXoUOOYsgHBhq4%2BzyP9rsZvNiuMORZxtZzfmoUAZFPNI922fDNqFZdr9Y0NLMDeWEJCADmJxvBFf2eLaZxfmTQAzpIpImGghoHBoBJpeXTLCZ9MaCyQXx0EZ%2FN8LiEcb1Px34wxsbk9uwffP1MBUgKBDr7z8cnIfwwbuqfSljfh5IvJZ%2BQ88KTA6SA31Bh8gAvO1PefPmSdU8El563RjczFGdsX%2FJZveohF6%2FIs%2BZWK7MGQbOT6Z504Bliev5F4GwWor52wl%2B98DMhy3G10NprXoDd4og%2FZc65W8B1oDMKa5%2BHxBnG7uabTJDJXBXh1saVwuHHmUHhGJj3aWzFnpJCzxJ4nq%2By6hAC7sMnWNxCKGM3%2BJmVINlIIQSH1cW8MSpTHAcEw3PXvK20TJG58d%2BbUD%2FEgC%2FgBqnakB4%2FoPlj2IFlTG6k%2BBQH45f3hhAeEB726C2ZtCoxvMXw2Le6CBDxEspamCyD7GD3g%2BUlRDe62UDLyhXMeVZsImDgU0HAQbnQ1PMj3PtZB%2B9n0yNPRvwEbX24GG0C2V3ukmi1S6oKMBK4Ls2x75%2FRHKgBla5w9kaJT5xV1QqJKSnwvqDinKictA3VN6qd3A6vlqkNfxtAY17AcwRurjd%2FbzdJE7%2FgnGTeV8Kb%2B0PYNsTY5CTYxmKJIVZxMGh9dD%2Fbf1d98VWOH1ZgBiE64sVMPoCaNq77dnQuHTu8bVb9nzqjNIthUf%2FrREs7ef6U%3D&frcectupt=true

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Go to a store and find one that if comfortable when you try to use it.

dbjazz Loc: Long Island, NY

Welcome. I would suggest finding a camera store near you and seeing what they offer. Hold the cameras, heft them, look through the viewfinders and at their screens, see how they will connect to your computer, ask what type of memory storage they use, and decide what is best for your needs now and possibly in the near future. Once you've chosen a camera, you might want to come back here and ask those of us who ACTUALLY OWN the camera what they think of it.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Well, you'll need to decide: point-n-shoot, DSLR or hire someone to shoot your stuff for you.

1. There are many easy to use "point n shoot" cameras with built-in zoom lens that will work fine for your purpose. You don't need an extreme zoom range, just reasonable quality and possibly close-up ability (how close and how high magnification depends upon the size of the products you'll be photographing). There's a huge range of these types of cameras, everything from extremely simple, highly automated (i.e., "easy to use") to relatively advanced "bridge cameras" that look a little like and have some of the same controls as DSLRs (more potential for "growth").

2. There are a number of interchangeable lens DSLRs that you might use, too. The more entry-level and affordable of those have much of the same automation as point-n-shoot cameras, so can be pretty easy to use. But there's more "room to grow" with a DSLR, because you can "customize" it for various purposes with different lenses. Generally speaking, DSLRs use a larger image sensor than most point-n-shoot cameras, which makes DSLRs capable of better image quality. However, images for use online will likely be fairly small and low resolution and may not require all the capabilities of a DSLR.

Both DSLRs and more advanced bridge cameras also have highly automated and "easy to use" settings. They are designed for people "moving up" from simpler cameras that only offered automation, but also have potential to be used in more advanced ways, i.e. to "grow" with them in the future.

Although they could work too, I'm not suggesting a "mirrorless" interchangeable lens camera (MILC) simply because they tend to be more expensive and there are less lenses and accessories for them. MILC are the "great new thing" and are "hot" right now... and often manufacturers are charging premium prices for them. DSLRs, the other type of interchangeable lens cameras (ILC), still make up about 2/3 of the sales, though they are not increasing in share. MILC have been increasing their share of market. But MILC are relatively new... have really only been around for 6 or 7 years. As a result the "system" of lenses and accessories for MILC have not been extensively developed as yet. In comparison, DSLRs have been around for 20 years and are based upon film SLRs that preceded them... so there have been around 60 years of development of lenses and accessories for them. In time MILC will probably be the dominant type of ILC, but they aren't now and, because native lenses for use on them require re-design and manufacture, it will be many years until they match the versatility of a DSLR from one of the major manufacturers.

And, again, MILC of similar capability will tend to cost more than a DSLR. For example, you can buy entry-level Nikon and Canon DSLR kits with two lenses (typically an 18-55 and a 70 or 75-300) for under $500. There are some entry-level MILC under $500, too... but those only come with one lens (typically a 15-45 or 16-50). Two-lens kits are available with MILC, too (with a 55-200, 55-210, 50-230 or similar is added), but the lowest price I could find was $670 and most two-lens kits were $850, $900 or more.

3. Your third option is to not buy anything, but instead hire someone to take the photos for you... someone more expert at the work and properly equipped will most likely produce better images that, in turn, should help with sales. I have a client who is a capable photographer in her own right, but pays me to photograph her products for her website rather than spend the time trying to shoot them herself. She feels her time is better spent producing more products and on her marketing efforts. She also doesn't want to invest in the lenses, lighting gear and other accessories that are needed for quality images of her products. (She also hires a website designer for similar reasons, though she probably could learn to do that herself, too.)

Besides a camera, to photograph products well you also need lighting gear. That can be relatively simple, thanks to digital. But it still involves some additional gear and skill using it. Exactly what's needed - both in terms of camera and lens, as well as lighting gear and other accessories - depends upon the products you'll be photographing and the facilities you have to shoot it. For example, highly reflective items and transparent items can be tricky to shoot and needs special care lighting them. Many of the products I was photographing for the client I mentioned above were wrapped in cellophane or similar, so had to be photographed through that... both showing the wrapping and also showing the product within it well. That client also wanted a plain background that required me to use a seamless "stage". And there were literally hundreds of items to photograph, so I had to set up sort of an assembly line. Other challenging items I've worked with in the past included ice cream products that had to be photographed quickly, before they melted. And to get the shot of those that was wanted, I actually had to photograph them from on top of a step ladder... with a 4x5" view camera!

I'm not saying you shouldn't go ahead and pick up a camera and take the shots yourself. That might work out fine. Just be aware of the different options and decide the best course for you.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

It depends on what you're selling - size, material, etc. You might try googling "photographing glass", for instance. There are specific free tutorials all over the internet written by experts who photograph specific items.

repleo Loc: Boston

Old Irish saying:
"Great minds think alike. Fools seldom differ !!! "

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Many good options.
Get a camera that is easy for you to use.
This requires visiting a competent store.
Too bad they are becoming rare.
I believe that this is part of the reason for the collapse in real camera sales. People used to wander into the place I worked at while in school with your questions. I showed them several products that met what they were expressing.
Then growth was discusses and other things until they were comfortable with their decision. I had many come back after a year or two to thank me for listening and not just selling somethings they didn't need or want.

mikee

95% of my ebay photos are taken with my phone.

Paradise Pirate Loc: Cape Coral, FL

Try your telephone's camera. I use it for ebay etc.

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

Getting off topic, I know, but:

Old Irish saying:
"Great minds think alike. Fools seldom differ !!! "

makes no sense whatsoever.

Now, back on topic, V730, if you're only doing photos for eBay Fuji makes a number of very fine bridge cameras. They can be had very inexpensively like this one;

https://smile.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-S4200-Digital-Camera/dp/B006T7QWGO/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1549993771&sr=8-6&keywords=Fuji+Finepix

Used $98.

Or;

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001QENO7A/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all&qid=1549994358&sr=8-54

I used an S1500 for years to take photos for my local EAA chapter's newsletter and for items I sold on eBay. I even shot videos from the cockpit of my airplane. Sometime later I found on Craigslist that was like new for $40 (with case and SD card!)

My point is; don't get (or let yourself be) talked into an expensive camera. I'm really partial because of my experience with the Fuji. There are lots of little bridge cameras out there that give a whole lot of bang for the buck.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

WELCOME TO UHH!

Not knowing your budget or whether or not you want it to be pocketable, it is hard to narrow it down.

I would suggest something that doesn't have interchangeable lenses but does have a zoom lens from <=28mm to >=200mm and a >= 18MP sensor. I love my Canon SX50HS, but the current model, SX60HS ($449 new) was just superceded by the SX70HS ($549), so is at a good price. For pocketable you might consider the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70 ($347.99 new). My DMC-ZS100 ($497.99 new) has a larger (1") sensor so I can get better resolution for large prints or so I can crop and still have good resolution.

I recommend you get a camera with a viewfinder. They are invaluable outside on a bright sunny day, screens can be hard to read.

You can grow with most any camera that has A (Auto), P (Program), Tv (Shutter Speed Preferred), Av (Aperture Preferred), and M (manual) modes.

repleo Loc: Boston

You don't get it? Think about it going to bed to tonight and it will eventually become clear to you.