V730 wrote:
I'm a real newbie looking for a camera to photograph my items for Etsy and various other selling platforms. I feel really over my head looking at the discussions... eeks! I want a camera that's easy to use and something I can grow with
If all you need are pix for selling platforms, a low-end point & shoot will do fine. Even a used one from a thrift store.
As for a "growing with" camera, please don't fall into the "more expensive is "better"" trap. An "entry-level" camera will keep you busy learning about what a modern camera can do. There are different "classes" of camera....more advanced point & shoots, "bridge" cameras, DSLRs going from $500.00 to thousands, mirrorless cameras that cover a wide range of types, etc. Go to a recommended camera store and just EXPLORE different camera types. Talk to people who are knowledgeable.
Good luck!
I am 22 years on eBay, and almost as much on Etsy and others. It's damn easy to buy a digital camera that is going to simply confuse and create issues with product photography.
Lighting and setup is your real issue. Both eBay and Etsy provide, along with other sites, excellent pages of advice about camera choices, but more importantly, lighting. No camera by itself is good for product photograpy. over those years, I have mostly used point/shoot cameras with about 4/5 x zoom. Right now, I use an older Pentax DSLR I bought for $70. Shoots 6 Mp on SD memory card. In fact it's old enough it only takes 2 GB SD cards.
So I say this, unless you have other photographic interests, the camera choice for you is very limited by demand. Product photography is mostly ALL about lighting, and no camera has the right lighting, again by itself for Product photography.
Spend your money where it counts.... tripods, stands, various light system. reflectors and umbrellas. Jewelry and other shiny thing, or nooks and crevices have special lighting needs..
Please, if your need is really mostly lighting, and not other types of photography, Don't let advice from here or a camera store turn you into a "Camera Gearhead". Most of it is high priced overkill.
Now if you're really fantasizing a move from making your auction and sales items more attractive, to becoming a Pulitzer prize winning photographer.... then pay attention, and spend the big bucks.
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