bellflory wrote:
I hope the knowledge I need from you isn't offputting. I'm not actually interested in photography as a hobby. My love is making leather goods. I live and breathe patterns and combinations to make beautiful things from leather. What I hope you will help me with is determining what camera equipment to buy to photograph my leather goods. My budget is in the $400 to $500 range. I will be listing my creations for sale, so need an easily accessible way to move photos to the computer. Photos will be taken both outdoors in natural light and indoors with possibly added light. I don't want a plain white background, but realize what I'm marketing isn't the background, so composition suggestions would also be appreciated. I need to be able to photograph close-up shots showing a roughly 6x6 inch area, as well as pictures of a grouping of about 3x3 feet. The camera would also be used to take 'real life' pictures on vacations etc. I've looked at camera listings, but am hopelessly ignorant of what to buy. Thank you in advance for your help.
I hope the knowledge I need from you isn't offputt... (
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While you are getting some good advice on what camera to buy don't forget a lit set up in which to show off your goods at a reasonable price. You may need a different size, however this type of setup (all contained) works well.
Emart Photography 24 x 24 Inches Table Top Photo Studio Continous Lighting LED Light Shooting Tent Box Kit, Camera Tripod & Cell Phone Holder:
https://smile.amazon.com/Photography-Inches-Continous-Lighting-Shooting/dp/B01N5O9D0Z/ref=sr_1_15?crid=1S3EDSM32I3XN&keywords=camera+light+box+portable&qid=1552736861&s=gateway&sprefix=camera+light+box%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-15Sorry Jerry, I didn't mean to step on your reply. Looks like you were just a tad faster
Best wishes on your new photographic adventure.
JimmyT Sends
Silverman wrote:
Check out the "Panasonic Lumix" line of Point & Shoot Cameras, quality Lieca lens and a great variety of models and prices, these might suite your requirements.
Please proof read what you write.
There lots of YouTube and other resources on the web about food photography. I suspect much of that would apply to you as well, and might give you some (for leather products) distinctive perspectives.
I think your best choice for your work is your phone or a mini iPad. My wife stopped using my cameras and uses a iPad and has been doing it for over a year. She sells on eBay. I can also print her pictures ( I go up to 8.8 X 11. that is as big as she needs but could go larger.
This way you have a iPad that can be used to show your pictures and for other uses.
Not actually knowing what you are able to do technically , I would say that you should take a cel phone shot of the merchandise if you can and go to a local camera merchant and see what they recommend or even an Office Supply store that does copying and enlarging ....Walgreen's...Staples....Cosco....etc.
It shouldn't be that costly a task. Many Smart Phones are great little Cameras....and I NEVER SAID THAT !
Anonomous & In my Bunker Now
Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
bellflory wrote:
I hope the knowledge I need from you isn't offputting. I'm not actually interested in photography as a hobby. My love is making leather goods. I live and breathe patterns and combinations to make beautiful things from leather. What I hope you will help me with is determining what camera equipment to buy to photograph my leather goods. My budget is in the $400 to $500 range. I will be listing my creations for sale, so need an easily accessible way to move photos to the computer. Photos will be taken both outdoors in natural light and indoors with possibly added light. I don't want a plain white background, but realize what I'm marketing isn't the background, so composition suggestions would also be appreciated. I need to be able to photograph close-up shots showing a roughly 6x6 inch area, as well as pictures of a grouping of about 3x3 feet. The camera would also be used to take 'real life' pictures on vacations etc. I've looked at camera listings, but am hopelessly ignorant of what to buy. Thank you in advance for your help.
I hope the knowledge I need from you isn't offputt... (
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I am going to echo Kakima's suggestion. Your cellphone should easily provide the image quality you need for your product photography. The bigger challenge will be proper lighting, props, staging etc. a $6500 Nikon D5 with a $2200 Nikkor 105mm Macro - arguably one of the sharpest lenses made by Nikon, will not give you any real advantage.
For "real life pictures", if you want something pocketable - the Sony RX100M4, at $900 new or around $500-$600 used - would make a hard to beat all-purpose choice for your stated use.
bellflory wrote:
I hope the knowledge I need from you isn't offputting. I'm not actually interested in photography as a hobby. My love is making leather goods. I live and breathe patterns and combinations to make beautiful things from leather. What I hope you will help me with is determining what camera equipment to buy to photograph my leather goods. My budget is in the $400 to $500 range. I will be listing my creations for sale, so need an easily accessible way to move photos to the computer. Photos will be taken both outdoors in natural light and indoors with possibly added light. I don't want a plain white background, but realize what I'm marketing isn't the background, so composition suggestions would also be appreciated. I need to be able to photograph close-up shots showing a roughly 6x6 inch area, as well as pictures of a grouping of about 3x3 feet. The camera would also be used to take 'real life' pictures on vacations etc. I've looked at camera listings, but am hopelessly ignorant of what to buy. Thank you in advance for your help.
I hope the knowledge I need from you isn't offputt... (
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As "they say,been there, done that. You are talking about product photography not hobby photography and as such you want to show your products the best you can. If you want to sell your product, treat your photography as you would any other tool. Learn how to use it the best that you can.See if there are photography classes near by that you can take and don't rush the process.
As far as what camera, a decent bridge camera would be my recommendation. Almost all bridge cameras from recognized manufacturers will do what your looking for.
As I said, been there,done that. (click on download)
Silverman wrote:
Check out the "Panasonic Lumix" line of Point & Shoot Cameras, quality Lieca lens and a great variety of models and prices, these might suite your requirements.
Pocketable I suggest the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70 ($347.99). If pocketable is not important, the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80. ($297.99 new).
KISS. Keep it simple. All you need is a higher end cell phone. My iPhone X would be very adequate for those pictures. Or get the equivalent in another brand. Pictures are then very easy to work with. Basic editing is available on the phone. Why invest in a camera you have to carry around for something this simple? Cell phone cameras have their limitations but in your case they are suitable.
bellflory wrote:
I hope the knowledge I need from you isn't offputting. I'm not actually interested in photography as a hobby. My love is making leather goods. I live and breathe patterns and combinations to make beautiful things from leather. What I hope you will help me with is determining what camera equipment to buy to photograph my leather goods. My budget is in the $400 to $500 range. I will be listing my creations for sale, so need an easily accessible way to move photos to the computer. Photos will be taken both outdoors in natural light and indoors with possibly added light. I don't want a plain white background, but realize what I'm marketing isn't the background, so composition suggestions would also be appreciated. I need to be able to photograph close-up shots showing a roughly 6x6 inch area, as well as pictures of a grouping of about 3x3 feet. The camera would also be used to take 'real life' pictures on vacations etc. I've looked at camera listings, but am hopelessly ignorant of what to buy. Thank you in advance for your help.
I hope the knowledge I need from you isn't offputt... (
show quote)
After all of the replies about equipment I want to look at this from a different perspective. You aren't really interested in photography as an activity at this time. You just need good representative images of your work. Assuming I'm correct, why not approach a friend or a friend of a friend who is knowledgeable about taking the photos for you. Payment could be recognition in your advertising and dinner somewhere nice. Also check out local high school and college programs. Instructors can point you toward promising students. Payment can be as before and allow them to use the photos to build their portfolio. And don't forget local camera clubs.
Bill
Idaho wrote:
KISS. Keep it simple. All you need is a higher end cell phone. My iPhone X would be very adequate for those pictures. Or get the equivalent in another brand. Pictures are then very easy to work with. Basic editing is available on the phone. Why invest in a camera you have to carry around for something this simple? Cell phone cameras have their limitations but in your case they are suitable.
The cameras I suggested are much cheaper than an iPhone. They do combine many functions, however.
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