Camera Suggestions - 2020

weo

weo

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Hello all. I'd like to take one step up from using my phone for knife pics. I have no other plans for the camera, just want something to use with my tripod (I had an older what I'll call full-bodied camera) and light tent to take better knife pics. I suppose I could make a phone holder for the tri-pod, but would like a dedicated camera and keep my phone just a phone.

It seems as if there are a bunch of options in the $99-150 range, then the price jumps to $250-300. Like many, cheaper would be better for me, but only if I'm not throwing money away.
 
weo said:
Hello all. I'd like to take one step up from using my phone for knife pics. I have no other plans for the camera, just want something to use with my tripod (I had an older what I'll call full-bodied camera) and light tent to take better knife pics. I suppose I could make a phone holder for the tri-pod, but would like a dedicated camera and keep my phone just a phone.

It seems as if there are a bunch of options in the $99-150 range, then the price jumps to $250-300. Like many, cheaper would be better for me, but only if I'm not throwing money away.
Click to expand...

I'm not a picture taking pro ( Horsewright Horsewright is a master for sure), but I'll throw down some advice... When it comes to just taking pictures (not video) I think you could get on craig's list or facebook market place and pick up a good second hand DSLR (something like a Cannon Rebel). If you can find one in your price range, make sure to nab one with focus peaking so that you can use manual lenses.

Like you mentioned, lighting will be king. I'd say with good lighting, just about every DSLR for the last 8-10 years would be able to produce stunning photos.

Take your budget second hand DSLR and get a low F-stop lens (maybe around a 50mm). This doesn't have to be expensive. You can find a bunch of classic lenses for pretty darn good prices that can be adapted to your camera (you'll have to use manual focus here... this is where focus peaking will come in handy so that you can see what is in and out of focus).


For reference, this is my 1970's pantex lens mounted on my micro 4/3rds Panasonic G7... I really enjoy using this guy since it's beefy... metal focus ring and all. Smooth as butter.




Side note: the camera in the iphones now days is pretty gosh darn good.... you could get a lens upgrade for your iphone as well. And you can buy the "procam" app to give you the ability to basically put your iphone camera in "manual" mode.

Side note 2: search online for the "best lenses for product photography" and this should give you an idea of what to look for.
 
Curious what you learn. I’m thinking a light box is more “important”. Soft box constant light
 
+1 on used dslr’s. I found an almost nib canon rebel on eBay for $50 a year ago I use for AP. Had less than 500 shutter clicks on it.
My light box shows me no love at all, but that’s just me, I’m pretty much a pictard
 
For product photos being posted online, quite literally any decent camera from the last decade will be sufficient; the thing that will really make your photos stand out is good lighting.
 
Thanks for the shoutout J. Keeton J. Keeton I don't do anything really fancy. I have a Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera with a Canon EFS 18-135mm zoom with image stabilization. I shoot almost exclusively in auto focus with the image stabilization on. I shoot in AV mode not auto and have the iso pushed to 800. Generally the F stop is 8-12 depending on the light. I don't use a tripod or have a light box. I shoot in the shade in the morning or late afternoon. This zoom lens has proven very useful for us not only for shooting knives but other product items too where it is tricky to fit in the frame.
 
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