Camera for non-photographer
What should I get to take better pics of my amps for the website?
Currently using an old Olympus 5.1MP compact, woefully inadequate.
I have no interest in photography, beyond learning how to operate the camera sufficiently well, and would prefer as much point-and-shoot-ness as possible, but I do want good, clear pics and something that maybe doesn't need flash indoors? Also, don't want to spend more than necessary.
Do I just need a better compact? How much of a limiting factor is the lens? What are these 'bridge' cameras? Seem like a good deal in Argos starting at £120.
Thanks in advance, clueless of Derbyshire.
in itself, 5mp isnt woefully inadequate, unless you want to blow up an image for a billboard poster or take pics from 40 yards away - its all about lighting and framing and how much cropping is needed.
I have a 6mp sony and can get some wonderful pics with it, some equally as good as my "posh" Canon.
......"Bertie is pretty much a zen master..................."
I got a much greater improvement in the photos of my pedals from buying a photo tent and a pair of lights (not even expensive stuff) than I did from spending twice as much on a new camera. I suspect the same may be true for you - much better illumination and the camera could then focus much better.
Also a little tripod and using the timer mode really helped as my hands are a bit shaky.
You're with stupid. ▲
As Sporky says tripod and good lighting will make a huge difference.
5MP is fine (My DSLR is only 6 and that takes ace photos). If you do want a new camera Cannon and Nikkon are the companies to go for in my experience.
There is a saying in photography that gets trotted out every so often:
amateurs worry about equipment,
professionals worry about money,
masters worry about light,
It is trotted out so often because it is true. Lighting is the biggest thing in taking photos. Use better lighting, poss a tripod and timer (as sporky suggests) and you will see a marked difference. Also make sure that the white balance setting on your camera is set for the right type of lighting (ie fluorescent or incandescent) as this makes a big difference.
Unless the camera is damaged in some way it is unlikely that it is stopping you taking better photographs. Heck a smartphone will take good photos if you give it the right light.
I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!!!
sorry ignore everything I previously said, I missed the first line of your post..
non moving subject, tis all about the lighting, use your surroundings, window light when available onto a wooden floor/table..
get yourself some cheap continuous lights if you feel the need, shine one onto a white sheet/backdrop and one onto the subject if you want a studio look..
find some examples on what you want your product pics to look like and post them, then we can help you achieve the look..
Last edited by amberlamps; 1st February 2013 at 02:58 PM.
What sort of amps are they?
A vintage valve amp should only be photographed on 120 roll film, using one of these:
Tranny amps require 35mm roll film, while modelling amps can be taken with any digital camera.
hth.
No.Originally Posted by martinw
My dad has a 5MP Olympus compact, quite possibly the same model as yours, and a few years back he went on holiday to America and took about 5,000 (literally) high-quality photos with it, some of which I would consider print quality - certainly easily good enough to make beautiful computer monitor wallpaper, which by definition is good enough for a website.
I have a slightly newer 8MP Olympus which is very good too. I also use it for taking pics of amps and stuff - if anything, the problem is that the pics are far too large, and need scaling down - but that's very simple with software. In fact, the camera in my iPhone is easily good enough for web pics.
You will almost always need flash for indoors too, unless you have very big windows and it's bright outside - or you use powerful lighting.
Last edited by ICBM; 1st February 2013 at 05:34 PM.
"Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand" - Homer Simpson
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Hmmm.
Lots of food for thought there, many thanks.
I've already got a tripod, and have already noticed that the best pics I've taken were using that (and the timer function) in good daylight.
However, I haven't always got that luxury as I often only have an evening to take pics before the amp is packed and shipped, and the flash on my current camera washes colour out of things.
Would some lights help?
Yes lights will help. I find compact camera flashes are a disaster and make everything look horrible.
If you have a tripod and timer you can use a longer exposure time and work with less light. (May be listed as a low light mode in your camera)
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