Photo n00b needs help plz

reflux

reflux

reflux

Soldato
Joined
15 Nov 2007
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13,186
Location
Hertfordshire
Hi chaps,

I've recently got a new job as a graphic designer for a manufacturing company. They have a ton of stock that needs photographing and have asked me to take care of it. My boss has said he's happy to get me a camera and a few necessary bits but I have literally no idea what to get. I don't think he wants to spend much either, but what would you kind gents recommend?

I'll be shooting everything from fireplaces to hospitality products so I'm going to need a pretty versatile camera. Was thinking a tripod would be a good idea too.

Could I get anything good for under £300? And do I need a DSLR?

Any help appreciated! :)
 
You don't need a DSLR, but it will allow you to get the best quality, but then you will also have to learn how to use it properly. You'll have to go second hand for £300.

The main thing you need to worry about is lighting. You'll need to get around 2-5 matching lights, depending on the size of the objects. You can get away with using standard matching bulbs in a few cheap bedside lamps.

The other main thing is where you're going to put the items. If they're small items you need a light box, large things you'll need a large white backdrop
 
You don't need a lightbox either, lots of DIY jobs can do the same thing :)

There are loads of ways to save money with photography, the issue here is going to be experience and knowledge. If they want professional looking shots you will probably struggle achieving them.

lots of videos on Youtube that will help give an understanding:
 
Unfortunately a DSLR would be feasible for that budget... or if so, you may get stock standard lenses which aren't that great to begin with. With that budget in mind, the only thing I can suggest is getting a high-end compact or a micro-four thirds. I very pleased with my Lumix LX3, and it produces great photos for online purposes... As the guys mentioned above, lighting and techniques is next most important things to consider.
I wrote a blog about "what camera should I buy" recently that you might find useful.
 
y.pango said:
Unfortunately a DSLR would be feasible for that budget... or if so, you may get stock standard lenses which aren't that great to begin with.
Click to expand...

There is nothing wrong with standard kit lenses for most cameras, yes they aren't as good as things like the f/1.2 up to the f/2.8's but that doesn't make them bad lenses.

They would be more than adequate for what the op wants :)
 
Yeah I wouldn't worry about lenses too much; a kit lens stopped down to f/8 will be just fine for whatever needs you have, and a tripod can take care of holding it steady so that you can keep the ISO down and the noise low.
 
OK so I clarified budget with my boss and he doesn't want to spend more than £300. Is it possible to pick up a decent sub-DSLR camera, tripod and lighting for that amount?
 
Is it a one off thing?

If yes, just pay a pro-tog do photograph the things for you. If no, then there is some good info in this thread already. You might not need a DSLR and could possibly get away with a camera that can shoot RAW (loved my Canon Powershot G9 and it produced some stunning photos).

As you'll be photographing still subjects in a "studio" you won't need expensive fast glass if you go down the route of DSLR.
 
£300 budget? Lighting is more important than a top notch camera.

The wife has a Fuji F600, it shoots in RAW and has manual settings and can produce very nice photos in good lighting conditions, retail at around £170. Then spend the rest on lighting and light adapters and you'll be sorted :)
 
K, thanks. Was looking at some micro-four thirds cameras like the Panasonic Lumix GF2 but I think you might be right about the lighting. Low light and poor focus seem to be the enemies of decent photography from what I'm learning.
 
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