glenn Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 After a lengthy break I'm back into building models again and hope to actualy complete one,question is...I'm in the market for a camera to take pics of completed models,would something like this take half decent photo's? http://www.joycemayne.com.au/fujifilm-finepix-jx550-16mp-digital-camera-black.html Can't afford a flash expensive one just yet but don't want to end up buying something that you can't see any detail in either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinfan5 Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 That is a decent point and shoot camera, it should do just fine for taking pis of models, but getting good quality photos isnt just about the camera, its more about good lighting, a crappy camera can shoot good pictures with the right lighting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete J. Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 Without being facetious, cameras don't take crappy photos, photographers do. You can get a decent photo with the most basic of cameras if you take the time to understand the limits of it's focus and how it handles different light. With those two thoughts you need a camera that has a good macro(close up) focus function and it capable of taking a photo in ambient light. Macro focus and internal flashes tend to wash out the subject so if possible, you need to go to the store and test the cameras with the flash off. The best thing to test them on in a store in another camera. Get as close as you can and see how close it will focus. If you can get a decent photo in the store, it should work ok on the workbench. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScaleDale Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 The two biggest enemies of model photographs are soft focus and camera shake. Take a model or something about the same size to the store and make sure the camera will focus on it fairly close. Make sure it has a self timer and get a small tripod for it to keep it steady. I have a $20 one for my point and shoot and a $500 one for my digital SLR and wouldn't shoot without one. My other hobby is photography.Dale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmike Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 That camera will be fine for taking pictures of models. Just be sure it has a macro setting for taking closeup pictures. 16 Megapixels will capture a lot of closeup detail so be sure your work is nice and clean and well lit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Johnston Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 The key I find is if it has macro mode and digital zoom. I fins that my pics have a better depth of field if I take the picture from further away, and zoom it in. I bought a Fuji camera too for like 199. This is my photo set up and I get really good pics. Here is the thing....the last set of pictures I took and posted were from my Iphone, and they were as good as my camera ! So as Jonathan said above its more about the lighting and background than the camera. Here is my set up. PICS taken quite a while back. and I got this picture. This is just a inexpensive camera in macro mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScaleDale Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 Here is a good link regarding photographing scale models.http://ipmseaglesquadron.org/ES-forums/index.php?PHPSESSID=dvgp1niaoj63ilv5cp6e6o2ls7&topic=871.msg4216#msg4216Ian over at Scale Model Addict.com has a very good primer on the topic. You need to be a member to get to the forums, and since I am, I don't know if it is accessible from the front page. That link would be:http://www.scalemodeladdict.comDale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eshaver Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 That is a decent point and shoot camera, it should do just fine for taking pis of models, but getting good quality photos isnt just about the camera, its more about good lighting, a crappy camera can shoot good pictures with the right lighting. Please make a note of what Martin fan said !!!!!!!!!! As for that camera, yes, probably it will do a nice job. The more pixels you have, usually a person can expect a camera to do decent close up work. Just remember , you will need a DECENT sized S. D. Card as these cameras do require a lot of memory ! For general hit the show work, I've been using an older Cannon point and shoot camera . it only has 14 pixels and a 4X lens . I use a Kodak C-195 to do still work of finished models . It has 14 pixels , does about 6-8 pictures to a FULL S. D. card and is easy to use here at the office . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjordan2 Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 (edited) Jeff's motorcycle image above is one of the best I've seen in macro mode. But most macro shots I see here tend to lose focus toward the background, because you need a lot of light on the subject for a good depth of field. It's good for very small parts, however. I just use a regular photo setting and shoot it from a bit back and wide, keeping everything in focus. Then, I crop into the picture for the framing I want before posting. Edited June 9, 2013 by sjordan2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete J. Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 Jeff's motorcycle image above is one of the best I've seen in macro mode. But most macro shots I see here tend to lose focus toward the background, because you need a lot of light on the subject for a good depth of field. It's good for very small parts, however. I just use a regular photo setting and shoot it from a bit back and wide, keeping everything in focus. Then, I crop into the picture for the framing I want before posting. If you have a non-digital zoom(actual lens not computer cropping) I prefer be back and zoom in. It reduces distortion and gives you a better depth of field. More light with a smaller lens opening and slower shutter speed also improves focus an depth of field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sportandmiah Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 One doesn't need to spend a lot on a camera if you have a modern day cell phone. Here's pics I've taken with my cell. Proper lighting in key. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzTom Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 What they said. That camera should be fine. You will also find it is a great tool for getting that perfect finish when sanding or puttying. Those large photos will show imperfections you can't see with the naked eye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenn Posted June 10, 2013 Author Share Posted June 10, 2013 Thanks for the advice guys,don't have a cell phone worthy of taking pics so ill stick to getting that camera or similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjordan2 Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 You might be able to save some money on eBay. Here's a new one for $70, and you might save even more if you find a remanufactured one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fujifilm-FinePix-JX580-JX550-16-0-MP-Digital-Camera-Black-/161030526645?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item257e2ad6b5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugatti Fan Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 I have been using a Panasonic Lumix LX3 for some time now. It is an excellent little camera, with a fast Leica Zoom lens. Great for taking pictures in low light without flash or a tripod, and I don't have to lug a bag full of gear around the shows any more. The zoom range is a bit limited but the optic is superb. Since the LX3 was released, the LX5 and LX7 have become available. The LX3 can be picked up second hand for a reasonable price these days. About £150.00 in the UK ($200.00? or maybe less). There are a number of other slightly older generation Pro Sumer Compacts worth looking at such as the Nikon and Canon top end compacts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenn Posted June 11, 2013 Author Share Posted June 11, 2013 You might be able to save some money on eBay. Here's a new one for $70, and you might save even more if you find a remanufactured one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fujifilm-FinePix-JX580-JX550-16-0-MP-Digital-Camera-Black-/161030526645?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item257e2ad6b5 Thanks,have found the same camera brand new in another local shop for $70 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VW Dave Posted June 11, 2013 Share Posted June 11, 2013 That camera will be fine for taking pictures of models. Just be sure it has a macro setting for taking closeup pictures. 16 Megapixels will capture a lot of closeup detail so be sure your work is nice and clean and well lit. A tripod will also help the quality of your photos, in conjunction with the macro setting; I have a full-size tripod(40+" fully extended) and a mini tabletop one. My total investment in both tripods was about $25. The secret to good closeups, as I was told, is to let your zoom get as close as possible; I don't get my camera any closer than about 8-12" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quick GMC Posted June 11, 2013 Share Posted June 11, 2013 Let me say this; I paid about $900 for my DSLR a few years ago. I still have issues. With the right lighting, my cell phone takes just as good pictures. Listen to these guys, it's all about the lighting. I went on Amazon and bought a few things. A Photo light tent and a two-lamp setup from Cowboy Studio. They aren't the best quality, but they'll work. I replaced the bulbs with these 55 watt carbon flourescent bulbs. they are BRIGHT, one in my garage makes it like day time at night. http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Fluorescent-Daylight-Balanced-Bulb/dp/B001ML011Y/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1370981335&sr=8-10&keywords=55+watt+cfl+bulb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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