David Beumee on fri 16 jun 06
Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable digital camera for photographing pots?
I'm new to taking shots of my own work. I've relied on pros for decades, but can't afford them any more. I also really like the feature on some digital cameras of shooting short films. I need to be able to set up the camera on a tripod, and I need something that isn't overly complicated to use.
Thanks everyone
David Beumee
Lafayette, CO
pdp1@EARTHLINK.NET on fri 16 jun 06
Hi David,
I had a Sony 'Mavica' for four years or so, more
like five, and I
was very satisfied with it. It had been rained on,
dropped, loaned out, left in the Sunshine, pooped
on by Birds, used a
great deal the whole time, and
never was other than reliable and easy. Never let
me down once.
The
Battery lated a long time between charges...most
of the finish was worn off the Camera Body's high
spots and corners...
Always very easy and intuitive to use, and was
very much like useing a 35mm, but for having the
composition screen on it's back, where
what-you-see-is-what-you-get, which was one of the
features which sold me on it in the first place.
A few weeks ago, it disappeared somehow. I
t-h-i-n-k a street person may have wandered in the
shop for a moment and made off with it, but
otherwise I have no idea. all I know, was I had
taken some images, set it on a work bench by the
door, and later it was just
gone...'Poof!'...
I still needed one of course, so, I got
another 'Mavica', a model 'FD83' this time, and
this one does the MPGs as well as doing the JPGs
or other format still
images.
I got this one on the e-bay, for a fraction of
what
I had paid for the lesser model in 2000 at a
discount electronics
Store.
And this one is 'new', if obsolete now, appearing
to be NOS ( 'new
old stock', ) and
appearently was never used. Got the charger, a
carry case, all the factory literature, manual,
carry strap, printed info and so on with
it. Stuff I do not even remember ever getting with
the one I did buy 'new' in the Store!
These take the 3-1/2 inch Floppy Discs...
The exact details, specs and features and options
of this or
kindred 'Mavica' Models, could be read-about via
some easy
'google' searches...
"Smart Shoppers Compare", of course...
Good luck...
Phil
Loss Vague-us
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Beumee"
> Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable
digital camera for photographing pots?
> I'm new to taking shots of my own work. I've
relied on pros for decades, but can't afford them
any more. I also really like the feature on some
digital cameras of shooting short films. I need to
be able to set up the camera on a tripod, and I
need something that isn't overly complicated to
use.
>
> Thanks everyone
>
> David Beumee
> Lafayette, CO
Patrick Cross on fri 16 jun 06
I haven't tried taking pictures of pots with my *Sony DSC-F1* but so far
everything I've used it for I've been very pleased with...pictures look true
to life to me. This is a pretty old camera (but new to me)...I think they
came out about 10 years ago. I got mine a couple of months back on
eBay...total including the shipping was just $28.00. I do need to replace
the rechargeable battery ($15-20)..It works fine right now but just doesn't
hold a charge for long. One feature I really like about it is the ability
to take very close detail shots...the macro function...just flip a little
switch. The camera will pick up things in the subject that are pretty hard
to see in reality.
I don't do that well with complicated gadgets...'when all else fails read
the manual' sort of attitude...but I was able to figure out within 15
minutes or so how to do most of the stuff with the camera and then down load
the shots onto my computer...without reading a thing. This having never
used a digital camera before too. Another neat thing about this model is
that the lens will rotate 180 degrees...so if you're an egotist you can take
photos of yourself I guess. Really though it does make it easier to hold
the camera in a more comfortable position while looking back and forth at
the subject and the preview screen on the back of the camera...by rotating
the lens about 40 degrees.
I think these camera were fairly expensive when they first came out...like
in excess of $300...I'm not sure about that...but anyway it does a lot well
for under $30. I did get everything that came with the camera when new as
well...including the software. (It works with my computer running
WIN2000PRO.)
Let's see...oh it does have a threaded insert on the bottom for use with a
tripod, but I don't have the steadiest of hands and pictures still come out
sharp. I don't think it will record short clips...but maybe I haven't read
enough of the manual yet. Mine uses a serial cable to connect to the
computer but it does also have some sort of infrared(?) wire-less way of
connecting that I don't understand yet. I think Sony made later models of
the DSC-F1 with USB connections.
The only negative thing I have to say about it is the flash is not
automatic...you have to push a button and wait a few seconds before taking
the shot...and you have a limited amount of time to take the picture before
the flash option cancels out. That's a little annoying...But I rarely need
the flash...It takes good pictures in low light anyway.
I'm sure you can find reviews on it by Googling but here's some rough
dimensions...3"X4"X1 1/4" to 1 1/2"thick(depending on where it's measured.)
Out of curiousity I'll go and see if there are any on eBay curently...if so
I'll send a few auction numbers later.
Patrick Cross (cone10soda)
On 6/16/06, David Beumee wrote:
>
> Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable digital camera for
> photographing pots?
> I'm new to taking shots of my own work. I've relied on pros for decades,
> but can't afford them any more. I also really like the feature on some
> digital cameras of shooting short films. I need to be able to set up the
> camera on a tripod, and I need something that isn't overly complicated to
> use.
>
> Thanks everyone
>
> David Beumee
> Lafayette, CO
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
Patrick Cross on fri 16 jun 06
OK. A quick search on eBay yielded Item # 7 6 2 9 8 9 5 5 4 6...But it's a
Buy-It-Now for $69.95 plus $8.something shipping...I'd wait for another one
to come up. There may be others I think I used "Sony DSC-F1" for the
search...maybe leave the "-" out and see if others come up.
Patrick Cross (cone10soda)
On 6/16/06, Patrick Cross wrote:
>
> I haven't tried taking pictures of pots with my *Sony DSC-F1* but so far
> everything I've used it for I've been very pleased with...pictures look true
> to life to me. This is a pretty old camera (but new to me)...I think they
> came out about 10 years ago. I got mine a couple of months back on
> eBay...total including the shipping was just $28.00. I do need to replace
> the rechargeable battery ($15-20)..It works fine right now but just doesn't
> hold a charge for long. One feature I really like about it is the ability
> to take very close detail shots...the macro function...just flip a little
> switch. The camera will pick up things in the subject that are pretty hard
> to see in reality.
>
> I don't do that well with complicated gadgets...'when all else fails read
> the manual' sort of attitude...but I was able to figure out within 15
> minutes or so how to do most of the stuff with the camera and then down load
> the shots onto my computer...without reading a thing. This having never
> used a digital camera before too. Another neat thing about this model is
> that the lens will rotate 180 degrees...so if you're an egotist you can take
> photos of yourself I guess. Really though it does make it easier to hold
> the camera in a more comfortable position while looking back and forth at
> the subject and the preview screen on the back of the camera...by rotating
> the lens about 40 degrees.
>
> I think these camera were fairly expensive when they first came out...like
> in excess of $300...I'm not sure about that...but anyway it does a lot well
> for under $30. I did get everything that came with the camera when new as
> well...including the software. (It works with my computer running
> WIN2000PRO.)
>
> Let's see...oh it does have a threaded insert on the bottom for use with a
> tripod, but I don't have the steadiest of hands and pictures still come out
> sharp. I don't think it will record short clips...but maybe I haven't read
> enough of the manual yet. Mine uses a serial cable to connect to the
> computer but it does also have some sort of infrared(?) wire-less way of
> connecting that I don't understand yet. I think Sony made later models of
> the DSC-F1 with USB connections.
>
> The only negative thing I have to say about it is the flash is not
> automatic...you have to push a button and wait a few seconds before taking
> the shot...and you have a limited amount of time to take the picture before
> the flash option cancels out. That's a little annoying...But I rarely need
> the flash...It takes good pictures in low light anyway.
>
> I'm sure you can find reviews on it by Googling but here's some rough
> dimensions...3"X4"X1 1/4" to 1 1/2"thick(depending on where it's measured.)
>
> Out of curiousity I'll go and see if there are any on eBay curently...if
> so I'll send a few auction numbers later.
>
> Patrick Cross (cone10soda)
>
>
> On 6/16/06, David Beumee wrote:
> >
> > Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable digital camera for
> > photographing pots?
> > I'm new to taking shots of my own work. I've relied on pros for decades,
> > but can't afford them any more. I also really like the feature on some
> > digital cameras of shooting short films. I need to be able to set up the
> > camera on a tripod, and I need something that isn't overly complicated to
> > use.
> >
> > Thanks everyone
> >
> > David Beumee
> > Lafayette, CO
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________________________
> > Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
> >
> > You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> > settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
> >
> > Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> > melpots@pclink.com.
> >
>
>
Tony Ferguson on fri 16 jun 06
David,
I give a workshop that addresses these and other concerns centered around this subject. You want to purchase the canon digital rebel or something comparable. I use that camera in my workshop and nearly everyone who decided to make the jump to take their own pictures like yourself who didn't have one bought this camera and have been very very pleased. Recent cover artist the XMAN --Xavier Gonzalez on the cover of Clay Times took my workshop and bought that camera along with the lighting setup I sell specifically pieced together for artists to take pictures of their work. If you are interested, email me off list. If you have enough folks interested in your area, consider a workshop too. There is tremendous satisfaction in taking your own work because you know exactly how you want it to look and feel.
Tony Ferguson
David Beumee wrote:
Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable digital camera for photographing pots?
I'm new to taking shots of my own work. I've relied on pros for decades, but can't afford them any more. I also really like the feature on some digital cameras of shooting short films. I need to be able to set up the camera on a tripod, and I need something that isn't overly complicated to use.
Thanks everyone
David Beumee
Lafayette, CO
______________________________________________________________________________
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Tony Ferguson
...where the sky meets the lake...
Duluth, Minnesota
Artist, Educator, Web Meister
fergyart@yahoo.com
fergy@cpinternet.com
(218) 727-6339
http://www.aquariusartgallery.com
http://www.tonyferguson.net
---------------------------------
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Arnold Howard on fri 16 jun 06
From: "David Beumee"
> Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable digital
> camera for photographing pots?
The 8 megapixel Canon Rebel is easy to use.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
John and Judy Hesselberth on fri 16 jun 06
On Jun 16, 2006, at 2:13 PM, David Beumee wrote:
> Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable digital camera for
> photographing pots?
Hi David,
A complex question and you will get lots of opinions. Here are some
thoughts I would offer.
First, almost any digital camera has the technical capability to
shoot decent pot pictures. The difference from my perspective is how
flexible you want the camera to be to adapt to your specific needs.
For example, in my case, I wanted aperature control so I could set
the f/stop for good depth of field. I needed to be able to adjust the
exposure a bit to minimize having to put every photo in photoshop
when the automatic exposure control and I don't agree on what the
exposure level should be. I wanted moderate and easily controllable
zoom capability to minimize having to always move the tripod
forwards or backwards or, alternatively, to have to continually mess
with one of those zoom levers that are very difficult to finely
adjust. I was more interested in lens quality than in megapixels. 6
is more than enough and 3-5 are OK for most needs also.
Again, in my case, I elected to go with a single lens reflex digital
and, specifically, a Nikon D70. I suspect the Canon Digital Rebel or
the Nikon D50 would do just as well. I am very happy with my D70--it
has all the features I need and more. And therein lies the problem.
It takes quite a while to learn to use just the features you need and
ignore the others. And if you only use it once every several weeks--
well, I have to relearn some of the controls each time--now how do I
keep that flash from automatically popping up?--where is the control
knob to boost exposure just a tad?--how do I activate the remote
control (the modern day cable release) for long exposures?--stuff
like that.
It is kind of like using a complex software package only once every
couple months--you never get it really hard wired into your brain
pathways. The camera is complex and has lots of capability I will
probably never use. But now that I have figured out exactly what I
need, I am getting better and better at using it. And it is one sweet
camera. I am also making crib cards--my own 3 x 5 card instruction
manual that focuses on the features I need--or need to override. I
think that will help quite a bit.
One of the primary reasons I chose a single lens reflex was the ease
of using the zoom lens. I find the powered zooms on all of the point
and shoot cameras I have tried just too difficult to control
carefully when I want to tightly frame a pot. Another reason was the
complete exposure control you have and I wasn't really sure at the
time I bought how much I would want. And lastly was the lens quality.
If you can possibly borrow an SLR of the class I mention above and a
recommended point and shoot for a few days, do so. Give them a good
thorough test drive and see which you like better. Good luck.
Regards.
John
Karin Hurt on sat 17 jun 06
Someone recommended the Canon 620 to me, and I thought it would be good enough, to don't make high end art or have stuff in museums etc.
John and Judy Hesselberth wrote:
On Jun 16, 2006, at 2:13 PM, David Beumee wrote:
> Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable digital camera for
> photographing pots?
Hi David,
A complex question and you will get lots of opinions. Here are some
thoughts I would offer.
First, almost any digital camera has the technical capability to
shoot decent pot pictures. The difference from my perspective is how
flexible you want the camera to be to adapt to your specific needs.
For example, in my case, I wanted aperature control so I could set
the f/stop for good depth of field. I needed to be able to adjust the
exposure a bit to minimize having to put every photo in photoshop
when the automatic exposure control and I don't agree on what the
exposure level should be. I wanted moderate and easily controllable
zoom capability to minimize having to always move the tripod
forwards or backwards or, alternatively, to have to continually mess
with one of those zoom levers that are very difficult to finely
adjust. I was more interested in lens quality than in megapixels. 6
is more than enough and 3-5 are OK for most needs also.
Again, in my case, I elected to go with a single lens reflex digital
and, specifically, a Nikon D70. I suspect the Canon Digital Rebel or
the Nikon D50 would do just as well. I am very happy with my D70--it
has all the features I need and more. And therein lies the problem.
It takes quite a while to learn to use just the features you need and
ignore the others. And if you only use it once every several weeks--
well, I have to relearn some of the controls each time--now how do I
keep that flash from automatically popping up?--where is the control
knob to boost exposure just a tad?--how do I activate the remote
control (the modern day cable release) for long exposures?--stuff
like that.
It is kind of like using a complex software package only once every
couple months--you never get it really hard wired into your brain
pathways. The camera is complex and has lots of capability I will
probably never use. But now that I have figured out exactly what I
need, I am getting better and better at using it. And it is one sweet
camera. I am also making crib cards--my own 3 x 5 card instruction
manual that focuses on the features I need--or need to override. I
think that will help quite a bit.
One of the primary reasons I chose a single lens reflex was the ease
of using the zoom lens. I find the powered zooms on all of the point
and shoot cameras I have tried just too difficult to control
carefully when I want to tightly frame a pot. Another reason was the
complete exposure control you have and I wasn't really sure at the
time I bought how much I would want. And lastly was the lens quality.
If you can possibly borrow an SLR of the class I mention above and a
recommended point and shoot for a few days, do so. Give them a good
thorough test drive and see which you like better. Good luck.
Regards.
John
______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
Thank You,
Karin Hurt
www.laughingbearpottery.com
Arizona
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Carole Fox on sat 17 jun 06
Here is a link to a site that compares the Nikon D70 to the Cannon Rebel.
http://www.digitalreview.ca/cams/NikonD70versusRebelXT.shtml
Good luck!
Carole Fox
Silver Fox Pottery
Elkton, MD
silverfoxpottery@comcast.net
herodelizabeth on sat 17 jun 06
David--
I agree with everything that Tony said about the cameras. The Canon is gre=
at. I also use
an old Olympus, C2040 zoom Camedia. I had the opportunity to use my father=
's Nikon
D50, and I loved that camera. It had a really nice feel to it. I have use=
d all three for a
variety of pictures, insides of raku kilns, wood firings, etc. I've been h=
appy with all three.
The difference comes in printing. The Canon and the Nikon have a 2x3 aspec=
t ratio, and
the Olympus, a 3x4. This makes a difference when matting and framing photo=
graphs.
Ready made 11x14 mats with an opening to fit the 3x4 with ends up being a b=
it too big
for the photograph.
If you're not going to be matting and framing photographs, then it is not a=
n issue.
One of the members of our studio hired a photographer to take photographs o=
f her show.
It turned out that two of us who had photographed the show with digital cam=
eras had
more suitable photographs than the photographer.
In the early days we used a Sony Mavica and loved the camera. If you ever =
want to print
8x10's, though, you need a different camera.
My 2 cents
Beth
--- In clayart@yahoogroups.com, David Beumee wrote:
>
> Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable digital camera for photo=
graphing
pots?
> I'm new to taking shots of my own work. I've relied on pros for decades, =
but can't afford
them any more. I also really like the feature on some digital cameras of sh=
ooting short
films. I need to be able to set up the camera on a tripod, and I need somet=
hing that isn't
overly complicated to use.
>
> Thanks everyone
>
> David Beumee
> Lafayette, CO
>
> _________________________________________________________________________=
_____
> Send postings to clayart@...
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@...
>
Lee Love on sun 18 jun 06
On 6/17/06, David Beumee wrote:
> Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable digital camera for photographing pots?
> I'm new to taking shots of my own work. I've relied on pros for decades, but can't afford
> them any more. I also really like the feature on some digital cameras of shooting short
>films. I need to be able to set up the camera on a tripod, and I need
something that
> isn't overly complicated to use.
David, what will you do with the images? Just for the web
page? Snap shots? Or as a replacement for slides? Something
that is good for slides probably isn't going to be a good motion
picture camera.
You can find the Nikon D50 on the internet for under $500.00 It
has some enhancements not found on the D70.
--
Lee in Mashiko, Japan
http://mashiko.org
My google Notebooks:
http://tinyurl.com/e5p3n
"The accessibility of the handmade object in today's world seems vital
and radical, and hopefully tempers our hunger for 'progress' and
rationality" - , Michael Kline
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