What Cameras are you using?

[ModernHermine]

I need a new camera I have a 7megapixel it's about 7 years old. It does ok but I see a lot of other stores that must have a higher res camera?

Any suggestions on an affordable camera and by affordable I mean under $300.00

Thanks!!

[InspiredJewelryShop]

Mine is a Sony CyberShot thats 14 mega pixles and takes awesome pictures and was only about $175-$200.

[ModernHermine]

yes that is in my price range that is twice the megapixel I have...Am I that much in the stone age?

Thank you I will look into that does it have a good close shot? or zoom

[CookOnStrike]

I'll always vote for Canon, something from their Powershot series with manual controls. Not sure what they now have to offer for under 300..

[Former_Member]

I have a Kodak EasyShare Z740. I had this camera for four years until I bought a Nikon Coolpix S4100 last year...and frankly that camera, although newer and more expensive, was awful in comparison to my Kodak for everything I needed (macro ability is pathetic.). So, I went on ebay and bought myself a Kodak EasyShare Z740 again (I gave the old one away.) and I could not be happier. It's an awesome camera.

[Former_Member]

OH heavens! I need to get my good camera back! I"m using an HTC Sensation 8 MP phone cam! LOL ;o)

[ModernHermine]

ahh I have the kodak easy share Z710 that must be the early model? I love this camera but it needs higher res some people do not notice how low resolution my photos are but I tried my friends camera with higher res and it looked good plus the camera had built in features and lens effects!!

I had a friend that said Canons were really good? I'm scared to buy a camera I don't know how to use.....

[ModernHermine]

ahaha the phones have higher resolution then mine

[Former_Member]

The images needed for Etsy don't really require that much size wise. So don;t go overspending money on a camera you don't need.
I looked at your shop and your images look fine! It;s a nice theme this pastel overall impression you have, quite complimentary to the nice things you sell.
The only thing i'd do is invest in a bit more work on the images with an editing program like hotshot. I would try to bring up the contrast a bit but not to much.
And if you are that set on buying a new camera then I would suggest you get a Nikon on the cheap range of SLRs with a small zoom lens. More thatn enough for ETSY. don't buy another compact it's not worth it.

[CookOnStrike]

Megapixels are not at all important today, the megapixel myth comes from the "stone age" of the digital cameras, when the most they had was 2-3. Actually, it's a very real situation, when the high megapixel camera takes worse pictures. What is far more important is the sensor size and the lenses, also the noise control, aberration control, etc. Finally - the ergonomics and the usability of the software. I'm surprised the megapixel number is still such a strong marketing point.. maybe because it's something that all people know by now, even those who never even owned a camera.

I suggest you study some camera reviews here http://www.dpreview.com/
to get an idea what's really important in a modern camera.

[Former_Member]

You'll get used to the new one in a short time like a new phone... don't worry! Cannons are great more professional oriented but nikons are as good and cheaper cause they have a good line for amateurs. go at a shop and look at them both the seem difficult but their built in programs are so easy to use and good you'll be fine.

[Former_Member]

Canon Powershot SX10 IS.

I like it!

[ModernHermine]

Thanks for the tips I use Adobe photoshop to edit. I turn my contrast down for soft airy effect ahahha.. If I turn it up to high it gets kinda loud.

I'm working on it. When I have perfect lighting coming in my house it works well dark days not so much. Thanks I will look into it and I didn't know pixel count didn't matter?

[ModernHermine]

Hmmmm maybe I will not get a new camera LOL.....I just wanted one need one probably not...

[ModernHermine]

Actually maybe I should invest in a standing light unit to put next to my items for a soft feeling?

[Former_Member]

You are managing to active exactly that effect and it is working!
I meant that your "negs" seem to be thin and since i didn't know how into photography you are I tried to make it simple. maybe you should buy that new camera and try to shoot for more detail on the original and then reduce the contrast.... As you can see I m so old I still speak of negatives ;-))))
good luck with whatever you decide to do and let us know.

[Former_Member]

Sara I think your pictures look great! I have an old camera as well. It is an Olympus 7 megapixels. Have had it for 6 or 7 years. I am still learning to take good pictures but I think they have gotten better. The learning curve for me has been the setup (lighting, etc.) not with my camera. I love the old thing!

[ModernHermine]

Finoa what are negs and you don't look old at all!! LOL!! yeah if the light is off the detail will get lost for sure!! I have to "fake" my effects ahahah

Janice I looked your picts look good too with an older camera I can't tell. Yes a lighting unit might help some sort of diffused light? is that real? anyway I have to figure it out soon cause I have a ton of stuff to list...blahhhh

[overthefenceart]

Nikon D7000 and Nikon D40

[CookOnStrike]

At work we say "the best Nikon is Canon" :D But it's a matter of religion, I guess.

Invest in a sturdy tripod with a good head if you don't have one already (check how and if your cam will mount on it before buying). Tripod is the best investment with any camera if you shoot products. It lets you take pictures using longer exposure, so you can work as long as there's at least some daylight (+use reflector to catch some more and light the shadows if you wish). And you have both hands free :)

There's plenty of free light, use it! :)

Anyway what matters most is the person behind the camera, good pics are not in tech specs of the camera :) And your pics are lovely ;)

[ModernHermine]

I had a tripod a nice one that my son fancied it so much he thought it was some sort of robot. While I was out grocery shopping my husband didn't realize he was playing with it....and by playing I mean smashing he's ruff with toys...yeah duh I should just get another one. I have been using an ironing board to steady it ...

The best nikon is a canon funny!!

I have a Kodak not sure where that leaves me

And thanks !

Laura I take it you work at a photography shop of some kind?

[CookOnStrike]

Advertising photography studio, but not a photographer :)

[ModernHermine]

ahah that's why!! I new it!!

[Former_Member]

I use a Panasonic Lumix and bought it at Costco for around $150. It has a great macro feature and you can easily adjust the white balance on it so that your pictures are brighter.

[Former_Member]

Mine is a 500 dollar camera. It's a Canon EOS Rebel. It's a very nice camera. Way to expensive though, I got this one from my father. :)