Need a recommendation for a camera for me to do good portrait photos of bonsai. Budget 5-600$. Need to start taking quality portrait and developmental photos of my bonsai and art projects. I am not a camera aficionado. Does not necessarily have to be complex. I do want them to be good enough for publication.
Need bonsai camera and accessory recommendation
- Thread starter crust
- Start date
barrosinc
Masterpiece
I would get a used canon t3i or t4i and a 60mm macro lens. And a hand held reflector.
Starfox
Masterpiece
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Canon-EO...w-18-55mm-Lens-8GB-Beginner-s-Bundle/41157646
This would be a good set up and at that price with all the accessories seems like a good deal to me.
I have recently got the same camera albeit you guys get them at far better prices than us but it is a great camera and will happily recommend it.
This would be a good set up and at that price with all the accessories seems like a good deal to me.
I have recently got the same camera albeit you guys get them at far better prices than us but it is a great camera and will happily recommend it.
DougB
Chumono
When you set up a budget there is more than just the camera and appropriate lenses. You will need a tripod, remote shutter, back drops, stand with a raised back, appropriate flood/spot lights and editing software. Many of these can be cloth remnants and pvc from you local wally world and big box store. A reputable place to purchase camera equipment is B&H. They have both new and used and in most every price range. Will respond to emails and are good knowledgeable folks.
fredtruck
Omono
I would get a used SONY RX100 iii. This camera is a point-and-shoot with an incredible lens. It is completely automated, with a resolution of 350 dpi. It is an excellent low light camera which eliminates the need for complex lighting systems. Hasselblad sells a version of this camera. The difference between it and the stock SONY camera is that Hasselblad has put a walnut grip on the camera body. The SONY is not good for long distance shots...depth of field issue. But for portraits of bonsai at high resolution and huge amounts of detail, this camera is excellent. Get it used, though.
Starfox
Masterpiece
I will also add that my opinion is if you are asking for the best bang for your buck and I think you are I would seriously go with the best you can afford and in cameras that has either been with a Canon or a Nikon traditionally.
Both are the best there is and both probably offer a few models in your price range accessories included and any model from either maker will be very good and you wont be disappointed. One caveat would be which ever maker you choose you are stuck with them as the lenses are not compatible but it wont be an issue.
This website is excellelent http://snapsort.com/compare you can compare different cameras and it lists their pros and cons and also links to cheapest prices available.
Pretty much all new cameras will come with a basic editing software and if you want to get more serious GIMP is a great photo editing software, it's almost a free version of Photoshop so good to start with before paying Photoshops fees.
It would also be wise to choose a camera that will take RAW formatted pictures as this is pure data and if you need to change the composition of the picture later in editing then RAWS wont give you the artifacts, noise and compression issues you may get otherwise. Most professionals and publications will want the RAW or TIFF image if it were to be reproduced.
Like I say I have the Canon 700D and love it but I know Canon has other similarly priced models and it is kind of a much of a muchness but they would all fit your needs, same with Nikons I'm lead to believe however I have never owned one.
Both are the best there is and both probably offer a few models in your price range accessories included and any model from either maker will be very good and you wont be disappointed. One caveat would be which ever maker you choose you are stuck with them as the lenses are not compatible but it wont be an issue.
This website is excellelent http://snapsort.com/compare you can compare different cameras and it lists their pros and cons and also links to cheapest prices available.
Pretty much all new cameras will come with a basic editing software and if you want to get more serious GIMP is a great photo editing software, it's almost a free version of Photoshop so good to start with before paying Photoshops fees.
It would also be wise to choose a camera that will take RAW formatted pictures as this is pure data and if you need to change the composition of the picture later in editing then RAWS wont give you the artifacts, noise and compression issues you may get otherwise. Most professionals and publications will want the RAW or TIFF image if it were to be reproduced.
Like I say I have the Canon 700D and love it but I know Canon has other similarly priced models and it is kind of a much of a muchness but they would all fit your needs, same with Nikons I'm lead to believe however I have never owned one.
barrosinc
Masterpiece
so camera: t4i canon used : 200-300 USD
lens: 60mm macro used canon http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EFS-6...312997?hash=item3f72398965:g:rGwAAOSwA3dYYdOU or Tamron http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-Tamro...209130?hash=item5b30a5ff6a:g:eZgAAOSwYIxYB5T3 250 USD
reflector: http://www.ebay.com/itm/110CM-43-5-...851241?hash=item465b1592e9:g:C~QAAOSwBnVW~OU~ <10 usd
backdrop: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ePhotoInc-5...857557?hash=item3f6f192155:g:5Y4AAOSwJ7RYX60n 50usd
tripod 30 USD
250
250
10
50
+ 30
590 USD
You just have to learn how to use the sun as the light source with the reflector. You can give me a call if you would like to talk about how to take the pictures.
If you want to go artificial light: the RX100 iii way (awesome point and shoot but sh) but lacks the hotshoe for flashes, so I would rule that out and look for a point and shoot (bridge I think they call them) with
3 flashes, you can buy cheap automatic flashes for like 40 USD (buy an extra one just in case).
3 stands, 20-80usd http://www.ebay.com/itm/Viltrox-VT-...881957?hash=item3d2839cde5:g:twcAAOSwB09YEGJD
3 flash stand 10USD swivels: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flash-Hot-S...699232?hash=item1a20846ce0:g:FAwAAOSw5cNYNWkA
3 softboxes 15 usd http://www.ebay.com/itm/60x90cm-24-...142210?hash=item3f69555f02:g:hw8AAOSwLVZV3rV7
triggers: 150USD http://www.ebay.com/itm/Godox-X1C-T...811717?hash=item4d478b94c5:g:0v4AAOSwayZXjfcj
rechargeable batteries 18usd a set (buy sanyo eneloop XX) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japan-Sanyo...532188?hash=item41a98e091c:g:fDYAAOSwRLZUGqn7
120
150
30
45
60 batteries
405
195 camera (gonna be tough)
600
barrosinc
Masterpiece
700d is the t5i, I bet you can do it with either one of the older cameras... t4i or t3i, after all you will be using low ISO and relatively closed aperture (f/8-f/11).
Starfox
Masterpiece
Of course, I was more looking at the budget and new cameras but definitely second hand cameras are an option to get maybe a higher spec model. I'd still use my 20D if I didn't scratch the sensor coating which I could of fixed.
There is no reason not to go second hand either I have twice before and both were Canons and I can't fault them but I would say choose one in the budget and with accessories and I think most people will be happy with one, no matter the model. But a DSLR camera would be the way to go imo.
Also I have been after a backdrop and your link helps a lot, I have walked past them in the past but may pick a couple up, one for the backdrop and one for the floor. Thanks.
barrosinc
Masterpiece
He mentioned version iii
fredtruck
Omono
Yes, I did mention mark III, but I have also had extensive experience with the DSC RX100, and it too is an excellent camera. It has a different lens, that gives more depth of field without sacrificing closeup work.
barrosinc
Masterpiece
Any thoughts, Crust?
Preferences of one sort of camera over another? Lighting, natural or flash?
Preferences of one sort of camera over another? Lighting, natural or flash?
bonsaidave
Shohin
Read up on some basics of photography if you are not familiar. Understanding Depth of Field is a big one with macro / close up shots.
Suggestions:
1.Check out the bulkier point and shoot cameras. Some of the are quite good now.
2. Product reviews are a must when looking at any camera. Once you narrow your choices hit those consumer and customer reviews.
3. More megapixels does not mean better quality.
4. When you are comfortable with taking pics dont rule out film. The cameras are super cheap. It is the film and development that slowly drives up the price. I have a $35 Canon AE-1 (not the AE-1Program version) I got on eBay that takes fantastic photos. Throw in some professional film and it is just as good as my D7000 SLR. It's all about the lense and the $12 roll of professonal film with film cameras.
For fun. If you want more film fun go buy a holga and get some blue painters tape for the light leaks. Holgas are good fun and only about $25 online. Again film and development slowly gets you.
Good luck!
Suggestions:
1.Check out the bulkier point and shoot cameras. Some of the are quite good now.
2. Product reviews are a must when looking at any camera. Once you narrow your choices hit those consumer and customer reviews.
3. More megapixels does not mean better quality.
4. When you are comfortable with taking pics dont rule out film. The cameras are super cheap. It is the film and development that slowly drives up the price. I have a $35 Canon AE-1 (not the AE-1Program version) I got on eBay that takes fantastic photos. Throw in some professional film and it is just as good as my D7000 SLR. It's all about the lense and the $12 roll of professonal film with film cameras.
For fun. If you want more film fun go buy a holga and get some blue painters tape for the light leaks. Holgas are good fun and only about $25 online. Again film and development slowly gets you.
Good luck!
fourteener
Omono
It can be as much about the set-up as the camera. For all the photos we just shot we used the east side of our garage. We did it all in the afternoon when the sun had passed. You get all the light of daytime, without any of the harsh effects of the bright light. my suggestion is that no direct sunlight should be anywhere near your trees or backdrop.
You also need to have your trees several feet away from backdrop. It helps make the backdrop a little blurry which adds to the depth and minimizes the backdrops visual interference with your picture. The downside to having distance is that you need more backdrop than you think. I had enough black felt to cover my one stall garage door. The felt was stapled to a 2X4X10.
All the black backdrop photos on my blog is my latest photo experiment. My daughter-in-law had a sweet lens, but lighting and backdrop are a big deal too.
You also need to have your trees several feet away from backdrop. It helps make the backdrop a little blurry which adds to the depth and minimizes the backdrops visual interference with your picture. The downside to having distance is that you need more backdrop than you think. I had enough black felt to cover my one stall garage door. The felt was stapled to a 2X4X10.
All the black backdrop photos on my blog is my latest photo experiment. My daughter-in-law had a sweet lens, but lighting and backdrop are a big deal too.
Andrew Robson
Shohin
I use a Pentax DSLR. It's okay, does the job. I'm sure a Nikon or a Cannon are better.
The essential accessory that you need for bonsai is a tripod. And, a clean wall to shoot against.
The essential accessory that you need for bonsai is a tripod. And, a clean wall to shoot against.
MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
I agree here. More than any specific equipment, I believe it is critical to use a tripod with the right exposure of course. And the right set up such as a clean background as mentioned. I use a Canon Rebel T4i, far from professional equipment but does the job.
BobbyLane
Imperial Masterpiece
I use a Canon 500D with a Canon 28-135mm macro lens IS. i have a tripod but rarely use it, i suppose my images would be much cleaner and sharper if i do.
barrosinc
Masterpiece
You should use it, lower ISO to 100, close aperture to f/8-11.
BobbyLane
Imperial Masterpiece
Yeh Barro i might just get it out the cupboard! yeh i like the iso on 100, although with darker days i usually raise to around 400...f/8-11 is good also, ive been using it in that range, usually on 9. took me a while to figure it all out, still learning, had the camera around 5 years now. very good piece of kit. it was a professional photographer who recommended this macro lens to me, bought it used on ebay.
