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Post by xsane on Mar 2, 2006 2:46:41 GMT -5
My old digi camera broke down and I'm searching for a new one. I have read reviews, tests and user comments, but one aspect is not yet covered - shooting LEGO models.
So, I ask you experts, do you have any hints, web links, ideas what is good (or bad) features when taking pictures of your MOCs?
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Steven329
The Almighty
reepblue[M:289]
Posts: 525
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Post by Steven329 on Mar 2, 2006 6:49:18 GMT -5
Well when I was a n00b, I used mr Webcam. They could not see my MOCs good like a real camrea could but atlest You can allmost see the whole MOC. Try it. It depends what Webcam type you are using.
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Post by TheQ on Mar 2, 2006 6:54:42 GMT -5
Some features that I think are important: (most of these I have said during our email convos) - Macro-mode. Important while taking photos from near.
- Adjustable flashlight. Since too much is too much and too little is too little, you will need to configure the light to suit your things.
- Good colorscape. I cannot really tell if this is really a camera feature but I would ask how the colors are kept from the shopkeeper.
Some short list. Macro-mode is really important.
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Post by J1A3L5 on Mar 2, 2006 17:59:05 GMT -5
It really differs between each model. The camera I own is a 5.1 megapixel Olympus C-5500 ZOOM. I used to use a 3 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 885.
So far, my Olympus is awesome. I find it can take pictures with less effort than the Nikon could. It is extremely fast, and turning on and off is almost instant.
For LEGO photographing, I noticed my new flash is an improvement. It is less direct, so I end up with fewer bright spots in the pictures. Macro mode is awesome if you're photographing something small or up-close. Another great hint is to use a self-timer mode. Most cameras can be set at a short interval (3s). This allows you to rest the camera on a stand of some sort, then have it absolutely still for when the photo is actually taken.
Natural light is what most people say to be the best, but it is weather-specific. Most photography I do is indoors, or with natural light through a window.
I'm not really sure if you're asking about camera choices, or the actual photography.
For plain camera features, I'd compare flash, macro mode, and light settings. Megapixels do help, but there is a point where the difference is negligible if you take the pictures right. Picture format and size is important, but most worthwhile cameras will take a reasonably sized jpg. Mine ranges from a massive 2592x1944 picture, down to a tiny 640x480. I'd avoid any cameras that force you to use their own software and file format. I've heard Kodak is bad about that...
Hope that helps, -Jail.
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Post by TheQ on Mar 3, 2006 3:15:06 GMT -5
Oh, and while you are at camera shop, Xsane, buy a tripod (those three legged things).
Very cheap but Very helpful.
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Post by xsane on Mar 3, 2006 6:46:14 GMT -5
Thanks. This is very valuable. If I'm summing up her, my ideal choice would have: - macro program
- (re)movable flash?
- flash adjusting (brightness?, time?)
- self-timer
Out of 'lego-scope' I value fastness. I have three kids and half of the time my old Canon (R.I.P.) was just too slow. I haven't yet searched the actual models. I have heard good things about Canon, Panasonic and now Olympus. Nearest camerashop had one interesting model: Canon PowerShot S2 IS. It can focus down to 0cm. Downside is the price in Finland is 520€ in Europe 450€ and in USA $383. I think the real price for the model is that in USA and I don't think I want to pay 70~140€ extra of that 0cm macro feature - yet. When I was buying video camera there were no price diffrence between Europe and USA?
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Post by xsane on Mar 9, 2006 6:25:52 GMT -5
I bought Panasonic DMC-FZ30. I got everything exept movable/removale flash (exeternal flash can be bouhgt later).
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Post by Paddy <3 Morphosis on Mar 20, 2006 5:37:15 GMT -5
I have a DSC P200 by Sony. 7 MP.
I have yet to build a MOC since I got it in January, though.
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Post by TheQ on Mar 20, 2006 8:41:31 GMT -5
I have trusty old Sony DSC-P72. '03 model if I remember right.
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Post by xsane on Mar 20, 2006 9:07:07 GMT -5
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