Here are some as I am just about done. Got a couple little things to touch up. Add white to the side posts, add silver and gloss to the mirror and then dull coat it all together.
I like the mud/dirt and detailing - I’m really impressed. BTW, RAW means the photo is just what the camera’s sensor records with no in camera processing. Has some advantages for post processing.
What a great thread. I’ve really enjoyed reading everyone’s posts here.
I run a Canon SX510HS with a 30X zoom and 12mp sensor. It does fairly well shooting models as well as scenery. I do agree with Don Stauffer about electronic viewfinders. There is no substitute for the human eye. I compromised when I bought this camera because I wanted the zoom capability for airshows, and I felt the EVF would be a minor annoyance. Amazing how minor can become major after so long.
Turns out, Canon now has a camera with a 60X zoom and 16mp sensor. If I remember correctly it had an optical viewfinder too. Maybe for Christmas!
We should make a sticky ‘Shutterbug’ subforum where we can post random pics and critique them for each other. I thought that’d be cool.
Chris
A suggestion for taking model photos where the light is not perfect. Try flash! I am amazed at how close one can get and still have automatic flash work. The bandwidth on the in-camera circuitry must be awesome- it must turn off the flash really fast. I cannot use it with my photo backdrop shots because the shadows are not consistant with the background, but for most shots, like my WIP shots, I now use flash!
Don’s right. I keep my little Nikon P-520 by my bench for in-progress shots too. I’ve discovered that in many cases that amazing built-in flash improves the pictures. On the other hand, the camera (with its auto-stabilizer and high available ISOs), also does remarkably well in surprisingly low light without the flash.
I see Canon now has a “superzoom” with a 65X lens! I’m beginning to wonder whether it’s worth having a DSLR any more.
Interesting discussion.
Ive been an amateur photographer for quite a few years now. Started with a Canon XS, moved to a Canon T2i, then a Canon 7D and now went full frame with a Canon 6D. To me a DSLR is more than enough for model photography, maybe a bit overkill but with it you can gain access to fully control every aspect to control and manipulate light which is what photography is all about.
The vast amount of lenses is another advantage of a DSLR. If you are thinking of exploring other areas in photography getting a DSLR will be the best choice. The depth of field is really important with macro shooting a model. If you can get a very high f/stop (20 or more) you can obtain a more realistic image where everything is in focus or, mostly in focus. You would need also a good tripod since at high f/stop less light is coming into the camera and a larger exposure time is needed. In this aspect the Canon 6D is great since it has a clear image with little noise at higher ISO’s.
Im thinking of getting a new Canon 7DII…its a very expensive hobby but is as addictive as model making.
My FLICKR page is : https://www.flickr.com/photos/chaman_photography/page1/
Hi Scarecrow Joe,
Just had a look at your Flickr page - some really nice photos there. I recently went full frame too with a Nikon D610 which I use more for nature stuff than models. I have some Egret photos that are quite similar to some of the ones on your page - no lizards, iguanas (???) though. Nice work.
I agree with Scarecrow Joe- the control of depth of field in model photography is very important, and an SLR is the best type of camera for controlling depth of field.
If we’re talking about formal portraits of finished models, I certainly agree. But WIP shots are another matter.
One fundamental characteristic of the super zoom lens seems to be that its depth of field is (a) enormous and (b) virtually uncontrollable. Take a shot of your in-progress model with a super zoom and a flash, and the whole frame probably will be in focus. And that’s probably what you want for such a shot. But if you want part of the picture to be blurry - break out the SLR. Especially if you intend to make big prints.
I’m not getting rid of my dear old Pentax DSLR anytime soon. But I’ll be most interested to see what the next generation of super zooms looks like.
Al most all my WIP shots are done with my cell phone camera, its easy and handy. Some can be done to be “stylish” and look good especially just taking a moment tp work in the composition. Thats another aspect sometimes onerlooked when taking model shots.
WIP with some basic decent composition:
20150418_231858(https://www.flickr.com/people/96499379@N06/)]nenekinkin by , on Flickr
A more elaborate shot using daylight (my favorite) and some adequate natural setting (also my favorite). I love the forced perspective approach for model shooting. Studio type pics are good with artificial light but they are too dull, forced and do not show well the realism of the model itself.
IMG_5505(https://www.flickr.com/people/96499379@N06/)]nenekinkin by , on Flickr
Yep, I agree with jtilley on the WIP shots, but since I already have the DSLR it is what I use for those too. I do, however, just use auto exposure and flash for those, rather than all the rigamorole I go through for the finished shots. I still do prefer manual focus even for the WIP, however.
Hi ;
Well , You’ve gotten a lot of information . Me , now , I use a CANON - A-620 Powershot .7.1 megapixel .I wanted to buy a camera with more umph ! BUT , More of those megapixels meant giving up the greatest feature of this camera , Thing is this feature is why I even bought this one . .
It has a view - screen that will swivel to the front , back , side and completely upside down . Question , this is for the ship modelers especially . How many of you can sit your camera on the table and adjust it with Sheets of cardboard or a matchbook and get a shot of say the 1/350 North Carolina as if you were in a whaleboat on final approach ?
I can . Now with model cars I get great shots of say Ferrari coupes where the picture , with all those curves and shadows are indeed , Sexy ? I can do it . I even got a gorgeous shot of the dash in my " Maliblu " street custom .( the name of a model , of a real car I once owned ) . Can you say , " read the instruments " ?
I believe it’s up to the buyer and how much he or she wants to put up with in getting that perfect shot . I had a beautiful YASHICA once . 9 lenses and tripod , lights and all that . Bought it from a retiring Photographer for the Arkansas Democrat newspaper .
I wanted shots of Challenger to take back to my " Teachers in Space " folks in Arkansas for their programs . Of course we all know what happened that day .The sonic boom destroyed every lens I had .
I have kept cameras under 300 bucks now and don’t regret it for a minute .
You got a point regarding a low MP camera. If you check out the work b Michael Paul Smith (Flickr) he stuck with a similar camera as yours because when he tried a higher MP camera, saw so many details and flaws that were not caught by the lower MP camera and that kind of broke the illusion of realism he is looking for. He also don’t use any photoshop manipulation, his shots are straight from the camera.
The camera is a tool and it will as good as the eye behind it.
First, thank you all for a great discussion about cameras. It helped me choose to buy a DSLR, a Nikon D5300, which I am really enjoying.
John
I received the D5300 for Christmas and I to am really enjoying it. It is a big improvement over the IPAD pictures I been taking. I still need to build that light box.
I tend to stick with Canon. The light sensors handle lighting much better in my opinion. However beware of the T6i which just came out. They had to recall it for an issue. I have had 2 Rebels and a 60D and loved them.
I am in between cameras and just shooting with a Fuji which has excellent Macro. It will work for now.
These are all with the Canon XS & 60D…
Picture I took at the Rockford Airfest back in June Edited with Microsoft Live Photo Gallery
