Well, somebody has to be first, right?? What camera are you using??
After a fair amount of research, needing a camera that can handle everything from videos of my daughters’ cheerleading teams in crappy gymnasium lighting, to closeups of 1/72 scale model airplanes, on a budget of $229 or less [;)], I threw my money into a Canon Powershot SX130 IS.
A lens that is large enough to get good details, flash when needed for general duties, good zoom, good filesizes, no “digital noise” up until I max out the physical zoom. I like it, a good all-around camera for those of us on a budget.
I got fed up with lumping an SLR around to shows, so about 3 years ago I bought a Panasonic Lumix LX3. It is a fantastic little camera with a fast Leica Lens. The zoom is quite limited so as not to compromise the quality and it is great for low light photography without using the flash. I also use it for landscape photography as the wide is the eqivalent to 24mm and it can be zoomed by 2.5 times. It is one of the very few compacts that you can fit filters onto with an adapter!
At shows I would recommend focusing with the zoon extended, as wide angle shots taken from close up will distort the picture of the model. Although the camera has optical image stabilisation built in, when on full zoom you may have to up the ISO setting to avoid handshake blurring
The LX3 has now been superceded by the LX5 and LX7, but it is a superb little high end compact.
LX3’s in the UK can be bought for about £150 to £175…appox. region of $200.00 Stateside I would guess.
Thoroughly recommended. A real photographers camera but also easy to use as a point and shoot with intelligent autofocus.
We have 2-3 different low-end digital cameras that I use in a pinch. My main camera is a Nikon D5000 DSLR. Have a couple of lenses again. Dropped the camera on a concrete floor from about 2 feet while on vacation. Snapped the zoom off right at the attach point, toast. Did not hurt the body at all. Was able to remove the remains and keep going. Still have the busted lens as a reminder.
A few years ago I got a Fujimi Finepix S1500. I have never been that up on camera’s, and I really like this one as its pretty simple to use (suits me) and gives me the results I want. Once I finally got round to learning how to use it properly, my modelling photography has really improved.
Mine’s a GE 10.1 Megapixel E1035. I picked it up in a discount catalog as a “manufacturer refurbished” model for less than fifty bucks. Since I had never owned a digital camera, I figured I’d start cheap and learn a bit before I moved up the scale.
I was stunned how intuitive it was to set up and use, and it’s been a gem since day one. I mostly use the macro setting–for models–but all the other things I’ve played with have been just as easy to use.
Another Nikon D700 here. Sometimes a 55mm Nikkor prime for overall model shots, For closer shots, use Micro-Nikkor 105mm. Often use the latter for overall shots too.
If you get bored with the 400mm 2.8 Nikkor, Dre, please feel free to send it my way for evaluation.
A Nikon D600 and several lenses including a Sigma 50mm f2.8 macro - and a Sigma 150-500 but, I use my camera more for birding and nature than photographing models. As mentioned above, I also have an LX3 - great little camera and photo quality is great but I wish it had a proper eye level finder.
Dre - that 400mm f2.8 Nikkor makes me a little envious. Bet it’s a monster. What a great toy!!!
Dre - I don’t think I could handle that 20 pounds - even though awesome - on my birding forays. Tripod needed and and a sturdy one at that. I’m still envious though! Love long glass.
I used to shoot mostly transparencies; took photos of Cantigny the year they opened but used a 50mm lens to photograph some of the exhibits ( with permission of the staff) .
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An RZ 67 is an especially good camera for portraits.
Unfortunately, there is now only one local lab processing color.
Though I’m not crazy about making my own monochrome prints, I may buy some 120 rolls from the local Calumet and go back to processing monochrome negatives for portraits.
My DSLR is a Canon Rebel XS. I just have a stock 18-55mm lens though its on my nice to have list to get some more lenses. Before I get a macro lens I need macro photo suitable finished kits.
Hey Spru-ce, you have a digital back for that babe or are you shooting film? EDIT: sorry, disregard. Missed your comment above.
Dre, wait 'til the first time you’re out birding or wildllfe-ing and all tripod-ed up and somebody thinks it’s rocket launcher or some such thing and calls the authorities. I’ve heard of that happening now and then over here.
Bick, do you like the Sigma lenses? Been looking for a lens for the D5000. I have fallen into the run of only doing a few things with it, so I’ve had to dig out the manual again.
