Photographing Miniatures

[jharrison779]

After my last attempt to take a photo of a figure and upload it, I realised that the built in camera on my Nokia just isn't going to be enough.

I really need something more powerful to capture decent images to post.

After some research, I think this model look like a good buy and something which would do the job - Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Digital Camera. Reviews on Amazon look positive but has anyone used it for photographing miniatures close up?

Thanks

[Cherno]

I have no experience with this camera model, but I would say that as long as you don't want to make professional-quality photographs, a normal DigiCam in the 80-120 USD price range should be sufficient. A lot of it comes down to having good lighting and a stable setup (a mini tripod is a IMHO).

[Connectamabob]

Looking at the specs on Amazon, seems good to me. Only thing I don't like is the lens isn't swappable, but then I use my camera for way more than minis. Demographically it falls into the range of cameras I'd recommend to someone wanting to take great vacation photos without having to actually learn much photography. If you're actually wanting to become a serious photography student and/or do FX plates or professional-grade product photography shots, it would be too limiting, but if you're only looking to improve your basic mini photography, it's actually overkill.

Like Cherno says, if you're just looking to take better basic pics of your minis, a point-and-shoot is really all you need. Your lighting is gonna be the most important thing, and if you have that down, most of the camera's shortcomings can be compensated for easily. Even a phone camera can take good pics if it has enough resolution and the lighting's right.

Best thing about that model for your purposes (going by the promo text) is the stuff about it being able to take better pics in low light. Taking good pics often requires a lot more light than you'd expect, so anything that gives you more leeway with whatever lighting you already have in your home will be a major advantage. If you decide to keep looking at other models, keep that in mind, and look for specs or reviews that cite good low-light performance.

[Cubs]

Yeah, I'd say getting a tripod and a well lit photographing area is very helpful. I use a portable light box like this one -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/130697628635?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0

I mostly photograph the models on a big piece of white paper bent to lie flat and against the back wall, to give a blank canvas to take the pics against.

I keep the camera about 18" from the model/s, use the 'A' (automatic) function on the camera, switch on the 'Macro', zoom in a little (not too much or it blurs), switch on the 'Timer' (so my hand doesn't wobble the camera as I press the button and also to allow a good exposure) and that usually does the job. Then when the photo is downloaded to my computer I crop it, select 'Auto Levels' and resize it.

Photography isn't my thing, and someone much more skillful or experienced would be able to do it all a lot better, but this is good enough for my purposes.

[jharrison779]

Thanks for the advice.

Just skimming the surface and I am realising that this is a huge topic.

Looks like I need a tripod and a decent resolution digital camera with good low light performance for close ups but will also serve to take holiday snaps.

Based on this and with a budget of up to around £200 ($330) what would you recommend please?

[Gary Peach]

I use a Fuji Finepix...  Dont know the model number, but its 5 or so years old version and sound for what your looking for.  Nikon coolpix p510 is very good, 2yrs old, was £230...  brilliant at low light too.

[Cubs]

Yeah, I've got a Fuji Finepix too, the S4500.

It's pretty old now, but it does the job admirably and you can pick one up for not much more than £100 these days.

[jharrison779]

The Nikon Coolpix P520  looks amazing and along with the Portable 50cm Camera Photo Studio will do the job well.

Will that tripod fit most cameras?

[Cubs]

Will that tripod fit most cameras?

Yeah, there's a standard gauge of screw hole underneath cameras to hold tripod fittings.

[jharrison779]

Done!!

Thanks for all of your help - much appreciated...

[Penchour]

I'm using this portable studio:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/orangemonkie/foldio-the-1st-foldable-studio-for-smartphone

and I gotta say it really works

[former user]

my pictures are mostly shot with a canon powershot and it works quite well for my needs