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what camera do you use to take photos?

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blackmercury

it is interesting to know that fact )

I still use a very old camera - Canon PowerShot A510

thinking of buying a new one but do not know what to choose.


At home: Natali [1/3 BJD from Doll-Love] Aya [DD Natsuki 2nd ver.] Ami [DD Moe ver.1] Miho [DDH-06 pre-painted + DDS body], Haruka [DDH-07 pre-painted + DD2 body]

Sorry for my bad english ^_^

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Mahoro

To tell you to get a specific model without more details and whatnot is probably not going to help you arrive at a good decision.

 

Are there certain things you like about your A510? Do you like the fact that it is small and light? or would you prefer something more heavy, which can be more stable in some people's hands. Is this camera mainly only for doll photography? or do you travel or go backpacking and take other types of photos? What kinds of photos do you like taking? Wide or close up?

 

This will influence what you get from a number of choices, m4/3, APS (Nikon DX), Full frame 35mm (Nikon FX), etc.

 

Stuff like this probably will influence what you buy. But no matter what anyone here suggests, there isn't a substitute for just heading down to whatever store you have nearby and holding one in your hands, take a snapshot or two with it if possible. Camera setups are as varied as the people who take photos with them, don't get too stuck in with numbers like ISO or MTF values, as the market is so saturated with competition, most modern cameras are already excellent, the higher numbers are mainly marketing terms to upsell you to more expensive stuff. Yes, they're sort of important, but far below the importance of getting good lighting and composition to making good photos, despite the fixation of many people on those numbers (you will never want to use iso 6400 for doll photos even if it is available on the camera you choose for example.)

 

It took me a while to really get it through my head as well, that cameras are only a tool, don't worry too much about what you get or have, just focus on the picture.

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blackmercury

Mahoro

I just want to replace my old camera to something more modern ) I do not need something very cool just something that can take clear pictures of my dolls and figures in the room. at the moment I like the descriptions of Samsung DV300F. it has a lot of automatic modes and the ability to transfer files via WI-FI )


At home: Natali [1/3 BJD from Doll-Love] Aya [DD Natsuki 2nd ver.] Ami [DD Moe ver.1] Miho [DDH-06 pre-painted + DDS body], Haruka [DDH-07 pre-painted + DD2 body]

Sorry for my bad english ^_^

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Mahoro
Mahoro

I just want to replace my old camera to something more modern ) I do not need something very cool just something that can take clear pictures of my dolls and figures in the room. at the moment I like the descriptions of Samsung DV300F. it has a lot of automatic modes and the ability to transfer files via WI-FI )

 

Well there you have it! ^_~

Go and try it out for a while at the store, or even see what their return policies are, maybe you can buy it and take some doll photos with it for a few days and return it if its not what you thought.

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baldylox

I use an older Nikon D60 DSLR with a kit lens and one additional Sigma telephoto lens and it's been great to me. Of course I can always be better with it ( practice practice! ) but just by going to this setup over my old Sony camera, my pictures went from good to awesome. I really enjoy this camera and find it pretty easy to use.

 

 

Billy


I gave up counting the girls I own, they keep multiplying and won't stop.

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Mahoro
I use an older Nikon D60 DSLR with a kit lens and one additional Sigma telephoto lens and it's been great to me. Of course I can always be better with it ( practice practice! ) but just by going to this setup over my old Sony camera, my pictures went from good to awesome. I really enjoy this camera and find it pretty easy to use.

 

 

Billy

 

Also on that note to you blackmercury, older but perfectly valid and relevant cameras such as the Nikon D40/D40x and D60 can likely be had for ultra dirt cheap on ebay nowadays if you don't care about not having a warranty (though personally I like having one, I busted my d60 within the visa one cause I knocked it off my desk, the flash attached to it was fine...just not the body bit at the top xD, it got fixed, it was my main/only camera from 2009-2012). I use a d5100 now only because I busted the d60 a week before I was going to hong kong and japan for a month, and needed a replacement, fast.

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battrastard

I have been using a Canon EOS 20D for a lot of my pics in the beginning, but I'm actually liking the ones from my little "point n shoot", a Canon A2300HD with a 5x optical zoom and 16 megapixels. (My old EOS only has 8mpx, so there's a big difference in clarity!)

Also, and I'll be posting about this later, using a cellphone camera does work pretty good in a pinch.

*I do cheat a bit with it, though..... More to come on that*

 

Back to the point n shoot... My A2300 only cost about $120 without any accessories. Camera with battery, charger, cord to the computer and CD/Instruction Manual. A case, extra battery ($60!!) and tripod brought the total up to $240.... Not too bad, considering that a single lens for the EOS can cost the same amount or more!

 

Mainly, I'd say go with what's comfortable for you and your bank account. Try different models if you can, and look for used camera shops in your area, you can often find screaming deals on newer models and accessories...


"Madness takes it's toll, Please have exact change!"

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RaveOfNightmares
(you will never want to use iso 6400 for doll photos even if it is available on the camera you choose for example.)

 

I've shot doll photos with my Fuji X-Pro a few times at ISO 6400, but that camera's ISO 6400 is cleaner and less noisy than most FF/FX frame DSLRs are at ISO 1600 and nearly every APS-C or M4/3 camera at ISO 800-1000. I keep the noise reduction function of the camera turned completely off. The only downside is that it's not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but still cheaper than any DSLR with comparable image quality.

Edited by Guest

21 DD girls: Mio, Marina, Yui, Yoko, Nia, Lily, Arisu, Akina, Momo, Arisa, Yukina, Ayaka, Niimi, Eri, Millefeuille, Ekisu, Chitose, Miyabi, KOS-MOS v.4, Hatsune Miku and God Eater Alisa. 2B in a hopeful future.

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Ara

Right now I use a Canon 5D Mark II, before I had a 550D and started with a 1000D, but I upgraded pretty quickly since I tend to stretch my cameras abilities rather fast.

For now I'm glad to have my 5DII though.

 

Lenses right now are several primes, with my 100mm 2.8 L Macro being my main right now for pretty much everything (dolls, figures, macro, even Cosplay sometimes).

 

If you really only want a camera that is able to take clear photos in a set environment (i.e., your room where you can set up lamps if necessary, so no available light problems etc.) you can get a good camera for rather "cheap" already, even a starter DSLR.


ZZ0WsD1.jpg

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blackmercury

Yesterday I bought in the shop a Samsung MV800 at a very low price - 110$

I do not want to buy an expensive camera that simply will not use all the time. and I do not have extra 1,000 or 500 $$ for such purchases. point and shoot camera for me is the best choice I am quite happy with his shots


At home: Natali [1/3 BJD from Doll-Love] Aya [DD Natsuki 2nd ver.] Ami [DD Moe ver.1] Miho [DDH-06 pre-painted + DDS body], Haruka [DDH-07 pre-painted + DD2 body]

Sorry for my bad english ^_^

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littlebearries

I think you made an excellent choice in sticking with Point and Shoot! A lot of people in the doll hobby buy DSLRs, but they aren't necessary to take good pics!

 

I've actually been contemplating a point and shoot for doll photos for myself. XD

I have a DSLR but that thing is a beast to lug around on doll photoshoots!!


7782845246_e35680d49e_o.png

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wotafarce

couldnt agree more about the point and shoots

 

Find a camera you like and learn to use it, photography has a learning curve and its not always a good idea to start halfway up the curve.

 

I know a good many people who have bought DLSRs on the advice of friends, forums or magazines only to leave them on auto and have the worlds heaviest point and shoot.

 

Sometimes its easy to be influenced by some of the kit people post about on here but remember, very often, that fancy camera and lens selection is used for other purposes not just doll photography.

 

Its your choice, having a fantastic camera that you do not take with you or use because its too heavy or complex is as much good as not having a camera. Using a point and shoot and taking pictures that you enjoy and can share will make you far far happier. There is not a person on here (I hope) that would criticize you for the quality of you pictures just because you were not using the latest canonikon mega pixel behemoth.

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Mahoro
couldnt agree more about the point and shoots

 

Find a camera you like and learn to use it, photography has a learning curve and its not always a good idea to start halfway up the curve.

 

I know a good many people who have bought DLSRs on the advice of friends, forums or magazines only to leave them on auto and have the worlds heaviest point and shoot.

 

Sometimes its easy to be influenced by some of the kit people post about on here but remember, very often, that fancy camera and lens selection is used for other purposes not just doll photography.

 

Its your choice, having a fantastic camera that you do not take with you or use because its too heavy or complex is as much good as not having a camera. Using a point and shoot and taking pictures that you enjoy and can share will make you far far happier. There is not a person on here (I hope) that would criticize you for the quality of you pictures just because you were not using the latest canonikon mega pixel behemoth.

 

 

Eeew, blackmercury bought a point an...just kidding :p

 

Congrats on getting your new camera blackmercury!

Looking forward to seeing some photos from you soon~

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wotafarce

indeed, I am also really looking forward to your pictures

 

sorry got a bit ranty in my previous post. its one of my pet peeves.

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RaveOfNightmares
couldnt agree more about the point and shoots

 

Find a camera you like and learn to use it, photography has a learning curve and its not always a good idea to start halfway up the curve.

 

I know a good many people who have bought DLSRs on the advice of friends, forums or magazines only to leave them on auto and have the worlds heaviest point and shoot.

 

Sometimes its easy to be influenced by some of the kit people post about on here but remember, very often, that fancy camera and lens selection is used for other purposes not just doll photography.

 

Its your choice, having a fantastic camera that you do not take with you or use because its too heavy or complex is as much good as not having a camera. Using a point and shoot and taking pictures that you enjoy and can share will make you far far happier. There is not a person on here (I hope) that would criticize you for the quality of you pictures just because you were not using the latest canonikon mega pixel behemoth.

 

eww... canikon mega pixel behemoth. Seriously though, just because it's made by one of those two brands doesn't automatically make it good. Both companies make their fair shares of duds/mistakes/faulty models. Just because a camera costs a lot, doesn't make it "better" than any other if your situation doesn't warrant it (or if it's faulty, as approximately 50%+ of Nikon's $3000 D800 bodies cannot autofocus their way out of a paper bag due to manufacturing defects).

 

Bravo on the PnS there blackmercury, I hope to see some nice pictures from it.


21 DD girls: Mio, Marina, Yui, Yoko, Nia, Lily, Arisu, Akina, Momo, Arisa, Yukina, Ayaka, Niimi, Eri, Millefeuille, Ekisu, Chitose, Miyabi, KOS-MOS v.4, Hatsune Miku and God Eater Alisa. 2B in a hopeful future.

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Anna-neko

man... my camera must be the most underwhelming one in here... Just a basic Canon Powershot G11

 

Its small enough to take anywhere w/out worry (weighs a bit more than typical point-and-shoots but not by a lot. The slightly extra weight is actually why got it), has a hotshoe slot on top in case you wanna slap a different flash up there (hilariously, the flash put there at the moment is the size of the camera itself), and can have a different lens put on if you really need to (never tried that yet, dun own any lenses)

 

I've had my sweet Eleventy for a couple years now and its kept me very happy. Especially the part where the LCD screen rotates around, so can see what I'm aiming at even when the camera is completely above my head (or dangling off a jacket/purse/string contraption off a tree... yeah) Oh, and the infamously abused "color select" option (among many other fun ones) that lets you shoot either only one color while the rest of photo is black/white, or shoot certain colors that are changed in-camera to be other colors!

 

EDIT: i can spell.. derp

Edited by Guest

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Mahoro
man... my camera must be the most underwhelming one in here... Just a basic Canon Powershot G11

 

Its small enough to take anywhere w/out worry (weighs a bit more than typical point-and-shoots but not by a lot), has a hotshoe slot on top in case you wanna slap a different flash up there (hilariously, the flash up there is the size of the camera itself), and can have a different lens put on if you really need to (never tried that yet, dun own any lenses)

 

I've had my sweet Eleventy for a couple years now and its kept me very happy. Especially the part where the LCD screen rotates around, so can see what I'm aiming at even when the camera is completely above my head

 

+1 for the swivel screen. I know makers like canon and nikon think its just a cheap amateur feature, but I for one find it very useful on my d5100. Also nothing wrong with a huge flash, the lighting is the more important of the two pieces in that package after all :p

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RaveOfNightmares
man... my camera must be the most underwhelming one in here... Just a basic Canon Powershot G11

 

Its small enough to take anywhere w/out worry (weighs a bit more than typical point-and-shoots but not by a lot), has a hotshoe slot on top in case you wanna slap a different flash up there (hilariously, the flash up there is the size of the camera itself), and can have a different lens put on if you really need to (never tried that yet, dun own any lenses)

 

I've had my sweet Eleventy for a couple years now and its kept me very happy. Especially the part where the LCD screen rotates around, so can see what I'm aiming at even when the camera is completely above my head

 

+1 for the swivel screen. I know makers like canon and nikon think its just a cheap amateur feature, but I for one find it very useful on my d5100. Also nothing wrong with a huge flash, the lighting is the more important of the two pieces in that package after all :p

 

+2 for the swivel screen.

 

(you will never want to use iso 6400 for doll photos even if it is available on the camera you choose for example.)

 

I've shot doll photos with my Fuji X-Pro a few times at ISO 6400, but that camera's ISO 6400 is cleaner and less noisy than most FF/FX frame DSLRs are at ISO 1600 and nearly every APS-C or M4/3 camera at ISO 800-1000. I keep the noise reduction function of the camera turned completely off. The only downside is that it's not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but still cheaper than any DSLR with comparable image quality.

 

I shot some high ISO doll photos with the X-Pro1 last night, in the dark, to see just what would happen.

For reference, all shots were done with the 35mm f1.4r with 1/15sec shutter. The only lights on in the room were my 22" LED TV and a small lamp up in a 6' shelf. All images were manually focused as there was not enough light present for autofocus, it was practically too dark for manual focus either, but I managed.

 

First we have the scene as I saw it:

8054708383_c4192101ab_z.jpg

DSCF5011X-Pro1XF35mmF1.4 R20121003-2 by Visual Cacophony, on Flickr

 

ISO 6400, no noise reduction. In camera metering showed greater than -2 EV underexposure.

Processed in LR4.2 with no added noise reduction:

8054710177_3d2c2eec01_z.jpg

DSCF5011X-Pro1XF35mmF1.4 R20121003 by Visual Cacophony, on Flickr

 

ISO 6400, in camera JPG conversion, no added noise reduction:

8054713020_54ef2d762b_z.jpg

DSCF5012 by Visual Cacophony, on Flickr

 

ISO 6400, in camera JPG conversion, +2 noise reduction. Has an almost film grain like appearance:

8054710887_c3dd7d86f9_z.jpg

DSCF5013 by Visual Cacophony, on Flickr

 

ISO 25600 camera JPG, noise reduction set to 0. It does not shoot RAW at above ISO 6400.:

8054714098_5c8ee091d4_z.jpg

DSCF5010 by Visual Cacophony, on Flickr

 

ISO 6400 shot of Lily with enough light for a proper exposure. No in camera noise reduction, no added noise reduction:

8054828882_2924107ab5_c.jpg

DSCF5005X-Pro1XF35mmF1.4 R20120929 by Visual Cacophony, on Flickr

 

 

For further comparison, I took a few shots with my Sony A77 and CZ 85mm f1.4 ZA. Aperture at 1.4 and shutter at 1/15sec to match the settings I used on the X-Pro.

 

ISO 6400, processed in LR4.2 with no added noise reduction:

8054799641_d8e5fcbf7c_z.jpg

DSC01837SLT-A77V85mm F1.4 ZA20121003 by Visual Cacophony, on Flickr

 

ISO 12800:

8054795976_c36d001114_z.jpg

DSC01838SLT-A77V85mm F1.4 ZA20121003 by Visual Cacophony, on Flickr

 

ISO 16000(maximum):

8054789871_dac2e62a03_z.jpg

DSC01839SLT-A77V85mm F1.4 ZA20121003 by Visual Cacophony, on Flickr

 

The scene shot at ISO 100, 1/250sec, f5.6 with pop-up flash for reference:

8054785332_d07ae9443c_z.jpg

DSC01843SLT-A77V85mm F1.4 ZA20121003 by Visual Cacophony, on Flickr


21 DD girls: Mio, Marina, Yui, Yoko, Nia, Lily, Arisu, Akina, Momo, Arisa, Yukina, Ayaka, Niimi, Eri, Millefeuille, Ekisu, Chitose, Miyabi, KOS-MOS v.4, Hatsune Miku and God Eater Alisa. 2B in a hopeful future.

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blackmercury

took a few photos of a various items, all in automatic mode.

 

8056436092_e9ea431226.jpg

SAM_0112 by blackra, on Flickr

 

8056438868_a9a6fd953d.jpg

SAM_0083 by blackra, on Flickr

 

8056441246_795e3b3646.jpg

SAM_0092 by blackra, on Flickr

 

8056441690_60e60b0863.jpg

1 by blackra, on Flickr


At home: Natali [1/3 BJD from Doll-Love] Aya [DD Natsuki 2nd ver.] Ami [DD Moe ver.1] Miho [DDH-06 pre-painted + DDS body], Haruka [DDH-07 pre-painted + DD2 body]

Sorry for my bad english ^_^

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RaveOfNightmares
took a few photos of a various items, all in automatic mode.

 

8056436092_e9ea431226.jpg

SAM_0112 by blackra, on Flickr

 

8056438868_a9a6fd953d.jpg

SAM_0083 by blackra, on Flickr

 

8056441246_795e3b3646.jpg

SAM_0092 by blackra, on Flickr

 

8056441690_60e60b0863.jpg

1 by blackra, on Flickr

 

Nice pics!


21 DD girls: Mio, Marina, Yui, Yoko, Nia, Lily, Arisu, Akina, Momo, Arisa, Yukina, Ayaka, Niimi, Eri, Millefeuille, Ekisu, Chitose, Miyabi, KOS-MOS v.4, Hatsune Miku and God Eater Alisa. 2B in a hopeful future.

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blackmercury

RaveOfNightmares

that's why I wanted a new camera )

my old camera took pictures something like this

8056699775_a6a4b68f51.jpg

IMG_1210 by blackra, on Flickr

 

manual mode

8056700749_47469ef1da.jpg

IMG_5574 by blackra, on Flickr

 

8056700948_46a083bda7.jpg

IMG_3209 by blackra, on Flickr


At home: Natali [1/3 BJD from Doll-Love] Aya [DD Natsuki 2nd ver.] Ami [DD Moe ver.1] Miho [DDH-06 pre-painted + DDS body], Haruka [DDH-07 pre-painted + DD2 body]

Sorry for my bad english ^_^

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RaveOfNightmares

The pics from your old camera are nice too.

 

Those Eva figures.... Shunya Yamash**a?


21 DD girls: Mio, Marina, Yui, Yoko, Nia, Lily, Arisu, Akina, Momo, Arisa, Yukina, Ayaka, Niimi, Eri, Millefeuille, Ekisu, Chitose, Miyabi, KOS-MOS v.4, Hatsune Miku and God Eater Alisa. 2B in a hopeful future.

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mistyaera

I use a sony cybershot point-and-shoot for my photos, though sometimes I switch to an old olympus point-and-shoot (my cybershot was out of commission for awhile). Honestly, just learning about setting, angling, and photoshop helped me increase the quality of my photos more than just owning a DSLR did. I tried one, but I didn't have time to learn it (and I knew that), so I'm sticking with my point and shoot for now. Honestly, my only problem is the megapixels and how easily the pictures can become so grainy. I have zero qualms otherwise. Hopefully, I'll have a DD to take pictures of with it soon!


Nothing here ~ Left the Hobby

Previously Loved: Rise, Mariko, Yuki M., Haruka N., Aoko, Rin

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blackmercury

RaveOfNightmares

agree, the photos are good enough) the more sunlight in my room, the better the photo in the end.

 

no, those Eva figures are pre-painted garage kits from Gathering (e2046 site)


At home: Natali [1/3 BJD from Doll-Love] Aya [DD Natsuki 2nd ver.] Ami [DD Moe ver.1] Miho [DDH-06 pre-painted + DDS body], Haruka [DDH-07 pre-painted + DD2 body]

Sorry for my bad english ^_^

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RaveOfNightmares
RaveOfNightmares

agree, the photos are good enough) the more sunlight in my room, the better the photo in the end.

 

no, those Eva figures are pre-painted garage kits from Gathering (e2046 site)

 

Those figures look like they're based on illustrations from the artist I mentioned earlier. A series of garage kits and PVC figures based on those illustrations were released sometime in the last couple or few years. Regardless of their origins, they're gorgeous.

 

I use a sony cybershot point-and-shoot for my photos, though sometimes I switch to an old olympus point-and-shoot (my cybershot was out of commission for awhile). Honestly, just learning about setting, angling, and photoshop helped me increase the quality of my photos more than just owning a DSLR did. I tried one, but I didn't have time to learn it (and I knew that), so I'm sticking with my point and shoot for now. Honestly, my only problem is the megapixels and how easily the pictures can become so grainy. I have zero qualms otherwise. Hopefully, I'll have a DD to take pictures of with it soon!

 

My first two cameras were sony cybershots. I killed the first one after about 3 years of using it due to an accidental drop that threw the lens mechanism out of alignment. The second, a DSC-H9, I still have and occasionally use. My Mom loves the 5 year old H9 due to its color and detail rendition being much nicer than both of her more current Canon and Nikon point and shoot cameras. I love the articulated tilt-LCD and EVF, along with the image quality from it. The ease of use, Carl Zeiss lens, and crazy Night Vision mode are icing on the cake.


21 DD girls: Mio, Marina, Yui, Yoko, Nia, Lily, Arisu, Akina, Momo, Arisa, Yukina, Ayaka, Niimi, Eri, Millefeuille, Ekisu, Chitose, Miyabi, KOS-MOS v.4, Hatsune Miku and God Eater Alisa. 2B in a hopeful future.

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