I would like to start my biz with a newer camera than I plan to use but I simply have not found a camera that is as easy to work with or takes pics as well as my 6-year-old Sony CyberShot. The best feature of it is a swivel screen that allows me to take pics at very awkward angles. While testing with my own home inventory, I decided to take pics of serial numbers and distinguishing features. Doing so in tight quarters proved to be very easy and I just cannot wait to buy more of them on Ebay and other sites soon.
Thanks for the information. I looked online at the camera you mentioned. I'm partial to Nikon. What are the features of your Canon that led you to purchase that particular model? Thanks. kelly in boston.
I would have reservations about that camera Kelly, not due to performance since I have not researched it yet, but due to the appearance. There are a lot of small cameras that can produce great pictures but I think it is more of a professional appearance that we need to convey to the customers.
For me, if I walk into a $350,000 home and pull out my little $200 point and shoot camera (they may have their 5-year-old using the same model) I am going to feel pretty stupid. This is not to say that a point & shoot camera is not capable; I have a Sony DSC-P32 (3.2 Megapixel, no zoom) that I have taken over 10,000 pictures with, a lot of great ones, but I'm not going to use that on a job. You know what I mean?
It keeps going back to that professionalism thing for me. I want this industry to succeed so that means that we all should strive to do our best. That doesn't mean that everyone should run out and buy a $2000 digital SLR. But having something that at least LOOKS like a really nice camera (even if the performance is close to something cheaper looking) will go a long way.
For me something like the Sony DSC-H2/H5/H7/H9 series is just what I need. They are affordable, have nice large LCD monitors, and with the included attachments (which you can use a nice big wide angle lens on) they look pretty cool.
I agree with the advantages of RAW Michelle, but on the flip side we don't want to spend a lot of time processing the photos or we are going to eat up our profits with man hours. For me, I want to get the best pictures that I can right out of the camera (duh, that sounds kind of funny saying it like that) but I am interested in making the best use of my time to maximize profits and time that I am available for other inventories. Just a thought.
If you have the ability to shoot in RAW, then you wouldn't necessarily need to fuss with so much at the job site. You could adjust in the conversion program or Photoshop at home.
Ideally you won't be using a flash with the macro photography. Using the light tent will give you a nice even light without the harsh glare you get from the flash.
Darin do you have any suggestions on a good flash for macro photography. I often run into white balance issues with natural light clashing with my photo lamps. I have tried manually setting the white balance but find myself wasting alot of time readjusting the white balance for different colored items by doing this. Im thinking about investing in a macroflash unit.
We bought a portable Photo Shop.We found it online at Amazon.com or it is even sold at Sam's Club. We also bought some fabric remanents at walmart and use them in the shots.
Another must have for the home inventory professional is at least one good light tent. This is a small enclosure used to take photos of small (and usually very reflective) items. This can add a degree of professionalism to your work that helps to make you stand out in the client's eye.
Just do a search for Light Tent on Google and you'll find plenty of different brands to choose from for about $20 to over $175 each. Learning how to use one of these can be an invaluable tool in your arsenal of inventory techniques.
