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What camera would Dakka recommend for taking pictures of models? Anyone have a camera they would recommend above others? an example of the camera in action? I'm looking to start a P&M blog for motivation but sadly my phones camera isn't up to snuff.. Just take a peek in my gallery for a view at how well that went

I'd recommend an actual camera, not an accessory mode on a phone. One with a decent lens setup and one where self timer and macro modes are on separate controls.

I personally use a DSLR but that's because I've ALWAYS used an SLR camera for photography. My first camera (at the age of 15) was an SLR, so were my second, third and fourth cameras.

You can get perfectly acceptable results from compact point and shoot cameras (under $200) provided you know what you are doing.

Edit: AND a TRIPOD. ALWAYS USE A TRIPOD. Even a little pod will do.

It obviously depends how professional you're wanting your photos to be.
^ ^ ^ post above would be for very top notch quality photos.

I'd say for good enough quality. I'd say any camera with a macro function (little flower) and over about 8mp would suffice
(I know mp isn't a true reflection of how good the camera is)

Tripod is handy, but you can always just prop your camera up on books with a few coins underneath to angle it.

I've always had good success with Canon Powershot cameras. RElatively cheap and come with a good range of zoom, macro and manual functions.

get one with a good focal length, good macro and high optical zoom.

For photos, I would agree with chromedog that a SLR is almost always best, but they are usualy quite pricey. I have seen good results from other cameras too though.

Always make sure you have pleanty of Optical Zoom not Digital Zoom as that degarades the picture. Also, as mentioned above, good focal lengh and macro capabilities are always useful.

When photographing models, I would also recomed taking the photos against a blank background such as a piece of paper so that the model stands out against the background.

Pretty much any camera over $60 will take decent photos with the right set up.

Theres reviews for almost every digital camera out there so the best way is to decide on what you want to spend and any particular features you need then get researching.

True any camera from a respected brand makes good enough photo. Though if you want just that little more I recommand a bridge camera. (something like the nikon 1) I has a much bigger sensor wich result in so much quality improvement. Also you will be able to mount a macro lens on it an those are the best fit lenses you can get for this job. On the other hand it is not as expensive as a SLR and is way easier to set up if you are not that expirienced in photographics.

I hope this will help you, good luck Daniel

In this day in age, almost any camera can take decent shots. I would say go with your budget and how dedicated you are in photography. DSLRs are great however, they are expensive and will cut into your army budget. If you're just a casual photographer, a point and shoot is fine. I would recommend something in between a DSLR and a point and shoot camera. For me, I use a Canon Powershot SX10IS. It suits my needs. One of the most important things about photography is not the camera, but the photographer. Use a tripod. If you are shooting free hand, use 2 hands to hold the camera. Be sure to focus on the subject not the background. Properly frame your pictures. We want to see your miniature, not your whole living room.

I've even tried photojojo lenses. Not something I would recommend to use to take pics on a regular basis, but they are a fun accessory with a smart phone.
http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/cell-phone-lenses/

Some samples taken with an iPhone 4:




Overall, look at how much you'll be using the camera and what your budget is. Buying the most expensive camera isn't always the best route.

fable_dd wrote:True any camera from a respected brand makes good enough photo. Though if you want just that little more I recommand a bridge camera. (something like the nikon 1) I has a much bigger sensor wich result in so much quality improvement. Also you will be able to mount a macro lens on it an those are the best fit lenses you can get for this job. On the other hand it is not as expensive as a SLR and is way easier to set up if you are not that expirienced in photographics.

I hope this will help you, good luck Daniel

The nikon one series actually have very small sensors and cost the same as entry level dslrs here. There are much better choices at that price range.

Skippy wrote:The nikon one series actually have very small sensors and cost the same as entry level dslrs here. There are much better choices at that price range.

Well Skippy the Nikon one was an example because I think the best known. I have the panasonic GF2 and that one (like other brands) is rewasonable priced. Secondly the step from the compact sensors is FAR greater to the four thirds sensor then the steep between the four thirds sensor to the sensor of dslr camera's. On top of this the benefit of using macro lenses and the easier handling still remain.

Greetings Daniel