posted on June 12, 2003 12:42:27 PM
This is a question for sellers who specialize in small items that need close up shots. I sell jewelry and have a hard time getting good ring pictures. Does anyone have any advice and what types of cameras are you using. I utilize my scanner and camera and they both have a hard time. Thanks so much! I'm new here and have enjoyed reading your posts.
posted on June 12, 2003 01:00:43 PM
Welcome to the board.
I use an older Sony Mavica, and get great results. The features to look for are a macro lens, and ability to manually focus. I've found that some small items will fool the autofocus and result in a fuzzy picture. The ability to override the autofocus is sometimes necessary to overcome the problem. Also, DON'T SHAKE!
There is a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
I use an HP C200(on a tripod) and a 10X close-up lens, leaving the autofocus on. (No manual focus feature on my camera, just autofocus on or off.)
Yes, some things do fool the camera. Sometimes it won't autofocus at all because it hasn't anything with enough definition to focus on.
My way around that is to hold a small, very thin ruler right where I want the camera to focus. Depress the button just until the camera focuses, then move the ruler away and finish taking the pic. I'm also sure the item is in the middle of the camera's field of view.
The tripod makes a HUGE difference. I couldn't live without it.
posted on June 12, 2003 01:48:50 PM
i have Fuji Mx-1200. i am left handed so my hands shake when taking the picture, unsteady with my right hand pushing the button. I also have trouble using a tripod for close ups.
this is my work around...i place the jewelry piece on a low table, set the camera on a book or something to steady it and take the picture while sitting down. sounds silly but it works for me.
of course i sometimes take 20-30 pictures of an item before i am satisfied.
posted on June 12, 2003 03:14:32 PM
I sell beads, and some other items, but I think closeups go a long way toward selling just about anything. Really shows good (or average) condition.
I think a scanner is good, if you can get high res then crop it down.
Also I use an olympus D-40 zoom.
It's got a macro feature, most cool!
Here is a sample
Since day one I'd been having trouble with yellow pictures, was constantly faced with correcting the tint by adding red.
Then I replaced all bulbs in my eBay room (4 in the overhead fixture, 1 in the computer desk lamp and 1 in a gooseneck lamp I have right next to my shooting spot) with GE Reveal bulbs.
They're coated with some fancy stuff that filters out the yellow rays. Gives a whiter light. Made a big difference, especially on silver stuff. I've taken pictures after dark and they're as good or even better than natural light coming through the windows.
Not expensive either. Four for five bucks at the hardware store.
posted on June 12, 2003 08:06:52 PM
Thanks so much Everyone. Thats been a huge help. Im dsefinitly going to invest in a tripod and try those bulbs. I got a birthday coming up so I think I'll start dropping hints to the Hubby.
posted on June 13, 2003 01:39:20 AM
I have tried everything & finally started using cool white fluoresent tubes to shoot under. They are better than sunlight. I use an Olympus D-450 with Zoom & Wide Angle. Takes great pics.
[ edited by sanmar on Jun 13, 2003 05:06 PM ]
