how to take a good quality crystal bead photograph? what type of digital camera i should use? need help!?

Question

i want to take a good quality photograph of crystal bead, actual size approx. 4mm smalles. and what type of digital camera is good? and the photos are suitable for advertising purpose?
have some suggestion? please let me know

Answer 1

It's not the camera that will make a difference in this case (unless you plan on blowing the image up) it's the lighting.

With crystals there are a lot of reflective surfaces. Using two lights (one on each side) with softboxes, one on each side feathered over the crystal is how you want to photograph it. The flash from the lights will negate any flare from the photograph.

Be sure to place the crystal on a white seamless backdrop. This way any photo editing will be very simple.

You can photograph from two distances
1) Using a macro lense and getting close up (but you run the risk of casting a colored 'fog' over the image caused by your cothes
or the better way
2) Using a telephoto lense and stepping back a foot or so. This way keeps you away from the photo and less chance of casting a colored 'fog' and less chance of getting you in any of the reflections.
Try to use a portrait ISO of 100, F-Stop of 9.5 - 11, Shutter Speed 60 - 90

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If you don't have this kinda lighting available, take the crystal outside in a well lit area and place it on a dark backdrop. (again, be sure it's seamless). The sunlight will provide a natural light that wraps around the crystal providing even lighting. Photograph down onto the crystal with no flash using an ISO of 100, F-Stop of 13/16 and shutterspeed of 250 (play with the Fstop for best results)

Answer 2

I use a Canon s2 is. My suggestion would be to not use a flash. Try photographing them on both dark and light surfaces. Use a macro setting. Maybe a blue filter would cut back on glare. I love swarovksi crystals, I use them in my mandala paintings.

Answer 3

You need at least 8 megapixcells to match 35 mm quality. Light it well, from behind, do not use flash. Use a macro lens if you have one.