What digital camera do you recommand for shooting web/product photos?

Question

Please provide some names/models and some of their specs. Better yet, some unbiased review websites.
Thank you.

Answer 1

The thing to know about pictures displayed on a computer monitor is that the maximum resolution that can be seen is 3 megapixels. In other words, there is no point is buying an expensive camera for this sort of work. Buy the cheapest Canon camera you can find. Canon has the most accurate color reproduction, white balance control etc. For example, the Canon Powershot A430 would serve nicely:

http://dcresource.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=17657009

Answer 2

I would disagree with the idea of getting any old web cam, as the better your pictures are, the better your sales will be.

Look for ANY camera with macro capabilities. Even if you are not planning on selling anything small, you wil find it is helpful to show detail on certain items - even clothing at times.

A 2 or 3 megapixel camera is quite adequate for eBay, but you may as well get 4 or more, since they are so cheap these days and then you could use it for something other than eBay if the mood strikes you. I have been using various cameras, but most of my eBay photos are taken with a Nikon Coolpix 5400. This camera is out dated, but it's a 5 MP camera. I have dome some with my Coolpix 4600, which is only a 4 MP camera and it's just fine. I think it's obsolete also...

It's true that the large size on eBay is 800 pixels by 800 pixels and you could theoretically get that with less than 1 MP, but starting out with a good sharp image made by a camera with a decent quality lens is important.

Shop eBay for a 3 or 4 MP camera. Check to be sure that it has a macro mode. You'd like to get within a couple inches of some items or detail on some items. Stick to any of the brands that people are sure to recommend here. Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Sony, Pentax and Kodak are all well-known brand names with a good reputation.

I happen to have some photos from old auctions on an FTP site. I think that these were all taken with a 3 MP Nikon Coolpix 885, but I hope they convince you not to buy a dinky webcam.

http://members.aol.com/swf08302/carvina.jpg
http://members.aol.com/swf08302/konkontu.jpg
http://members.aol.com/swf08302/skullfront.jpg

Answer 3

For web product photos you need low resolution (display is 72 dpi !! a printer is aking for 300 dpi !!) and small file size. On the same time you want a good quality photo of that product. So ...don't go for the cheapest camera.

For best results you need a good camera and skills. Ideal is a DSLR with few additional lenses for macro if those products are relative small.

If this is too expensive for you, go for a superzoom (Sony, Olympus, Lumix). I am using Lumix FZ-30 + circular polarizer filter.

For a limited budged ...ok ...take a point & shot with at least 3x optical zoom and 5 Megapixels. But don't forget about accesories like a good flash or spot lights.

the final result = a photo for web, will be a resized image from that good photo. Use picasa, gimp or photoshop to rezise/crop the image.

for reviews: http://dpreview.com/

Answer 4

I think you should stick with a known brand. I woud suggest Canon/Nikon/Olympus (in that order of preference - personal preference...)

So what features should you have:
1. Megapix - well, I would say 4+ megapix. Go as high as your budget allows providing you have the other features (lsted below) included in the camera. Dont go for anything more than 8 megapix.

2. Optical zoom - I would say 3x to 5x. (ignore any figure given that includes digital zoom)

3. Macro - This is a must have

4. External flash shoe - I'd say you may need this

5. Manual focus - You would be surprised how difficult some situations are for automatic focus

6. SLR - If you can afford it I would say go for it.

Answer 5

Any camera from a major manufacturer (Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Fuji, Nikon) that has a macro focus ability should do the trick.

More important is the lighting question. Get a decent camera, but don't go over the top. Use the extra money to get a lighting kit from someone like B&H Photo or Adorama.

Try these links:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=331824&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=444595&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

These are just examples. I am not recommending these particular kits, just showing the type of product I mean.

Answer 6

Hi, perhaps you can also try google picasa.

picasa is a Google's photo software. It's what should've come with your camera.

It can Edit , organise and Share you picture and small video flips.

It's very easy to use and is free, just like Google

Download it free and just have a try:

http://www.bernanke.cn/google-picasa/

Good Luck!