what is the best camera to use for professional product shoots?

Question

do you have tips for perfect lighting? thanks!

brand and model please. thanks!

Answer 1

Most professional product photographers use view cameras for this kind of work because it allows the control of perspective and focus plane. This things are very important for this type of work because of the short working distances (potential for very short depth of field) and the need to correct perspective so that the product looks right despite the angle of the film plane to the product. This second issue can be corrected in Photoshop (i.e. perspective correction) or other image editing software. However, the first issue (focus plane) can not be corrected with software.

Up until recently, 4x5" view cameras and transparency film were used for this purpose. Now, there has been a move to digital backs on smaller, "medium format" view cameras, or digital backs on 4x5" cameras. The results of this are A) faster work flow, B) removal of scanning step thus more clear images. With digital backs giving more than 20MP these days, there is plenty of information to work with. Of course this must be compared to the potential of 100MP+ scans from 4x5" transparencies!

Regarding lighting, I would say that top product photography lighting is an art. A wide variety of tools are used, but the basic system usually consists of a power pack and strobe heads, or monolights. In addition to this, a whole host of light modifiers such as soft boxes, grids, reflectors, blackflectors, scrims, gobos, gels, etc. are routinely used. A variety of background and other surfaces are required. But beyond all the equipment, the product photographer must understand how to bring out the best in the product, i.e. the "metallic surface" or the "ceramic glaze" or the details in a watch, for instance, without unwanted reflections.

I think the best stuff in the world of product photography is generally seen in cosmetics work. Just flip through any woman's magazine and look at the amazing work in this area! Also, watch photography. I'm still not sure exactly how this is done - to create a photograph of something that small but with such clarity and detail.

I hope this helps!

-Karl

Answer 2

I think most studio photographers would tell you that Phase One makes the best digital backs. (phaseone.com) I use the H25 which I bought a couple of years ago on a Mamiya RZ67 camera body. But Phase One has come out with several new models since then.

I also use a Canon 5D for my nature photography, some location photography when I don't want to use a laptop (the H25 must be connected to a computer to work), and studio work once in a while.

I would suggest you buy a book on lighting from a camera store. On most product shots for catalogs, etc. even lighting is the key. While you don't technically need a light meter when shooting digital, because you can review the shot immediately and make adjustments, you probably ought to invest in a handheld flash meter.

Answer 3

A real professional camera costs thousands just for the camera, never mind the lenses. At the moment, the upcoming Canon 1D Mark III is the best 35mm digital camera but there are better ones in medium and large format. A 39 megapixel camera will capture a lot of detail.

Answer 4

For standard digitals, Nikon & Canon are the leaders.

If you need super-high resolution, you can find camera backs up to 110gb now.

Use an enclosed white product case with 2 external lights, and a front bounce seems to work well.

Answer 5

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions

Answer 6

Whatever the brand is... find SLR camera.
Sure you will never regret!
http://likeall.blogspot.com

Answer 7

NIKON IS THE BEST ONE