File :-(, x, )
Help! Anonymous
OK, I need to purchase a digital camera setup for work, and I need some suggestions of models to look at.

About 80% of my shots will be macro type (machinery parts closeups). The remaining 20% will be photos of machinery from about 3-5 feet distant.

The camera will be used on a tripod 99% of the time. It won't travel into the field. Also this camera will be fairly dedicated purpose, so flexibility is not much of a concern.


Suggestions please: Camera, lens, ring flash...
>> Macheath !8b4g0BkNZg
Budget?

ib4KenRockwell
>> Anonymous
Budget: $1000 range (approximatley), for camera, lens, flash, and a memory card
>> Anonymous
how big is the machinery, do you need to get the entire thing into the frame, and how much space do you have to move around in.
>> Anonymous
Most of the shots will be of just individual parts on a neutral background. The parts themselves range in size from about the size of a US dime up to about the size of a grapefruit. Most of the parts be on the smaller end of the scale, perhaps the size of a golf ball.

When I do need to shoot machinery, the area of interest would be about 12" x 12" or smaller. I'll have plenty of room to move the camera around. The machinery itself is about the size of a washing machine or small refrigerator, but most of the time the shot would be some particular section of it, not the whole thing. Every once in a while I might need to shoot the whole thing, but that would be less common.

Consider this a more specific breakdown of the type of shots I would need to make:

60%: Small parts on a neutral background (parts only)
30%: Up close view of machinery showing a few parts as they are positioned in the machine.
10%: Zoomed-out photo showing the entire machine (About the size of a washing machine)
>> Anonymous
>>90548
i would get an older/lower model dslr like a rebel XT, d40/d50. then a macro lens with a little more distance on it, like a 60mm. that will make lighting the object easier, but youll need more distance to get the machinery shots. then just get some old flash or something with a hot shoe cable will give you the lighting you need, and allow you to move it around if you need to.
>> Anonymous
If detail is what matters then a sharp macro lens is the best bet. It's what you are aiming for anyway. Get a budget SLR, a good macro prime lens and a decent hotshoe flash will be useful.

Any preference for brands and so on?
>> Anonymous
OP here again. I don't have any brand preferances, and I don't have an array of existing equipment that I'd like to maintain compatibility with, so I'm open as far as that goes.

I was considering the Rebel XT along with the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 macro lens. I'm thinking that I can pick up those and a good flash and still stay on budget.
>> Macheath !8b4g0BkNZg
Canon's macro ring flash is a bit expensive. It might go over $1000. You might need a little wider lens as well...
>> Anonymous
There's these constant light things that screw on the front of a lens that work just like a ringflash. They're very cheap and should work well for the OP.

And yeah, OP, you need a wider lens to photgraph the whole thing.
>> Anonymous
>>90760

DON'T get the Canon 14 ringflash. Get the Sigma one instead. It's half the price, just as bright and it has better controls. You can also use it with Nikon OR Canon.

Your choice of body and lens will be perfect for what you are wanting to do. Light, cheap but great image quality (macro lenses are often exceptional of course) and easy to use.