Digital Camera

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

PLease recommend a Digital Camera to photo N and HO Scale Model Layouts. I need a brand name and technical specifications. I want to email these photo’s with clarity. Thank you, Larry

2

Larry,

First off: [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)]

Most point and shoots with 5 megapixals (MPs) or greater would be fine. However, two critical elements will be:

  • Zoom capability - 3x “optical” is the norm. Higher is better for capturing details. IMO, FORGET digital zoom. Optical zoom (through the lens) is what you are after. I’d look for a 10x, if it’s available and affordable.
  • Focusing capability - Can you change the depth of field? On closeups, a short depth of field will focus only on the focal point. (Everything in the background will be blurry.) A long depth of field will allow you to take closeups with everything in focus. You’ll usually find this feature on SLR (single lens reflex)-type cameras.

Less critical but preferable:

  • A 2.5" (or larger) LCD viewing screen - It’s nice to be able to see what you just took a picture of, without needing to use a magnifying glass to do so

Larry, I’ll let others offer specific camera recommendations for you. Hope that helps…

Tom

3

Hello,

I use 35mm fixed lens (macro), set the depth of field mostly at f 22 with tripod.

If it’s possible to use the LCD monitor as a viewfider ( live view). It makes capturing shots from unusual angles.

It works very well, it’s nice to have greater pixels specially when you crop the picture to see more near.

4

Check out my website on model railroad digital photography, its in my signature below.

5

To get the sharpest pictures, don’t push or press the shutter button yourself. Most new digital cameras have a self-timer built in for taking self portraits. Just set your camera up to shoot the picture so you don’t have to hold it, then start the timer and let it go. The camera will take the pic and it won’t shake. Also, if you shoot this way with a high resolution, you will have better luck zooming in on the details in the photo with a computer photo program.

6

Canon REBEL EOS. Now that they have introduced their new line, the old line 8 or 9 megapixels are selling in the 350.00 range. This is a professional quality camera, fully manual or fully automatic.

I encourage the tripod on model photos and depth of field with F22 and more available on this camera. You set the aperture manually, the camera sets the exposure time automatically. This is important because you can’t hold a camera steady enough for 2 second exposure for example. I have actually reverted back to fully automatic depth of field, the camera is smarter than I am for sure.

Chris

7

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s/finepix_s1000fd/specifications/index.html

You’d be hard pressed to find a better camera in the $200 range than this one.

8

Thanks for the recommendation Loather,tomorrow I get my new camara.The fuji.

9

http://www.everyprice.com/item.asp?item_Id=205467&partner=g123&keyword=fuji_s1000&gclid=CNqwtOb8p5QCFRZjnAodNloSfg

Here’s some price comparisons for you. The combination of super macro and complete manual option makes it outstanding for model pictures. Let me know how you like it. I love using my sisters S700!(the 700 is the same camera with fewer options)