miander
spending too much on rocks
Searching for the shop of my dreams...
Member since November 2013
Posts: 407 
|
Post by miander on Jan 31, 2014 20:00:14 GMT -5
Hi everyone! I'm not sure if this is the right place to pose this question, but I was wondering if there are any tips on what camera specifics are good for photographing rock and any lighting tips? Thanks for any suggestions  |
|
jamesp
Cave Dweller 
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,612
|
Post by jamesp on Jan 31, 2014 20:50:25 GMT -5
I went on ebay and bought a nikon D70 . And a nikon zoom lens. AF Nikkor 24-85 mm 1:2.8-4.0. Total was $400 used.
It is a professional grade. I suggest looking on ebay for high grade used stuff as long as the seller allows returns.
|
|
Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,723 
|
Post by Fossilman on Jan 31, 2014 20:55:52 GMT -5
I have a Sony video camera that take photos too,its better than my Cannon camera. Does excellent close-ups and distant shots too!
|
|
jollyrockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2013
Posts: 409
|
Post by jollyrockhound on Jan 31, 2014 21:44:40 GMT -5
The 14 megapixel cameras are getting cheap and they have good lens nikons are awesome ebay and craigslist are good for these. Good luck
|
|
unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
|
Post by unclestu on Jan 31, 2014 22:17:46 GMT -5
You don't have spend a lot of money to get good results. I have an expensive Nikon with a lot of bells and whistles many of which I never use. What you do need is a tripod.an ,most important a good lighting set up. I suggest a light tent with 2 5000k lamps. That will give you the ability to defuse the light and cut down on glare and shadows. You can get a good light tent/box set up with the lamps reflectors and stands for no more than $50.00. With it you will be able to get professional looking results with a little fine tuning of your positioning of the subject matter. With highly reflective objects you want to light them indirectly to cut the glare.
There have been some posts about building a light tent yourself if you are so inclined. It was the best $50.00 I ever spent as I made it back with the 1st sale on Ebay.
There are many video tutorials on you tube as well with regard to photographing with a light box.
As far as a camera goes don't get to concerned about megs unless you plan on making large poster size enlargements. For posting pictures on line 8 meg is all you would really need.
Stu
|
|
gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,062
|
Post by gemfeller on Jan 31, 2014 23:39:34 GMT -5
I don't think there are huge differences between mineral photography and general gem photography. When I started photographing gems I was helped tremendously by the information in the following article by mineral dealer John Betts. There are some differences, of course, but with the basic information he presents it's easy to make adjustments in technique. If I was given a Stradivarius violin today I'd still be a lousy violinist. Its the same with cameras. Without an experienced and capable operator even the finest equipment can't do the job by itself. There's a learning curve and the helpful information here will help can speed that process. johnbetts-fineminerals.com/jhbnyc/articles/photo.htm |
|
|
|
Post by deb193redux on Jan 31, 2014 23:41:58 GMT -5
|
|
GeorgeStoneStore
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 168
|
Post by GeorgeStoneStore on Feb 1, 2014 1:10:39 GMT -5
Hi everyone! I'm not sure if this is the right place to pose this question, but I was wondering if there are any tips on what camera specifics are good for photographing rock and any lighting tips? Thanks for any suggestions If you do not want to mess with DSLR, you buy cheap bridge cameras. I have a Canon 50D and 550D, and many lenses, but almost never I use my mineral photography. I buying Sony HX100V. excellent Macro photos produce. Few Simple tools (good lighting, home made light box, tripod ) you with nice results, and you very happy.  |
|
unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
|
Post by unclestu on Feb 1, 2014 3:33:54 GMT -5
Here is a link to part one of a multi part tutorial on small object table top photgraphy with a light box on you tube. Her is a link to a company that I purchased my loght box/ten. Yes you can make a light box yourself but for not a lot of $ you can get a set up with the right natural sunlight 5000k lights light stands reflectors and various background. www.skaeser.com/servlet/Categories?category=LIGHT+TENTSThis is another liink to a cool video about small object photography using mirrors. Really cool effect!! Stu |
|
jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,612
|
Post by jamesp on Feb 1, 2014 5:06:27 GMT -5
I bounce around between Sony Nikon point and shoots and Nikon D70. I keep coming back to the Nikon D70. I avoid tripod shooting by using a
Nikkor 24-85 mm zoom lens that is equipped with a mickey mouse macro switch. The zoom is great for filling enough of the frame with 1/2"-2"
subjects. I can set back from the subject and way reduce vibration. Get great depth.
And still have plenty of pixels to crop to screen size blow ups w/out digital distortion.
I think the Nikkor lens is the trick. It is user friendly. And i like to take pics of 50 tumbles in a few minutes.
Impatient w/tripods. Never used a light box.
I must be a hack.LOL. Do enjoy lots of images w/min of effort.
|
|
miander
spending too much on rocks
Searching for the shop of my dreams...
Member since November 2013
Posts: 407
|
Post by miander on Feb 2, 2014 1:43:34 GMT -5
You guys are awesome, thanks so much for the feedback. I am not terribly tech wavy, so pointers and money saving tips are gold : D
|
|
jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,612
|
Post by jamesp on Feb 2, 2014 9:23:34 GMT -5
I did some comparing couple days ago. A heavy fancy high end Nikon vs a $150 Sony DSC-H200. The Sony really did well. Really well. Gets great macros. They got inexpensive digitals dialed in so well. I chose a dark rock with a bright white splotch in the center of it. A tough test. The top and bottom photos are from the Sony. The middle two are from the Nikon D70 w/high dollar lens. The Sony matched the color better with using simple controls. Not the best photos, but it is an apple for apple comparison. That's all.     |
|
GeorgeStoneStore
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 168
|
Post by GeorgeStoneStore on Feb 2, 2014 9:53:59 GMT -5
Compare two cameras. I bought this based on the Sony HX100V. You should compare the old model the newest modell. HX100 vs. HX200. The new model worse,chromatic aberration, distortion, lifeless images. Here's a good test page: compare cameras
Move the magnifying glass in different places |
|
GeorgeStoneStore
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 168
|
Post by GeorgeStoneStore on Feb 2, 2014 10:18:16 GMT -5
sample photo, shot Sony HX100V. petrified wood , from Hungary. Location: Megyaszó, Zemplén Mts ( light source, two compact fluorescent lamp, 6500K, 23W, camera tripod, self timer)  |
|
jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,612
|
Post by jamesp on Feb 2, 2014 18:31:14 GMT -5
Very nice camera comparison George. Not a suprise that HX100 is better than HX200. Some older things better.
Cameras are tricky to compare, so many variables. You have a beautiful photo and that camera works for you-important.
Long time for me to learn a camera and it's performance. Nice to have professional comparisons.
|
|
Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,503
|
Post by Sabre52 on Feb 2, 2014 22:07:34 GMT -5
Tripod is very important all right. I have a nice Canon I use for nature photography but you know, for rocks, I like my ancient Nikon Coolpix best of all. Easy to use, good zoom and shows reasonable detail for posting to web. Got to build me a light tent someday though.....Mel
|
|
quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,359
|
Post by quartz on Feb 2, 2014 23:40:51 GMT -5
Saw a story about making a light tent using the bottom [straight part]of a plastic milk jug with a hole cut in it for the camera lens and two CFL's for light. Example pics. were very good.
|
|
gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,062
|
Post by gemfeller on Feb 3, 2014 0:10:29 GMT -5
Tripod is very important all right. I have a nice Canon I use for nature photography but you know, for rocks, I like my ancient Nikon Coolpix best of all. Easy to use, good zoom and shows reasonable detail for posting to web. Got to build me a light tent someday though.....Mel Which model Coolpix Mel? I wouldn't be without my old 4500. An incredibly fine lens, great macro capability, easy custom white balance and among its other fine features, the swivel design that allows use of a simple tabletop tripod and provides great flexibility for getting the right angle on still shots, especially on cabs and faceted gems. If that or a similar model is your choice, I recommend a light tent big enough to put your whole camera into. You have to really get "up close" to maximize the macro function. My only complaint is it's getting hard to find CompactFlash cards compatible with it. I learned (at considerable expense) that it won't work with some of the new, faster cards with greater memory. I've standardized on the old Dane Electric 2GB cards. Some really good deals on this model show up now and then on EBay. |
|
Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,503
|
Post by Sabre52 on Feb 3, 2014 8:52:02 GMT -5
Rick, My Coolpix is ancient, a Coolpix 775. Broke when I first got it, had it repaired and it's been going great ever since. Incredible how cheap Coolpix have gotten. My wife just bought a brand new one to carry horseback and it cost about $100. My old one was over $500 when I got it.....Mel
|
|
jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,612
|
Post by jamesp on Feb 3, 2014 9:39:36 GMT -5
Tripod is very important all right. I have a nice Canon I use for nature photography but you know, for rocks, I like my ancient Nikon Coolpix best of all. Easy to use, good zoom and shows reasonable detail for posting to web. Got to build me a light tent someday though.....Mel About all digital cameras a good bit past the floppy disc Sony Mavica era will take smoking good photos. Do the right adjustments, supply the right light and hold them still and good results will follow. Some of the members are getting spectacular cell phone photos. The technology has finally gotten inexpensive and $100 cameras are often well more capable than the photographer. Older cameras may have 2 inches of optical glass for gathering and manipulating light. Now with ccd's and other light gathering devices/amplifiers physical lenses can be way reduced and thinner defying the laws of early cameras. Super thin lenses that allow maximum light to the optical receiver etc. Computerized adjustments and manipulation for color, white balance etc makes it a new game. |
|
