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Please? *sniff* (Moderated by Deepika, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 5/13/10 9:53 PM ET
After reading online camera reviews, I'm more confuzled than before I started. And since what I want to photograph are the clothes I sew, who better to ask about cameras than you lot! 
So what do I need? A camera, obviously, but what else and what camera? I've never spent time behind a camera, so I know nuthin'. Most my photos would be indoor shots, and as I won't be able to do mirror shots, I suppose I need a remote thingy?
What I really need is advice...gimme a list so I can go get this over with, and finally get some reviews with photos up!
Ta!
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So what do I need? A camera, obviously, but what else and what camera? I've never spent time behind a camera, so I know nuthin'. Most my photos would be indoor shots, and as I won't be able to do mirror shots, I suppose I need a remote thingy?
What I really need is advice...gimme a list so I can go get this over with, and finally get some reviews with photos up!

Ta!

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I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
Posted on: 5/13/10 10:24 PM ET
In reply to LynnRowe
Yeesh, Lynn ... there's so many cameras on the market with such diverse specs. The world's almost literally your oyster.
Do you have any ideas for the future? Meaning, do you want the ability to get more creative with your shots? Macro capability (that's when you see on some blogs and websites the neat-o blurry background but tight, clear foregrounds)? Any idea on Megapixels?
How much do you want to spend? Decent cameras can cost you anywhere from $50 (on eBay) to easily a cool grand (again, depending on the creative bells and whistles).
But for taking pix of yourself, you don't need a remote ~ most cameras nowadays have a timing feature ~ you set the timer to take the shot in one minute, two minutes, etc. Of course, you have to frame the shot, first.
But really, my camera's about 10 years old (just haven't made up my mind on what I want in an upgrade) and it's about 8MP and does very nice shots, easy to use, and good quality. You could prolly get my camera on eBay for about $50.
Soooo ... what EXACTLY are you looking for? Sure would be nice if **I** could enable **YOU**!!! ;)
Or are you looking to save as much money to spend on all those luscious fabs you keep evully enabling us with?!
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Do you have any ideas for the future? Meaning, do you want the ability to get more creative with your shots? Macro capability (that's when you see on some blogs and websites the neat-o blurry background but tight, clear foregrounds)? Any idea on Megapixels?
How much do you want to spend? Decent cameras can cost you anywhere from $50 (on eBay) to easily a cool grand (again, depending on the creative bells and whistles).
But for taking pix of yourself, you don't need a remote ~ most cameras nowadays have a timing feature ~ you set the timer to take the shot in one minute, two minutes, etc. Of course, you have to frame the shot, first.
But really, my camera's about 10 years old (just haven't made up my mind on what I want in an upgrade) and it's about 8MP and does very nice shots, easy to use, and good quality. You could prolly get my camera on eBay for about $50.
Soooo ... what EXACTLY are you looking for? Sure would be nice if **I** could enable **YOU**!!! ;)
Or are you looking to save as much money to spend on all those luscious fabs you keep evully enabling us with?!

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Connie in Panama City Beach, Florida :)
"And these children that you spit on, as they try to change their worlds, are immune to your consultations. They're quite aware of what they're going through" ~ David Bowie, "Changes"
http://www.imsewverycreative.blogspot.com
Connie in Panama City Beach, Florida :)
"And these children that you spit on, as they try to change their worlds, are immune to your consultations. They're quite aware of what they're going through" ~ David Bowie, "Changes"
http://www.imsewverycreative.blogspot.com
Posted on: 5/14/10 1:08 AM ET
In reply to LynnRowe
Hi Lynn,
If you go to London Drugs and ask at the camera counter they shoudl be able to help you.
A couple things to ask about:
Megapixels, for what you are doing you do not need a 12 megapixel SRL camera.
Batteries, some take AA some have their own and a charger. Ask how many high resolutions photos you can get on a charge or set of batteries.
How much do the memory cards cost and how many high res photos will they store? I got a 'free' Sony camera with my air miles, but the memory card cost me $70.00.
Macro means close up and you will want that to show close details of your work, whether it is a seam finish, button hole or collar treatment.
I think all cameras have a timer nowadays, so that will make taking your photos easier, unless Mr. Woo decides to help out.
You may want to take pictures outdoors in natural light when possible. You will not want to be back lit by a window.
You can always pretend to be a tourist and walk down to the Art Gallery and ask people to take your picture with the lions behind you.
Sometimes Shoppers Drug Mart has cameras for around $100.00. They would probably meet your needs, if you do not think you will be taking lots of other shots.
Lastly you will need a place on line to put your photos. You can post them here is you are a paying member or you can use Picassa, Flikr, or another photo hosting site.
Boy or boy it is not a good idea to try to type after the 4th glass of wine, I keep having to fix my typos. It is my son's birthday and there is an open bottle of wine left.
Oh well.
I will be in your neck of the woods tomorrow Lynn. I bought dh tickets to see the Eagles. I am also planning my first visit to Fabricana and a 3rd visit to Dress Sew.
Take care.
michelle
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If you go to London Drugs and ask at the camera counter they shoudl be able to help you.
A couple things to ask about:
Megapixels, for what you are doing you do not need a 12 megapixel SRL camera.
Batteries, some take AA some have their own and a charger. Ask how many high resolutions photos you can get on a charge or set of batteries.
How much do the memory cards cost and how many high res photos will they store? I got a 'free' Sony camera with my air miles, but the memory card cost me $70.00.
Macro means close up and you will want that to show close details of your work, whether it is a seam finish, button hole or collar treatment.
I think all cameras have a timer nowadays, so that will make taking your photos easier, unless Mr. Woo decides to help out.
You may want to take pictures outdoors in natural light when possible. You will not want to be back lit by a window.
You can always pretend to be a tourist and walk down to the Art Gallery and ask people to take your picture with the lions behind you.
Sometimes Shoppers Drug Mart has cameras for around $100.00. They would probably meet your needs, if you do not think you will be taking lots of other shots.
Lastly you will need a place on line to put your photos. You can post them here is you are a paying member or you can use Picassa, Flikr, or another photo hosting site.
Boy or boy it is not a good idea to try to type after the 4th glass of wine, I keep having to fix my typos. It is my son's birthday and there is an open bottle of wine left.
Oh well.
I will be in your neck of the woods tomorrow Lynn. I bought dh tickets to see the Eagles. I am also planning my first visit to Fabricana and a 3rd visit to Dress Sew.
Take care.
michelle
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Living life to the fullest.
Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
Posted on: 5/14/10 4:00 AM ET
DH takes photos (mainly landscape) and uses a high end Nikon which cost an arm and a leg. When I first got a digital I bought a kodak easy share - just because it looked the easiest most worked out in terms of the user booklet and how you got stuff onto your computer in the shop I went to. I still use and love this for recording my sewing for those same reasons. It has a timer button. Sometimes I've got DH to take the shot of me in the new gladrags with his camera. The basic difference between the results is that when he does a shot I look relatively glamorous, and when I do a timer shot its best if I fudge out my face :D. But its easy to delete shots either on the camera or on the software, so though I bought one new memory card when on holiday once - its the only one I ever bought and wasn't pricey. I use the kodak to get in close to photograph details, it has a close ups setting. This isn't as good as sticking the Nikon on a tripod and doing it 'properly' but I don't want to spend a lot of time. The upshot of this ramble is if you just want to take snaps which record what you do, and aren't technical minded, pay attention to what you get in terms of user help - books, software, site help, as well as what the camera will do.
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http://patternpandemonium.wordpress.com/
Posted on: 5/14/10 9:48 AM ET
In reply to petro
Quote:
The basic difference between the results is that when he does a shot I look relatively glamorous, and when I do a timer shot its best if I fudge out my face :D
The basic difference between the results is that when he does a shot I look relatively glamorous, and when I do a timer shot its best if I fudge out my face :D
LOL, yannow what that means, right?!
It means you and your DH really love each other.

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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Connie in Panama City Beach, Florida :)
"And these children that you spit on, as they try to change their worlds, are immune to your consultations. They're quite aware of what they're going through" ~ David Bowie, "Changes"
http://www.imsewverycreative.blogspot.com
Connie in Panama City Beach, Florida :)
"And these children that you spit on, as they try to change their worlds, are immune to your consultations. They're quite aware of what they're going through" ~ David Bowie, "Changes"
http://www.imsewverycreative.blogspot.com
Posted on: 5/14/10 9:53 AM ET
If your main goal is to be able to take pictures sewn things at home, make sure you don't get drawn in by the ones with a zillion functions and a huge memory capacity. Stick to bare basics in something that will just take clear pictures.
Posted on: 5/14/10 10:27 AM ET
I don't know a whole lot about cameras, but I must say that I am very much looking forward to seeing all the beautiful clothes you are making. :)
I bought a camera a few years ago and ended up with one that took AA batteries as I thought that would be nice and easy. Next camera will have a rechargeable battery pack as it goes through those AA batteries so fast! Besides the cost, I have to remember to keep them in stock and then store them for recycling.
Oh, and I remember looking for optical zoom. Some of the cheaper models only had a digital zoom and as far as I understand, the clarity that you can get with good optics is still far superior than electronics. Anyone want to chime in on this?
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I bought a camera a few years ago and ended up with one that took AA batteries as I thought that would be nice and easy. Next camera will have a rechargeable battery pack as it goes through those AA batteries so fast! Besides the cost, I have to remember to keep them in stock and then store them for recycling.
Oh, and I remember looking for optical zoom. Some of the cheaper models only had a digital zoom and as far as I understand, the clarity that you can get with good optics is still far superior than electronics. Anyone want to chime in on this?
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2020: sew more and keep track!
Sewn: 1 project, 4 yds
Sewn: 1 project, 4 yds
Posted on: 5/14/10 11:39 AM ET
If you'll be doing your clothing shots inside at night, something that works well in low light might be a good idea (I hate how I look with the flash, yuck!). I was going to mention this camera that I keep seeing advertised for its low light capabilities, but looks like it's so new it's not out in stores yet (and it isn't cheap)
I do like Canons in general though, I've had 4 and never been disappointed.
I do like Canons in general though, I've had 4 and never been disappointed.
Posted on: 5/14/10 3:33 PM ET
In reply to LynnRowe
I got the Canon PowerShow A620 when it was brand new on the market. It was about $250 at a discount warehouse.
I like things that are simple and less likely to break. This flip screen seemed a bit hokey to me:

However, it has turned out to be the single most useful feature of the camera, when it comes to taking photos of me, wearing my garments. I mount the camera on a tripod (or find furniture of appropriate height), set the timer, and I CAN SEE MYSELF as the photo is being taken!
A bonus for short folk, like us: I can be in a crowd, hold the camera over my head, and adjust the screen to see what the lens is capturing.
I don't know if this feature is on current models. My friends and I have had great experiences with Canon cameras. Clarity and color are great. My camera is a bit clunky. It uses 4 AA batteries, which are heavy. I used to recharge batteries about once a quarter (I don't take many photos). I switched to Eneloop rechargeables (which don't discharge as quickly as regular rechargeables). It's been over a year (almost two years?), and I have not had to recharge batteries yet.
Good luck with your camera hunt! I'm looking forward to seeing your garment photos.
P.S. Oops, the image link didn't work. Go to the hotlink (an Amazon listing), and look at the fourth image, which shows the screen facing the same direction as the lens.
-- Edited on 5/14/10 3:36 PM --
I like things that are simple and less likely to break. This flip screen seemed a bit hokey to me:
However, it has turned out to be the single most useful feature of the camera, when it comes to taking photos of me, wearing my garments. I mount the camera on a tripod (or find furniture of appropriate height), set the timer, and I CAN SEE MYSELF as the photo is being taken!
A bonus for short folk, like us: I can be in a crowd, hold the camera over my head, and adjust the screen to see what the lens is capturing.
I don't know if this feature is on current models. My friends and I have had great experiences with Canon cameras. Clarity and color are great. My camera is a bit clunky. It uses 4 AA batteries, which are heavy. I used to recharge batteries about once a quarter (I don't take many photos). I switched to Eneloop rechargeables (which don't discharge as quickly as regular rechargeables). It's been over a year (almost two years?), and I have not had to recharge batteries yet.
Good luck with your camera hunt! I'm looking forward to seeing your garment photos.
P.S. Oops, the image link didn't work. Go to the hotlink (an Amazon listing), and look at the fourth image, which shows the screen facing the same direction as the lens.
-- Edited on 5/14/10 3:36 PM --
Posted on: 5/14/10 4:31 PM ET
The Olympus FE series are great little cameras, and reasonably priced. There are models starting for about $100.00. DD loves hers, it has a lot of nice features plus it's thin & lightweight yet very easy to use. Might be worth a look for you Lynn.



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