Modding How to take better photographs of your Mod

Discussion in 'Article Discussion' started by Sifter3000, 15 Feb 2010.

  1. Anfield

    Anfield Multimodder

    Joined:
    15 Jan 2010
    Posts:
    7,188
    Likes Received:
    1,026
    Of course no phone camera can compete with a DSLR, but its surprising how little difference there is between cheaper point and shoot ones compared to phone cameras.
     
  2. Xtrafresh

    Xtrafresh It never hurts to help

    Joined:
    27 Dec 2007
    Posts:
    2,999
    Likes Received:
    100
    ohh this is very useful! I'll read more in-depth when i have the time, but for now... thanks!

    Also:
    +1
     
  3. KnightHawk2112

    KnightHawk2112 RTFM

    Joined:
    15 Feb 2010
    Posts:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Great article, very helpful.

    Just a couple of additional comments as someone who has done a fair amount of close-up/product photography (no mods, yet).

    1. As a general rule: If the Shutter Speed is less than 1/focal length, it is nearly impossible to hand hold the shot. Example: If the focal length of your lens (or the setting of your point and shoot) is 60mm, the the slowest shutter speed you can hand hold is 1/60th of a second. That being said, get a tripod - it's much easier and is one less thing to think about when you are taking your pictures.

    2. There are a fair number of daylight quality Compact Florescent bulbs available, use them. They keep the colors from shifting in your picture (expert Photoshop users can correct for this, but I find it much easier to use these lights).

    3. As I think someone earlier said, take lots of pictures, post the best ones.

    Look forward to see the results.
     
  4. GregTheRotter

    GregTheRotter Minimodder

    Joined:
    9 Aug 2008
    Posts:
    4,271
    Likes Received:
    88
    Here's one for some of the bit tech staff. Take the hood off when you are using the pop-up flash. I remember seeing a shot a while back with this massive shadow on it, that was caused by the above xD
     
  5. GregTheRotter

    GregTheRotter Minimodder

    Joined:
    9 Aug 2008
    Posts:
    4,271
    Likes Received:
    88
    doh, that was completely random xD The shot in question was at some event or something :p
     
  6. JasonCase24

    JasonCase24 What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    29 Jan 2010
    Posts:
    11
    Likes Received:
    0
    You're absolutely right! But, it's too expensive! I with I have one soon cause photography is really one of my hobby. Something that I actually enjoy.
     
    Last edited: 28 Feb 2010
  7. cybergenics

    cybergenics What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    27 Jun 2009
    Posts:
    613
    Likes Received:
    17
    Umm, some D-SLR's are not as good as the current crop of Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens cameras like the Olympus EP-1 and others. In fact stuff like the Nikon D3000 and Canon 1000 are well of the pace of the E-P1 (and the other 'Pens'). Unlike a point and shoot (and they mostly have adopted wka micro four thirds lens) you can change the lenses. However they aren't cheap and a 'cheap' D-SLR is a good idea still.

    The Olympus E-420 can be had for about 300-350 quid, it lacks image stabilisation but makes up for it with such features as the worlds smalled D-SLR and uses reular four thirds system. I use one for its portability with a Zuiko 25mm 'Pancake' lens and for the rest of my stuff an Olympus E30 with a variety of lenses. Don't get caught up in the 'Nikon or Canon' is best mentality if shopping for a D-SLR and consider things like the Olympus EP-1 and similar as alternatives.

    Another thing regarding getting the most from your camera,if you are enthusiastic about spending some cas on the hobby... if you have invested cash in a decent camera, don't then edit your pictures with Microsoft Picture gallery on a nasty TN monitor. The number of times I have seen folk list an impressive string of D-SLR's in their signature on some forums and then their PC which uses something like a 'Hanns G' monitor or something.
     
  8. Dave Lister

    Dave Lister Minimodder

    Joined:
    1 Sep 2009
    Posts:
    880
    Likes Received:
    12
    Cheers Claave, will try that
     
  9. Waynio

    Waynio Relaxing

    Joined:
    20 Aug 2009
    Posts:
    5,714
    Likes Received:
    230
    Moneys too tight to get a good £500 camera, I'd sooner buy a small mill or lathe or new gpu or mobo, memory & cpu, would really like to be able to take great pictures, but for said reasons above, not yet I'm afraid, I know I should do now the quality of my mods have improved since I started, but still, £500 & then the extras = ouch lol.
     
  10. Waynio

    Waynio Relaxing

    Joined:
    20 Aug 2009
    Posts:
    5,714
    Likes Received:
    230
    Anyone know an awesome budget camera below £200?
     
  11. rickysio

    rickysio N900 | HJE900

    Joined:
    6 Jun 2009
    Posts:
    964
    Likes Received:
    5
    Actually, quite a fair bit of difference - just compare the amount of resolved detail, noise levels, etc.
     
  12. cybergenics

    cybergenics What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    27 Jun 2009
    Posts:
    613
    Likes Received:
    17
    @Waynio, Nikon Coolpix L110.
     
  13. Xtrafresh

    Xtrafresh It never hurts to help

    Joined:
    27 Dec 2007
    Posts:
    2,999
    Likes Received:
    100
    Irrelevant. The best way to get good shots is either hiring a studi and professional photographer or going to study photography and beccome a professional yourself.

    HOWEVER.

    This article is about getting good results with fewer means. The truth is that you can take pretty decent shots with about 99% of the cameras out there as long as you handle them well. It's remarks like yours that demotivate people that do not own a DSLR into just taking snaps with their phones. This article is about motivating those people, and it does a mighty good job of it.
     
  14. fabler

    fabler What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    9 Sep 2009
    Posts:
    256
    Likes Received:
    1
    Its really a good article.. Thanks..
     
  15. Waynio

    Waynio Relaxing

    Joined:
    20 Aug 2009
    Posts:
    5,714
    Likes Received:
    230
    @cybergenics, Thank you :)

    And yes, it's a good article Antony, thanks, added to my favourites for future reference :), gotta say, when I started modding I never imagined it would help learning photography but after seeing some good examples from other modders it looks worth the effort.
    I'm taking a break from forums for a bit though to refresh my senses as I've been behaving like a big dumb idiot in regard to cnc mods, I'll be back when I start a new project, maybe in the summer.
     
  16. ernestBurney

    ernestBurney Who What Where?

    Joined:
    17 Feb 2010
    Posts:
    31
    Likes Received:
    1
    So the general consensus is lots of light and a decent camera? How about we get some pic's of cases in random places like car-park lots and top of mountains...that'd switch it up
     
  17. Combatus

    Combatus Bit-tech Modding + hardware reviews Lover of bit-tech Super Moderator

    Joined:
    16 Feb 2009
    Posts:
    2,761
    Likes Received:
    89
    I don't even think it's about having a decent camera, at least not if by 'decent' you mean a dSLR. I've seen plenty of great pics from cameras costing a lot less but taken with good lighting, a tripod and people who know how to use their camera.
     
  18. Cavedweller

    Cavedweller What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    26 Sep 2005
    Posts:
    27
    Likes Received:
    0
    I always prefer to use longer shutter times. Often as long as possible. especially if is in a dimly lit room.
    This foto ha a 30 sec exposure at ISO100, and i used a lighter and a maglight for lightning. Moved the flashlight around a bit to get it a bit more omnidirectional.
    http://www.rcgalleri.dk/uploads_xl_wm/341675.jpg?05-02-2010 23:55:17
    Think it worked out pretty well.

    It's horrobly compressed, but thats because of the site it's been upped to.
     
  19. Stuey

    Stuey You will be defenestrated!

    Joined:
    20 Jan 2005
    Posts:
    2,612
    Likes Received:
    10
    Excellent guide!

    How about a follow-up with the 5-10 most common noob mistakes, such as posting 12 photos of a stock case being removed from its box! Or how pics should not be posted at full resolution in the forum! Or arranged horizontally!
     
  20. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    26 Apr 2006
    Posts:
    828
    Likes Received:
    61
    This is a very helpful guide for the basics and is just what I have been looking for. I finally broke down and bought a new Canon SX120 SLR camera and large light tent, and plan on using this tutorial tomorrow to see what i can come up with.
     
Tags: Add Tags

Share This Page