Whatever you're selling, the pictures you take are one of your most important marketing tools. The image is generally one of the first things people will notice and frequently the only thing they will judge your product on.
So no pressure then when it comes to choosing a camera.
The first thing you need to do is work out is what you will be using the camera for. If your list starts to get a little complicated it's worth trying to either work out whether more than one camera is needed or split the list into primary and secondary needs if multiple cameras aren't an option and one that doesn't do everything isn't within your budget.
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Primary use |
Specifications needed |
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Photographing art at a quality good enough for large prints |
Is image stabilisation important when using a tripod? Timer for pics Bigger the sensor size the better Some level of zoom (one article said to zoom in slightly to help with focus) Medium format camera ideal
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Making simple how to videos in a controlled ‘studio’
environment (as recommended by a business adviser) |
4k means it’s future ready but a decent 1080p will do. 30fps but ideally options for other speeds
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Secondary use |
Specifications needed |
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Macro photography for projects – indoor and outdoor |
Fast shutter speed |
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Making videos in a multitude of environments might be a potential future need |
Flip out LCD screen for watching what you’re filming when filming yourself ideal but not essential |
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Being able to edit film and stills
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RAW capability |
Trying to choose a camera on a budget has my head swimming with information. I've been reading site after site of information regarding the best cameras for artwork and videos from 2019 in the hope I'll find 'the one'. I assumed it will be easier than dating but so far I'm not convinced.
So far I read a few articles that convinced me I needed a 4k camera but then I read a few gaming and sales websites and apparently 4k is only commonly used for TV's. Not lap tops, tablets and computer screens. Even some hardcore gamers prefer a good quality 1080p as it usually means less problems with overheating and better performance elsewhere.
And I'm wondering if the advice I read about needing a 20mp camera is also not the best. Apparently it's not the size, it's the quality that matters. Personally I think it's nice to have a bit of both.
It's not just the camera you need to take into account. Will you need different lenses? Lighting? A backdrop? Spare battery?
Here are some websites I found useful to read for advice:
https://www.textileartist.org/cameras-for-photographing-artwork/ - This had an awesome glossary. I still don't understand 'pixel depth' and 'sensor depth' but I'm starting to wonder if some of this stuff is made up.
https://veryprivategallery.com/how-to-photograph-your-artwork/ - has some really useful advice but it's aimed at professional photographers. I think it might be an older article as it looks like the camera they used is from 2016 and has been discontinued.
https://www.nevuefineartmarketing.com/best-digital-cameras-photographing-artwork/ - there's a lot of handy advice at the end of this.
https://expertphotography.com/photographing-artwork-tips/ - this site had some good advice but kept producing pop up information. this included a quiz on what kind of photographer you are. I already feel useless and lost so I didn't feel having that confirmed would be helpful at this moment in time.
https://digital-photography-school.com/photographing-artwork-tips/ - a lot of information on white balance and trouble shooting. I wish I could just borrow Glenn Harper to take the pictures for me.
I tried calling Jessops (a British camera shop) for advice but wasn't brave enough to ask about what might be the cheapest find outside of their shops. They recommended the Sony R100 III. The friend of a friend who is a professional photographer suggested a top of the range cannon camera with at least 2 different lenses which was way out of my budget.
https://www.jessops.com/ - the drones I found on the Jessops site were awesome. I really want one.
Here is my short list so far. It's getting difficult to resist just buying one.
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Camera choices |
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Canon EOS 2000D |
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Fujifilm x100v |
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Sony Alpha SLT-A65V |
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Canon EOS 6D |
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Olympus Tough TG-6 |
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Canon EOS 250 DSLR |
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Fujifilm X-T30 |
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Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II |
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Sony rx 100 mark iii and above |