Which camera to use?

[Not4wood]

The D80 is perfect for the job.

Since you stated that the lighting and positioning and everything else about the shot was yours then I dont see any problems with you using this camera.

I have this camera and its remarkable to the point that it can handle almost all situations without blinking.

[memevertical]

Thanks everyone.

Lin: Which lens would you recomend me for the dSLR ?

Thanks.

[Lin Evans]

It depends on the camera body you end up with and how large the typical subject is. If I were shooting similar subject matter I would probably use a 50mm or 100mm F2.8 macro. The 50 would let you get a bit closer to the subject and let you get more area in a shot. If space is an issue.

Another possibility for this type shooting which would be less expensive is to look for a good used Sony R1 which already has a superb lens and the same size 10mp sensor as the Nikon. The lens is fast and goes from 28mm so plenty of zoom range and the quality of shots you can get is incredible.

Best regards,

Lin

[Sparky98]

You might be happy with a Nikon D40 or maybe a Canon XT or XTi. A good advanced P&S might suit your needs but they approach the cost of the Nikon or Canon entry level DSLRs. However, the lens is an extra cost for the DSLR so that will almost double the cost over an advanced P&S. If you want a shallow depth of field you most likely will need to go with the DSLR as depth of field is much harder to control with a P&S.

Another thing you have to consider is good lighting. You don't need anything as elaborate as Alfred D. posted but good lighting will enhance your pictures and help reduce noise by allowing you to use a lower ISO. I don't remember if it is on this forum or another but there are threads showing various light boxes that people have built some of which are very simple and cheap to make.

Whatever you choose be patient and learn to use your equipment and you will soon be taking great shots.

[memevertical]

I found this Nikon, you think this is a good option?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-D-40-SLR-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-Lens-4GB-PK_W0QQitemZ330233081135QQihZ014QQcategoryZ150130Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[cyclohexane]

Pretty much all the extras in that kit are crap.

[memevertical]

Yes, I imagined that, but, does the camera and its lens are ok? for that price?

[widi5006]

It is not the camera but the lens and most importantly the lighting.
I shoot jewelry as part of my business (I am a jeweller) and use a low end D50 (about 500 bucks) with a 50 and 100 mm macro but about 4000-5000 dollars worth of professional studio lighting (and it is still very hard as every piece of jewelry is different)
It takes lots of experimenting have fun with it and you'll get somewhere

[memevertical]

Let me ask you something, I saw the little light boxes that people have made, there are many on the internet, from boxes with the sides cut off, to PBS Tubes to create a kind of tent......they're all really nice.

My question is, the pictures I showed you were taken outside, in pure daylight, under a roof but the daylight created nice clarity over the items.....whats better, outside daylight like that, or a light box? I assuming the light box since I dont think people invest thousands for something that could be easily replaced by daylight, but, I'm still wanna know your answers...

Thanks to all....

[Not4wood]

Well, untill you get a more informed answer. Since I am by far no expert in product or table top Photography just a student. I would say daylight is very harsh, you will get reflections and shadows more then likely where you dont want them.

Building a Soft Box, will give you soft diffused even lighting that you can control and prevent harsh shadows, reflections and uncontrolled contrast. A softbox is built to your needs, controlled by the power you set and you can move, control and change the lighting as need be depending of course on what your shooting.

I've seen some designs and tutorials on the net on how to build these and all you really have to do is use your imagination to get by.

Good luck, and let us know how your making out.