- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
So, most people at my workplace know I'm a photography nut. Today, a colleague said her daughter had some questions for me about purchasing a camera. This is the email from her daughter who is an artist:
I would so appreciate advice on cameras to use for fine art digitisation to make professional-quality prints (as wall art/digital and on textiles). I am photographing my fine art which is painted on silk. Silk is very hard to photograph, as its faceted fibre makes it extremely light-reflective, meaning I can't use flash. I'm currently trying to figure out a cheap-but-effective photography backdrop and lighting setup (maybe softbox lights? No idea) to achieve professional prints, but am out of my depth, so would appreciate any advice.
I would appreciate his advice on whether DSLR or mirrorless would be best, any specific features to look for, and any recommended models that would suit my specific purpose. I'm not super camera-savvy (although willing to learn), so something intuitive would be great. I'm hoping to spend $1000 or less, preferably closer to $500, although I'll take pricier recommendations if there's something especially suited to me. Any advice on lighting/backdrops, or any recommended resources relevant to what I'm trying to do would be great too. I know that's a convoluted list, basically any advice would be appreciated. Thanks heaps,
First of all, I don't think it matters whether it's DSLR or mirrorless. What matters is the price and at the moment (if we're talking brand new), DSLRs are cheapest when it comes to entry level Canons and Nikons with regards to excellent performance per dollar. This is taking into consideration the budget which is in AUD. If we're talking used cameras, well I own and have used the original Sony A7 - it is relatively cheap these days and is still an exceptional performer with regards to the IQ. For her budget, used cameras might have to be the way to go.
The other thing that concerned me was that she wants to use it to digitise her fine art work for professional level prints. AND it involves silk and (likely) other similar fabric materials. This brings to mind moire issues and distortion issues if using wide angle lenses. It is also likely that she will have no photography post-processing experience/knowledge - I don't think she realises that she would have to consider post-processing.
My ultimate conclusion is that, for her budget and requirements her best bet is to go film. You can buy exceptional quality film cameras and lenses for a disgustingly cheap price. Film will have better dynamic range than cheap non-full frame cameras to handle highlights from reflective silk, and film will also not have moire issues. She can send the film to film labs for developing and printing, which will save her from investing in a post-processing program and learning how to post-process. And a good film lab will be able to print and/or scan with skill too.
I haven't even considered lighting which will be very difficult to achieve for her budget.
What is your opinion?
I would so appreciate advice on cameras to use for fine art digitisation to make professional-quality prints (as wall art/digital and on textiles). I am photographing my fine art which is painted on silk. Silk is very hard to photograph, as its faceted fibre makes it extremely light-reflective, meaning I can't use flash. I'm currently trying to figure out a cheap-but-effective photography backdrop and lighting setup (maybe softbox lights? No idea) to achieve professional prints, but am out of my depth, so would appreciate any advice.
I would appreciate his advice on whether DSLR or mirrorless would be best, any specific features to look for, and any recommended models that would suit my specific purpose. I'm not super camera-savvy (although willing to learn), so something intuitive would be great. I'm hoping to spend $1000 or less, preferably closer to $500, although I'll take pricier recommendations if there's something especially suited to me. Any advice on lighting/backdrops, or any recommended resources relevant to what I'm trying to do would be great too. I know that's a convoluted list, basically any advice would be appreciated. Thanks heaps,
First of all, I don't think it matters whether it's DSLR or mirrorless. What matters is the price and at the moment (if we're talking brand new), DSLRs are cheapest when it comes to entry level Canons and Nikons with regards to excellent performance per dollar. This is taking into consideration the budget which is in AUD. If we're talking used cameras, well I own and have used the original Sony A7 - it is relatively cheap these days and is still an exceptional performer with regards to the IQ. For her budget, used cameras might have to be the way to go.
The other thing that concerned me was that she wants to use it to digitise her fine art work for professional level prints. AND it involves silk and (likely) other similar fabric materials. This brings to mind moire issues and distortion issues if using wide angle lenses. It is also likely that she will have no photography post-processing experience/knowledge - I don't think she realises that she would have to consider post-processing.
My ultimate conclusion is that, for her budget and requirements her best bet is to go film. You can buy exceptional quality film cameras and lenses for a disgustingly cheap price. Film will have better dynamic range than cheap non-full frame cameras to handle highlights from reflective silk, and film will also not have moire issues. She can send the film to film labs for developing and printing, which will save her from investing in a post-processing program and learning how to post-process. And a good film lab will be able to print and/or scan with skill too.
I haven't even considered lighting which will be very difficult to achieve for her budget.
What is your opinion?
Last edited: