What cameras and setups do you use?

Post by **Lee** » Mon May 27, 2013 1:20 pm

I'm interested to see what you guys use to photograph your models....

I use a Fuji Finepix S100fs for pictures and a JVC Everio GZ-E207REK for video. The Fuji was a lot of money (£500) as I bought it when it first came out. It was a toss up between a cheaper DSLR or a top of the range bridge camera, I opted for the bridge and have regretted it ever since. If any of you have that decision, ALWAYS go for the DSLR it's just so much better and ultimately more flexible. I bought the JVC cam as it was on special offer at the time reduced from £200 to £110 so, I snapped it up. It records exceptionally well outdoors and doesn't do too bad in low light conditions either, which is a bonus.

This is my light tent setup...

Don't really use it anymore though, I've moved over to bare lighting with diffusers over the bulbs and a sheet of this Calumet Gradiated PVC Background for the background, which gives a great sky effect like this.....

I use the same lighting for my vids, which I still haven't got the right balance yet, still experimenting.

What are your setups like and what are you using?

Post by **Paul** » Mon May 27, 2013 3:50 pm

Videoing wise I use a jvc everio hd camcorder,great little camera, lighting for the vids is just my overhead modelling lamp, I need new lighting for my stills to so will invest in something that will do both

My new Nikon 3100d dslr, still getting used to it, had a bridge camera for years

My stills setup, something I'm,planning on improving shortly

Post by **BrummieModeller** » Fri May 31, 2013 12:59 am

I have a canon 600D which i will use for video great HD recording and and photos, will have to make up a homemade light tent though.

Photography is my 2nd hobbie by the way

Post by **Bagpiper** » Fri May 31, 2013 1:02 am

brummiemodeller wrote:I have a canon 600D which i will use for video great HD recording and and photos, will have to make up a homemade light tent though.

Photography is my 2nd hobbie by the way

Sweet. Another photographer.

Cheers
Jim

Post by **BrummieModeller** » Fri May 31, 2013 1:20 am

Bagpiper wrote:
brummiemodeller wrote:I have a canon 600D which i will use for video great HD recording and and photos, will have to make up a homemade light tent though.

Photography is my 2nd hobbie by the way
Sweet. Another photographer.

Cheers
Jim

Sure am jim

Website · Post by **Gav0909** » Fri May 31, 2013 11:15 am

Ah you guys with your fancy technology!

For both my stills, and my videos I use.......

wait for it.....

....the trusty iPhone4S!

lol. No joke, that thing records video in HD and can take HDR pics as well. One major drawback is there is no autofocus (tap the screen to focus) and as it is, I can't mount it anywhere, meaning when I do videos I have to hold the camera. I will get at somepoint one of these semi cases that has a tripod mount built in. That way I should hopefully be able to start doing some better build/review/tutorial vids or whatever would require 2 hands!

Post by **Lee** » Fri May 31, 2013 11:51 am

Gav0909 wrote:Ah you guys with your fancy technology!

For both my stills, and my videos I use.......

wait for it.....

....the trusty iPhone4S!

lol. No joke, that thing records video in HD and can take HDR pics as well. One major drawback is there is no autofocus (tap the screen to focus) and as it is, I can't mount it anywhere, meaning when I do videos I have to hold the camera. I will get at somepoint one of these semi cases that has a tripod mount built in. That way I should hopefully be able to start doing some better build/review/tutorial vids or whatever would require 2 hands!

I first started filming my vids with an iPhone 5, It's got excellent picture quality and a joy to use but, it doesn't have a macro focus so, I couldn't get close ups of the sprues for the reviews so, decided to get a little HD cam

Post by **PhildaFish** » Fri May 31, 2013 12:00 pm

Haven't done any videos of modelling yet but I have a cheap underwater digital video cam for snorkelling and kayaking which I hope will do the job when I do start making model vids.
For photographing my models I use a Canon EOS 350D which I absolutely love! I upgraded to it several years ago from a Canon APS SLR (remember APS?) which shows it's age but it's been great for everything I've ever used it for - astronomy, holiday snaps, wedding photography, wildlife shots, landscapes and, of course, models! I mainly use an 18-55mm lens for my models.

Website · Post by **Gav0909** » Fri May 31, 2013 12:39 pm

On the subject of video/camera setups what do people use to edit their videos? Frankly I am at the stage where I would like to add a little more "production" into my videos where possible but I am hindered by having only either the mobile app version of imovie (not bad for making picture slideshow vids) or Windows Movie Maker (which doesn't like the video format the iphone puts out).

Anybody got any recommendations? Preferably free ones....

Post by **Paul** » Fri May 31, 2013 1:22 pm

I use windows movie maker, it does everything I need to and more

Post by **Lee** » Fri May 31, 2013 1:49 pm

I'm a bit of an Apple fanboi so, I have an iMac (amongst others!) and just use iMovie & iPhoto between those two I have no need for anything else. They are dead simple to use even my wife could probably get the hang of it....lol

Post by **schweinhund227** » Fri May 31, 2013 4:55 pm

Take a look at Corel Video Studio Pro 6 its very affordable and does a lot for the money !

it's nothing worth of becoming the next LUCAS but... it will do for modeling videos for sure...

LOL

and please visit FlixPress.com for your Intros !!! its addictive !

Post by **AlexEarwicker** » Fri May 31, 2013 5:18 pm

i use a Canon D40 and for vids i use canon FS150 and use Mac Movie maker

get some descent shots but i don't have the appropriate lens to do Close ups

Post by **BrummieModeller** » Sat Jun 01, 2013 12:59 am

When i start doing videos i will use Photoshop CS6 to edit videos and photos

Post by **Bagpiper** » Sat Jun 01, 2013 3:27 am

schweinhund227 wrote:Take a look at Corel Video Studio Pro 6 its very affordable and does a lot for the money !

it's nothing worth of becoming the next LUCAS but... it will do for modeling videos for sure...

LOL

and please visit FlixPress.com for your Intros !!! its addictive !

I agree with your choice here too. I love what you can do with Corel Video Studio. I don't use it anymore but used it in it's various versions for years. I now use Sony Vegas Pro 12. I got it in one of Sony's 24 hour sales at $140.00 for the upgrade to a really old version. But Corel is a wonderful Non Linear Editor (NLE) for the price

Cheers
Jim

Post by **schweinhund227** » Wed Jun 05, 2013 4:39 pm

Bagpiper wrote:
schweinhund227 wrote:Take a look at Corel Video Studio Pro 6 its very affordable and does a lot for the money !

it's nothing worth of becoming the next LUCAS but... it will do for modeling videos for sure...

LOL

and please visit FlixPress.com for your Intros !!! its addictive !
I agree with your choice here too. I love what you can do with Corel Video Studio. I don't use it anymore but used it in it's various versions for years. I now use Sony Vegas Pro 12. I got it in one of Sony's 24 hour sales at $140.00 for the upgrade to a really old version. But Corel is a wonderful Non Linear Editor (NLE) for the price

Cheers
Jim

Glad you approve Jim! I took a look at Adobe Premiere but it was a little over the Top for me !

I also gave Sony Vegas a try but... didn't get into it... looks nice thou!

I guess I was spoiled with Corel Video Studio after 3 different versions... and now it has grown on me ! For what I do ? its just fine !

as for Camera... I use a Canon T4i with some Old Manual lenses; I got from England (evilbay) for Filming.. so I don't hear it Chase focus all the time.... Their Auto Focus drives me nuts !!! Can't wait for Magic Lantern to be made available for T4i and get that under control ! I also got a Sony HDR-PJ10 with the aid of a Sony VCL-HGE08B Wide Lens used on some shots... I only wish I could get another one so I could do ... Dual Cam ! like Flory's ! LOL
which is pretty cool in some situation where your head or Hands are in the way !

maybe one day ?

Keep up the good work ! Love your movie with the moving ISM logo !

Post by **Paul** » Wed Jun 05, 2013 5:03 pm

schweinhund227 wrote:
Bagpiper wrote:
schweinhund227 wrote:Take a look at Corel Video Studio Pro 6 its very affordable and does a lot for the money !

it's nothing worth of becoming the next LUCAS but... it will do for modeling videos for sure...

LOL

and please visit FlixPress.com for your Intros !!! its addictive !
I agree with your choice here too. I love what you can do with Corel Video Studio. I don't use it anymore but used it in it's various versions for years. I now use Sony Vegas Pro 12. I got it in one of Sony's 24 hour sales at $140.00 for the upgrade to a really old version. But Corel is a wonderful Non Linear Editor (NLE) for the price

Cheers
Jim

Glad you approve Jim! I took a look at Adobe Premiere but it was a little over the Top for me !

I also gave Sony Vegas a try but... didn't get into it... looks nice thou!

I guess I was spoiled with Corel Video Studio after 3 different versions... and now it has grown on me ! For what I do ? its just fine !

as for Camera... I use a Canon T4i with some Old Manual lenses; I got from England (evilbay) for Filming.. so I don't hear it Chase focus all the time.... Their Auto Focus drives me nuts !!! Can't wait for Magic Lantern to be made available for T4i and get that under control ! I also got a Sony HDR-PJ10 with the aid of a Sony VCL-HGE08B Wide Lens used on some shots... I only wish I could get another one so I could do ... Dual Cam ! like Flory's ! LOL
which is pretty cool in some situation where your head or Hands are in the way !

maybe one day ?

Keep up the good work ! Love your movie with the moving ISM logo !

Yep I need a second hd camcorder for just those reasons.

Post by **chief5437** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 1:03 am

iPhone!

Post by **ModelingMatt** » Wed Jun 12, 2013 2:45 pm

I have a Nikon COOLPIX L810 with a Targus tripod. My set up is on the modeling bench when the kit is finished. For background I use just white or light blue poster board. I also use a mix of florescent and tungsten lighting to keep the colors warm.

Post by **Bagpiper** » Fri Jun 14, 2013 5:07 pm

ModelingMatt wrote:I have a Nikon COOLPIX L810 with a Targus tripod. My set up is on the modeling bench when the kit is finished. For background I use just white or light blue poster board. I also use a mix of florescent and tungsten lighting to keep the colors warm.

Nice job. I love these kinds of cameras myself. I have the Canon 7D for my photography but it is horrible for doing everything without a lot of set up and lens changes. I use the Sony Cybershot HX1 for all the forum stuff as I can do video, close ups, macro, wide angle, the lot. OK I can do the same with the Canon 7D but it is just too much trouble.

Cheers
Jim

Post by **ModelingMatt** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 5:06 pm

Bagpiper wrote:
ModelingMatt wrote:I have a Nikon COOLPIX L810 with a Targus tripod. My set up is on the modeling bench when the kit is finished. For background I use just white or light blue poster board. I also use a mix of florescent and tungsten lighting to keep the colors warm.
Nice job. I love these kinds of cameras myself. I have the Canon 7D for my photography but it is horrible for doing everything without a lot of set up and lens changes. I use the Sony Cybershot HX1 for all the forum stuff as I can do video, close ups, macro, wide angle, the lot. OK I can do the same with the Canon 7D but it is just too much trouble.

Cheers
Jim

I love mine for taking pictures of the garden flowers around the yard in the macro setting. I really haven't needed the 26x optical zoom yet but it's there should the occasion arise.

Post by **Bagpiper** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 5:15 pm

Very nice

Post by **schweinhund227** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 2:07 pm

Nice Close ups !!!

Post by **Daishi12** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 12:26 am

I use the Nikon Coolpix S6100 set to the macro auto setup. I use natural light with either a slave fill in flash or a 2 LED constant light. I know it's not a fancy setup but it does the trick for me.

Post by **RED** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 7:54 am

normally use a fuji S1500 with tripod and the kids student lamps (also doubles for when I am out 4WD'ing as well) but have been getting a little lazy and just using the camera on my phone (think my camera needs new batteries)

Post by **schweinhund227** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 4:10 pm

Don't be afraid of using your DSLR's my friend. That 7D looks Amazing !
as for the lenses.... Try to pick a few SLR (old prime lens) They could prove handy to have !
and a much more affordable way of enjoying your Semi Pro body ! I am green with Envy at your 7D

I have been collecting a few old M42 mount lenses from Ukraine and Russia... 70's and 80's SLR era...
Helios and Prakticar for examples ! They work nice with "Adapter rings" and they love "Extender tubes" to explore Close ups and semi-Macro photography ! Being old manual lenses... the extender tubes can be the cheaper alternative and have no electrical gizmo's... or even better ! Try REVERSE Rings adapters!!! They enable you to do Macro photography for pennies on the dollars!

Just explore and you might be surprise at the sort of cool photos you will achieve in a not so distant future !!!

All the best to ya !

Norm.
a "very amateur" Photographer...

Post by **Tonygol** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 5:07 pm

I use a Fujifilm Finepix HS10

Post by **schweinhund227** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 5:26 pm

Tonygol wrote:I use a Fujifilm Finepix HS10

Nice picture !
Looks like a nice Camera as well !

Looks similar to my Wife's Cam...

great zoom !

Post by **Coen** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 3:46 am

I'm using my wife's ancient Canon Rebel Eos digital camera. I barely know how to use it, I think that I'd have to read the destruction manual to make it go...
I also use a Sony handycam hd video camera for some things, one day I'll use it to make videos.

Here's me booth. Set up for the very first time... like a verrrr gin.
I got the booth from MiroMark a few years ago when they were only $60, now they're $90 and they are exactly the same.
I have no idea why they've gotten so expensive... they're total crap.
I would never buy another one that's for sure.

Post by **schweinhund227** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:28 am

I have a similar photo tent! From Henry's Camera. same price issue ! LOL.

As long as it helps you take great pict. All is good!

Post by **Coen** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 11:23 am

"A tool is a tool, what matters is how you use it", my Grandfather used to say.

Post by **Bagpiper** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 2:56 pm

Nice one Coen.

Once I get a booth other than my carpet and piece of cardboard this is something I need to work on as well. Very nice setup you have.

Cheers
Jim

Post by **PerezTurner** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 8:05 am

Thanks for sharing to this useful links and tricks to help newbies. Its really worthy and valued acknowledgement.

Our Quality Products

Post by **Coen** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 9:56 am

You're welcome Perez

Post by **Colin** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 1:31 pm

I bought a Fuji S2800 bridge camera a couple of years back and thought it was all I needed, until I broke it, at least I thought I'd broke it, it really was OK and I learned to get some good pics from it, but when I thought I'd totally broke it, it was actually a blessing in disguise, so I started looking at DSLR's for a replacement, as it happened Paul on another forum was in same situation as me so I followed his advice and bought a Nikon D3100 and the VR version for a little more, £315 and that was a lot cheaper than my state of art Fuji when I bought it! I've seen the Nikon D3200 go for less than £300 now and wish I'd waited, but we have what we have and I've no regrets with the Nikon D3100 as a starter DSLR, its so easy and intuitive to use, much easier to use than my Fuji for sure.

I'd heed Lee's advice if you are thinking of going for a bridge camera and are put off by the seemingly endless complexity of DSLR's., they are often easier to use than most bridge cameras.

To put things in perspective

and since buying my Nikon D3100 I've fairly got into the hobby and bought a well regarded Telephoto lens for the camera too now, no regrets going DSLR whatsoever.

Post by **Paul** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:18 pm

Great dslr for the money, so glad I took the plunge

Post by **Beserker** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 4:04 pm

I'm wondering if a 'video and camera combo' isn't something worth considering when taking into account cost and benefit? I think it has been mentioned here too?

A little overview: http://www.squidoo.com/camera-camcorder ... e167827605

Post by **Paul** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 4:07 pm

Beserker wrote:I'm wondering if a 'video and camera combo' isn't something worth considering when taking into account cost and benefit? I think it has been mentioned here too?

A little overview: http://www.squidoo.com/camera-camcorder ... e167827605

I'd rather have a dedicated camera and camcorder than a in between make do Jan If I'm honest

Post by **Beserker** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 4:34 pm

Paul wrote:
Beserker wrote:I'm wondering if a 'video and camera combo' isn't something worth considering when taking into account cost and benefit? I think it has been mentioned here too?

A little overview: http://www.squidoo.com/camera-camcorder ... e167827605
I'd rather have a dedicated camera and camcorder than a in between make do Jan If I'm honest

To be frank, I was thinking that not everybody is interested in or are able to afford both; it was perhaps something to consider?
From what I understand, one is giving up very little in quality compared to gained convenience; it doesn't necessarily mean one 'is making do'.

'Coen' said a tool is a tool; I'm often reminded of a saying: you don't shoot sparrows with a cannon?

Post by **McLeod** » Fri Aug 09, 2013 3:20 am

I have a Panasonic TZ5, it's a good camera, not quite DSLR good but I got it for free when I was working at Comet because my store won a competition

Takes good pictures, not tried the video yet but it will do 720p HD

Post by **Lee** » Fri Aug 09, 2013 9:05 am

A freebie is always good

Post by **alextheblue** » Fri Aug 09, 2013 10:39 am

Can't use a compact/bridge camera and don't even like using the camera on my iphone. I've got an older Nikon D70 and am looking to upgrade it, but to be honest, it still takes cracking pictures for what I need it to do.

I think for the price that you can pick up a decent DSLR these days, it's a no-brainer. They generally all come with an "Auto" point-and-shoot mode and most have video capabilities, plus you can add lenses, flashguns etc as and when you need/afford them.

Lets see an end to belly-button photography - view-finders rule!!

Post by **Paul** » Fri Aug 09, 2013 10:42 am

alextheblue wrote:Can't use a compact/bridge camera and don't even like using the camera on my iphone. I've got an older Nikon D70 and am looking to upgrade it, but to be honest, it still takes cracking pictures for what I need it to do.

I think for the price that you can pick up a decent DSLR these days, it's a no-brainer. They generally all come with an "Auto" point-and-shoot mode and most have video capabilities, plus you can add lenses, flashguns etc as and when you need/afford them.

Lets see an end to belly-button photography - view-finders rule!!

Well said

Post by **Beserker** » Fri Aug 09, 2013 1:26 pm

alextheblue wrote: Lets see an end to belly-button photography - view-finders rule!!

Examples of Cameras with Viewfinder

Panasonic DMC-LF1

............www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7-jF4aijMg

Fuji X10 review as price dropped due to new X20

........... www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJwWW-W3xGg

Fugi X20

............www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R5ASsufuqo

Post by **PerezTurner** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 5:35 am

I use digital camera of Toshiba brand. Its best to use to catch snaps of all types of events. I am satisfied from its features and good pixel results.

Post by **Colin** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 6:05 am

Beserker wrote:I'm wondering if a 'video and camera combo' isn't something worth considering when taking into account cost and benefit? I think it has been mentioned here too?

A little overview: http://www.squidoo.com/camera-camcorder ... e167827605

I think it depends on your dedication and needs perhaps?

I can get away with great video from just my Nikon D3100, I tried it last month at a family barbecue and was amazed with it really for what I considered just a still camera, the sound was pretty good for outdoors too, no complaints for my usage there ... I guess one of the limitations in this type of camera are memory cards? but for sure, short HD clips are possible with a DSLR in full HD, have a 16GB memory card in my Nikon and not sure offhand how much video at full HD it can store?

I'm no expert but I reckon you would want to go for a dedicated video camera for extended usage and especially for the types of great kit video reviews seen on here.

Post by **Beserker** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 5:48 pm

Colin wrote:
Beserker wrote:I'm wondering if a 'video and camera combo' isn't something worth considering when taking into account cost and benefit? I think it has been mentioned here too?

A little overview: http://www.squidoo.com/camera-camcorder ... e167827605
I think it depends on your dedication and needs perhaps?

I can get away with great video from just my Nikon D3100, I tried it last month at a family barbecue and was amazed with it really for what I considered just a still camera, the sound was pretty good for outdoors too, no complaints for my usage there ... I guess one of the limitations in this type of camera are memory cards? but for sure, short HD clips are possible with a DSLR in full HD, have a 16GB memory card in my Nikon and not sure offhand how much video at full HD it can store?

I'm no expert but I reckon you would want to go for a dedicated video camera for extended usage and especially for the types of great kit video reviews seen on here.

Colin...

Re dedication and needs: I took the topic question to mean taking stills of models and videos relating to us here on the forum?

Paul's 'Aircraft Modelling Techniques Part 4 - Building & fitting wings' is 720p, 28 minutes and just under 500MB. Your 16GB card could record 32 1/2 hour videos. But of course you would probably record more pr video and then edit....

So with this in mind Colin, don't you think your D3100 has what it takes to do the job, both stills and video?

cheers, Jan

Post by **Paul** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 5:52 pm

Beserker wrote:
Colin wrote:
Beserker wrote:I'm wondering if a 'video and camera combo' isn't something worth considering when taking into account cost and benefit? I think it has been mentioned here too?

A little overview: http://www.squidoo.com/camera-camcorder ... e167827605
I think it depends on your dedication and needs perhaps?

I can get away with great video from just my Nikon D3100, I tried it last month at a family barbecue and was amazed with it really for what I considered just a still camera, the sound was pretty good for outdoors too, no complaints for my usage there ... I guess one of the limitations in this type of camera are memory cards? but for sure, short HD clips are possible with a DSLR in full HD, have a 16GB memory card in my Nikon and not sure offhand how much video at full HD it can store?

I'm no expert but I reckon you would want to go for a dedicated video camera for extended usage and especially for the types of great kit video reviews seen on here.
Colin...

Re dedication and needs: I took the topic question to mean taking stills of models and videos relating to us here on the forum?

Paul's 'Aircraft Modelling Techniques Part 4 - Building & fitting wings' is 720p, 28 minutes and just under 500MB. Your 16GB card could record 32 1/2 hour videos. But of course you would probably record more pr video and then edit....

So with this in mind Colin, don't you think your D3100 has what it takes to do the job, both stills and video?

cheers, Jan

Not sure where your getting 500mb from Jan, that video file was actually (if I remember correctly) 2.2 GB.

Post by **Beserker** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 6:55 pm

Reached quote limit

Paul wrote:
"Not sure where your getting 500mb from Jan, that video file was actually (if I remember correctly) 2.2 GB."

I use Internet Download Manager; these 2 pictures show the file is 466.562MB ...to download. I can choose different resolutions; here I chose 720p. For my own purposes I am happy with 420p....on 1 of 2 19" screens.

I presume when I have downloaded the file and can play the video on my PC, that I got the ... whole .... clip? Do you need to see the picture of the file's 'properties' that shows the same?

On the right under VLC cone = 466.562MB

And under here it says file size is 466.562MB

Post by **Paul** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 7:00 pm

The video I created and saved and sent to lee was (around) 2.2 GB