Does anyone have any suggestions for a good digital camera for a graphic designer? I'm looking for something compact that can take high-quality photos, but isn't priced through the roof. (Image stabilization would be nice too, shaky hands)
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Best camera for graphic designer?
- Thread starter JustinG87
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What's your budget? What do you want to take pics of? I liked my Canon 400D, balance of price and features...
Mostly landscapes and architecture (interior and exterior), sometimes product shots and people. Budget of up to $300 but would prefer to stay in the $100-200 range.
You can get a pretty good quality Canon Powershot Is for 200. It has Image stabilization as well. I usually check http://slickdeals.net for any upcoming deals. Thats where I found my 8mp Canon Powershot A720 IS, for about 150 at Bestbuy around this time of year.
You want high quality photos for $100-200??, good luck.
At that range you are looking at mediocre at best
For designers, any camera should do as long as it has enough resolution. However, if you really want outstanding photos for your projects, either buy readymade images or hire a photographer.
I happen to like the strange stuff I take using low-res cameras, but that's just for me.
I happen to like the strange stuff I take using low-res cameras, but that's just for me.
I imagine all cameras in the 100-200 range are equally as bad. You probably want to take artistic shots with shallow depth of field and other stuff that involves focus and shutter speed, you cant do that on the cheap cameras. If you are going to use your own photos for design work then theres not much point in the cheap cameras since they dont give you any artistic control. Stick to stock photo sites or save up more to buy an old used Canon Digital Rebel.
I was thinking the same thing.... If want to get someone artistic get a holga. I have two of them. One has the fisheye lens and the other is just the regular one. Love them. The only bad thing is you will be paying for prints........ But some of the pictures both me and the wife have taken are pretty darn cool.
I agree 100% to hire a photographer whenever budget allows, and always commission rather than use stock photos!
If you need a decent compact I'd say Canon G10, or a G9 can be had for less, but it hasn't got as wide a lens.
The new Richoh GX200 looks really good too, and a 24mm (35mm equiv) lens.
If you need a decent compact I'd say Canon G10, or a G9 can be had for less, but it hasn't got as wide a lens.
The new Richoh GX200 looks really good too, and a 24mm (35mm equiv) lens.
Justin,
If, as a designer, and you're looking for images as comps, or inspiration - vs. production - there are tons of options.
Think about how and where it's going to be carried, the response time you need from when you turn the camera on, that sort of thing. Big differentiators are also optical viewfinders in addition to the LCDs, low-light performance, and what sort of batteries they use.
For casual use I like the Canon AS series - partly because they use AA batteries.
Sure, there's a tradeoff in terms of bulk - but it also means that if you find yourself out and about - you can grab new batteries in a pinch.
One other nice thing is that - should you be so inclined - you can hack many of the Canon cameras for better performance. Link
If, as a designer, and you're looking for images as comps, or inspiration - vs. production - there are tons of options.
Think about how and where it's going to be carried, the response time you need from when you turn the camera on, that sort of thing. Big differentiators are also optical viewfinders in addition to the LCDs, low-light performance, and what sort of batteries they use.
For casual use I like the Canon AS series - partly because they use AA batteries.
Sure, there's a tradeoff in terms of bulk - but it also means that if you find yourself out and about - you can grab new batteries in a pinch.
One other nice thing is that - should you be so inclined - you can hack many of the Canon cameras for better performance. Link
You don't need image stabilization for those kinds of shots. What you need is a tripod. Buildings can wait while you set up the shot, so can landscapes.
I've seen good used last generation DSLRs sell for $300.
If you need to have a $200 P&S then just buy one. They are all so much alike it hardly matters which you buy. Just pick a brand you lke and every company will have cameras are every price point.
But if you are doing landscapes and architecture using a tripod will improve your work a lot. Not only by making images sharper but it forces you to work slower and think about composition and make small changes ad camera location and aim point.
The new G10 has a focal length of 28mm- 104mm. With that also comes a pretty steep price tag. If you don't mind buying used, pick up a older dlsr and throw on whatever lens you need wether it be something for architecture or for portraits.
You can get some decent cameras with the flexibility that a slr gives you for some really good prices.
You might have to spend just a little bit of money though to get what you are after. Oh, and be careful, photography is and addicting habit.
You can get some decent cameras with the flexibility that a slr gives you for some really good prices.
You might have to spend just a little bit of money though to get what you are after. Oh, and be careful, photography is and addicting habit.
Ouch, with that price range I would be a little worried about the quality of the camera. I agree with the G10 recommendation and also maybe an entry level Canon Rebel? Good luck.