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What do you guys use ?
- Thread starter jackknife
- Start date
waynorth
Dealer / Materials Provider
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2005
- Messages
- 34,569
When I shoot photos, I use a SONY Cyber-shot, 5.1 megapixel about a year old. Probably cheaper now, and certainly adequate for small shiny objects.
But for taking pics of 1 to 6 knives for computer/forum use, and for file records, it's hard to beat a hi-resolution photo grade flat-bed scanner.
These are scanned;
The scanner is capable of 500 DPI, and has great depth of field!
But for taking pics of 1 to 6 knives for computer/forum use, and for file records, it's hard to beat a hi-resolution photo grade flat-bed scanner.
These are scanned;
The scanner is capable of 500 DPI, and has great depth of field!
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2001
- Messages
- 1,055
I'm just getting started taking pictures of my knives, using a digital camera I got last year. It's a Canon A620 I picked up for about $250. Caveat: I haven't actually posted any knife pictures yet...
I'm finding lighting to be a major pain, partly due to the reflective surfaces on knives. When I get enough light to make the picture bright enough I get glaring reflections all over the place. Flash is right out. I'm still experimenting with external light sources, indirect reflective lighting, etc.
Then you need to find a photo hosting service where you upload the pictures and post links to them here on the forum. And you need to upgrade your forum membership to a level that'll let you post said links. At least that's how I understand the process, from the perspective of not having done it yet.
Based on some of the beautiful photos I've seen posted, and the complexity I now know is involved in creating them, I'm beginning to think many folks collect knives to gather "models" for their photography hobby!
-- Sam
P.S. That scanner picture is fantastic, waynorth.
I'm finding lighting to be a major pain, partly due to the reflective surfaces on knives. When I get enough light to make the picture bright enough I get glaring reflections all over the place. Flash is right out. I'm still experimenting with external light sources, indirect reflective lighting, etc.
Then you need to find a photo hosting service where you upload the pictures and post links to them here on the forum. And you need to upgrade your forum membership to a level that'll let you post said links. At least that's how I understand the process, from the perspective of not having done it yet.
Based on some of the beautiful photos I've seen posted, and the complexity I now know is involved in creating them, I'm beginning to think many folks collect knives to gather "models" for their photography hobby!
-- Sam
P.S. That scanner picture is fantastic, waynorth.
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2004
- Messages
- 6,425
jacknife,
waynorth is right. You may find the scanner the better of the two if you are looking for simplicity and for cost effectiveness and the hi-res capability can not be beat. Of coarse its nice to have the option of both. I use a camera for my photo's and it's very inexpensive these days. Its a Kodac EasyShare DX6340. This model is several years old and they have likely improved there EasyShare line up by now, but what I like about it is dumb proof and easiest digital camera I have ever used.
waynorth is right. You may find the scanner the better of the two if you are looking for simplicity and for cost effectiveness and the hi-res capability can not be beat. Of coarse its nice to have the option of both. I use a camera for my photo's and it's very inexpensive these days. Its a Kodac EasyShare DX6340. This model is several years old and they have likely improved there EasyShare line up by now, but what I like about it is dumb proof and easiest digital camera I have ever used.
Dumb proof, that sounds like what I may need. When it comes to electronic technology I'm about as dumb as a pet rock. I was barely getting used to the 20th century when the boom in electronics hit in the 21st century.
I have to pay very close attention when putting fresh batteries in my AA minimag, and keep repeating to myself "the little dohicky on top goes in first". Yeah, simple is good!
When I run into problems, I ask my 13 year old granddaughter for help. The kids these day are amazing with the computer stuff!
- Joined
- Oct 1, 1999
- Messages
- 6,490
I used a scanner to record my knives for years. In fact I didn't get a digital camera until 2004. If you're going to buy a scanner see if you can find one that includes Adobe Elements in the package. You're going to need an image editing program and Adobe is the industry standard. The problem with using a scanner on knives is mirror polished blades, they can make you crazy. Aside from that using a scanner if fast and easy.
Having a scanner and a digicam would be ideal. I didn't spend a lot for my Nikon Coolpix back in 2004. I'm sure you can get a digi with more resolution and other features for a lot less today. If you do start taking pics you might find this old thread I started way back when to be helpful. It's still what I use to photograph knives.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306402&highlight=Frills+Lighting
Having a scanner and a digicam would be ideal. I didn't spend a lot for my Nikon Coolpix back in 2004. I'm sure you can get a digi with more resolution and other features for a lot less today. If you do start taking pics you might find this old thread I started way back when to be helpful. It's still what I use to photograph knives.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306402&highlight=Frills+Lighting
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2006
- Messages
- 2,171
For now I use a photo quality flatbed scanner. When I walked away from photography I got rid of everything, but my tripod and a couple of continious (hot) lights that I don't even have stands for. I have a couple of very cheap digitals that I count as toys. So for me, for now, it's the scanner. I did the pic of the Ruger New Vaquero and the Boker Fixed blade on the scanner. Not all scans come out well, but most are good enough.
fewpop
Gold Member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2004
- Messages
- 3,113
I use a Canon G2 with 4.1 megapixels. Lately I have been also using a $20 light cube I got off the 'bay. Playing with lighting is a game for me, but others may just want to get a picture posted without playing with lighting. Actually the light cube makes it easy and more fun. Although you can't beat an outdoor photo under an overcast sky sometimes.
Canon and Olympus make some great point and shoot digital cameras for $200 and less.
Now that I have my camera and light cube setup 24/7, I can take a pix of a knife, upload it to www.photobucket.com (which I like) and post it in less than 5 minutes...photo finish time. 
Here's a shot of my camera/light cube setup:
Happy Holidays.
Canon and Olympus make some great point and shoot digital cameras for $200 and less.
Now that I have my camera and light cube setup 24/7, I can take a pix of a knife, upload it to www.photobucket.com (which I like) and post it in less than 5 minutes...photo finish time.
Here's a shot of my camera/light cube setup:
Happy Holidays.
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2001
- Messages
- 26,713
I am enjoying this thread. In the past I had luck with a scanner and Photoshop but now those pale in comparison to what is being posted.
I honestly worked through a pretty expensive school as a photographer, with a lot of help from a well known professional, and now every time I get tempted to buy a nice SLR Digicam a nicer knife pops up.:grumpy:
That reminds me, I need to touch base with Bailey
I honestly worked through a pretty expensive school as a photographer, with a lot of help from a well known professional, and now every time I get tempted to buy a nice SLR Digicam a nicer knife pops up.:grumpy:
That reminds me, I need to touch base with Bailey
For 'artistic' photos I use a Minolta X700 35mm SLR. Nothing fancy, and I'm not very good with it when it comes to closeups of knives. I haven't bothered to build a light box or anything like that. Here's an example:
For quick detailed images of knives or knife parts, I place the knives on the scanner and cover them with a piece of canvas drop-cloth. It's easy to get closeups, and I don't have to worry about lighting, focus, or background. It's also immediately available for use on the computer, vs finishing the roll of film, waiting for development, and then scanning the picture. Here's an example from the scanner:
Hope this helps,
-Bob
For quick detailed images of knives or knife parts, I place the knives on the scanner and cover them with a piece of canvas drop-cloth. It's easy to get closeups, and I don't have to worry about lighting, focus, or background. It's also immediately available for use on the computer, vs finishing the roll of film, waiting for development, and then scanning the picture. Here's an example from the scanner:
Hope this helps,
-Bob