Camera for gun pics

[JohnZMI]

I use a 20-year-old 3.3MP Sony DSC-S70 (Zeiss lens), a 24" cube fabric light box, and a short tripod; gives me all the flexibility I need, and more control over ambient and supplemental lighting. As previous posters noted, lighting is the most important element.

 

[wood714]

The right light is everything.

In all aspects of photography.

Friend of mine hand engraves guns, and wanted some pictures of a few. I thought I'd try a floating type shoot.

Used a drill press vice with a brass rod in it, clamped to a bar stool. One studio light in a 30x60 softbox, and a home made backdrop. Edited out the brass rod in Photoshop.

Did a few of my rifles the same way, but actually had them hanging from a backdrop stand by fishing line.

 

[Joed49]

I agree that it's mostly about lighting. I have a Nikon D70 that I've owned for a number of years. It will take decent pictures outdoors but use a flash inside and the photos are terrible. To be honest my iphone 7 takes better pictures.

I'm in the same boat as wetdog1911, 70 years old and time to sell off most of my revolvers so the family doesn't take a beating on them.

 

[PALADIN85020]

This is what I currently use, a Pentax K-3 single lens reflex. These can be found used, or even less expensive, their predecessors, the Pentax K-5 or the Pentax K200D.

This is my usual setup for taking good gun photos. A MUST is a good tripod. That's Joe, my recently deceased helper dog assisting me. I simply shoot in the shade for good diffused lighting.

Here's a lot of what I've learned about taking gun pictures; it may be helpful to you.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge...-gun-pictures.html?highlight=PHOTOGRAPHY+TIPS

John

 

[DWalt]

I have an older pro-grade Nikon DSLR with every accessory and lens you can imagine. However, I seldom use it. Mainly I use a palm-sized Nikon Coolpix I bought used off eBay about 4 years ago for $25 as it does about everything I need and it weighs next to nothing. Only two rules for good pictures - good lighting and keeping the camera steady. Using Photoshop for post-production also helps. My studio is my kitchen counter.

 

[kobsw]

In all aspects of photography.

Friend of mine hand engraves guns, and wanted some pictures of a few. I thought I'd try a floating type shoot.

Used a drill press vice with a brass rod in it, clamped to a bar stool. One studio light in a 30x60 softbox, and a home made backdrop. Edited out the brass rod in Photoshop.

Did a few of my rifles the same way, but actually had them hanging from a backdrop stand by fishing line.

Wood..., That's a shame about all the scratches on those revolvers but I bet they're good shooters

 

[meaneyedcatz]

I have used two different Canons for several years, used them everyday. They have been bumped and dropped plenty.
If I would buy another point and shoot it would probably be a Canon.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

I use only Canon camera's for my gun photos....currently using a very simple Power Shot SX280HS and off course a photo booth with good photo lights is a must.

 

[Biggfoot44]

To continue the theme, any digital camera better than the very cheapest blister pack camera will be more than good enough .

The lighting and composition are the important part .

And you don't even need to get a computer just for this . Remove the SD card, and use the freestanding kiosk at drug stores, Walmart etc . You can do cropping and basic color and contrast corrections on the kiosk if needed , and then print physical prints of each .

 

[wetdog1911]

I use only Canon camera's for my gun photos....currently using a very simple Power Shot SX280HS and off course a photo booth with good photo lights is a must.

Hmm, I got the Powershot SX720HS during the recent Amazon prime day that seemed to be the best balance of cost and features for my needs. I've resisted Amazon prime for years simply to avoid yet another credit card. One MC and a Home Depot card was plenty after getting into big trouble with CC debt some years ago. I'm still gun shy and mostly do a 'cash only' lifestyle.

Now, for the 'puter. Been reading, watching Youtube and going nuts and my wife finally goes "why don't we just get another iMac?" DOH!! Our only 2 computers were both Macs till the second one gave up the ghost a few years ago. My Dad gave us both Samsung tablets for Christmas 2014 and we've been bumping along with those ever since. Great for surfing the net and such (I'm using it now), but you really can't DO much with it. Neither of us do "social media" at all and my cell is an older flip used just for calls, no text.

So, a desktop iMac seems to be what we both want and need. An actual keyboard and mouse with NO touchscreen! Fat fingers along with a slight tremor means I double click more often than not and spend more time trying to get back to where I was than getting to where I want to be. LOL Pretty much ruled out a laptop also, we'll both be using it and the tablets will have to suffice for that role.

The Mac store should also be able to get the stored stuff off the old hard drive and move it to the new Mac, but I'll need to check with them on that.

Coming along, bit by bit. Slowly, but getting there.

Rob

 

[wetdog1911]

This is what I currently use, a Pentax K-3 single lens reflex. These can be found used, or even less expensive, their predecessors, the Pentax K-5 or the Pentax K200D.

This is my usual setup for taking good gun photos. A MUST is a good tripod. That's Joe, my recently deceased helper dog assisting me. I simply shoot in the shade for good diffused lighting.

Here's a lot of what I've learned about taking gun pictures; it may be helpful to you.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge...-gun-pictures.html?highlight=PHOTOGRAPHY+TIPS

John

Hi John

Could you share a bit of info about that tripod? It looks to be about perfect for what I have in mind. I keep getting images in my mind of something shoulder high like something Ansel Adams would be using. LOL

I like that low and very stable look of yours.

Thanks,
Rob