What camera?

[stewey]

To those of you who sell items on EBay: what digital camera would you recommend for taking general and close-up photos of articles? I am looking for something in the 150 pound price area. Thanks.

[Ethel]

The Sony H5 is excellent and in your price range:
http://www.cameras.co.uk/camera-reviews/sony-d sc-h5.cfm

For close up work, a tripod, even a mini one, is essential.

[stewey]

Thanks, Ethel. Sounds like a very good camera; however, in Canada (where I am) that model is around the 250 pound mark: $500. But then, if I sell a lot of items I can afford it........right:)

[Ethel]

You would probably be better asking on a Canadian forum or going to a specialist camera shop. I have no idea what is available in Canada, nor the prices.

If you are just starting out on eBay and have no particular interest in photography look for a cheaper camera to start with -most digital cameras with 4x Optical Zoom (NOT digital zoom- that is important) will take a photo that is more than good enough for eBay.

If you are selling fine jewellery or similar where very good close up pics are essential, then perhaps a better camera would be worth the investment, but really a lower spec camera with a tripod and patience will do the job.

If you are selling flat goods such as books, dvds, cds - I get best results with my scanner, believe it or not. No nasty glare or reflection.

Talking of reflection, make sure you are wearing clothes when you take the photos if you are selling stainless steel kettles. Or mirrors. :)

[Bazza2764]

I would gladly recommend the Kodak z1275, at 12 mega pixels it takes cracking pics, the only downside comes when or if you use the digital zoom option at 5x optical its great for general pics and is great at close ups because of the 12 mega pixels. at approx �99 from kodak direct i cant fault it

[ACtheTROLL]

for e-bay even the largest picture is small 640.480 is ample
at that resolution pixels don't mean a thing ... 3Mp will print up to a4 .... 6 to a3 .... 12 will wallpaper an elephant
(mine is bigger than ....) ....

a big pixel count will actually reduce the resolution quality if the end result is small

remember if you can see every scratch .... well .... you can see every scratch ... and why would I buy from you if it's scratched?

your phone will just about do the job .... concentrate on even lighting + a plain background. use diffusers (4 or so layers of greasproof paper)

the lights need to be white at least 150 watts each
2 just below level, and at 120 - 90deg to the subject (camera bisects the angle ) .... 1 lamp high and just in front of the camera ... but out of line.

this should give a soft even light that will wash the detail to give a clear but not over detailed shot

you can make something like this out of old white shirts
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Studio-Light-Kit-Set-80- cm-SoftBox-Tent-Cube-3-Lights_W0QQitemZ1302479 66604QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item130247966604&_trk parms=39%3A2%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C240%3A1318&_t rksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://www.memoryforless.co.uk/store/erol.html #65480X112983

[stewey]

Thanks to all of you who responded to my question. I realize that I have to do the ultimate purchase, but I thought I'd toss it out here and get some opinions.

[fo3nix]

If you're going to be using it for other stuff too, check out the Casio V7 or V8. The V7 in particular is older so can be picked up cheaper.