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Good camera for taking food pictures

Good camera for taking food pictures
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  • Post #91 - November 20th, 2011, 9:53 pm
    Post #91 - November 20th, 2011, 9:53 pm Post #91 - November 20th, 2011, 9:53 pm
    HI,

    At Costco the other day, I found a shutterbug clerk who talked me through their point and shoots. He thought for value and features, he recommended Canon ELPH 310HS.

    Features: Ultra slim design, 12.1 MP CMOS Sensor (which was a chief feature), Digic 4 image processor, 8x zoom, 3" high-res LCD screen, full HD 1080p video recording up to 8,7 fps burst shooting mode. Includes 4 GB SD and case.

    Price day after T-day is $200.

    Is this a good camera?

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #92 - November 20th, 2011, 10:20 pm
    Post #92 - November 20th, 2011, 10:20 pm Post #92 - November 20th, 2011, 10:20 pm
    tyrus wrote:
    zoid wrote:Where's the bang your head on the desk smiley?

    OK - I guess I'm back to the LX5.


    Did you ever buy one? I've been looking to update my point and shoot camera for a while and have always enjoyed David Lebovitz' food photos. Apparently, he uses a Canon G12 - http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2008/04/my-food-photogr/

    I've seen a lot of hype around the new Fuji x100 but for that kind of cash, I'd have to semi-professional to justify it.


    I know this is late but...

    I went with the Panasonic Lumix LX5.

    Benefits over the S95 in my opinion:
    It's slightly larger than the S95 but still fits in a pocket.
    It has a hot shoe for either a flash or viewfinder (the pop-up flash seems fine but the viewfinder is very nice to have in bright outdoor light because there's only an LCD screen - no built in viewfinder).
    It performes fantastic in low light.
    It has the ability to add conversion lenses and filters.

    Cons:
    The manual lens cap is a pain in the ass.
    It's not as portable/pocketable.

    Overall I'm very happy with it but I just saw that Canon is now brining out the S100
    :evil:

    Oh well - I think I'm going to go find a nice cheap used 35mm to play with...
  • Post #93 - November 20th, 2011, 10:35 pm
    Post #93 - November 20th, 2011, 10:35 pm Post #93 - November 20th, 2011, 10:35 pm
    Cathy2 wrote:HI,

    At Costco the other day, I found a shutterbug clerk who talked me through their point and shoots. He thought for value and features, he recommended Canon ELPH 310HS.

    Features: Ultra slim design, 12.1 MP CMOS Sensor (which was a chief feature), Digic 4 image processor, 8x zoom, 3" high-res LCD screen, full HD 1080p video recording up to 8,7 fps burst shooting mode. Includes 4 GB SD and case.

    Price day after T-day is $200.

    Is this a good camera?

    Regards,


    PC Mag really likes it.
    PCMag wrote:8x zoom range in a very compact package. High-resolution LCD. Speedy performance. Good low-light performance.


    Good reviews on Amazon too.
  • Post #94 - November 21st, 2011, 7:12 am
    Post #94 - November 21st, 2011, 7:12 am Post #94 - November 21st, 2011, 7:12 am
    Cathy2 wrote:HI,

    At Costco the other day, I found a shutterbug clerk who talked me through their point and shoots. He thought for value and features, he recommended Canon ELPH 310HS.

    Features: Ultra slim design, 12.1 MP CMOS Sensor (which was a chief feature), Digic 4 image processor, 8x zoom, 3" high-res LCD screen, full HD 1080p video recording up to 8,7 fps burst shooting mode. Includes 4 GB SD and case.

    Price day after T-day is $200.

    Is this a good camera?

    Regards,


    I just bought this camera for the Chow Poodle. So far it's performing great. I'll be posting some pictures from it when I do my post about my olatest trip to Puerto Vallarta.
    Steve Z.

    “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
    ― Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Post #95 - November 26th, 2011, 1:39 pm
    Post #95 - November 26th, 2011, 1:39 pm Post #95 - November 26th, 2011, 1:39 pm
    HI,

    I went to Costco in Mettawa at 8:45 am yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised to find easy parking. The wee crowd waiting to get in numbered less than 75. I had my camera already purchased by 9:15 am when I settled down to eat the breakfast of champions: Polish sausage with sauerkraut, onions and mustard with a Coke to chase it down.

    I haven't taken it out for a spin yet. I realized I never checked if it shoots in RAW. Keeping my fingers crossed my camera odyssey has come to an end.

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #96 - November 26th, 2011, 2:12 pm
    Post #96 - November 26th, 2011, 2:12 pm Post #96 - November 26th, 2011, 2:12 pm
    Cathy2 wrote: I realized I never checked if it shoots in RAW.


    Doubt it.... that tends to be a feature on the highest end of the P&S line.

    FWIW, well over 1/2 of the images I post are shot JPEG on a Canon P&S
    So, RAW is great to have but it is not the most important feature....
  • Post #97 - November 26th, 2011, 2:59 pm
    Post #97 - November 26th, 2011, 2:59 pm Post #97 - November 26th, 2011, 2:59 pm
    RAW requires quite a bit of processing work through Photoshop or other programs.
    i used to milk cows
  • Post #98 - December 2nd, 2011, 10:55 am
    Post #98 - December 2nd, 2011, 10:55 am Post #98 - December 2nd, 2011, 10:55 am
    Amazon has the superb Panasonic LX-5 for $269 today. No idea how long this deal will last, but probably not terribly long. Normal price is $369.
    Ed Fisher
    my chicago food photos

    RIP LTH.
  • Post #99 - April 2nd, 2012, 12:28 pm
    Post #99 - April 2nd, 2012, 12:28 pm Post #99 - April 2nd, 2012, 12:28 pm
    Bumping this thread in case anyone has comments on newer cameras. I'm looking for a small, inexpensive camera good in low light and for close-up work (i.e. food pictures).
  • Post #100 - April 2nd, 2012, 12:39 pm
    Post #100 - April 2nd, 2012, 12:39 pm Post #100 - April 2nd, 2012, 12:39 pm
    Hi,

    I am very happy with the Canon ELPH 310HS I bought over Thanksgiving. It does low light quite well.

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #101 - April 3rd, 2012, 8:50 am
    Post #101 - April 3rd, 2012, 8:50 am Post #101 - April 3rd, 2012, 8:50 am
    I'm still loving my Panasonic LX-5: that Leica lens is *razor*-sharp.

    Geo
    Sooo, you like wine and are looking for something good to read? Maybe *this* will do the trick! :)
  • Post #102 - April 3rd, 2012, 9:35 am
    Post #102 - April 3rd, 2012, 9:35 am Post #102 - April 3rd, 2012, 9:35 am
    There have been some really stunningly good deals on the LX5 on Amazon in recent days. $200 "like new" from Amazon Warehouse Deals, or $325 for a new one and a $75 gift card, net price $250.

    Both appear to be dead at the moment, but keep an eye out on the deals sites, because they've been popping back in stock periodically.
    Ed Fisher
    my chicago food photos

    RIP LTH.
  • Post #103 - April 30th, 2012, 8:07 am
    Post #103 - April 30th, 2012, 8:07 am Post #103 - April 30th, 2012, 8:07 am
    On woot today there is a Kodak EasyShare Z5120 for $150. Does anyone have/know about this camera? Do you think it'd be good for a beginner level camera?
  • Post #104 - April 30th, 2012, 9:50 am
    Post #104 - April 30th, 2012, 9:50 am Post #104 - April 30th, 2012, 9:50 am
    fropones wrote:On woot today there is a Kodak EasyShare Z5120 for $150. Does anyone have/know about this camera? Do you think it'd be good for a beginner level camera?

    IMO - skip this camera. There are better entry level options to choose from. I prefer the Digital ELPH PowerShot Camera from Canon.
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #105 - April 30th, 2012, 10:05 am
    Post #105 - April 30th, 2012, 10:05 am Post #105 - April 30th, 2012, 10:05 am
    IMO - skip this camera. There are better entry level options to choose from. I prefer the Digital ELPH PowerShot Camera from Canon.


    May I second that.
    My ELPH story - I was taking shots of the then "new" lion cubs at the Milwaukee Zoo, and sent them to an ex (by about 30 years) GF since she also like cats of all kinds. She shared them with her boss who is a semi-pro photographer who spends her off time at Brookfield Zoo taking pictures with *expensive* equipment.
    I got shot back a forwarded email from her boss asking what I used since the images were so good.
  • Post #106 - April 30th, 2012, 10:26 am
    Post #106 - April 30th, 2012, 10:26 am Post #106 - April 30th, 2012, 10:26 am
    exvaxman wrote:
    IMO - skip this camera. There are better entry level options to choose from. I prefer the Digital ELPH PowerShot Camera from Canon.


    May I second that.
    My ELPH story - I was taking shots of the then "new" lion cubs at the Milwaukee Zoo, and sent them to an ex (by about 30 years) GF since she also like cats of all kinds. She shared them with her boss who is a semi-pro photographer who spends her off time at Brookfield Zoo taking pictures with *expensive* equipment.
    I got shot back a forwarded email from her boss asking what I used since the images were so good.


    Thanks! I'll skip this and look into an ELPH instead. I believe someone here also said that it does quite good in low-light, which is ideal.
  • Post #107 - May 8th, 2012, 5:02 pm
    Post #107 - May 8th, 2012, 5:02 pm Post #107 - May 8th, 2012, 5:02 pm
    I decided to go (mostly) all out. Now I'm deciding between the LX5 and the S100 (although I am open to other suggestions). Any advice?
  • Post #108 - May 8th, 2012, 6:00 pm
    Post #108 - May 8th, 2012, 6:00 pm Post #108 - May 8th, 2012, 6:00 pm
    What's your priority?
    I love, love, love my LX5 but...

    it doesn't really fit in a jeans pocket so it's not as portable, the manual lens cap is a pain in the ass, and the controls could be better (manual focus is very clumsy), and the zoom is not great.

    However the picture quality is fantastic even in low light, it has a hot shoe so you can add a viewfinder, it has the ability to add screw on lenses and filters, it has really nice wide angle capability, and the HD video is remarkable.

    I'd say S100 if you want to carry it everywhere without thinking about it and LX5 if you want to be prepared for just about anything. Or you could start looking at the EVILs :mrgreen:

    Of course this is just my 2¢.
  • Post #109 - May 9th, 2012, 1:24 pm
    Post #109 - May 9th, 2012, 1:24 pm Post #109 - May 9th, 2012, 1:24 pm
    Costco has the Canon ELPH 100 right now for $109.99 ($70 off). There is also an Amazon seller who has it at that price. Costco's comes with a case and a 4GB memory card.

    Based on Canon's camera comparison gizmo and reviews, the 100's main differences from the 310 are 4x vs. 8x optical zoom and some differences in movie modes, as well as a lower pixel display.
  • Post #110 - May 9th, 2012, 1:56 pm
    Post #110 - May 9th, 2012, 1:56 pm Post #110 - May 9th, 2012, 1:56 pm
    For something different, I love my Fuji W3 for 3d photos. I am picking up a second and maybe a third due to how I use it. However, for macro (close up) things like individual pieces of sushi, you need a custom adaptor that costs more than the camera. Also for slightly dark items (like doing planes on the ceiling at EAA) you need a fash unit and bracket. But yes, I LOVE this thing. My only issue is not getting a cheap price on lenticular material to pass out 3d photos.
  • Post #111 - May 9th, 2012, 4:33 pm
    Post #111 - May 9th, 2012, 4:33 pm Post #111 - May 9th, 2012, 4:33 pm
    Best Buy is selling the Canon ELPH 300 HS for $129 with 4GB card, case and $15 BB gift card.
    Details
    My research found that this one has the best small-size-to-features ratio. It is quite small indeed and, for me, that makes the difference between bringing the camera into the restaurant and leaving it at home or in the car.
  • Post #112 - May 9th, 2012, 9:52 pm
    Post #112 - May 9th, 2012, 9:52 pm Post #112 - May 9th, 2012, 9:52 pm
    Just a couple of FWIW points:

    * First, this (see below) is (IMHO), and excellent review site. They go very in-depth and very technical to test cameras objectively and make apples-to-apples comparisons. But, the reviews have menus that allow you to cut-to-the-chase if you want to skip some of the detail. There are lots of reviews, and good archives for looking at previous models or cross-checking. Prices quoted are usually "suggested retail," so don't take them too seriously.

    http://www.dpreview.com/

    * Next, low light is one of the hardest requirements for a budget camera to meet. Fuji has staked out this area to differentiate itself with, so you might want to at least look at their Super CCD EXR line. Mine is several years old (and I'm very happy with it), so there are probably a couple of generations of newer/better models since.

    * Finally, I seem to recall Gary W. using an Elph, at least a few years ago, and I always thought he posted very good looking shots.

    Good luck.
    "Strange how potent cheap music is."
  • Post #113 - May 9th, 2012, 10:50 pm
    Post #113 - May 9th, 2012, 10:50 pm Post #113 - May 9th, 2012, 10:50 pm
    The biggest contributor to low light picture quality, especially in point and shoots, is sensor size. This is why the G12, LX5, etc excel: their sensors are quite a bit bigger (physically) than the competition. The LX5 is 1/1.63", most P&S are 1/2.3" -- about 30% smaller.

    The second contributor is maximum aperture on the lens. Most P&S cameras are f/2.8 at their widest, but the LX5 and S100 can both open up to f/2.0, letting in twice as much light as a lens at f/2.8.

    Ignore megapixels, ignore (in general) fancy image processing names and features. You want a fast lens and a big sensor.

    For just basic stat comparison, I really recommend snapsort.com. Use that to narrow yourself down to two or three options and then you can think about doing detailed image quality comparisons.
    Ed Fisher
    my chicago food photos

    RIP LTH.
  • Post #114 - May 10th, 2012, 8:48 am
    Post #114 - May 10th, 2012, 8:48 am Post #114 - May 10th, 2012, 8:48 am
    gleam wrote:The biggest contributor to low light picture quality, especially in point and shoots, is sensor size. This is why the G12, LX5, etc excel: their sensors are quite a bit bigger (physically) than the competition. The LX5 is 1/1.63", most P&S are 1/2.3" -- about 30% smaller.

    The second contributor is maximum aperture on the lens. Most P&S cameras are f/2.8 at their widest, but the LX5 and S100 can both open up to f/2.0, letting in twice as much light as a lens at f/2.8.

    Ignore megapixels, ignore (in general) fancy image processing names and features. You want a fast lens and a big sensor.

    For just basic stat comparison, I really recommend snapsort.com. Use that to narrow yourself down to two or three options and then you can think about doing detailed image quality comparisons.


    So what about the ELPH 500 HS? According to CNET it's like the S95 with a smaller sensor and touch screen: it's f/2 and 24mm. Although I still haven't decided if I want something more like the S100 or want to just go cheap and get something like the ELPH.
  • Post #115 - May 10th, 2012, 9:30 am
    Post #115 - May 10th, 2012, 9:30 am Post #115 - May 10th, 2012, 9:30 am
    Sort of splits the difference. Better than the other elph models with their f/2.8 (and worse.. I saw an f/3.5 in there) lenses. I do think it's one of the better options out there, especially at that low end of the price spectrum.
    Ed Fisher
    my chicago food photos

    RIP LTH.
  • Post #116 - May 10th, 2012, 12:45 pm
    Post #116 - May 10th, 2012, 12:45 pm Post #116 - May 10th, 2012, 12:45 pm
    To gleam's point about sensor size, I believe that Fuji's EXR camera's have both a larger-than-usual sensor (for compacts), and also a different way of processing the information. FWIW.
    "Strange how potent cheap music is."
  • Post #117 - May 10th, 2012, 3:20 pm
    Post #117 - May 10th, 2012, 3:20 pm Post #117 - May 10th, 2012, 3:20 pm
    Cathy2 wrote:I am very happy with the Canon ELPH 310HS I bought over Thanksgiving. It does low light quite well.

    I'd like to highlight these pictures taken in low ambient light, which were not photoshopped to brighten them. I only reduced the width and height, then saved for web hosting. Whenever possible I try to frame the picture from the get-go on my camera to reduce the need for cropping.

    Subject: Feast @ Smart Museum - events related to this exhibit

    Cathy2 wrote:Hi,

    The "Of Hospitality" symposium began with a dinner at Jane Addams' Hull House on Friday evening.

    Festivities began with brown-buttered oysters served in Jane Addams' bedroom. Prior to eating, there was a 10-minute reading by Terri Kapsalis from the Alternative Lable, Jane Addams' Medicine Kit.

    Image
    Brown butter oysters served in Jane Addams' bedroom. by cal222, on Flickr

    We later learned these pills were mixture of pills to suppresse and stimulate appetite. One pill was bicarbonate of soda, which appeared to deal with stomach upset.

    When we returned to the dining room, there were two additional appetizers:

    Image
    Quail Eggs on Toast by cal222, on Flickr

    Image
    Codfish balls, which were practically cod and mashed potato croquettes. by cal222, on Flickr

    The dining room table was set to be conducive to sharing food and conversation. All the breads were baked by an octogenarian volunteer.

    Image
    Table set for guests by cal222, on Flickr

    When I saw the placecards, I began roaming the tables looking for my name. When I saw 'Eleanor Roosevelt' on a placecard, I looked to see if there was an actress in character. I realized these placecards were there to remind people of who has supped here before. Upon closer examination, each placecard included a small introduction to this person.

    Image
    Julia Lathrop placecard by cal222, on Flickr

    Dinner began with a baby kale sald with spring vegetables and a sherry vinaigrette. I happen to favor this type of salad.

    Image
    Baby kale salad with spring vegetables by cal222, on Flickr

    The main course was served in large bowls filled with Pasta Bolognese and a Vegetable Bolognese.

    Image
    Pasta Bolognese with Hull-House garlic by cal222, on Flickr

    Image
    Vegetable Bolognese by cal222, on Flickr

    Perhaps the success of the meal can be gauged by the table's disarray.

    Image
    Post dinner debris field. by cal222, on Flickr

    Dessert was served in Hull House in three different rooms to encourage exploration.

    Image
    Seed cakes, cookies and whipped cream in the Hull-House library by cal222, on Flickr

    Image
    Blanc Mange with Jelly in Receiving Room by cal222, on Flickr

    Image
    Apple pie in Sounds Like History Exhibit by cal222, on Flickr
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #118 - May 10th, 2012, 7:44 pm
    Post #118 - May 10th, 2012, 7:44 pm Post #118 - May 10th, 2012, 7:44 pm
    I was amused to see that the new digital camera I just bought (Sony DSC-H90) actually has a "gourmet" setting, specifically for photographing food. Definitely a trend. :)
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #119 - May 22nd, 2012, 6:41 pm
    Post #119 - May 22nd, 2012, 6:41 pm Post #119 - May 22nd, 2012, 6:41 pm
    Anyone have any thoughts about the Nikon S8100? My FIL has one, and I used it with no fiddling knowledge other than put it on Macro mode for the recent pasty post here. It seemed like a beast (as far as a point/shoot,) close-up autofocus was light years quicker than my s3100 or 3000 or whatever I have. I'm thinking about grabbing a refurb of an s8100 to be my pocket everyday cam until I get a super fancy one.
    We cannot be friends if you do not know the difference between Mayo and Miracle Whip.
    Pronoun: That fool over there
    Identifies as: A human that doesn't need to "identify as" something to try to somehow be interesting.
  • Post #120 - November 23rd, 2012, 10:35 am
    Post #120 - November 23rd, 2012, 10:35 am Post #120 - November 23rd, 2012, 10:35 am
    Heads up that the S100 is on sale at amazon for $230 today. This is an amazing price as I paid $380 for mine back in May. Anyone looking for new camera should jump on this.

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