Want to upgrade to my first DSLR (from Fuji S2800HD). Is it necessary?

L

lucas4

Suspended / Banned
Messages
4
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi guys :wave:. Newbie here so take it easy :p!

So I want to upgrade my camera. I currently use a Fujifilm Finepix S2800HD and am not sure if the upgrade is really necessary.

I will be using the camera mainly for photographing a range of computer-related items.

My current photos aren't bad but I'd like better quality for the item in subject rather than the white background being quite overwhelming.

My main equipment (without camera) is:

- 80x80x80 light tent
- white vinyl backdrop
- 3 x 35W (~200W equiv) 5500K 'daylight' bulbs

I use a Fujifilm Finepix S2800HD which is advertised as a bridge camera but the quality is very similar to my Dad's Canon PowerShot SX 130 IS.

So the questions are:

-Would an entry-level DSLR such as the Nikon D40 or Canon 400D be a good upgrade from my current Fuji?
-Is the rest of my equipment going to be limiting the DSLR's performance?
-Would a flash gun be a good idea, alongside or instead of the daylight bulbs?
-What DSLR should I be looking for at around £200 ish(don't mind 2nd hand)?

Any help would be much appreciated :)!
 
Can you post one of your pics with the Fuji, just so we know what you're getting now.
 
vaizki said:
Can you post one of your pics with the Fuji, just so we know what you're getting now.
Click to expand...

Good idea :)!

Here are some of the shots before they're edited. I usually use photoshop and use auto tone and then increase the exposure by between 0.2 and 1.0.

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF8928.jpg
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF8726.jpg
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF8697.jpg
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF8402.jpg
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF8288.jpg

My camera settings are usually:

ISO: usually 100. 64 for the better lit shots to stop them being overpowering. 200 when I photograph bigger items (such as a case) which really stretches the ability of my lighting.

Aperture: nearly always f/3.1

Exposure: i try to get the exposure bias as 0. Perhaps increasing this will be better and negate the need for editing in photoshop?

Shutter speed: this is linked to the exposure bias. It increases/decreases as i adjust the exposure bias. Usually between 1/40 to 1/200. mainly around 1/60 or 1/80 (i think)

I've had the camera about 3.5 months but haven't had a huge play about with the settings. I found some settings that I liked and that produced good results and stuck to them. Now I want to see if I can squeeze out a bit more performance.

@ etaf:
I very rarely use the zoom for the type of photography in question. I usually end up in my light tent about 20cm from the item :p! The zoom on this fuji camera is a nice feature to be able to use now and then, but it isn't really a major positive for my main uses.

The quality is a little lacking at the higher zooms, but can still catch a decent shot in good daylight :)!

Auto settings shots (ISO was 800):

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF9058.jpg
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF9060.jpg


Manual settings shots (ISO was 64 and 100):

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF9025.jpg
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF9041.jpg
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF9050.jpg
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...isc/Photographs to show for help/DSCF9055.jpg

P.S. I've linked all the photos rather than upload them so that I don't kill my phone when checking the thread on mobile internet :lol:
 
pick one image that you think is the best and then describe what you think is wrong with it

user a different aperture for more DoF and use a tripod so you can then have slower speeds-nothing moving - so speed should not be an issue
 
For the computer shots, while I'm sure you might see a marginal improvement in quality, how much better do you need it to be? I can't see a lot wrong with the ones you've posted tbh, although lighting and product photography isn't my area of expertise. And £200 doesn't get you much dslr and lens, even second hand.
 
etaf said:
pick one image that you think is the best and then describe what you think is wrong with it

user a different aperture for more DoF and use a tripod so you can then have slower speeds-nothing moving - so speed should not be an issue
Click to expand...

I'm not really sure what is wrong. I'd quite like to improve the contrast of some of the images (darker blacks, brighter whites). Would lighting help improve the contrast?

Thanks for that info. When I'm taking shots of people or outdoor shots I'll give that a go :)!

Do you have any recommendations for a cheap but decent tripod? Doesn't have to be anything fantastic.

viewfromthenorth said:
For the computer shots, while I'm sure you might see a marginal improvement in quality, how much better do you need it to be? I can't see a lot wrong with the ones you've posted tbh, although lighting and product photography isn't my area of expertise. And £200 doesn't get you much dslr and lens, even second hand.
Click to expand...

Thanks :)! As above, I'd like to improve the contrast a little, but perhaps I'm being a little picky.

You make a good point actually. I think I'm just getting bitten by an upgrade bug as I try to learn more about photography. I really should just try and get more practise and experience with my current camera before upgrading.
 
i meant to also say - and post the example here
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top