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ac2b · Nov 11, 2009, 11:19 AM

I just started working for an e-commerce company today. They want me to find them a new DSLR to take photos of phones and laptops for a basic ebay operation. They said they wanted a Nikon with a 50mm lense for around 500 bucks. I was looking at the D3000, D40, and D60. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hards80 · Nov 11, 2009, 11:26 AM

For that purpose, any of your choices should do the job admirably.

Just keep in mind that the only 50mm that will focus on these bodies is the AF-S 50mm 1.4, which is 450$ itself.

mtclimber · Nov 11, 2009, 11:29 AM

ac2b-

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for dropping by.

Is this a single use thing? What will the lighting be like? Will the photos be taken hand held or on a tripod?

Thanks for the info. Have a great day.

Sarah Joyce

TCav · Nov 11, 2009, 11:33 AM

You might want to consider that many of your shots might require close focusing. In that situation, for $500, you might be much better off with a good P&S.

ac2b · Nov 11, 2009, 12:03 PM

so basically we shouldnt get the 50mm lense. do you think the lense that comes with these dslr's will do the trick? would we be better off getting a point and shoot?

mtclimber · Nov 11, 2009, 12:08 PM

The kit lens that comes with the camera is not bad, if you are on a very TIGHT budget.

Sarah Joyce

ac2b · Nov 11, 2009, 12:08 PM

Also, what is the deal with the zoom and flash on these dslrs?

Hards80 · Nov 11, 2009, 12:11 PM

you are not going to want to use onboard flash from any camera to provide illumination for professional product shot. you will want some kind of continuous lighting system.

mtclimber · Nov 11, 2009, 12:14 PM

That is why a high quality point and shoot camera might keep you on budget. It is also why I initially asked about lighting. It sounds like you are needing a camera and an external flash all within that $500.00 budget, would that be correct?

Sarah Joyce

Hards80 · Nov 11, 2009, 12:20 PM

for phones and laptop size objects. several manufacturers make a softening cube that will serve to diffuse light around the object and provide a pure white background. they are not expensive and you can usually use relatively cheap continuous light sources on either side to light it. no fancy strobes or anything needed and will provide better lightsource than any kind of onboard or external flash.

Nov 11, 2009, 11:19 AM	#1
ac2b Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4	Need DSLR for basic e-commerce operation I just started working for an e-commerce company today. They want me to find them a new DSLR to take photos of phones and laptops for a basic ebay operation. They said they wanted a Nikon with a 50mm lense for around 500 bucks. I was looking at the D3000, D40, and D60. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Nov 11, 2009, 11:33 AM	#4
TCav Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington, DC, Metro Area, Maryland Posts: 13,755	You might want to consider that many of your shots might require close focusing. In that situation, for $500, you might be much better off with a good P&S. __________________ The lens is the thing. 'Full Frame' is the new 'Medium Format'. "One good test is worth a thousand expert opinions." - Tex Johnston, Boeing 707 test pilot.

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Nov 11, 2009, 11:26 AM	#2
Hards80 Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 9,046	For that purpose, any of your choices should do the job admirably. Just keep in mind that the only 50mm that will focus on these bodies is the AF-S 50mm 1.4, which is 450$ itself.

Nov 11, 2009, 11:29 AM	#3
mtclimber Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 18,143	ac2b- Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for dropping by. Is this a single use thing? What will the lighting be like? Will the photos be taken hand held or on a tripod? Thanks for the info. Have a great day. Sarah Joyce

Nov 11, 2009, 12:03 PM	#5
ac2b Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4	so basically we shouldnt get the 50mm lense. do you think the lense that comes with these dslr's will do the trick? would we be better off getting a point and shoot?

Nov 11, 2009, 12:08 PM	#6
mtclimber Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 18,143	The kit lens that comes with the camera is not bad, if you are on a very TIGHT budget. Sarah Joyce

Nov 11, 2009, 12:11 PM	#8
Hards80 Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 9,046	you are not going to want to use onboard flash from any camera to provide illumination for professional product shot. you will want some kind of continuous lighting system.

Nov 11, 2009, 12:14 PM	#9
mtclimber Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 18,143	That is why a high quality point and shoot camera might keep you on budget. It is also why I initially asked about lighting. It sounds like you are needing a camera and an external flash all within that $500.00 budget, would that be correct? Sarah Joyce

Nov 11, 2009, 12:20 PM	#10
Hards80 Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 9,046	for phones and laptop size objects. several manufacturers make a softening cube that will serve to diffuse light around the object and provide a pure white background. they are not expensive and you can usually use relatively cheap continuous light sources on either side to light it. no fancy strobes or anything needed and will provide better lightsource than any kind of onboard or external flash.