I Got My Camera!!!

So I finally settled on a Camera. (got it about 3 months ago, so still testing the waters).
I ended up getting the Canon Powershot S2 IS
It's only a 5.2 mp... but pretty good.
Has most of the manual features I wanted & major selling points were...
a swivel LCD Monitor (so that I can take pics of myself) & not only Macro shot... but Super 'Macro' which is really good for jewelry. And has some anti-shake technology... but not sure when & if that matters... can never tell.
It uses regular 4 AA batteries (got Rechargeable ones). Pretty nice lense & some cool arty effects. Most new pics I've taken in my gallery were with my new camera.

It roughly cost $500 in case anyone was curious.... but a worthy investment for jewelry shots... now I just have to get some proper lighting scenarios for jewelry shoots.... & I really want to start shooting some models... or should I say dressed up girly's & get back to some nature shots.

ta,

~phyll~

Digital Camera INFO for Jewelry Photography

so I've done hours upon hours of online research for a new digital camera... I've read umpteen reviews... specs, websites, ebay... everywhere.
You just get to a point where all of this information is boggin down my brain, making it hard to function.

here is what I am looking for as far as specs... (I am not a pro & may not know every nuance of what I need... but these are the top issues):

- Swivel/Rotating LCD =
The main thing I would like to find for a digital camera is a 'Swivel or Rotating LCD monitor' (like that on a camcorder). That way I can swivel & rotate the LCD toward me so that I can shoot pics of myself if need be. (which is extremely helpful for shooting jewelry images).

- 6mp or higher? =
I am thinking I at least need 6 or 7mp? (not sure but seems more detail with a higher MP.

- 300 DPI =
I would like the option to shoot very large files if need be at 300 dpi. I have researched cameras that shoot 300dpi but they never state that in the specs. They show these large image sizes... some going up past 3000xwhat have you... but I do not want to assume these large files are 300 dpi.

- Manual focus, manual etc =
I need to be able to manually focus, aperature, settings, color balance, contrast, brightness etc. Automatic only goes so far... I need more control.

- Built in flash =
(being able to shut it off if need be).

- a timer for setting up shots would be nice. (not necessary but would use it).

- some photo enhancements like BW, sepia (again, contrast, color balance, brightness) ... etc

- Macro or close shots =
I would mostly be shooting jewelry up close... very close for details. I need a camera that can get so close (like under 2" from piece) or so... so that I can focus on certain aspects/details of pieces. I also want to shoot art, nature etc... but jewelry is #1

- weight... =
I need something that is not too heavy... I am battling wrist/arm/hand problems... & a camera that is too weighty would be bad to hold for too long. My current digital camcorder (sony) is very heavy to shoot my jewels with. But it has the swivel monitor. Which is why I am looking to replace.

- Mac compatible =
I have a Mac Os I think 9 or X? so maybe something that is Mac compatible for a minimum of 8.0

- Rechargeable battery included

- File Types =
Although JPG file types can be ok, I need to be able to have file types that are MAC/photoshop compatible that is NOT always a jpg. As working with files in photoshop that are already a jpg... & editing or reworking & then Re-Jpging can decrease & really pixelate images.

- Price =
Unfortunately I do not have a lot to invest at the moment. At least $400 NEW
Although I would like to budget & see if I can spend less.

- originally I was trying to find a camera that would be compatible with my sony memory sticks. But now, I am ready to think past sony for something that meets my needs as stated above.
I know there must be other things I am looking for, but cannot think right now.

So to review:
- Manual controls (focus, aperature, settings etc)
- *** Swivel/Rotating LCD monitor
- 300 dpi & large file sizes (fine)
- medium to light weight camera with battery
- color balance, contrast control, BW etc
- Mac Compatible
- Macro shot (details upclose for jewelry)
- 6mp or above
- built in flash (w/shut off)
- file types JPG but must also have a NON jpg file type ( raw or tiff... which ever is Mac/photoshop compatible)
- Rechargeable battery included

Also, Here is one of the cameras I thought might be good:
Samsung V70 Digital Camera
(has most of the specs especially swivel monitor) but not sure if it can do 300dpi or not... & Unfortunately this camera model is Discontinued (within a matter of a few months)... & I couldn't find any info on it. Does anyone have this camera or have info on it?

They really do not make many cameras that have the option of the rotating monitor. This seems like it would be the best asset to any camera.

IF anyone is reading this & is familiar with shooting jewelry & or detailed shots... & understand the types of issues I have & connect with my shooting desires... & or have a camera that you love & addresses these same issues... please share your camera info with me so that I can look into it.
Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
~Phyll~
Eyescream Jewelry
www.eyescreamjewelry.com


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