Camera recommendations for dental photography?

[Roy Williams]

I'm a soon to be dentist and will be needing a camera to document cases. I currently have this camera body and am wondering if it can be altered to use for dental photography, or will I need to get a new body: Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lenses - 18-Megapixel Sensor and Webcam Capability

I was hoping to be able to find a good macro lens and a bracket for dual flash that I can use with this.

I just really don't know anything about photography, so if anybody has any insight into this aspect of dentistry, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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[ToothyMctoothface]

Hi mate, Look into the book Lit by Miguel Ortiz. Does go into very good detail about everything, most importantly settings and positions for most dental photographs. See if your camera body can handle it (it should be able to). Once you get a hang of it you can repurpose the lenses with a better body down the line.

Edit:
the suggestions are pretty darn good, especially with the phone cameras. It can definitely be done especially with the phone cameras being as good as they are todays. There is also the SmileLite MDP system, I'd say work with the phone cam and the DSLR you currently have and decide if the photos are good enough for what you are planning on doing with them.

 

[Saddleshoes]

I have been seeing a lot of case presentations lately that have been done totally with cell phone cameras. The images look darn good to me.

 

[Grinz]

Nikon D850

 

[allDAT]

I highly recommend this point and shoot setup from photomed - PhotoMed /Canon SX740 Clinical Camera System

(I have no affiliation with this company)

It’s nice, because it’s quick, easy, affordable, and most importantly, your assistants can take the photos with zero training. It doesn't shoot in raw, which is problematic for AACD if that’s the route you’re going, but I’d buy two cameras - the one linked above, and then a full setup when you’re ready and sure the point and shoot won’t meet your needs.

 

[desertrat12]

If you follow bloodytoothguy on Instagram, his videos turn out really good and I’m pretty sure he said he just uses his cell phone.

 

[PerioDont]

I highly recommend this point and shoot setup from photomed - PhotoMed /Canon SX740 Clinical Camera System

(I have no affiliation with this company)

It’s nice, because it’s quick, easy, affordable, and most importantly, your assistants can take the photos with zero training. It doesn't shoot in raw, which is problematic for AACD if that’s the route you’re going, but I’d buy two cameras - the one linked above, and then a full setup when you’re ready and sure the point and shoot won’t meet your needs.

Love photomed's stuff! in my dream world if I was not becoming a periodontist I would be trying to become a fellow of the AACD.

I'm a soon to be dentist and will be needing a camera to document cases. I currently have this camera body and am wondering if it can be altered to use for dental photography, or will I need to get a new body: Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lenses - 18-Megapixel Sensor and Webcam Capability

I was hoping to be able to find a good macro lens and a bracket for dual flash that I can use with this.

I just really don't know anything about photography, so if anybody has any insight into this aspect of dentistry, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I think that your camera would work just fine. Unless you are much richer than I am a dental student, I wouldn't buy a new camera just yet. Buy a lens and flash and practice dental photography with it on your classmates or friends. If it really doesn't work then buy something else, but I think you will be just fine for dental school definitely with this one. If your wallet has significant overflow then buy the photomed one linked above.

 

[PerioDont]

If you follow bloodytoothguy on Instagram, his videos turn out really good and I’m pretty sure he said he just uses his cell phone.

our dental school does not allow phones in operatories as cameras, claiming you will have pt information on your phone. but I agree, the newer iPhones and others have truly excellent cameras now.

 

[ssdang]

what is the difference between point and shoot vs DSLR?
My orthodontist use point and shoot and some periodontist uses DSLR. Can perio uses point and shoot? I thought DSLR was for esthetic cases tho.

 

[PerioDont]

what is the difference between point and shoot vs DSLR?
My orthodontist use point and shoot and some periodontist uses DSLR. Can perio uses point and shoot? I thought DSLR was for esthetic cases tho.

You can use whatever you want in your own practice that gets the job done.

Ideally you would have the setup be so simple your assistant could take all the photos so it doesn't bog you down.

Your school may or may not have specific camera requirements.

 

[allDAT]

what is the difference between point and shoot vs DSLR?
My orthodontist use point and shoot and some periodontist uses DSLR. Can perio uses point and shoot? I thought DSLR was for esthetic cases tho.

A DSLR will give you more control over the settings as well as a superior image **if you know how to use it**. What I've found in practice is that it doesn't matter how well I can use the camera, because my assistant usually takes the photo (I don't get paid to take pictures). So a point and shoot is the way to go for the vast majority of cases. When you're really trying to level up, a DSLR is the best way to go.

Ortho just needs to take photos quickly with clarity to document cases - often taking photos of either the entire arch or a quadrant. A cosmetic dentist may want to take photos of just 2 teeth (8 and 9) with capturing as much detail as possible and calibrating the color with their lab. These are 2 totally different worlds photography wise. If you're just trying to do basic communication with a lab, and use photos for documentation, insurance, and education a point and shoot with a macro lense adaptor and a flash like I liked about will work really well for most of us.