Camera

[Stare Decisis]

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Why type of camera do you guys recommend? When purchasing a camera should I look for pixels, focal length, etc...? Please remember that my desire and ability to spend is constrained. The last post I found on this was several years old and was wondering if there is something new that people are thrilled with.

SD

 

[maxheadroom]

I have a Sony Cybershot DSC-T900 that is about 18 months old. It's tiny, 12 Megapixels (although anything more than 5 is more than enough), and has a great macro setting. It takes great pictures. Big DSLRs are cute, but painful to lug around.

 

[sillyjpants]

Big DSLRs are cute...

Love it!

@Stare Decisis - great post, thanks for asking because I was curious as well but didn't even think to ask on SDN!

 

[Plastics13]

I have both a dSLR and a good point and shoot. I find myself carrying the smaller camera more as it is easier and lighter. However, the dSLR takes great pictures every time without trying as compared to the other one.

I highly suggest the Panasonic Lumix LX-5 if you want a smaller compact, amazing camera. If you want a SLR go with the D90. It is completely up to you and your preferences. You will be the one to hear crap if your photos aren't the right exposure, lighting, etc....

 

[igap]

I don't think that you can go wrong with most of the small digital cameras today. There is no one model that is THE model for plastics types as far as I can tell.

At the attending level, most will have a dSLR with a fancy carrying case. But I don't know any residents using these.

I agree that the small Lumix cameras are great. I used one for about a year but replaced it after too many drops (I am hard on my phone and my camera). I replaced it with a Casio and have been using Casio cameras since. I recommend at least 10 Mpix, good zoom, ablity to shoot video, and get a big SD card to store what will inevitably be 100s of pictures at a time. Most cameras out there will have these characteristics for 200-300 dollars.

 

[deleted144060]

I have a Nikon D200. I used a point and shoot in residency but went to a full size dSLR once I got a job. The D200 allows for customization of settings and you can load your own presets. I have presets for OR, clinic, photoroom, etc. Yes it's clunky to carry around, but it takes great pictures. Which brings up another point....

It doesn't matter what kind of camera you have if you don't know jack about taking pictures. I HIGHLY recommend the Scott Kelby series on digital photography. It really made a difference in my photos and my understanding about the subject.

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby/dp/032147404X

For taking pictures in plastic surgery, there have been a few papers published that have some good info. The best is probably this one in PRS form 2001:

Standardizing digital photography: it's not all in the eye of the beholder

Galdino, G M, Vogel, J E, Vander Kolk, C A

Another important issue raised by Max is the use of a macro setting. It allows you to take very close up IN FOCUS pictures and is nice for shooting the patient chart labels before you take a portrait photo of the subject.


--M

 

[maxheadroom]

dSLRs do take great photos. I had a D300 for a while and then traded for a D90 (and a bunch of other stuff). I love my D90, but I wouldn't encourage a resident to invest that much. A Lumix or Cybershot would leave plenty of money for textbooks or a vacation.