Derm Camera

[Atypical15]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Can anyone recommend a good camera for taking clinical photos? I mean besides an iphone.
Thanks!

- Atypical15
PGY2 Derm

 

[Zummie]

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSh...1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343948587&sr=8-1&keywords=s100

Best point and shoot camera.

 

[asmallchild]

Point and shoot cameras are OK but you'll need a dSLR with a ring flash for optimal photos (this is macro photography after all)

 

[Atypical15]

Point and shoot cameras are OK but you'll need a dSLR with a ring flash for optimal photos (this is macro photography after all)

Could you recommend a model? Also, I'm looking for something just to start a personal portfolio of clinical pics -- not publishing quality here. Looking to spend $500 or so if possible (after all I'm not a dermatologist yet).

Thanks!

 

[Atypical15]

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSh...1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343948587&sr=8-1&keywords=s100

Best point and shoot camera.

Thanks for the recs Zummie, this is in my price range and looks like a nice camera.

 

[asmallchild]

Could you recommend a model? Also, I'm looking for something just to start a personal portfolio of clinical pics -- not publishing quality here. Looking to spend $500 or so if possible (after all I'm not a dermatologist yet).

Thanks!

The point and shoot previously recommended would be great for a personal portfolio especially if you are not looking towards publishing (although point and shoots can still land you in plenty of journals based on some of the photos I've seen squeak through recently)

A dSLR with ring flash will probably run you greater than $1000

I wouldn't discount a high end cell phone camera either especially if you get good lighting in your clinic, likely the most convenient option at the end of the day

 

[pupster]

The point and shoot previously recommended would be great for a personal portfolio especially if you are not looking towards publishing (although point and shoots can still land you in plenty of journals based on some of the photos I've seen squeak through recently)

A dSLR with ring flash will probably run you greater than $1000

I wouldn't discount a high end cell phone camera either especially if you get good lighting in your clinic, likely the most convenient option at the end of the day

I use a Sony Nex 5, and it works great for my needs.

 

[Dral]

Canon point and shoots have great macro optics. Someone told me that Sony has caught up in the macro area, but I didn't test any.

 

[dermathalon]

Canon point and shoots have great macro optics. Someone told me that Sony has caught up in the macro area, but I didn't test any.

Agreed, the macro function on the Canons work really well. If you avoid flash and get good lighting you can get some really nice shots that are publication worthy if you use the macro feature on Canons.

SLRs are the best as mentioned before but the price difference can be pretty steep. Also SLRs are not as convenient to carry as a point and shoot...actually it's truly an adjust settings, point, and then shoot.

 

[MOHS_01]

...

I wouldn't discount a high end cell phone camera either especially if you get good lighting in your clinic, likely the most convenient option at the end of the day

My vote is to stick with the current gen iPhone. That's all you need. It'll produce better pics than those used on boards. 😉

 

[Zummie]

The joy of this camera is the lens. The 2.0 fast lens is awesome and you don't need to use the flash at all. I have been in some exam rooms with pretty poor lighting. I have used this camera and the photos are stunning and are close to SLR quality and are publication quality. In my opinion, no one wants to lug around an SLR around clinic or from site to site. The cameras on phones are quite good, but you need good lighting for the camera. Ultimately the best camera is the one you have with you at the time of needing photograph.

 

[Atypical15]

Thanks for input all. Based on advice here and elsewhere I am going with Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS which suggested retail $260. A lot of good comments online about its good macro function.

BTW if anyone is wondering, the cheapest Canon Macro lens for a DSLR is $300, plus the ring light is $550. Add the camera itself and you are well into the $1000s - minimum.

Regarding the iPhone, it is agreeably the easiest, most convenient solution (especially since you can text consult photos to your staff), but I think some could argue it's a little less professional. A friend just told me that his program made them sign statements agreeing not to use smart phones to photo patients (or store their data in spreadsheets, etc on them either), so I know I'm not alone.

Again thanks for the input

 

[skin tag]

iPhone 4S camera is all you need. No joke, it's just as good as most point and shoot cameras. I actually prefer it over the new bulky 14 megapixel sony camera my program just bought each of its residents. The only weakness is lack of macro which is really only needed for the occasional interesting nail finding.

Also keep in mind the iPhone 5 camera will probably be even better.

 

[N-Surge]

I use my Android phone camera. Can upload, print out pics, and attach into patients charts. Always be mindful of where pics are ending, being transferred too. My recommendation is to delete off your device after storing in the medical records.

 

[username456789]

I use my Android phone camera. Can upload, print out pics, and attach into patients charts. Always be mindful of where pics are ending, being transferred too. My recommendation is to delete off your device after storing in the medical records.

I've known some programs to actually prohibit the use of phone cameras (iphone, Android, or others) as they represent "unstable" or "unprotected" data storage devices that could, in theory, be "hacked" or otherwise compromised.

 

[MOHS_01]

I've known some programs to actually prohibit the use of phone cameras (iphone, Android, or others) as they represent "unstable" or "unprotected" data storage devices that could, in theory, be "hacked" or otherwise compromised.

Protection is a myth. Look at the recent hack and subsequent hostage situation of EMR ata that was in the news this week.

 

[Atypical15]

I've been using the Canon ELPH 310HS for a week now, and I'm very happy with it. It takes very nice up-close photos, fits easily in my pocket, and is very fast