What's best camera for product shots for instagram?

kiwiok

Hi there,

I have a small business and generally take my own product shots for social media with my phone. I want to invest in a proper camera as I'm not entirely happy with the quality of the phone camera. I mostly take shots of flat lays, and up close textile shots.

I have zero technical knowledge so when I asked for advice in a camera store they may aswell have spoken a different language. Any advice much appreciated.

ps shop recommended either Canon M3, Canon M50 or Canon M5

Budget is under €1,000

Alanstrainor

There is a good bit to consider even outside the camera if you are looking to take professional looking photos of products. A lot will be in the lighting and setup of the scene. But given your budget I would say you have more than enough to pull this off.

Camera: The cameras you have been recommended will do the job. But they seem an unusual choice to me. I would look at a DSLR, even a second hand one if you wanted. Something like:

Canon 1300D: This is an entry level DSLR. It will do everything you need and more, and will enable you to buy better lenses in the future if you wanted. You would not be able to tell any difference between the photos taken on this and any of the models you mention. However it is larger than the models you noted, but for your needs this isn't a huge concern.

Manfrotto Tripod: Good for positioning the camera, framing the perfect shot.

Even the above is more than enough to get you started. You could also go down the route of getting lighting for your shots, but this might not be a huge concern starting off. It is also worth keeping in mind that most photographers who take these shots will also edit the images in some way on their computer, to either make the colours stand out, or make the photos appear more as you saw them.

kiwiok

Thanks for your reply. Is the Cannon 1300D easy to use with a phone? I will probably edit using apps i have already on my iphone. A few people have suggested upgrading to a better phone with higher quality camera but I think I prefer to buy a camera.

Re lighting I have a fluorescent ring light and a lightbox but do a lot of my flat lays in natural light.

Cheers

ED E

A clueless user with a Pixel 2 XL will take better shots out the box than a clueless user with a basic DSLR or compact.

I will probably edit using apps i have already on my iphone.

That's going to be a slow process to transfer, or an overpriced eyeFly card to connect the two.


If the process you create takes posting a shot from 5 minutes to 50 minutes, how likely are you to post regularly? What's your current phone?

kiwiok

I've an iPhone 6. Camera pretty bad. The images I need are purely for social media, I need lots of them, and I need to be able to edit them quickly enough. (I use a professional photographer for print or main web images when needed).

ED E

iPhone 6 scores 70 points on DX0 Mobile.
iPhone 8 scores 94 points.
iPhone X scores 97 points.
Huawei P20 Pro scores 107 points.

The DSLR workflow would tend to be Camera -> Laptop for PS Editing -> Back to Phone to be posted to IG. This works, but its slow. I'd tend to go for a phone that isnt 4yo and maybe some lighting improvements.

Alanstrainor

ED E wrote: »

iPhone 6 scores 70 points on DX0 Mobile.
iPhone 8 scores 94 points.
iPhone X scores 97 points.
Huawei P20 Pro scores 107 points.

The DSLR workflow would tend to be Camera -> Laptop for PS Editing -> Back to Phone to be posted to IG. This works, but its slow. I'd tend to go for a phone that isnt 4yo and maybe some lighting improvements.

As for that workflow, it is not so bad, especially considering the application the OP wants to use it for. The work process would likely be, taking a number of shots at once of different products to post on instagram during the week. Uploading to a computer and editing using whatever application you want (you don't necessarily need photoshop). And then saving to google drive, or whatever online storage so you can access on your phone. Then post away during the week.

A new phone will take very good photos, but not the same quality of even a cheap DSLR. But again, this all depends on what you want/expect.

Bluefoam

I'd agree with the guy in the shop, but steer you to a Canon M6, and also a EF-M 55-200 lens. This combination will give you a nice 'macro' shot with good depth of field.... Which allows you to separate the subject from the background, giving a nice effect and professional feel... I know you lay out your product, bit this will still be a good setup and give you options to be more creative if you so desire.

I purchased from eglobal central website for half your budget... Would have cost well over 1300 without the discount, and you'd still have enough for a tripod.

As for editing and posting on Instagram... You can use a laptop, but you can also get good results by connecting your camera to your phone wirelessly, which is a standard function on the M6. If you want to edit you could use Snapseed or Photoshop phone apps (loads of similar available). Then post to Instagram... Simple workflow. And if you choose you can do more advanced editing.

kiwiok

Thanks for the replies folks. I have decided to go with a camera v's a phone. So now its whether to go with DSLR or mirrorless. Been looking at a few youtube videos on this and it seems traditional photographers prefer DSLR. But for me, not having a viewfinder doesn't bother me. So what's the best in this case? DSLR or mirrorless? My priorities??

I want a good quality picture that is easy to send to phone to edit, but perhaps most importantly is idiot proof.... I really don't have too much time to spend on photography course/online tutorials and I just won't read a manual etc....I tend to just learn on the go.

Won't be taking action shots, so speed not a factor.

I shoot once a month for all my social media images then spend time editing.

Thanks again for the advice so far.

Bluefoam

Mirroless is the way unless you are a professional. More modern lense designs, simple to use, smaller form factor, plus they have a full set of DSLR controls if you buy anything decent.

Canon and Sony are making allot of noise about mirrorless taking over from DSLR from a sales perspective.

The_Gatsby

A key feature you might want is a camera with WiFi. That way you can easily transfer photos to your phone

dory

I definitely think mirrorless with WiFi is the way to go. No point going big DSLR unless you really know how to use it. I've seen great shots on even a basic Song mirrorless. Nice external flash or just good lighting will make a bigger difference than more expensive camera.

callaway92

The whole point of INSTAgram, is for the photo to be taken with a phone. ‘Insta’ntly posted up

suzainkartic

Canon IXUS 285 HS is the best mid range and high quality cam for this purpose.