Usually in order to correctly capture the defects you
need manual focus.
When you're looking at the paint with your camera, and you see your reflection...the camera
automatically focuses on your reflection (which is 2x the distance you want) and that's why you miss the defects and get a nice picture of yourself
I use a Nikon D3100: 18-55mm Kit lens, 35mm prime, 50mm prime, and 70-200mm lens
^Manual focus is very helpful. The camera does not always automatically focus on the reflection, however most of the time it will choose to. This is because the camera uses contrast to determine what you would like to focus on. Typically the scratch, or defect that you are hoping to see is so small and similarly colored to everything around it that the camera's autofocus system simply cannot see it. This is very similar to trying to focus on anything in low light - you will notice most cameras are hit or miss when it comes to focusing in low light. This is due to the lack of contrast available for the camera to pick up on. This is why placing a piece of painters tape or other small object on the surface of the paint helps your camera focus... if you can use manual focus, that is also an easy fix.
I was having the same issue with my Samsung point & shoot. My wife bought a DSLR last year & it is MUCH more capable of capturing the fine details. BTW, its a Nikon D5100
^Most point and shoot cameras have fantastic image quality now days, so for the sake of photographing paint - the images can be similar in quality if you know how to use the camera to the best of it's abilities (ie - using manual controls). Many point and shoots, however, only allow you to shoot in "auto" mode which will yield some less than desirable results, especially when trying to photograph defects in paint, because we typically use strong, harsh lighting which makes the camera think the exposure is too bright - thus reducing the exposure and the outcome is an image that (to you) looks too dark, but to the camera is a proper exposure. If you have a DSLR, learning to shoot in manual mode is your best bet!
I think the flash can't be perpendicular to the defect you are trying to show relative to the camera lens, somewhere along those terms, from what I've found at least anyways. You ever try just turning the flash off and using a flashlight to light up the spot at an angle? Also, placing you finger or a small piece of tape/object near the defect will allow the camera to focus better.
I have a Sony Alpha Nex-5N.
^Correct! The angle of incidence is the same as the angle of reflection! Meaning - if you shoot perpendicular (90 degrees) to the surface of the car with the flash on then the light will reflect directly back into your lens! You may find that your camera wants to use the flash because it senses a dark area, or simply the dark paint is making it think you are in a dark area. Utilizing a tripod with no flash may yield better results, as the camera can then use slower shutter speeds and the motion caused by hand holding the camera will not affect the images causing them to look blurry.
I have tried turning on and off my flash to try capture defect and i had a flashlight on my other hand as light source. And i still couldnt capture the defect....
Im planning on getting a sony DSLR... since i have a financing card with them
^Do not think that purchasing a DSLR will fix everything! You need to learn how to properly use it. Photography is all about understanding light. You must learn to control how light enters your camera lens by understanding the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the ISO sensitivity settings for your sensor. These are the 3 "basic" components of understanding exposure. There are many more features of your camera, however, that you will also need to understand - like the metering system, focusing system, etc.
Using a Canon T3i. Try to find local deals on craigslist.
^Great advice! Because camera technology changes rapidly, there are always people selling used gear (many times it is gear that is barely used!) just to upgrade to the latest and greatest camera. Understanding exposure and how to properly utilize your camera is far more valuable and will produce much better results and the latest and greatest camera with limited knowledge.
With that being said - you will get much more bang for your buck purchasing used gear... camera body and lenses. If you are going to make the investment into DSLR's, I would advise you to get a body that is a generation or so old and spend the money you saved on high quality lenses. The available lenses are what really separate DSLR's from point and shoot cameras. High quality glass is definitely worth the investment!
Just picked up a Nikon D600, Tamron 28-75mm 2.8, Tamron 70-300mm
It's all about lighting when trying to capture defects IMO.
FYI. I have a Nikon D7000 with 18-105 kit lens I'm looking to unload.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
^D600... ooooooooooooooooh :xyxthumbs:
Although, specifically speaking about detailing photos, I doubt you will see much difference in the photographs between the D7000 and D600. A D7000 with a quality set of lenses is an extremely awesome set up. Regardless - enjoy that new awesome D600!
i don't know what type in rebel, in Indonesia they (canon) used XXXD code if im buying from out side Indonesia, the warranty (international) can't used it if i wan't to claim it. We have some "strage" policy about it lol
