Nikon Z50
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Canon 6D Mark II – long awaited DSLR for dental photography.
Canon users were waiting for the new model from 6D series from the last few years. Now we can take a closer look at the results of the hard work of Canon’s engineers.
What you should know and what has changed?
- completely new sensor with 26Mpix and ISO from 100 to 40.000
- Dual Pixel AF in Live View means easier focusing during rolling video
- More comfort thanks to the new fully-articulating touchscreen
- Sealed body for the outdoor use
The EOS 6D Mark II hasn’t change ergonomically. When you compare it externally with the predecessor, it’s pretty hard to tell the differences. The main external change is in the addition of a 3″, fully articulating touchscreen LCD. There are more similarities between the models than there are differences. However inside the 6D Mark II is completely different and adopts some solutions from Canon 80D.
What is importat for dental photography? The camera body has the 2 Custom Shooting modes available C1 and C2. You can easily save your most commonly used settings like for intraoral shots or portraits and recall it when you take the shots. It’s easy solution for everyone who wants to stay away from constantly changing and playing between the camera settings.
Another important is fast autofocus mode, which can be the key feature for auto focusing enthusiasts.
The wireless functions, including NFC and Bluetooth are almost standard.
With this camera you can take beautiful portraits and striking intraoral pictures. For creative photographers it’s the model worth considering.
The camera body will be available from August 2017 and the estimated price is 1.999$ (body only).
Key features:
- 26.2 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
- Optical Viewfinder with a 45-point All Cross-type AF System1
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-detection & Full HD 60p
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor, ISO 100-40000
- Vari-angle Touch Screen, 3.0-inch LCD
- Built-in Wi-Fi®2, NFC3, Bluetooth®4 and GPS technology
- High-speed Continuous Shooting at up to 6.5 fps
- Dust- & Water-resistant
Canon EOS R
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Canon EOS M50
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Canon EOS Rebel T7
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Canon EOS 4000D
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Nikon D3500
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Laowa 24 mm f/14 Replay 2x Macro – macro lens of an unusual shape.
Laowa 24 mm f/14 Replay 2x Macro – macro lens of an unusual shape.
Venus Optics is one of the most interesting optics manufacturers from China.
Under the brand name Laowa, it intends to introduce a macro lens with a very unusual shape, which can be useful for macro photography from a discrete distance. The prototype of the lens was presented during Photokina in 2016.
This lens is intended to take wide-angle macro images.
It looks just like a pole. The lens has a focal length of 24 mm and an aperture of f/14. It is suitable for use with full-frame cameras. According to the manufacturer, the new Laowa lens, thanks to its unique shape, will allow you to get into difficult places and to photograph skittish and timid creatures. The maximum magnification of this lens is x2. Also, the lens is designed to withstand extreme temperatures and extreme weather conditions.
Unfortunately, this type of lens has its drawbacks. Lens aperture f/14 will reduce the possibility of using it. The aperture closes down to f/40, and the minimum focusing distance is about 5 mm.
We don’t know the exact specifications of this lens, price or availability yet. The lens should be available with Canon EF, and Nikon F mounts. We are waiting for further information from the manufacturer.
Will it apply to Dental Photography? For sure no. But it may be interesting construction for other applications, like photographing shy insects.
We present some pictures from the Photokina expo, where the lens was first presented.
We can’t wait to test it for you.
Why RAW file is better for dental photography?
A serious photographer should always shoot in RAW files. I have nothing against jpg files. Honestly, I love them but only as the final output file type.
I will make it clear step by step. We start with definitions.
The JPG/JPEG definition according to the Wikipedia:
JPEG (/ˈdʒeɪpɛɡ/ JAY-peg) is a commonly used method of lossy compression for digital images, particularly for those images produced by digital photography. The degree of compression can be adjusted, allowing a selectable tradeoff between storage size and image quality. JPEG typically achieves 10:1 compression with little perceptible loss in image quality.
The RAW definition according to the Wikipedia:
“A camera raw image file contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of either a digital camera, image scanner, or motion picture film scanner. Raw files are named so because they are not yet processed and therefore are not ready to be printed or edited with a bitmap graphics editor.
Raw image files are sometimes called digital negatives, as they fulfill the same role as negatives in film photography: that is, the negative is not directly usable as an image, but has all of the information needed to create an image. Likewise, the process of converting a raw image file into a viewable format is sometimes called developing a raw image.
In digital photography, the raw file plays the role that photographic film plays in film photography. Raw files thus contain the full resolution (typically 12- or 14-bit) data as read out from each of the camera’s image sensor pixels.”
The definitions not always give the clear answer and explanation. But let’s take a look a little bit more in details.
Benefits of jpg:
Processed in the camera, ready to use
Smaller than RAW files
Shoot more images with the same memory card
Benefits of RAW files:
The highest level of quality – because in RAW format, you record all of the data from the image sensor. When you shoot in a jpg format, your camera is processing RAW files to create the final image based on the camera’s algorithm and settings. It doesn’t mean it’s always what you want to get. If you want to be in the control of this process, you should always shoot in RAW.
Optimum White Balance Correction – in the RAW files you can change the White Balance of your photo precisely because your picture contains much more data. In dental photography, it’s crucial to keep the same color. You can easily select in postproduction applicable preset from the library, or you can adjust it manually in Kelvin degrees. If you shoot in JPG, the camera will apply the white balance permanently to your picture.
Image above: screenshot from the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® software showing the visual/color difference between the jpg and RAW (.dng) file after import. The jpg file has the white balance applied in the camera.
Image above: jpg file has limits in the precise color corrections. In the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® software, the White Balance develop panel is limited to the visual reference using Temperature or Tint slider.
Image above: RAW file has no limits in the precise color corrections. In the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® software, the White Balance develop panel gives you the selection of available color temperature presets or you can apply precise value in Kelvin degrees.
Greater tonal range – when you shoot in RAW, your photo will contain much more information about the brightness levels. It means you can record more “shades of gray.” It is easier to understand it in numbers. When you shoot in jpg format, your photo will contain 256 levels of brightness –meaning that from black to white is only 256 steps. In RAW format you can record 4.096 or 16.384 levels of brightness. The levels of brightness depending on the bit depth. In jpg, you shoot the 8bit image. The Raw format you can shoot in 12 or 14bit.
8bit – 256
10bit – 1.024
12bit – 4.096
14bit – 16.384
In dental photography the higher the levels of brightness and bit you have the less “banding” and “posterization” will occur in the photo especially with the red channel.
Easy exposure correction – in the RAW files, thanks to the greater tonal range you have more detailed information. So it’s easier to recover more blown highlights and also black and shadows.
ADVICE:
Some of the new DSLR cameras allow you taking photos in two formats simultaneously. My recommendation is to select this option, even if you don’t know why yet.
Every single photo will be saved in jpg and also RAW format. It will take more space on your memory card and your final destination, but it shouldn’t be a problem with correct digital workflow.
Image above: Nikon D7100 Image Quality sub-menu allows to choose multiple options. Select RAW + jpg option to open your full potential.
6 Portraits – shaping with the studio light.
When you start doing portraits, the general advice is to learn to position the light. Depending on the lighting equipment you can get different images.
The result will be influenced by the light quality, quantity, color, and direction.
For the purpose of this article I am focused only on light position, a number of the light sources and additional light modifiers like softboxes and reflectors. I present you six different scenarios. Watch the animation below to see how the light source and its position is influencing the results.
In the studio, we decided to take photographs with a black background to show the light behavior. We asked Michel to be our model. Her dark hairs are perfect for this exercise.
1. One light source with large softbox Octabox (150cm) – key light.
Description:
One light source (Profoto B1 – 500Ws) with a big light modifier (Octabox 150cm) is positioned in front of the model, behind the photographer. It acts as the main (key) light.
Photography details:
– symmetrical illumination of the face
– soft but visible shadows below the eyes and chin
– shadows in the buccal corridors
– lack of the head contour
– light illumination of the face drops down proximally from the midline
2. One light source with large softbox Octabox (150cm) + Eyelighter reflector
Description:
One light source (Profoto B1 – 500Ws) with a big light modifier (Octabox 150cm) is positioned in front of the model, behind the photographer. In front of the Michel, I positioned the Eyelighter® (Westcott) reflector to fill with the light reflection the shadows below the chin and eyes.
Photography details:
– symmetrical illumination of the face
– very gentle shadows below the chin
– a beautiful reflection from the reflector in the eyes
– lack of the head contour
– equal illumination of the front of the face
3. Two strip softboxes positioned behind the head of the model will help to isolate the dark-haired person from the black background.
Description:
Two light sources (Profoto B1 – 500Ws) with strip softboxes (30x120cm) are positioned behind the model on the left and right side. The light direction is 45 degrees. The power output should be reduced to the minimum level to avoid overexposure.
– symmetrical illumination of the contour of the head
– lack of the front face illumination
4. Two lights – one large softbox (150cm) + 1 stipe softbox (contra) positioned behind the model on the left + Eyelighter reflector
Description:
One light source (Profoto B1 – 500Ws) with a big light modifier (Octabox 150cm) is positioned in front of the model, behind the photographer. In front the Eyelighter® (Westcott) reflector is placed, to fill with the light reflection the shadows below the chin and eyes. Behind the head of the model on the left side, I used one light with strip softbox to gently illuminate the right side of the head contour.
Photography details:
– symmetrical illumination of the front of the face
– very gentle shadows below the chin
– a beautiful reflection from the reflector in the eyes
– a right head contour and shoulder is gently illuminated – you can notice an isolation of the model from the background.
5. Two lights – one large softbox (150cm) + 1 stipe softbox (contra) positioned behind the model on the right+ Eyelighter reflector
Description:
One light source (Profoto B1 – 500Ws) with a big light modifier (Octabox 150cm) is positioned in front of the model, behind the photographer. In front the Eyelighter® (Westcott) reflector is placed, to fill with the light reflection the shadows below the chin and eyes. Behind the head of the model on the right side, the light source with strip softbox was used.
Photography details:
– symmetrical illumination of the front of the face
– very gentle shadows below the chin
– a beautiful reflection from the reflector in the eyes
– a left head contour and shoulder is gently illuminated – you can notice an isolation of the model from the background.
6. Three lights – one large softbox (150cm) + 2 stipe softboxes (contra) + Eyelighter reflector
Description:
One light source (Profoto B1 – 500Ws) with a big light modifier (Octabox 150cm) is positioned in front of the model, behind the photographer. In front the Eyelighter® (Westcott) reflector is placed, to fill with the light reflection the shadows below the chin and eyes. Behind and on both sides of the head of the model, the light sources with strip softboxes were used.
Photography details:
– symmetrical illumination of the front of the face
– very gentle shadows below the chin
– a beautiful reflection from the reflector in the eyes
– a symmetrical illumination of the head contour and shoulders helps to isolate the model from the background.
SUMMARY:
For the portrait photography in the studio environment, we can use more than one light source with additional light modifiers and reflectors. A positioning of the light and understanding its behavior is crucial for achieving good results.
The key light may be supplemented with the contour lights to isolate the model from the black background.
You can find it interesting:
Portrait with Speedlight
How to start with dental photography?
Dental photography can be very easy and pleasing. If you don’t know where to start this article will help you to find your way.
- Buy dedicated photo equipment.
You will need the camera body, macro lens, and macro flash.
Check the Equipment section if you need detailed information about recommended models, features and prices.
- Set your camera to get the best out of it.
The most important are:
Correct Date and Time
Color space: AdobeRG
Image Quality: RAW + jpg
White Balance: Flash
ISO: 100-200
Metering Mode: Evaluative or 3D Matrix
AF points: Single
- Buy the necessary dental photo accessories:
Self-Retracting retractor, single-sided retractors, occlusal mirror and buccal mirror. Anterior black contraster is optional.
- Ask your assistant or your friend to be your model and start with intraoral photographs. You should practice with your team before taking pictures of your patient. Be confident with your skills. Practice taking dental portfolio.
- Best advice is at the end: practice, practice, and practice! Consistency is the key to success.
What you need to know about Nikon D7500?
Nikon has announced (its midrange D7500 DSLR. While its design has been slightly tweaked, the big story is the features that have been inherited from the D500. It uses the same 20.9MP APS-C sensor, Expeed 5 processor and 180k-pixel RGB metering sensor, and is capable of capturing 4K video.
Nikon is keen to stress however that this new camera isn’t a direct replacement to the D7200 – which will continue to feature in the Nikon lineup – but rather slots in above it.
The main features of the new Nikon D750:
- The quality of the pictures of the Nikon D500 flag model
The DX sensor with 20.9 MP resolution and EPEED 5 processor.
180k-pixel RGB image processing engine. - Phenomenal ISO sensitivity
Excellent performance in low light in the range of ISO 100-51200 expandable to 1640000 ISO equivalent. The Nikon D7500 is not afraid of the dark.
- Excellent Advanced Scene Recognition system:
The 180k-pixel RGB metering sensor with Scene Recognition lays the foundation of the fantastic subject recognition. - No more blown-out highlights:
For the high-contrast scenes, the new highlight-weighted metering will prioritise the brightest elements in the frame, and help you avoid images with blown-out highlights. - Stay sharp thanks to extreme AF precision.
Whatever you shoot, the 51-point AF system will track your subject, lock onto it, and keep it in focus. Even if the only light is the moonlight. - Go cinematic with 4K/UHD video footage.
Elevate your movies to the next level. Record in ultra-high-definition detail at up to 30 frames per second. - Time-Lapse Movie.
Transform street scenes and sunrises into dramatic high-speed sequences with the built-in interval timer and 4K/UHD-quality time-lapse function. - 8 fps continuous shooting.
Find the ultimate shot even if it’s hidden inside a blur of motion. Capture 50 NEF (RAW) or 100 JPEG images in one high-speed burst. - Tilt screen and touch controls.
Tap the tilting touchscreen monitor to focus and shoot from high viewpoints and intriguing angles. - High-res optical viewfinder.
An optical pentaprism viewfinder offers approximately 100 % frame coverage. - Keep your camera connected to your smart device with SnapBridge. Sync photos as you shoot. Use your smart device to shoot remotely. Nikon’s SnapBridge lets you keep the D7500 constantly connected to your smart device via Bluetooth® low energy technology¹. Sync photos to your device as you shoot, without having to reconnect each time. Transfer movies manually whenever you want via the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi®².
Our rating:
Pros
- Brilliant sensor
- ISO range
- Advanced AF system
- 8fps burst shooting
- Tilt-angle screen
- Handling
- Efficient battery (up to 950 photos with one charge.)
Coins
- Low rear screen resolution
- Only one SD card slot
More details about Nikon D7500: Dental Photo Master Equipment Nikon D7500