We hope you read our message, and you are healthy and safe in this challenging time for the whole world.
A large part of us is forced to significantly reduce professional activity or even suspend it. This is a completely new reality, which unintended effect is our “free” time. We can also use it for education.
The Dental Photo Master team uses the possibility of remote work and remains in full readiness and efficiency working on new lessons.
As a leader in online education regarding dental photography, we do not slow down and carry out development work and prepare several facilities that may interest you.
New free content on the site.
60% discount on full access to our educational resources until the end of April.
Free webinar: Dental Photography From Theory to Practice – available now.
Remember that each of us has a real impact on the current situation. Let’s follow the COVID-19 epidemic prevention recommendations. Only united in these efforts can we win.
Nikon D850 is the next generation of the D800′ s line…
When Nikon introduced the D800 and D800E, it set a new benchmark for DSLR image quality and super high-resolution photography that approached medium format. Now, five years later, Nikon proudly introduces the next evolution in high-resolution DSLRs, a camera that allows photographers to capture fast action in 45.7 megapixels of brilliant resolution. With remarkable advancements across the board—sensor design, autofocus, dynamic range, sensitivity, Speedlight control, battery life, shutter and mirror drive mechanisms, Silent Photography in Live-View mode, focus shift capability and more—this is quite possibly the most impressive, well-rounded DSLR yet.
What has changed?
– Sensor type and resolution – now it’s impressive 45.7 megapixels
– The new high-resolution touchscreen as the monitor is added
– Autofocus, dynamic range, sensitivity (ISO), battery life
– The built-in flash has been removed
– The new feature like focus shift capability
This amazing camera has very interesting feature, which is implemented. It’s called “FOCUS SHIFT SHOOTING”. If you are deep in love with super macro photography and focus stack photography than it’s the right choice for you.
Watch this official Nikon’s tutorial Nikon D850 First Look – Stills and learn more:
What type of equipment do you use, is one of the most common questions, between the photographers. You can now watch my short discussion with Dr. Panos Bazos about the cameras, lenses, and flashes, which we are using in our daily work.
Interesting is, that at the end the most important is knowledge about your equipment and also about the photography in general. If you know how to use it then it doesn’t matter if you have very expensive or regular equipment.
You can watch the new videos, about reflected cross-polarised and fluorescence photography.
Reflective cross-polarisation gives interesting opportunities for clinician and dental technician to see the details in the tooth structure. Lastly, I had a patient with demanding color structure of the natural dentition.
With help of the polar-eyes mounted on my Metz 15 MS-1 ring flash, I took few shots to see and check the hidden details in the teeth structure.
After downloading the files into my computer, I start to work with editing. My software of preference is Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC.
The first view shows the photo without specular reflections. The color distribution and structure of the teeth with visible cracks is more present compared to the non-polarised picture.
In the Develop Mode in the Lightroom software, I have the tools on the right panel, which will let me control and change different settings. By moving the sliders left or right I can change the values of specific parameters. This is very helpful and can bring even more details into the light from existing photo.
With the next photo, I reduced the Highlights -100. Notice the change in the cervical and incisal area.
Another change is with Blacks reduced to -100. The photo becomes oversaturated with more visible distribution of the color in the tooth
Last but not list is the manipulation with Contrast +100 and Clarity +100. The photo shows more details in the structure of the teeth, like cracks or perikymata.
There are many options to manipulate the photos in the digital world using different types of software. However, the most common are Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Photoshop CC, and Lightroom CC.
Of course, it’s up to you what kind of instrument will you use to get more information about the tooth structure.
Equipment for dental photography is not only the camera set. There are additional instruments like light modifiers, brackets, and others, which help in creating beautiful pictures and acquiring valuable information.
Understanding light behavior gives the firm basis also in dental photography. Our special “Giant” Dr. Panaghiotis Bazos is more than the skilled and talented dentist. He is also entrepreneur and developer. He is also one of the Founding Members of Bio-Emulation Group. Some people can analyze and synthesize scientific data to create new tools. Dr. Bazos is one of them.
For dental applications, he created two exciting products: polar_eye and fluor_eye.
We recorded for Dental Photo Master online platform new lessons with Dr. Bazos. And here is a surprise: you can watch them after FREE Registration.
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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.
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.
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.
A few weeks ago I posted information about the New Super Macro Lens 4.5x.
I was very curious about this lens. The company Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics) claimed high-quality compact lens to be the solutions for photographers to capture extremely fine details or patterns with ease. The official price 199$ was attractive enough to order this lens directly from China. I worked with high magnification lenses with Canon and Nikon cameras, and I wanted to check how this lens works with my Nikon DSLR camera.
I received the lens in the second week of January and immediately started to use it in the dental world.
After two weeks of using this lens with my Nikon D3X, I can share my initial impressions.
Construction:
The lens is solid and made of metal. The finishing is good but not the high-end standard. The general opinion – it looks like 20mm lens reversed mounted, with an additional manual aperture ring. The ring allows setting aperture from 2.8 to f/16. The marks are clear, and you will have no difficulty to set it correctly. By rotating the barrel of the lens, you can shift in between 4x and 4.5x magnification.
Focus and Minimum working distance:
The lens is manual type. No Auto Focus. There is short working distance, just a few centimeters (approx. 4cm) from the object. You have to be very close to the object to get focus.
With high magnification shots, the image in the viewfinder is very dark, making it very difficult to focus. I recommend an additional light, to support focusing. It may be the chair light.
Depth of Field
Images have a tiny depth of field. It’s just a fraction of the millimeter with maximum aperture f/16 (range 0.3-0.4mm). The diffraction will soften the result, but you can improve the photo in the sharpening process in the postproduction.
The Chairside test.
For test purpose, I used my Nikon D3X. For focusing illumination, I used the dental chair light with clinical photos. To get correct lighting, I used an additional flash Yongnuo YN-560IV triggered with RF-603N and Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 softbox.
Photo 1: Tooth texture. Aperture f/16; Shutter speed 1/200; ISO 200; Manual Focus; 1 Flash was used YN-560IV with Manual power 1/2.
Photo 2: Iris of the eye. Aperture f/16. Refraction and difficulty to find the correct focus point creates very soft picture.
The Stack Photography
For stack photography, I used my set with StackShot automated macro rail for focus stacking and 2 Speedlites Yongnuo YN-560IV triggered with RF-603N and Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 softboxes. As the object, natural wisdom tooth was used. After setting the exposure (Manual Mode; f/5.6; Shutter Speed 1/200; ISO 100; Manual Focus; WB 5500.) I set the initial starting point and the end point of the rails. The step was set to 50mikrons. In total 700 to 800 shots were taken. The postproduction with Zerene Stacker Software was performed at the end.
Photo 3: Single, unprocessed photo with aperture f/5.6. Very shallow depth of field (approx: 0.1mm).
Photo 4: Final photography of the molar tooth with 4.5x magnification. A total number of photographs stacked in the photo: 700.
Conclusions:
– The lens is difficult to work with. For the handheld use, you need to be very close to the object and additional support with the dental chair or patient’s shoulder will be beneficial to avoid the shake.
– To maximize the DOF, you need to close down the aperture to f/16, but the consequence is softer image and dark picture in the viewfinder, which’s hard to see the sharp focus. Use additional light to support focusing.
– For focus stacking, it works good, but you need a sturdy tripod and macro rails.
– The price of 199$ is worth considering to get this high magnification (4-4.5x).
– Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Sony Alpha, Pentax K, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Fuji X mounts are available.
Off-camera flash with a radio link: The new Metz WT-1 Wireless Trigger Kit expands the Metz range of accessories with a comprehensive wireless solution for Metz flash units.
Metz is German manufacturer, well known for high-quality flashes and accessories. With the WT-1 Metz offers for Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras a new set of flash radio triggers.
It offers TTL control, high-speed sync (HSS) and manual power adjustments.
The Metz wireless solution comes in a kit that includes the Metz WT-1T transceiver (sender and receiver) and a Metz WT- 1R Receiver.
The Metz WT-1T transceiver is equipped with an illuminated LCD display, which provides a clear overview of all settings.
Ready for the future
To ensure that the unit is always up to date, software updates can be conveniently downloaded via the USB interface. Therefore, the Metz WT1 Wireless Trigger will remain compatible with any new camera models and flash units launched onto the market.
Metz Receiver WT-1R
The receiver is equipped with a flash shoe and tripod sockets, so the Metz WT-1R can be affixed practically to a camera or tripod.
Also suitable for studio flashes
With the integrated sync cable connection, the Metz wireless Trigger WT-1T and WT-1R are also usable for studio flashes.
Technical Specifications:
Features
LCD display (transceiver)
Transmission of the TTL signal from the camera
Manual mode
Supports high-speed synchronization (HSS and FP) up to 1/8000
Group control
Radio signal range of up to 300m
Integrated USB interface for firmware updates
Sync cable connection
Power supply:
Transceiver WT-1T and Receiver WT-1RT
2 x AA alkaline batteries
2 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries
2 x AA NiMH Lithium batteries
Availability
Available estimated first quarter 2017. (Version: Canon, Nikon, Sony) For other versions, Fujifilm, Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax no delivery dates available.
Recommended retail price
Metz Wireless Trigger WT-1 Kit: 189,90 Euro inkl. MwSt.
The Digital Smile Design protocol according to Dr. Christian Coachman requires at least six basic photographs, which will let you plan your case.
You can use these photographs for planning your case by yourself, or you can send them to the DSD Virtual Lab for planning.
What will you need:
DSLR camera (smartphone photography/video is also used by some clinicians)
Two single retractors
One box of gloves
Suction tip or cotton rolls as space holders
The first two photographs of the face need to be taken with head fixed in the same position. These shots are important for proper planning and transitions in between retracted and full smile views.
Camera settings for full-face shots are the same:
Mode: Manual (M) or Aperture Priority (A/Av)
Aperture f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/60-1/200
Auto Focus (Focus on eye)
Ask your patient to sit on a stool next to the wall or door and use the box of gloves and place it in between the neck of the patient and wall. Ask your patient to gently press the box of gloves against the wall to hold it in the position.
The Photo above: Head positioning and fixation with the box of gloves
Next,
– Place retractors and ask the patient to hold them with their mouth open
– Cut a piece of a suction tip or take a cotton roll and put it in between the molars and ask your patient to close the mouth until a gap of 1-2 mm space in between upper and lower front teeth is achieved. Ask the patient to maintain this position (do not squeeze). Pay attention to deviations of the mandibles.
Take your position and take photo.
1 The photo above: Retracted front view with the teeth apart – fixed head position.
Ask your patient not to move until the next photo is taken.
Gently remove retractors.
Maintain your position.
Ask the patient to look straight into the lens and smile without changing their head position. Ask for an “EEE” sound.
Take the photo.
2. The photo above: Full-smile front view with the teeth apart– fixed head position.
3 The photo above: Take the photo of one of the patient’s profile with lips and teeth in contact. Camera settings are the same as above.
4. The photo above: Photo of the same profile but with a full smile
5. The photo above: 12 o’clock photo. You have two options for taking this photo.
Option 1: Patient in a dental chair in horizontal position. Take your position behind the head of the patient (12 o’clock) and point your camera to see in the viewfinder the head of the patient from chin to forehead. Ask the patient to smile and set the focus point on the front upper teeth surface. Before taking the shot ask the patient to look back into the lens of your camera without moving the head. Take the photo.
Option 2: Position the patient on a stool with their elbows supported on their knees. Ask the patient to hold their head in a relaxed position. Take your position in the front of the patient, and then he or she should make a full smile and raise their eyes into the direction of the lens without changing the position of their head. Take the photo.
Next photo is an occlusal view of the upper arch – from the central incisors to the first premolars minimum:
6. The Photo above: Occlusal view of the upper arch – from the central incisors to the first premolars minimum.
Option 1: with the intraoral occlusal mirror
Option 2: with the patient sitting on a stool with their head raised up.
If you are a subscribed user of Dental Photo Master online platform you can watch video lesson related to this topic:
Shenyang China, Dec 19, 2016 – Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics) has released a new compact Super Macro Lens for full-frame cameras; the Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro Lens, and it features a high reproduction ratio up to 4.5:1.
Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2 4.5X Super Macro Lens is very compact in its class which allows photographers to capture extremely fine details or patterns with ease. The lens is capable of creating unbelievable macro images ranging from 4x to 4.5x magnification. Users no longer need to DIY or use any extension tubes to reach high magnification shooting. It incorporates a 6pcs of elements in 4 groups structure which delivers impressive resolution from corners to corners. Weighing merely 0.5 lbs (230g) and 6cm long, it is a perfect companion for wildlife and outdoor shooting. The wide angle of view and close focusing distance allows you to compose creative images with more information included in the frame. Greater magnification (up to 13:1) can also be achieved by stacking extension tubes or bellows. The high magnification is also extremely useful for scientific purposes.
The enclosure of the lens is made of metal to strengthen its durability. Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Sony Alpha, Pentax K, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Fuji X mounts are available.
Pricing & Availability
Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2 4.5X Super Macro Lens is now available to ship and purchase at ZY Optics authorized resellers and at our official website (http://www.zyoptics.net/). The Recommended Retail price is USD 199.
Modern digital photography may be joyful or painful experience because taking photos is just the beginning. It’s crucial to understand the process and establish so-called Digital Workflow. In simple words, it is the step by step process from setting the camera and taking a photo to the final result. It can be photo printed in the book or email attachment or picture displayed on the big screen during lecture.
Digital Workflow in dental photography includes six main elements:
Initial settings of the camera
Setting the parameters to take intraoral shots or portraits
Importing photos
Pictures organization
Post-production
Backup
With this article, I start the series explaining these six elements in details. Let’s jump into the first step.
Initial settings of the camera.
– Date & Time
– Color Space
– Image quality
– White Balance
– ISO
Initial settings are crucial for getting the best results and for the future organization of the photos. When you buy your digital camera, it will have so-called default settings, embedded in the factory. They work fine and are good for a majority of the applications. In the case of dental photography or for advanced use it makes sense to dig inside these settings to get most out of it.
Not every digital camera offers you access to all parameters. A majority of modern DSLR cameras (Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera) and mirrorless cameras let you customize the settings depending on your needs. Some of them are easy to set, but others are in the menu of the camera. Whenever you struggle, please refer to the manual of your camera. Yes, I know, it’s annoying and written in the language understandable only for real geeks and photo enthusiasts but don’t give up.
1. Date & Time
It’s crucial for proper organization of your photos. When you take a picture, your camera will also save date and time. Then, after importing photographs to the computer, images will be organized based on the date hierarchy.
2. Color Space
In your camera, you can change default color profile settings from sRGB to Adobe RGB. It will allow saving 35% more information about color.
3. Image quality
A modern digital camera lets you save a single photo in jpg or RAW file. Whenever you have a chance, select RAW + jpg. It gives you best flexibility. I will explain this topic in the future, in the separate article.
4. White Balance
Set in the camera flash symbol. White Balance permanently applies to jpg files already in the camera. RAW files allow you to optimize the color in the postproduction. It’s important at the end to see your photos in the same color temperature.
5.ISO
Sensor sensitivity (ISO), should be set to the values in the range from 100 to 400. Newer cameras can handle with higher ISO values without compromising the quality of the photo.
Summary:
By applying these initial settings to your camera, you will get control over quality and organization of your photographs.
If you are subscribed user in the Dental Photo Master platform, you can watch related videos: Dental Photography Cameras – different models of the cameras are demonstrated, with step by step process of selecting the correct setup. Digital Workflow – The essential steps of a digital workflow. Learn about files transfer, management and archiving of your photographs.
Brackets are one of the essentials for digital dental photo-documentation.
They help to position the flash heads at a distance from the lens. Brackets connect with a screw to the tripod socket at the bottom of the camera body. Different models are available with various sizes, weight, shapes and mounts for flash heads.
Before you make your decision, choosing a particular model, you should know what for you want to use it.
Indications for using the brackets:
– Color, tooth shade communication
– Texture of the front teeth
– more 3D look of the teeth
– Portraits
Companies worldwide offer a few models of brackets, which can be used in dental photo-documentation. Some of the brackets are specially designed for dental photography others are used in macro photography.
I have checked the differences between the brackets for you and here is the list with my comments. Please be aware, this is my opinion.
PhotoMed R2 Dual Point Flash Bracket – made in the USA
[Fot.PhotoMed bracket ] PhotoMed is a worldwide leader. The R2 Bracket is available in two different flash mounts: Nikon (R2-N) and Universal (R2-U).
R2-N adopts only Nikon SB-R200 flash heads (part of R1C1 Nikon system).
R2-U is universal and will accept every flash head with a shoe foot (Canon 270EX II, Nissin i40).
Characteristic: selection of different models, sizes, and mounts, high-quality finish, light weight – especially the classic model. Ball attachments and wider arms increase the weight of the set. Materials: black anodized aluminum, plastic Worldwide deliveries. Orders outside the US require direct email contact with the shop. The fixing screw, connecting the bracket to the camera (tripod socket) needs secure fixation to avoid movement of the bracket.
Available models:
PhotoMed R2 Dual Point Flash Bracket (original)
Max span: 22”/ 55cm
Weight: 8 oz. / 225g
Mount: Nikon or Universal
Price: 279$
PhotoMed R2 – Wide Bracket
Max span: 29”/ 73cm
Weight: 10 oz. / 285g
Mount: Nikon or Universal
Price: 319$
PhotoMed R2 – Ballhead Bracket
Max span: 24”/ 61cm
Weight: 13 oz. / 370g
Mount: Nikon or Universal
Price: 319$
The company offers two models: Scorpion (basic, shorter arms) and Albatross, with longer arms. Characteristic: The advantage is that you can easily upgrade your bracket from Scorpion to Albatross by attaching extension arms. The company offers an additional bracket element, “bracket upper”, for big-sized (albo bigger) DSLR cameras or for cameras with battery packs attached. Good price.
Arms are connected and tightened with regular screws with knobs for easy assembly, but they get loose easily after manipulation with the arms and need tightening more often.
Bracket Specification: Medical Close-Up Bracket “Scorpion.” Max span: 28cm
Weight: 400g without vertical arm – 550g with vertical arm
Mount: Nikon SB-R200 and universal
Price: 125Euro
The company offers three models: Classic, Large, and Ballhead.
Characteristic: beautiful design and excellent quality, very stable connection, a high-quality pouch for storing is available. Printed marks allow easy setup of arms and their angulations. Lightweight. Special edition upon request – with name, different colors and mounts are available.
You can experience some difficulties with an online purchase.
Bracket Specification: Owl Bracket Classic (Owlbrckt® C); Max span: 55cm
Weight: 236g
Mount: Nikon or Universal
Price: 300$
Owl Bracket Large (Owlbrckt® L); Max span: 75cm
Weight: 276g
Mount: Nikon or Universal
Price: 350$
Owl Bracket Ballhead (Owlbrckt® BH);
Max span: 60cm
Weight: 324g
Mount: Nikon or Universal
Price: 350$
Novoflex Duo Flash Holder (XXL-Halter)- made in Germany
[Fot. Novoflex Duo Flash Holder Bracket ] Brackets offered by Novoflex are for general use, with some models dedicated to macro photography. Two models, which can be used in digital dental photography, were offered. One is available on the second-hand market only: Novoflex Uniset with adjustable rods and ball heads with shoe adapter. The second one, smaller, is available in sales today: Novoflex Duo Flash Holder
Characteristic: simple design and easy setup. Limited span in Duo Flash Holder to 36cm.
Novoflex Duo Flash Holder details:
Max span: 36cm
Weight: 370g
Price: 263$
Summary: A bracket is an additional piece of equipment, dedicated to using in combination with dual flash.
The primary indications for use are correct flash heads positioning for color transfer and achieving dental photographs showing the texture of the teeth and soft tissue. Dental Photo Master recommends: Dual flash bracket – for prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, front teeth,
Ring flash – regular case documentation, surgery,
Dual flash is one of the flash types designed for macro photography. The main difference between a ring flash and a twin flash is the flexibility in flash heads positioning. The ring flash has flash tubes permanently built-in into a ring, which is attached to the lens. Dual flashes are constructed differently: they have two flash heads, which are mounted on a separate ring, or on a bracket.
(Fot.Ring and Dual Flash.)
There are several advantages of dual flashes. I’ll try to list them in accidental order:
– Light direction control
– You can fix them on a dedicated bracket
– A flexibility of positioning of the flash heads. You can set them close to the lens axis to obtain light direction similar to a ring flash or position them in a distance to gain more information about texture (when in use with a bracket).
– Optimal positioning of the flash heads for color transfer in digital dental photography (setting correct position – 45°)
[Fot Bracket 45degrees]
– More options for light modifiers (bouncers, diffusers) used in dental photography
(Fot.Dual Flash with Lumiquest]
Dual flash is available with wireless communication or with classic wires.
Available options for Canon users:
Canon MT-24EX Twin Lite + bracket (optional)
Wireless options:
2 x Canon 270EX II + wireless transmitter Canon ST-E2 + bracket
Nissin i40 + wireless transmitter Canon ST-E2 + bracket
Available options for Nikon users (wireless):
Nikon R1C1 (Nikon SB-R200 + commander SU-800) + bracket (optional)
2 x Nissin i40 + commander SU-800 + bracket
Available options for Sony users:
Sony HVL-MT24AM Macro Twin Flash Kit
Options for Olympus users:
Olympus STF-22 Twin Flash Set with FC-1 TTL Controller
If you have wireless flashes you can control them in two ways. Some of the cameras’ models have a built-in commander. Others will need a separate commander attached to the hot-shoe of your camera body.
I prefer to use an external commander instead of a built-in one (even if my camera has it).
The advantages of the external commanders/transmitters are:
– rigid and stable mount with the hot-shoe on the camera (no clips or risk of accidental damage of the pop-up flash, no wobbling of the clip)
– fast and easy access to manual settings of the flash power in the Manual Mode
On the market,we can find macro lenses with magnification ratio (1:1) with focal lengths in the range from 40 to 200mm.
[Fot. Nikon Macro lenses].
The question is, which ones are better for dental photo-documentation? Of course, the price is one of the factors influencing our choice, but it should not be the primary criteria. The best focal lengths for dental photography are the ones around 100mm (some models will be 90, 100 or 105mm, depending on the brand).
There are 2 main reasons why you should select a 100mm lens: minimal focusing distance and portrait photography.
With a limited budget, a 60mm lens looks attractive and it is tempting to make an extra saving to spend for a dinner with beloved ones… But please think about a lens, which will be universal.
A universal macro lens allows me to take both: intraoral and portrait photographs. Especially in portraits, you will realize the superiority of 100mm. Lenses in the range of focal length from 85 to 135mm are the best ones for portrait photography and will create less distortion, which is crucial for face analysis. Look at the illustration beneath, showing face distortion depending on the focal length.
(Fot. Face distortion.]
Lenses with shorter focal lengths will create bigger (wide angle lenses 14-35mm) or smaller distortion (50-60mm). Portrait photography is an important part of the dental documentation. A process of case analysis, esthetic treatment planning or communication with the patient is very limited without portrait photographs.
Another advantage is the minimum focus distance, which is the closest distance from the focal (sensor) plane to the object, which will stay in focus, creating a sharp image as the result. Every lens has this parameter, described in millimeters or centimeters. The shorter focal length of the macro lens, the shorter minimum focus distance… It means that you can get very close to the object.
Let’s look at the example of two lenses from Nikon: 60mm and 105mm.
For Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens – minimum focus distance is 30.48cm
[Fot.Nikon 105 MFD]
For Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens – minimum focus distance is 18.49cm
[Fot.Nikon 60 MFD]
In reality, the distance from the front of the lens to the object is half of the minimum focus distance… The practical implication is, that in 1:1 reproduction ratio (maximum magnification) with a 60mm lens you are very close to the teeth. It can influence the light distribution and lead to fogging of the front of the lens, caused by the patient’s breathing.
Summary: these facts should convince you to use a 100mm lens. If your main concern is the price, consider a cheaper 100mm lens from Tokina or Tamron. Please check our Dental Photo Master Equipment section to see available models and brands of such lenses.
Quite often I get the question: “which camera should I buy for dental photography?”
My answer is simple: select a camera with features helpful in digital dental photography documentation. One of those is Custom/User settings option.
Custom / User settings – allows you to assign frequently used settings to Program Dial Mode in the camera.
Benefit: with one dial you can recall the specific settings, like optimum settings to take intraoral photography shots. You and your staff members will like it. You don’t need to struggle with a selection of the correct aperture, shutter speed, ISO or white balance anymore. You only select the program mode – marked with a letter “U” in Nikon [Fot.1_Custom Modes Nikon D7200]
or “C” in Canon
[Fot.2_Custom Modes Canon 80D]
and your camera is ready to shoot with favorite settings for digital dental photography. Depending on the brand and model of your camera you will either have no such option, or one, two or even three possible settings.
List of Nikon cameras, with User Settings:
Nikon D7100, Nikon D7200, Nikon D750 and Nikon D610.
List of Canon cameras, with Custom Settings:
Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EOS Mark IV, Canon EOS 70D, Canon EOS 80D, Canon EOS 6D
Follow these steps to set your camera for intraoral photography: Step 1: set your camera with correct date & time, white balance, ISO, color profile, Step 2: set Mode – Manual (M) or Aperture priority mode (A or Av), Aperture – f22 or higher, shutter speed 1/125 Step 3: In the MENU of your camera select “Save User 1” (Nikon) or “Register Custom Shooting Modes” (C1) (Canon)
the blog and newsroom for Dental Photo Master online educational platform, dedicated to dental photography.
Here you will find articles about equipment, accessories, postproduction and also general information related to dental photography and photography itself.
My name is Kris Chmielewski, and I am a dentist, deep in love with esthetic dentistry and photography since 1993. I own a dental clinic in Poland. At the same time, I am a pro-photographer and a filmmaker involved in productions for Discovery Channel.
On this blog, together with my Team, I will share the best information about dental photography. I started with dental photo-documentation over 20 years ago. The experience, which I have earned over that time, gives me a good background to share my knowledge with you.
I’ll describe tools and information that seem particularly relevant and practical, along with tips on how to successfully use them.
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[Fot.PhotoMed bracket ]
[Fot.Agno’s Bracket Albatros ]
[Fot.Owlbracket Classic ]
[Fot. Novoflex Duo Flash Holder Bracket ]
[Fot.1_Custom Modes Nikon D7200]
