A Few New Cameras ~

I've been in photography for a long, long time and have over the years acquired a lot of stuff: cameras of all sorts, countless lenses, strobes, and so on. And yet, (unlike some of my colleagues) I really don't consider myself a "gear-head". I use what I need to get the job done.

...but having said that...

...I do like to talk shop every now and then. I've had a couple recent workshops where our conversations turned to the new cameras that are out there, since these dentists were looking to replace some older ones that really weren't performing well. So here, in no particular order, are some of the latest offerings from our friends at Canon and Nikon that are appropriate for your clinical imaging. (Bear in mind, I don't sell cameras at all, so I don't make a push for any particular brand or model.)

Canon Rebel T5i.  Canon's latest offering in their impressive Rebel line-up, it's an 18-megapixel camera that also shoots  full 1080 p video. The Rebel line of DLSR cameras are smaller and lighter (the body only weighs a little over 18 oz) so it's easier for your staff members to handle than some of the upper-end pro models. Look for retail pricing, with a kit zoom lens, of around $900.

Canon Rebel SL 1.  A brand-new entry from Canon, this is also an 18-megapixel model, but is lighter still than the T5i and more compact (around 13 oz for the body) yet has all the capabilities of its larger cousin. I think its design will make it easier for even those with very small hands to fit comfortably. Kits will retail for around $800.

Canon 70D.   This is a 20.2-megapixel "prosumer" model that will appeal to someone looking to do more with a camera outside the clinic as well as the day-to-day intraoral imaging. Consequently, a few more features, but also a little bigger (the body weighs a little over 23 oz) and more expensive (around $1200). Some of the in-camera imaging features won't necessarily translate into better clinical images but will impress a serious shooter, amateur or professional.

Just by way of comparison, here at our studio we shoot with the Canon 7D and the 5D Mk III.

To complete your system for intramural imaging, pair these up with the Canon 100 f2.8 AF IS Macro lens and either the MR-14 Ringflash or the MT-24 Twinlight.

Nikon D 5200.  I run into a lot of Nikon shooters in clinics (just returned this week from a workshop in Cleveland where we worked with a Nikon D3100) and this recent addition to Nikon's line-up is a 24-megapixel model with some nice features. I'm often critical of Nikon for having menu read-outs that are overly complicated for the novice user, but it seems they've nicely addressed that with the 5200. Weight is comparable to the Canon T5i, around 18 oz, and a comparable kit will retail for around $900.

Nikon D 7100.  Also 24-megapixels, this would be more of a "prosumer" camera, comparable to Canon's 70D: a few more features that will appeal to the serious shooter outside as well as inside the clinic. Thus a little heavier (around 24 oz) and more expensive (the body retails for around $1200).

To complete your system for intraoral imaging, pair these up with the Nikon 105 f2.8 AF VR Macro lens and the R1 Speedlight.

Clearly, these are the briefest of descriptions that only scratch the surface of all the features of these cameras. If there's a good pro camera dealer near you, it's worth the effort to go check these out in person.

Tell 'em Dave sent you.

dhutt@dmddigitalphoto.com

Later, amigos!