Camera Tests with the Unofficial Transformers Targetmasters
As I mentioned in my Robin review last week, I own a new camera. Since I launched battlegrip.com in 2008 I’ve been using a Sony Cybershot (at Amazon.com*) for all of the photos. My first Cybershot died in 2010 so I replaced it with a newer model, and I’ve been quite happy with the quality of the camera’s pics.
But for a few years now I’ve been thinking I should upgrade, so last week I bought an Olymus Pen E-PL1 (at Amazon.com*). The theory is that a better camera will help me improve my photos — which is important if I plan to continue publishing books — but what I’m finding is that I really should buy a dedicated macro lens to really take advantage of this new camera.
The above photo — and following two — were shot with the new wireless backup camera. I used the timer, a tripod, the camera’s macro setting, and shot the pics using my usual three lights and the light tent. I’m trying something new by using posterboard instead of the usual cloth backdrop; I like how that blue looks, but the shadows are too annoying to me when using the white posterboard.
The biggest issue I’m having with the Olympus Pen is that the colors feel almost slightly dark; obviously I need to read the manual and keep playing with the settings, but I really miss the feel and control of quality I was getting with the Cybershot. I guess when you use the same camera for several years you get used to it and grow to expect all other cameras to act the same way.
The shots on white shown above and below (not counting the very first photo in this post) are the raw posterboard background. What I usually do is stand toys on clear acrylic photocubes and then snap the pics since that eliminates shadow issues and makes it easier to mask the toys in Photoshop. I was hoping the posterboard would work to give me clean shots to save me time; maybe if I add another light to my process I can get the stark white background I’m looking for without being forced to spend 5 to 15 minutes per pic in Photoshop.
I’ll keep reading and experimenting with the new camera, because I know that once I get a handle on it my photos will be better than they were before. And better photos make reviews — and books! — more fun for us all. But what I could use right now is some help.
Can you tell any difference in the photos shown here? Are the pics shot with the newer camera in any way better in your eyes?
Update: Two more pics with the new camera.
The shots with the new camera are really sharp, especially when you’re focusing on the object in the foreground. The details really come out, and with the object in the background, you’re really able to “fuzz” that one out. It’s particularly good for comparison shots, and as a matter of personal preference, I think the blue background looks really nice.
Though I don’t want to volunteer him for anything, you might want to reach out to TJ Duckett for any advice. As you know, that man can photograph garbage and make it look good 🙂
@Paul – I also like the blue background, but I think the white lends itself to less chance of obscuring the toy.
which transformers are these? nice.
@rupertvalero – These are the unofficial Targetmasters from TFC Toys. I reviewed the Prime a year or so ago:
https://www.battlegrip.com/?p=32279