Best Camera for Plastic Surgeon & Medical Photography
The Digital Pro LLC does not sell digital cameras, but we can help with you with your buying decision or upgrading your current camera to do medical photography.
Most of our clients already have a Digital SLR camera they are using for their before and after photos, but some are still trying to get by with a point and shoot camera.
Point and Shoot cameras could be used, but the zoom lens needs set to the same magnification at all times to get the same result in the before shot and the after shot. Most of them retract when the camera is turned off and will need adjustment to set the magnification when turned back on.
Examples of Point & Shoot Cameras.
Note that Black camera looks like an SLR, but it has a non-removable zoom
With the SLR cameras the body is not an issue all of them have more features and higher resolution than is needed. Even the low cost Canon Rebel has 12 Megapixels that would produce professional quality 30″ x 40″ enlargements. Having a low cost body with a high quality lens makes the most sense. The small zoom lenses that are included it the Kits are the lowest grade sold by the manufactures. When taking medical photos with off camera lights most of setting will be preset and all the extra features available on the high end cameras will not even be used.
We would recommend not using a zoom lens, a 50mm lens will do a better job and no zoom to worry about. The Canon or Nikon brand lens sell for around $150 for a 50mm f1.8., or their 50mm Macro would cost around $400. If you do choose to use a zoom lens the zoom ring can be taped to the magnification (xx mm) setting to avoid taking photos at different reproduction ratios.
With 35mm film cameras a 50mm was call Normal or 1:1 reproduction ration with all makes and models. Digital cameras have sensors that are smaller the the 35mm film frame so the Normal lens for Nikon and Canon SLR (unless full frame) is 35mm. Using a 50mm lens on the camera will have a 1:4 reproduction ratio that is needed.
Most of the Digital SLR cameras are sold in Kit form with a inexpensive zoom lens and it cost almost the same to buy the Kit then purchase the 50mm lens rather than body only, and the lens separately .
Using your Digital Camera
The correct method for taking before and after photos is to have the same reproduction ration and exposure. All of your tram, and other photos should be taken from the same set distances and exposure. If you want to crop them for presentation photos or website that is fine but the original files should be saved. If you are using data base software most of them compress the files lowering the resolution.
Basic Setting using studio lights with the camera
White Balance Auto or Florescent daylight (trial and error) (daylight for strobes)
ISO 800 (constant output studio Lights)
Focus set to center spot (not multiple area)
Manual Mode (dial on top of the camera)
Shutter Speed 1/125 Sec
Lens opening (f-stop) 5.6 (change to lighten or darken photos)
Photo Presentation
Having publication quality photos available for prospective clients and your website are a must!
Old fashion prints are still the best way to show photos. We all love our iPads, and laptop computers, but having the photos printed is still the best way to show your before and after photos. Go the extra mile and have prints made on photographic paper (not inkjet) put them in an attractive binder or album for different procedures and you will make a great first impression.
If you do not have a photo lab close by the small dye sublimation printers produce continuous tone prints for around 20 cents each. They will not run if gotten wet and can be used as guide prints when doing surgery.
Professional photo labs will make enlargements on photo paper up to 30 inches wide for wall displays at about 1/2 the price of a inkjet print.
If you have question or need more information call or send an email from the contact us page.