Camera advice for Doctor records

[KODA]

Hi All,

A friend of mine is looking for a camera, the details as follows:

She is a dermatologist and needs a camera to take "before" and "after" pics of people for research and publication....will also use it for family and travel pics.

She is not an enthusiast and requires something that's quite easy to use as well - she doesn't mind attending a basic course that comes with most new DSLR's.

Her max budget is R10k....please can you advise on a camera that will suit her needs.

Thanks.

[camerasaurusrex]

I think the macro features on a point and shoot such as a canon IXUS range e.g. 125 or 220 are superb, and should capture the fine details of skin features quite well. It is also a very unobtrusive camera, which is good for the patients and less than 2K. I say this with a lot of confidence, as in the lab where I work, the techs come back with some amazing pictures from the lab point and shoot, which I struggle to match with my advanced amateur kit.

If she realy wants to go DSLR, then an entry level canon 1100D or 650D with a EF-S 60mm f2.8 macro lens with a ring flash will give good consistent results every time, and come in at about 10-12K.

The EF 100mm f2.8 macro (non L) is also very nice, and a favorite lens in dentistry.

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

... she doesn't mind attending a basic course that comes with most new DSLR's...

Keep in mind that this is a "camera" course, not a photography course... It's not photography principles, but rather: "this is how you get to the menu", "this is how you attach a lens", etc, etc

[Deon RacePics]

My mate is in medicine too.
For all the readings throughout a procedure, recorded on tablet and Leica.

[Phillip.Grobler]

I think a DSLR is to obstructive and scares patients.

I'd think about the Canon G1X or Nikon J1 because of there better noise handling but maybe the macro on the smaller PS would be better.

[Leo Theron]

For a dermatologist the camera is is minor importance. The main question is HOW she is going to light the derma…

The camera on-board flash will not cut it - neither would a camera mounted flash.

A big (A4 Plus) reflector or a softbox would do the trick. Why flash? Then the light temprature would be the same - and comparisons can be made.

Even a P&S that can take a hot shoe flash would work - but that BIG source of light would be critical.

[KODA]

Thanks for the help guys...much appreciated.

[Henk Coetzee]

One of the greatest surprises I've ever had was the Macro ability of my Minolta A1. They don't make 'em like that anymore, but some sort of bridge camera would probably work well. For lighting, a macro ring led light like the ones on eBay should be fine.

[camerasaurusrex]

I agree on the lighting!!! Very NB.

If she is using the strong clinic lights on rotatable arms, she may be able to get enough light on the subject to get good sharp results, otherwise, I agree, a ring flash is king!

[DaveK]

Standard Derm use is SLR with ring flash and close focusing lens. strongly second the entry level SLR, EFS 60 and ring flash. Whatever you do avoid the G1X. I have one and it is appalling at close focusing, and particularly I suspect would be appalling at focusing on smooth skins.
Dave.

[Terry J]

I agree on the lighting!!! Very NB.

If she is using the strong clinic lights on rotatable arms, she may be able to get enough light on the subject to get good sharp results, otherwise, I agree, a ring flash is king!

Ring flash? Surely this depends on where the problem is.

[Henk Coetzee]

Ring flash? Surely this depends on where the problem is.

Like!

[mikeH]

if she has proper light sure she has,then any half decent p&s will do the job most if not all shots are for record and not to go in a gallery at A0 .best ease of use tool i would go for the Samsung tablet and with cloud etc. no need to get adobe software etc. if she need very accurate colour well then it is a different thing,needing colour card/gray etc before each shot and software to match to do post colour correcting like QP-Card.

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

I think a camera that can shoot custom WB should sort out any color cast issues with the practice lights, which I think would be plenty. Depending on final use, I wouldn't worry about pushing the ISO to get more from the camera either. I would suggest a standard 650D with a 50mm macro f/2.5 or for about half that the SX40 hybrid

[KODA]

thanks guys...will suggest your recommendations.

[Anonymous]

I'm happy to deal with small medical problems like splinters and cuts and scrapes but for something important I'll pay a doctor.

Likewise, if the photos are in fact for publication and need to be done right then the doctor should hire a photographer.

[camerasaurusrex]

Ring flash? Surely this depends on where the problem is.

Brilliant