Food Photography : Canon T3i or Nikon D5100, which lenses

[dinmir]

Which camera/lens combinations would you recommend?

I would like to have autofocus with any lens I put on the camera.

Also, is there a non-DSLR that is typically recommended for food photography?

Thanks!

 

[Leonard Migliore]

Which camera/lens combinations would you recommend?

I would like to have autofocus with any lens I put on the camera.

Also, is there a non-DSLR that is typically recommended for food photography?

There are a couple of activities that I would categorize as food photography. The first one is sort of like doing still lifes: you set up a plate of food and pose it so it's appetizing. The second is more like photojournalism: you order something at a restaurant and photograph it in situ as a record.

For the first type, lighting is the most important item; the camera is not too critical, especially if it's on a tripod. For the second type, you have to balance performance and portability. Since you probably won't want to use flash, something with good sensitivity and a fast lens, like a D7000 with a 50mm f/1.8 would be ideal but it's a big lump of camera. If you can't stand the size, maybe an S95 would do the job.

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Leonard Migliore

 

[James Cafferty]

Which camera/lens combinations would you recommend?

I would like to have autofocus with any lens I put on the camera.

Also, is there a non-DSLR that is typically recommended for food photography?

Thanks!

I would buy he T3i for your application because the four most important settings have a button assigned to the task.
Remember W.I.F.E.
W = White balance
I = ISO
F = Focus
E = Exposure
All scare easily set/changed on the T31. And, I like the articulating screen.

The Nikon D5100 is also an excellent choice. It too has an articulating screen. But, you have to go into a Menu to change the ISO setting. That is a big PITA.

Both companies offer a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens that will be fast enough in most low light conditions - or use the flash if you're not bashful.

There are numerous P&S cameras than can also do the job.
The Canon G12 ($380) is an excellent choice for shooting in low light.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-G12-Digital-Stabilized-Vari-Angle/dp/B0041RSPRS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1324617082&sr=1-1

The (already mentioned) Canon S95 ($330 + shipping amazon.com) is also an excellent choice for shooting in low light.
http://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/compacts/canon_s95

I own a Samsung P&S camera, the TL500 (EX1 outside the US). Current pricing is $300 amazon.com) It is also a high quality camera and has a fast f/1.8 lens, excellent articulating LCD screen, RAW, PASM, etc..

It is best to handle any camera you plan to buy, and make sure you have return privileges in case you don't like it. If you look at 3 cameras, usually one stands out as user friendly.

You can often find a good deal on eBay. But, use PayPal so you are protected if the item is not as described and you want to return it for a full refund. Look at the Seller's History.

Alternately, you may be able to pick up a good deal on craig's list. But, bring someone who knows cameras with you. And meet in a public place like a McDonalds, Wendy's, Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Shop, etc. Order some food while you're considering the camera - and test the camera right there on the spot. Let the owner demonstrate how to properly photograph a bacon burger & fries. If he can't do it, then reconsider the purchase.

--
All the best,
Jim

Photographers take pictures; the camera is only a tool.

 

[James Cafferty]

This sentence:
All scare easily set/changed on the T31. And, I like the articulating screen.

Should read:
All are easily set/changed on the T31. And, I like the articulating screen.
--
All the best,
Jim

Photographers take pictures; the camera is only a tool.

 

[photoholiko]

Both T3 & D5100 should do the job fine, though I am not a Nikon fan since I acquired the D70 I would probably choose the D5100 for its effect modes and the vary angle display, the "selective color effects" may produce some interesting results with food photography. I own both Nikkor and Canon 50mm/f1.8 and find them equally excellent. The Jan. 2012 issue of Shutterbug magazine reviews both cameras in question.

 

[fica tranquilo]

BTW, as many do, I set my function button (next to the pop-up flash button) on my D5000 to be my ISO button. I found it the most frequent menu item I was going after.