If your a model kit builder, you might want to document in pictures your work-in-progress and proudly present and share on the web nice pictures of you beutiful finished models. I’ve seen the question over and over, which would be a good camera to photograph your plastic model kits? Let me tell you in advance, there is no perfect camera or brand for any given application. As a photographer for a living, I get to use more professional camera gear including true to life 1:1 life-size macro lenses. But the ability to keep in focus as much as possible when photographing lets say the cockpit of a 1/72 or 1/48 scale model, comes at a price.
I have to use small apertures to obtain a larger depth-of-field often meaning that I have to set up a cumbersome tripod with my DSLR. On the other hand, because the more compact cameras also have a compact sensor, we can get greater front to background images in focus. That’s why the vast majority of compact cameras, seldom go beyond F/8 whereas a macro lens close down usually at F/32.
Recently I’ve had the opportunity to obtain a review sample from the latest Nikon CoolPix S8100. I brought it to my workbench and gave it a try photographing the cockpit of my WIP Japanese Raiden Interceptor 1/48 from Tamiya. Later on I gave it a try on Tamiya’s 1/48 scale KETTENKRAFTRAD.
Great image quality without the cumbersome tripod. Just increase your ISO (in my case to 400) and shoot away your model kits and WIP without much fuss. Yes I do recommend this camera to those looking for a good camera on your model kits work bench.
Don’t go out shopping for this camera and finish up finding a ”bargain” in those bait and switch on-line stores. The place where I’m referring you to, is a well known and respected on-line vendor and Nikon dealer. But just don’t take my word for it, read the users review while you’re there.
