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12 best cameras for jewelry photography

12 best cameras for jewelry photography

In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at the 12 best cameras for jewelry photography. If you’re in the market for a new camera to help you take better photos of your jewelry, then this blog post is for you! We’ll be discussing what features to look for in a camera for jewelry photography, as well as giving our top picks for the best cameras on the market. So without further ado, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

    How to do jewelry photography?

    Jewelry photography without the best cameras for jewelry photography can be challenging because the small size and shiny surface of the subject can make it difficult to get a sharp, well-exposed image. However, with the right camera, lighting, and technique, it is possible to create beautiful, professional-quality photos of jewelry.

    This tutorial will provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up your camera and lighting, adjust your camera settings, choose the right angle, focus the camera, take the photo, and edit the photo to create stunning jewelry images. Follow these steps to capture the beauty and detail of your jewelry pieces and showcase them in their best light.

    1. Set up your camera and lighting:
    • If you already have an idea about the best cameras for jewelry photography then you know how important the setup can be. A DSLR camera with a macro lens is ideal for jewelry photography because it allows you to get very close to the subject and capture a lot of detail. A smartphone camera with a macro setting can also work well, as long as it has a high-resolution camera.
    • Place your jewelry on a plain, neutral-colored background, such as a white or gray foam board. This will help the jewelry to stand out and not be distracted by a busy background.
    • Use a lightbox or a window for natural light, or use studio lights for more control over lighting. Position the lights at a 45-degree angle to the jewelry to create soft, diffused light. Avoid harsh shadows by using a diffuser or bouncing the light off a white surface.
    1. Adjust your camera settings:
    • Set your camera to manual mode to have full control over the settings. This will allow you to adjust the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed to get the desired effect.
    • Set your aperture to a low number (e.g. f/2.8) to create a shallow depth of field, which will help to blur the background and focus attention on the jewelry. This will also allow more light into the camera, which can be useful in low-light situations.
    • Set your ISO as low as possible to reduce noise in the image. A low ISO will produce a cleaner, smoother image, but it may require longer exposure times.
    • Use a tripod to keep the camera steady and avoid camera shaking. This is especially important when using a low ISO and long exposure times, as even small movements can blur the image.
    1. Choose the right angle:
    • Experiment with different angles to find the most flattering one for the piece of jewelry. Try shooting from above, below, or at a slight angle to see how it changes the appearance of the jewelry.
    • For rings, a top-down view tends to work well because it shows the details of the band and setting.
    • For necklaces and earrings, a front or side view can be effective. Avoid shooting from directly above, as this can create unflattering shadows.
    1. Focus the camera:
    • Use the camera’s live view mode to zoom in and focus on a specific part of the jewelry. This will allow you to see the image on the camera’s screen and fine-tune the focus.
    • Adjust the focus until the image is sharp. You may need to adjust the focus manually if the camera has trouble focusing on small, shiny subjects.
    1. Take the photo:
    • Press the shutter button halfway down to focus, and then fully down to take the photo.
    • Check the image on the camera’s screen to see if it’s sharp and well-exposed. If the image is too dark or too bright, adjust the aperture, ISO, or shutter speed and try again.
    1. Edit the photo:
    • Use photo editing software (e.g. Adobe Lightroom) to make any final adjustments to the photo, such as adjusting the exposure or color balance.
    • Save the edited photo in a high-resolution format (e.g. JPEG or TIFF) to ensure that it looks good when printed or displayed at a larger size.

    What is jewelry photography?

    Jewelry photography is a specialized type of product photography that focuses on capturing images of jewelry items. This can include rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other types of jewelry. Jewelry photography often requires a higher level of precision and detail than other types of product photography, as even small details can impact the overall look of the finished image.

    There are a few key things to keep in mind when photographing jewelry.

    First, it’s important to use a tripod or other type of stabilization device to ensure that your camera is completely still. Even the slightest movement can blur your image and ruin all your hard work.

    Second, pay close attention to lighting. Jewelry can be very reflective, so you’ll need to adjust your light source accordingly to avoid washout or glare.

    Third, use a macro lens if you have one available; this will help you capture all the intricate details of the jewelry piece.

    And finally, take multiple shots from different angles so that you have plenty of options to choose from when editing your final image.

    What are the qualities of a good jewelry photography camera?

    A good jewelry photography camera should have a high-resolution sensor so that you can take clear and sharp photos of your jewelry. It should also have a fast shutter speed so that you can capture the sparkle of your jewelry in your photos. Additionally, it is important to have a good lens for jewelry photography, so that you can get close-up shots of your jewelry without getting blurry pictures.

    How to select a jewelry photography camera?

    When selecting a camera for jewelry photography, it is important to consider the type of jewelry you will be photographing. If you are photographing delicate pieces, you will need a camera with a macro lens to capture all the details. For larger pieces, a DSLR camera with a good zoom lens will suffice.

    It is also important to consider the lighting conditions you will be working in. If you are shooting in a studio, you can control the lighting more easily than if you are shooting on location. You may want to invest in some studio lights to get the best results.

    If you are new to photography, it might be worth investing in a point-and-shoot camera to start with. These cameras are easier to use and can still produce great results. Once you have mastered the basics, you can upgrade to a more sophisticated camera if you wish.

    10 best cameras for jewelry photography

    Now let’s dive into the list of the best cameras for jewelry photography;

    Nikon D850

    The Nikon D850 is an excellent camera for jewelry photography due to its high-resolution 45.7-megapixel backside illuminated (BSI) full-frame image sensor. With this sensor, you can capture exceptional detail and clarity in your jewelry images, with minimal risk of moiré. The camera also offers a fast continuous shooting speed of up to 9 fps, which is useful when capturing intricate details or fast-moving objects such as jewelry on a model in action.

    In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the Nikon D850 also offers 4K Ultra HD video recording and slow motion capabilities up to 120 FPS at 1080p. This makes it a versatile choice for both still photography and video work.

    Another useful feature of the Nikon D850 is its tilting touchscreen, which allows you to easily compose shots from various angles and preview your images. The focus shift shooting mode is also a helpful tool for capturing high-quality images of jewelry, as it allows you to create a focus-stacked image for greater depth of field.

    Finally, the Nikon D850 boasts outstanding battery performance, making it a reliable choice for long shoots. All of these features make the Nikon D850 a top choice for professional jewelry photographers.

    Canon EOS 5DS R

    The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a great camera for jewelry product photography thanks to its high resolution 30.4 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6+ image processor. These features allow you to capture beautiful, detailed images of your jewelry products, with accurate color and low noise.

    It is one of the best cameras for jewelry photography because of its fast continuous shooting speed of up to 7.0 frames per second, which is useful for capturing fast-moving objects or for creating a sequence of shots to show the various angles and details of a piece of jewelry. The 61-point AF system with 41 cross-points for expanded vertical coverage is also a valuable feature for jewelry photography, as it helps to ensure that your images are sharply focused on the small, intricate details of your products.

    In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV also offers 4K video recording and a superb dual-pixel CMOS AF system for smooth, accurate focusing during video capture. The camera’s wide ISO range of 100-32000, with an expansion to 50-102400, allows you to shoot in a variety of lighting conditions and still achieve excellent image quality.

    Overall, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a versatile and reliable camera that is well-suited for professional jewelry product photography. Its high-resolution sensor, fast continuous shooting speed, and advanced AF system make it one of the best cameras for jewelry photography and for capturing stunning images of your products.

    Fujifilm GFX 50S

    The Fujifilm GFX 50S is an excellent camera for jewelry photography due to its high resolution 51.4 megapixel CMOS sensor and powerful X processor Pro. These features allow you to capture stunning, detailed images of your jewelry, with rich colors and excellent dynamic range. The large 43.8mm x 32.9mm full-frame sensor provides approximately 1.7x the area of traditional full-frame sensors, allowing you to capture more of the fine details of your jewelry.

    In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the Fujifilm GFX 50S is also a lightweight and compact camera, making it easy to carry and handle during shoots. Its magnesium alloy body is durable and provides high rigidity, ensuring that the camera can withstand the demands of professional photography.

    The camera also features a detachable 3.69M-dot organic EL electronic viewfinder, which allows you to compose shots accurately and preview your images in real-time. The 2.36M-dot, three-directional tilting touchscreen LCD is another useful feature, allowing you to easily adjust your composition and review your images on the go.

    Overall, the Fujifilm GFX 50S is a reliable and capable camera that is well-suited for professional jewelry photography. Its high-resolution sensor and powerful processing capabilities make it one of the best cameras for jewelry photography for capturing stunning images of your jewelry and other products.

    Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

    The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a versatile and reliable camera that makes it one of the best cameras for jewelry photography. Its high resolution 20.4 megapixel live MOS sensor and TruePic VIII dual quad core image processor allow you to capture stunning, detailed images of your jewelry, with accurate colors and excellent dynamic range.

    One of the standout features of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is its fast autofocus system, which includes a 121-point dual F.A.S.T. system with cross-type on-chip phase detection. This allows you to quickly and accurately focus on small, intricate details of your jewelry, ensuring that your images are always sharply focused.

    The camera also offers 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, which helps to reduce the effects of camera shake and allows you to capture sharp, blur-free images even in low light conditions. Its weather-sealed construction also makes it a durable choice for shooting in a variety of environments.

    Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a top choice for professional jewelry photography thanks to its high-resolution sensor, fast autofocus system, and excellent image stabilization capabilities.

    Panasonic Lumix GH6

    The Panasonic LUMIX GH6 is an excellent camera for jewelry photography due to its high-resolution 25-megapixel sensor and Venus Engine, which allow you to capture stunning, detailed images of your jewelry. The camera’s 100MP hand-held high-resolution shot feature is particularly useful for capturing intricate details and textures of your jewelry, allowing you to produce high-quality images with minimal noise and artifacts.

    The Panasonic LUMIX GH6 also offers a wide range of video recording capabilities, including 5.7K 60p, 4K 120p 10-bit video, and all recording modes with no time limit. This makes it not only one of the best cameras for jewelry photography but also a versatile choice for both still photography and video work. The camera’s internal recording in Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 422 delivers high image quality at low compression, and the pre-installed V-Log/V-Gamut allows for +13 stops of dynamic range with Dynamic Range Boost.

    The camera’s powerful 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 provides up to 7.5 stops of correction, ensuring that your images are stable and blur-free, even in low light conditions. The Full-HD high frame rate video at 300fps (12.5x) slow motion feature is also a useful tool for capturing intricate details and movements of your jewelry.

    Overall, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 is a powerful, reliable, and versatile camera that is well-suited for professional jewelry photography. Its high-resolution sensor, a wide range of video recording capabilities, and excellent image stabilization make it an excellent choice for capturing stunning images of your jewelry.

    Fujifilm GFX 50S

    The Fujifilm GFX 50S is an excellent camera for jewelry photography due to its high resolution 51.4 megapixel CMOS sensor and powerful X processor Pro. These features allow you to capture stunning, detailed images of your jewelry, with rich colors and excellent dynamic range. The large 43.8mm x 32.9mm full-frame sensor provides approximately 1.7x the area of traditional full frame sensors, allowing you to capture more of the fine details of your jewelry.

    In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the Fujifilm GFX 50S is also a lightweight and compact camera, making it easy to carry and handle during shoots. Its magnesium alloy body is durable and provides high rigidity, ensuring that the camera can withstand the demands of professional photography.

    The camera also features a detachable 3.69M-dot organic EL electronic viewfinder, which allows you to compose shots accurately and preview your images in real-time. The 2.36M-dot, three-directional tilting touchscreen LCD is another useful feature, allowing you to easily adjust your composition and review your images on the go.

    Overall, the Fujifilm GFX 50S is a reliable and capable camera that is well-suited for professional jewelry photography. Its high-resolution sensor and powerful processing capabilities make it an excellent choice for capturing stunning images of your jewelry.

    Hasselblad X1D-50c

    The Hasselblad X1D II 50C is an excellent camera for jewelry photography due to its high-resolution 50-megapixel medium format sensor. This sensor allows you to capture stunning, detailed images of your jewelry, with rich colors and excellent dynamic range. The camera’s live view feature is also useful for previewing your shots and adjusting your composition, ensuring that you get the perfect shot every time.

    One of the standout features of the Hasselblad X1D II 50C is its lightweight and portable design, making it easy to carry and handle during shoots. Its 3.6″ rear touch screen and 3.69MD OLED electronic viewfinder allow you to easily preview and review your images on the go.

    Overall, the Hasselblad X1D II 50C is a reliable and capable camera that is well-suited for professional jewelry photography. Its high-resolution sensor and live view feature make it an excellent choice for capturing stunning images of your jewelry.

    Leica Q2

    The Leica Q2 is a high-quality camera that is well-suited for jewelry photography due to its high-resolution 47.3-megapixel full-frame sensor. This sensor allows you to capture stunning, detailed images of your jewelry, with rich colors and excellent dynamic range. The camera’s special features, including fireworks, landscape, miniature effect, night portrait, panorama, portrait, sports, and sunset modes, allow you to capture a wide range of subjects and styles, making it a versatile choice for jewelry photography.

    In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the Leica Q2 also offers Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing you to easily share your images with others or transfer them to your computer for editing. Its 3-inch screen is a useful tool for previewing and reviewing your shots, and the camera’s compact size makes it easy to carry and handle during shoots.

    Overall, the Leica Q2 is a reliable and capable camera that is well-suited for professional jewelry photography. Its high-resolution sensor and special features make it an excellent choice for capturing stunning images of your jewelry.

    Sony RX100 VI

    The Sony DSCRX100M6/B is a versatile and reliable camera that is well-suited for jewelry photography due to its high resolution 20.1-megapixel 1-inch sensor and powerful 2.9x optical zoom lens. The camera’s shockproof, temperature extremes, waterproof, and x-ray-proof features make it a durable and reliable choice for shooting in a variety of environments, ensuring that you can capture stunning images of your jewelry no matter where you are.

    One of the standout features of the Sony DSCRX100M6/B is its fast hybrid AF system, which allows you to quickly and accurately focus on small, intricate details of your jewelry. The camera’s electronic viewfinder is also a useful tool for previewing and reviewing your shots, and its 3-inch screen allows you to easily adjust your composition on the go.

    Overall, the Sony DSCRX100M6/B is a top choice for professional jewelry photography thanks to its high-resolution sensor, powerful optical zoom lens, and durable construction. Its fast autofocus system and electronic viewfinder make it an excellent choice for capturing stunning images of your jewelry.

    Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

    The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is an excellent camera for jewelry photography due to its high resolution 20.1-megapixel 1-inch sensor and powerful 3x optical zoom lens. These features allow you to capture stunning, detailed images of your jewelry, with rich colors and excellent dynamic range. The camera’s special features, including fireworks, fish-eye effect, handheld night, miniature effect, portrait, and toy camera effect modes, allow you to capture a wide range of subjects and styles, making it a versatile choice for jewelry photography.

    In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II also offers fast capture speeds of up to 8.2 fps, ensuring that you can save the moment you want to capture. Its ultra-slim, lightweight, and pocket-sized design makes it easy to carry and handle during shoots, and the camera’s Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity allows you to easily share your images with others or transfer them to your computer for editing.

    Overall, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a reliable and capable camera that is well-suited for professional jewelry photography. Its high-resolution sensor, powerful optical zoom lens, and special features make it an excellent choice for capturing stunning images of your jewelry.

    Nikon Coolpix P1000

    The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is a great choice for jewelry photography due to its powerful 125x optical zoom lens, which allows you to get close-up shots of small details while still maintaining high image quality. The 16-megapixel photo resolution and 4K ultra HD video capability also ensure that your shots will be clear and sharp. The camera’s dual detect image stabilization helps to keep shots steady, even at high zoom levels, while the full manual controls give you the flexibility to adjust the camera’s settings to get the exact look you want.

    In addition, the P1000 has a range of shooting modes that can be useful for jewelry photography, including raw mode, which allows you to capture images in the highest possible quality and make adjustments to them later in post-processing software. The time-lapse and super-lapse modes allow you to create dynamic, high-speed videos of jewelry being worn or displayed. The camera’s easy auto-shooting mode is also helpful for those who may not be as familiar with manual controls, as it allows you to get great shots without having to worry about adjusting the camera’s settings.

    Overall, the Nikon Coolpix P1000 is a versatile and capable camera that is well-suited for jewelry photography. Its powerful zoom lens, high resolution, and full manual controls make it a great choice for capturing the fine details and sparkling beauty of jewelry.

    Sony Alpha a6400

    The Sony Alpha a6400 is a mirrorless camera that is well-suited for jewelry photography due to its high-resolution 24.2-megapixel sensor and fast autofocus capabilities. The camera’s BIONZ X image processor and 425 phase- and contrast-detect AF points allow for quick and accurate focusing, making it easy to capture sharp, detailed images of small jewelry items.

    The Sony Alpha a6400 also has a built-in flash and real-time eye AF and tracking features, which can be useful for capturing images of jewelry on models or in other dynamic situations. The camera’s multiple movie functions, including time-lapse and slow/quick motion video, allow you to create visually appealing videos of jewelry being worn or displayed.

    The camera’s 3-inch tiltable LCD screen is customizable and can be useful for vlogging, still photography, or recording professional films. The camera also has Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, and NFC connectivity, making it easy to transfer images and videos to other devices for editing or sharing.

    Overall, the Sony Alpha a6400 is a versatile and capable camera that is well-suited for capturing the fine details and sparkling beauty of jewelry. Its high-resolution sensor and fast autofocus capabilities make it a great choice for jewelry photography.

    Final words

    With our list of best cameras for jewelry photography, you will have an idea about buying the best cameras for jewelry photography. After all, how can you expect good sales without clear shots of your best-looking jewelry that are masterfully captured with the right camera?

    FAQs

    Do you need macro lens for jewelry?

    A macro lens can be helpful for jewelry photography as it allows you to capture close-up shots with high detail and sharpness. However, it is not strictly necessary, as many cameras have a macro setting or mode that can be used to achieve similar results. It is worth considering if you are planning to do a lot of jewelry photography, as a dedicated macro lens can provide higher quality results and more flexibility in terms of focal length and aperture.

    How do you take professional pictures of jewelry?

    To take professional pictures of jewelry, use a high-resolution camera with a macro setting or lens and a tripod to keep the camera steady. Use natural or studio lighting to evenly illuminate the jewelry, and experiment with different angles and backgrounds to find the most visually appealing composition. Adjust the camera’s settings, such as aperture and ISO, to get the desired depth of field and image quality. Use editing software to touch up the images as needed.

    Which camera is best for gemstone photography?

    A high-resolution camera with a macro setting or lens is generally recommended for gemstone photography. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with at least 20 megapixels of resolution and the ability to shoot in raw format can produce high quality images with good detail and color accuracy. It is also helpful to have a tripod and studio lighting to ensure that the camera is stable and the gemstones are evenly lit. Adjusting the camera’s settings, such as aperture and ISO, can also help to achieve the desired depth of field and image quality.

    Which lens for jewellery photography?

    A macro lens is generally recommended for jewelry photography, as it allows you to capture close-up shots with high detail and sharpness. A macro lens with a focal length in the range of 50-100mm is often a good choice, as it provides a good balance between magnification and working distance. A lens with a longer focal length, such as a telephoto macro lens, can also be useful for shooting larger pieces of jewelry or for capturing images from a distance. It is worth considering the specific needs of your jewelry photography and choosing a lens that best meets those needs.

    What aperture is the best for jewelry photography?

    The best aperture for jewelry photography will depend on the specific look you are trying to achieve and the type of gemstones you are photographing. A smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) will result in a greater depth of field, which can be useful for capturing multiple gemstones in a single shot. A larger aperture (lower f-stop number) will result in a shallower depth of field, which can be useful for highlighting a single gemstone or creating a blurred background effect. In general, apertures in the range of f/11 to f/16 are often recommended for jewelry photography, but it is worth experimenting with different apertures to find the best look for your specific subject.

    How do you photograph gemstone jewelry?

    To photograph gemstone jewelry, use a high-resolution camera with a macro setting or lens and a tripod to keep the camera steady. Use natural or studio lighting to evenly illuminate the gemstones, and experiment with different angles and compositions to find the most visually appealing shot. Adjust the camera’s settings, such as aperture and ISO, to achieve the desired depth of field and image quality. Use editing software to touch up the images as needed, and consider using a light box or tent to evenly diffuse the light and eliminate shadows. Use a white or neutral background to draw attention to the gemstones and avoid distractions.

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