Digital Camera

[fsn]

Light boxes are fantastic. I made one with Really Useful Box and white paper, but have chucked that for an Amazon special. Unfortunately, I usually can't be bothered to get it out. The main thing is to diffuse the light so you don't get really directional light that throws a lot of nasty shadows.

My best shots were taken on a compact Olympus job using a mini-tripod using the double-macro setting. I've got a macro lens kit for the SLR, but never tried it.

The problem I have found is that really good photos show up my really s&!t painting.

I really am genuinely disappointed with the 'posh' camera.

Did you buy it from the same people who sold you your PC?

[fred.]

Light boxes do help a lot, but likewise I usually can't be bothered to set it up. Just using a bit of white card can be a good way of reflecting some more light into the figures. Position it to the front, and slightly below so it's out of shot, and you will almost immediately see the image brighten.

A macro lens for an SLR probably won't be much use for figures. I got some macro extension tubes, but they magnify the object so much and have such a low depth of field that you will struggle to even get one figure in the frame. They are great for taking arty shots of coins and other fairly flat things.

Phil it does sound like something isn't quite right with your Canon camera. Have you tried manual focusing it? I find the auto focus on mine great on all sorts of subjects. But manual focus can be handy with figures, especially when used with a tripod. I have a 10x view option on the LCD screen which really helps with manual focus - and also really shows how much vibration is generated. Also if using a tripod switch off of the image stabilisation as this actual adds vibrations to counter the shaking hands of the user - which isn't what you want on a tripod.

[Leon]

I use a homemade lightbox for photoing the figures as well, which helps a great deal.  I tend to go with the auto macro function as well.

[Zippee]

I use this from Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0064MRG64/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

works a treat - packs into a small satchel and comes complete with two high power flex grip daylight lamps

[fsn]

... having used a 5" x 4" plate camera ...

Ah! Was that in the day when you were photographer to David Livingstone? The expedition began with the immortal words "Aye, Davy, the tobacconist is just out here and to the right."

[ronan]

(...) - SUN porch! (...)

You can't control the light, then. Sometimes it adds shadows.
As other people said, use blank cardboard on the opposite side, to light the shadows.
I use halogen lamps, turned to the ceiling.

Ooooh! Controversial!

I would add that the great way to screw up a photograph (or make it) is with greatly differing levels of light.   

Yes you're right.
But for taking photos of minis, I'd add many indirect lights. ( and for my poor eyes  )
The light boxes aren't useful while playing a wargame..

[Techno]

The light boxes aren't useful while playing a wargame..

You could drape the fabric over the whole table and pretend the battle's taking place in thick fog. 

Cheers - Phil

[d_Guy]

... Out of interest, on the shots you think are good and the ones you think poor, just compare their ISO's, that might tell its own story.

This is a great idea Norm - at first I could not find a way to get that info BUT because the pics are stored on OneDrive I could look at the file attributes with MS file explorer and there they are: f-stop, ISO, exposure time, etc. SO I'll get to work comparing - thanks.

I have now also downloaded "Camera Plus" from App Store which gives you manual control - I'll see what happens.

[LinLin]

i have a bad camera also however if you build a light box it makes the pictures 100x times better you can make it with card board and paper and just need a lamp near by