Shannon,
The problem with all of the "digital Light Boxes" being offered now is
that they limit you to only one view of your object, ever.
Unless you get real creative in propping the artifact up, and getting it
to rotate, you can never get another point of view of it other than from
"straight on". In this particular case, you may actually be limited by
the camera the unit is made to fit to. What if your artifact does not
emulate the shape of the cell phone they use in the ad?
I think vendors are trying to capitalize on all those who own digital
cameras now, but aren't photographers. No piece of equipment can replace
photographic knowledge. For the same, or less, money you can have a good
lighting system that will not only do the "softbox" work you desire, but
also handle any other imaging needs around your institution like corporate
portraits or collections photography. Just buy a good photo lighting
"how-to" book for about $50 and go to it.
I give you the info below as a recommendation for what will work for you
sub $2000, assuming you already have a good camera. If not, seriously
consider the Canon 20D, if you cannot afford an even better machine. YMMV
The lighting set below will give you softbox capability, and allow you to
shoot the artifact in any manner you need to, with little limitation.
The below Speedotron'e "brown" series of light, umbrellas and 24528
softbox diffuser: The "CC" unit replaces the bulbs with color corrected
ones - great for accurate color of your collection imaging.
21151
DM1204 LV - 2/CC light system
1,500.00
Substitutes M11/CC (#22230) light units
(1) 21285 - D1204 LV power supply, 1200Ws
(2) 22228 - M11 light units with 7" umbrella reflector
(1) 24535 - 45" Photoflex adjustable silver umbrella
(1) 24539 - 54” Photek umbrella with removable black back
(2) 25562 - 7.5' light stands
(1) 25535 - 4 section soft carrying case
24528
soft light box large, 36x48" w/speedring for M11 series light units
www.speedotron.com
240.00
William Snead
Duke University
HR Supervisor, Records Center
919-681-4690 ph.
919-681-8774 fax
[log in to unmask]
|
