In product photography, the purpose of the final product image determines the type of equipment required to create it. For example, if a seller needs the product photo to fill a mega-sized billboard, a large megapixel camera will be required. However, for a website, a 1000px resolution should be enough.
It also depends on the type of product for the shoot. For example, most clothing materials are non-reflective, so it demands very little in terms of photography equipment. In fact, most large companies use one light to shoot all their clothing products.
Usually, a 20-megapixel camera with an external flash should be adequate to generate professional clothing product photos for eCommerce platforms. However, jewelry sellers need to be mindful of its reflective surface while photographing it. Hence, additional equipment like a diffuser, polarizer, etc., is recommended.
Given the varying requirement of product photography for different items, in this article, we will discuss the essential product photography equipment that you must have for getting quality product images.
These are the 5 must-have product photography equipment -
High-resolution cameras are imperative for high-quality product photographs. A 24-megapixel DSLR can provide adequate resolution for professional quality product photographs. However, new sellers can also start by using their smartphone cameras as they generate small-sized product photos which are easy to upload on the web.
And as they scale up, they can upgrade their equipment to a medium format or full-frame camera. For such cases, Canon 5D Mk IV offers great value. It is the best camera for product photography, available with plenty of lens options at affordable prices.
Kit product photography lens that comes with the camera is usually sufficient to generate acceptable quality product photographs for online platforms. It allows photographers to zoom in, zoom out, and capture close-up shots. But if you need macro-shots, specialized macro lenses are recommended.
85mm and 100mm macro lenses are commonly used to obtain sharp images. Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro lens is an inexpensive option to carry out product photoshoots for jewelry and large-sized object.
Combination lenses are also available in the market which combine the best features of regular zoom lenses and macro lenses. If you are looking for similar lenses, EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens and Nikkor AF FX NIKKOR 24-85mm f/2.8-4D are the best camera lenses for product photography that are easily available.
Multiple backdrop options can be used in lifestyle photography. However, most product photography in the studio set-up is done with a white background. A white backdrop is a simple and affordable option with the least distractions. It ensures an “as-is” representation of the products. It also enhances color balance in the final product image. A white backdrop can also be used to generate consistent image quality. Even popular eCommerce platforms like Amazon have mandated the use of white background as a compliance guideline.
Tripod as a product photography equipment is essential to attain consistency in product photography. It yields steady and sharp shots. Flat lay shots are also becoming an increasingly popular angle in product photography. Many big brands are using this frame for their products. However, it requires overhead shots that cannot be done without a tripod.
There are affordable options of tripods available on the market. Vanguard AltaPro is one such option. By adjusting the central column of the stand, users can easily swivel the camera horizontally and take steady overhead shots. And if your budget allows higher investment, Manfrotto 055 3-section tripod should be preferred. It is the best tripod for product photography that has a 3-way head in addition to horizontal columns that allow users to make precise adjustments.
Lighting setup in product photography plays a significant role. If used in the correct setting, it can be a game-changer to yield high-quality professional photographs. It also determines the consistency and sharpness of the final product images. It is recommended to use a complete lighting kit that includes a lamp, lightbox, fill light, and lamp dispenser for professional product photography. However, natural light can also be used to perform product photography in a budget-friendly manner.
In addition to the above-mentioned equipment, other pieces of equipment that can enhance the quality of product photographs include -
Reflectors are often used by product photographers to achieve the perfect lighting for product photography. Meking cardboard reflector is a recommended option. However, it is too small for oversized products. Neewer 5-in-1 reflector is another option. It is large, offers a variety of reflectors, and can be folded into a small carry bag.
Different types of softboxes are used in product photography based on the requirements of the product. Godox 80 x 120 softbox is recommended for beginners. It is affordable and yields standard product images for online platforms.
Air blasters are used to remove specks of dirt or dust from the shot. It is the most underrated equipment in product photography. It blows out a jet of air that helps users clean their products without having to touch them. Among available options, Giottos Air Blaster is recommended as product photography equipment.
Speedlights are portable lights. They are brighter than LEDs. One of the affordable options includes Neewer Speedlight and if the budget allows, users should consider investing in the Yongnuo YN-560IV 3-flash kit.
A basic DIY product photography equipment set-up can be done at home using the five pieces of equipment discussed above.
That’s it. Your product photography set-up is ready.
Based on the type of product, users can also consider using reflectors, umbrellas, diffusers, etc. to obtain consistent photo quality.
Setting up DIY product photography equipment is achievable. However, it can take a lot of effort and is not always budget-friendly. So, to make the job easier, there are automated and easy-to-operate applications available that beginners can explore.
DoMyShoot is one such solution. It can be used to create pro-quality product photos for eCommerce and social media platforms in minutes. All users need to do is select the in-app category of eCommerce platform guidelines, click a product image, and submit.
The DoMyShoot application will automatically process the image in compliance with those guidelines and generate custom image outputs. If this is something that sounds interesting, connect with us at DoMyShoot. You can also request a demo.
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