DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

I'm often asked about my current favorite digital cameras. Check here for current recommendations.

1. Favorite Office Use Cameras: Canon Digital Rebel, Canon 20D and Canon G6 with Photomed Diffuser.

The 20D and Rebel are SLR type cameras (single lens reflex, or through-the-lens cameras) that are more in keeping with traditional 35mm dental camera outfits. They are heavier and require ring flashes and macro lenses but afford the sharpest view of the photo subject.

These cameras are really just point and shoot cameras once set up by Photomed. You only change F stops (F22 for close ups and F5.6 for portraits).

They will properly expose from any practical distance without having to change flash settings. This is the strength of Canon systems and separates them from other manufacturers.

The G6 is a point and shoot that offers composition through an LCD, much like a video camera. It needs Photomed's Macro lens/light diffuser device to be fully enabled as a dental camera. It's strong suits are light weight, lower cost, and better cross over use for recreational purposes.

These cameras as well as others are best viewed at PhotoMed. This company represents a superb source for your dental photographic needs, providing unparalleled knowledge and support. We are lucky to have them to rely upon.

2. Favorite Recreational Camera: Current favorite is Sony's DSC-H1. It features a 12X zoom and image stablization as well as a huge LCD screen.

Not a pocket camera but a feature rich package, reasonably priced at $449 on the street. It's in the "super zoom" class of point and shoots typically weighing in at 5 megapixels.

Other contenders are Panasonic' FZ5 and Canon's S2.

My other new favorite is Olympus' Stylus 800 Digital. It's an 8 megapixel weather-proof compact featuring a 2.5 inch LCD and 19 shooting modes.

As always, go to Digital Photography Review for full coverage as well as Steve's Digicams.