Selecting a Camera for eBay Photos

Selecting a Camera for eBay Photography

At the right, I've listed the current compact models which meet basic requirements as eBay cameras. Each will focus to about 4 inches or less. Also each includes a manual white balance option, useful for achieving accurate color. Finally, every one of these models offers both automatic and manual exposure control. The links will take you to pages with more details, reviews and price information.

For eBay use, you don't need a high-resolution digital camera. Almost any digital camera will produce a 640x480 pixel image at its lowest resolution setting, which is a big enough photo to fill a standard VGA computer monitor, or about 2/3 of a 17" monitor. A 640x480 image is only equal to 1/3 of a megapixel. At 1 megapixel, you have a huge image with enough room to crop out unwanted image areas.

If you also want to make prints of family photos or for other purposes, you'll want more resolution. As a rule of thumb, a 2 megapixel camera can make acceptable 5x7 prints; you need 3 megapixels for good 8x10 prints.

For an "eBay camera," you want...

Good macro (close focus) capability. Limit your search to cameras that focus to within 4 inches or less.
Ease of use. For some, this means an easy method of transferring the photos from your camera to your computer, such as the docks sold with some cameras. For me, ease of use means the camera controls are logical, and it's easy to access manual override functions.
Comfortable handling. Get a chance to handle a camera before buying it. All the best reviews in the world won't help if the camera feels awkward in YOUR hands.

Among older models, you can find bargains in used cameras. You don't need many megapixels, so even the FujiFilm FinePix A205 2MP will fill the bill. You can find that on the used market under $50. Another in the same price range is the Nikon Coolpix 2200 which focuses even closer than the Fuji.

More recently discontinued models in the 3mp and 4mp range are the FujiFilm FinePix A330, the Canon PowerShot A510 and Canon Powershot A520 and the Nikon Coolpix 3200.

Of the current compact cameras my favorites in terms of features, value and image quality are the Canon A-series models, including the Canon A540, A570 IS, A650 IS and A720 IS. Those with the "IS" designation include image stabilization, a very handy feature for sharp handheld photos.

Any compact camera I've listed here would do a good job on eBay photos. The choice depends on how much you value a larger image size, a bigger LCD screen or a longer zoom lens. None of these are necessary for eBay work, but they can be handy features for your other photography.

Also, I have not included digital SLRs (single lens reflex) cameras in my list. Any digital SLR can do a good job on product photography, but they cost substantially more than compact models and require special macro lenses to focus at very close range. If you're serious about photography, such a camera can be a good investment, but it is not at all required for eBay or other website photography.

In the end, you can't go wrong if you stick to the major manufacturers (e.g., Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Pentax, Panasonic, Sony) and choose a camera which focuses close enough.

If you want some help with your photo techniques, please use the links to my series, CameraJim's Guide To eBay Auction Photography.

eBAY CAMERAS LIST

Current compact models which meet basic requirements as
eBay cameras.