Choice of Camera For Food Photography & Cook Book Publication?
I'm doing a cook book project that requires the purchase of new camera. I'm not sure whether to use film or digital. My budget allows for a Nikon D700 or Mamiya RZ 6 professional. One of my all time favorite cook book publications was done with film. But I see good work out there, done with both formats. I seem to have located a reasonable laboratory for the film development and the quality is great. Actually I don't mind the additional film development costs at all. I should also mention that I will be working with continuous lighting rather than studio strobes. The publication requires about 65 recipes and 25 additional action shots. I will continue my work in this field and of course keep the cameras, so this is for the long run. Photographer, I'd sincerely would appreciate your thoughts.
It's not the camera, it's the lens and lighting that will have the greater effect on the work (that and your level of skill).
You need to know about product photography…
most of it is from experience and photographic skills…
you should be able to use ANY camera… From a point and shoot to a DSLR/SLR to medium format…
i agree that the lens is important is some cases, but with other photography, you can use all sorts of lenses with differing effects…
i've used macro lenses, 50mm, 70-300mm - it is all about HOW you know your camera and apply lighting, shutter speed…
Do you have a publisher lined up? Do they want digital files, or film to scan?
What size are the photos going to be in the printed work? Either body you mention will be capable of making full page color prints, it's up to you and your publisher which route you take. If there will be only smaller photos, either body will be overkill for this work. Not saying you shouldn't use them, but even a decent point and shoot can do this work.
As with most things photographic, it is not so much what you use to get the shot, it's how well you do it. Any decent camera will get your shots, provided the photographer knows how to use it.
Having said that, I'd get the D700 myself. Which ever body you choose, make sure you budget for at least one lens of very high quality as well. With the D700, you have the advantage of very good zoom lenses. I would suggest the Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 and something longer as well, like the 70-200 f/2.8 VR. With those two lenses, you can do just about anything you would possibly need to do.