We need photography kit that will produce images that are:
High quality
Undistorted
Correctly illuminated
Consistently reproducible
Mobile Phone
Compact - point and shoot
Bridge - compact camera dimensions but interchangeable lenses
DSLR - optical viewfinder
Mirrorless - digital viewfinder, offerS full ‘DSLR’ functions and can accept DSLR lenses
For dental photography, only a DSLR or Mirrorless camera meets our full requirements
1:1 Macro Lens
Body
Flash
or
These setups are recommended for balance, allowing a practical working distance from the subject
1:1 Macro lens is required
A bundled kit lens that may come with your camera body is not adequate
Spending money on good quality glass is important
The recommended focal length of the lens depends on the camera body you are using
A mount adapter may be needed depending on which lens you choose.
The Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapter allows EF and EF-S mount lenses to be used on Canon EOS R cameras
The Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter enables the use of Nikon F mount lenses on a Z-mount mirrorless camera body
APS-C crop sensor will be cheaper than a full frame sensor
All major manufacturers are transitioning away from DSLR to mIrrorless cameras
Camera bodies come with an array of different (often confusing) model numbers.
Ring flash is a more simple, compact setup
Twin flash produces more natural looking artistic shots
If the flash brand is different your camera body, ensure it is compatible with your camera and the firmware is updated
Additional kit includes:
Mirrors
Retractors
Contrasters
Flash Diffusers
Spare Batteries (for flash and camera body)
Portrait lighting (for portrait photography)
Extension Grip - to enable easier handling (optional)
The differences mainly come down to lens ecosystem, flash compatibility, ergonomics, and workflow in a clinic.
The main players are Canon, Nikon and Sony. They all deliver excellent image quality and there is not much between them. It is like comparing Mercedes, BMW and Audi.
Canon have historically been the most widely supported with a variety of third party manufacturers offering a huge accessory ecosystem. Sony are the newest kid on the block, but are making inroads into dental photography.
Ultimately, choose the system that feels most comfortable and aligns with your budget and preferences.
If buying new, there are an array of online retailers, or support your local independent photography store.
If buying second hand, ensure you buy from a reputable seller, ideally with a guarantee. MPB, Wex and Park Cameras are long-standing reputable sellers.
If you go second hand, make sure the firmware of the flash you want is compatible with your camera body. I’d be happy going second hand with a lens, but less happy with the body and flash, just because they have a lot more electronics so more opportunities to go wrong.
A good budget setup would be:
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro ~ £300 (USED)
Canon second hand DSLR body (USED) ~£400
Yongnou YN-14EX Macro Ring Flash ~ £115 (NEW)
You’ll then need a few accessories as per the slides, but you should be able to get a full setup for around £1k
For APS-C crop sensor cameras:
Canon EFS 60mm F2.8 macro lens
Nikon 85mm F3.5 G ED AF-S VR DX Micro
For full-frame cameras:
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 USM
Canon Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di 1:1 VCUSD
Canon Sigma 105mm 2014 model only
Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR G Micro-NIKKOR
Nikon Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di 1:1 VCUSD
Nikon Sigma 105mm 2014 model only
Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
Canon R8
Canon R10/R8
Sony A7Ci/ii
Nikon Z5/Z8
There are a plethora of historic models available on the second hand market, too many to mention here.
Premium:
Canon MT-24EX Twin Flash
Nikon R1C1 Twin Flash
Budget:
Godox MF-12 Twin Flash
Godox MF-R76 Ring Flash
Yongnuo YN-14EX Ring Flash
Yongnuo YN-24EX Twin Flash
Canon have produced a dental photography guide which can be downloaded here