I am starting up a medical spa within my family medicine practice. There are definitely some amazing camera systems out there. I don't know that I am ready to put down 8K yet though. Has anyone found a good combination of camera, chin rest or staging devise and UV lighting? The packages are tempting but may be overkill to start out.

Just buy a good quality digital camera initially and work on taking consistent photos with similar lighting. We currently use a Canon Power Shot A570IS. It is 7.1 megapixels and works well and is easy to use. We have most of our photos taken by the same person in my clinic. This allows us to stay consistent. This will cost about $250 vs the thousands the other companies want.

Do not waste your time if you are just starting. We have the Visia and also a $1000 Canon and we mostly use the cheaper camera. Just make sure to have a good photo organizing program.

As you have likely heard when first starting always remember KISS otherwise known as "Keep It Simple Stupid". Try not to make things to difficult or costly as you start.

Kennedy,
We just demo'ed a system from Aesthetic Imaging. They offer different packages and can customize your setup. Greg Kile is the rep. His number is 704-752-6352. Their website is www.aestheticimaging.com.
I was pretty impressed with their flexibility.
dc

I agree with LH- a good digital camera is all you need when starting out. There is so much more to invest in that can actually bring a ROI such as inventory, marketing, etc... Just make sure you take consistent photos with the same camera and same marked spot with the same lighting. Don't let the imaging equip reps tell you otherwise.

Kennedy,
I will be selling my digital camera that I purchased in 2006. I am merging with plastics practice and their system is much better than mine. It is a Pentax Optio 750Z. I purchased it from Lester Dine Inc. They adjust cameras for intra-oral photos which works well for clinical photos. I have 2 memory cards with it as well as an extra battery/charger/tri-pod. I paid $1500 and am asking $500 for set-up. Email me if interested at dcurtis35@earthlink.net.
dc

can anyone recommend a recent model digital camera for before and after photos, for botox, fillers and laser work? i would think one with a good macro focus option. the problem with dsl cameras is that the base model is very expensive, and the macro lens attached can be a greater expense than the camera body itself. and i'm not sure the greater expense justifies the quality of the pictures.

can anyone recommend a recent model digital camera for before and after photos, for botox, fillers and laser work? i would think one with a good macro focus option. the problem with dsl cameras is that the base model is very expensive, and the macro lens attached can be a greater expense than the camera body itself. and i'm not sure the greater expense justifies the quality of the pictures.

can anyone recommend a recent model digital camera for before and after photos, for botox, fillers and laser work? i would think one with a good macro focus option. the problem with dsl cameras is that the base model is very expensive, and the macro lens attached can be a greater expense than the camera body itself. and i'm not sure the greater expense justifies the quality of the pictures.

can anyone recommend a recent model digital camera for before and after photos, for botox, fillers and laser work? i would think one with a good macro focus option. the problem with dsl cameras is that the base model is very expensive, and the macro lens attached can be a greater expense than the camera body itself. and i'm not sure the greater expense justifies the quality of the pictures.

I use a $180 Costco-bought Nikon Coolpix pocket sized digital camera for my photos.

I think that the keys are using a good (read "dark") background and consistent lighting and distance. A piece of black cloth can be hung against a wall with thumbtacks. Make sure before and after pictures have exactly the same lighting (inside room with no windows or windows truly darkened) and are taken from the same distance with the same degree of zoom.

On a side note, many improvements in "after" photos are essentially differences in lighting, so this can make a BIG difference.

Keep everything consistent. I think any decent digital nowadays will do the job. I think they all have macro settings. And dont worry about massive megapixels -that's unnecessary.

PS - A camera to which you can attach a polarizing filter could be useful for reducing reflected light (aka glare). I often wish mine had this option. But I use mine mostly for tracking nevi and locating skin cancer sites.