Dental photography camera and accessories

Equipment selection

A good single-lens reflex camera (SLR) is suitable for the technical equipment of the dental office. The use of digital compacts degrades the quality of the picture and does not convey the desired information. The SLR camera is much faster and provides:

• excellent image quality;
• optimal use of light;
• precise setting of parameters;
• comfortable shooting at short distances.

The choice of brand is not important. Take what you like, but give preference to a well-known manufacturer: Nikon, Canon. Sigma, Sony. A crop camera will be enough: for example, take a look at the Nikon D90, D7100 and D3400, Canon 70D, 60D, EOS 350D and the like.

In dental photography, a macro lens plays an important role - the most important structural part of the camera, which ensures high-quality image transmission to the matrix. A lens with a focal length of 100 mm and internal focusing will give you maximum comfort in work. An example of suitable models is Nikon AF-S 105 mm f/2.8 VR Micro, Sigma AF 105 mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO.

The next element that you cannot do without is a flash. The best option is considered to be ring, which is mounted directly on the lens and gives shadowless even illumination. Dual flares are also popular, as they capture texture and topography better. It is worth taking a closer look at the following models: Sigma EM-140 DG Macro, Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14 EX, Raylab R-10TTL, Nikon Speedlight Commander Kit R1C1, Remote Kit R1.

If you decide not to buy a separate flash, but use a standard one, buy a diffuser: it will help to avoid highlights and dark areas. A good choice would be Canon's Kit Macro Dental Macro Attachment.

Don't forget to get accessories right away: spare batteries, memory card, accessory bag. You will also need retractors, contrasters, lateral and occlusal mirrors.