One of my closest friends is a dentist, and he asked me what camera he should get for his new dental office. I don’t like to give answers to that kind of questions without having any experience with it, so i decided to take the matters into my own hands and do a few tests before recommending him one. After spending nearly a week testing various cameras, i concluded that the best overall option for a dentist would be the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, because it’s easy to use and its able to capture amazing photos even in harsher light conditions. The 7D Mark II is a bit expensive though, so if you want a better value for your money, then the Canon Power Shot G7X Mark II will get the job done perfectly.
Photography is an important component of dentistry. It is often used during treatment, legal documentation, education, marketing of dental clinics and other purposes. In dental photography, the image must be clear and precise. That is possible only if you work with the best camera for dental photography and apply the right techniques.
Dental photography is a serious subject, and there are many other factors that are a lot more important than pixel count. The final image must be precise in focus and accurate in color providing clear details.
Today when you search for a camera for dental photography, you are likely to come across so many models and variations with many features. One is overloaded with conflicting information that makes it all the more difficult to make the right choice when it comes to the right camera for dental photography. After all, dental photography is a type of macro photography that needs to capture detailed photographs of minute things.
The good news is that the fast-paced technology has made photography a lot simpler and experience better. Now you can capture excellent dental images provided you have the best dental photography cameras.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Professional Pick
 |
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
|
10
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best Compact Option
 |
Canon G7 X Mark II
|
9.8
|
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|
Best Mid-Range Option
 |
Nikon D5600
|
9.6
|
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|
Easiest To Use
 |
Nikon D7500
|
9.5
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best Budget Option
 |
Canon PowerShot SX740
|
9.1
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Here, we have enlisted top 5 cameras that would be perfect for dental photography. The products have been chosen based superior technology, performance, price, and customer reviews. The article also discusses the factors to consider while buying one. Let’s begin with the top 5 cameras.
The Top 5 Best Cameras for Dental Photography
5. Canon EOS 7D Mark II
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II digital SLR camera is designed to meet the advanced needs of both photographers and videographers. With a cutting-edge technology and an ergonomic design, the camera is sure to make even the most challenging dental photography simple and easy.
The camera features a refined CMOS sensor with Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors that create accurate and precise imagery. The amazing Dual Pixel CMOS AF offers an excellent view. Other features include 65-point all cross-type AF system and the capacity to shoot up to 10 frames per second.
The camera has dual card slots, USB 3.0 connectivity and even has built-in GPS. Moreover, the model is compatible with the ever-expanding range of EF and EF-S lenses and a host of other EOS accessories. This is an ideal camera for ambitious dental photographers, as you get to enjoy instant and precise autofocus.
The new, rugged shutter can shoot up to 10 frames per second, while the advanced mirror vibration control technology offers the camera fast and continuous shooting capabilities. Explore refined mechanics in this model, like efficient shutter-drive motor and a high calibre image quality. The camera offers an impressive performance when it comes to digital dental photography.
4. Nikon D5600
Another great model for dental photography setting is from Nikon. Nikon D5600 Digital SLR Promises clear and precise shoots and comes with AF-P DX NIKKOR, 4.5-6.3 G ED and 3.5-5.6 G VR. The camera has similar features of the Canon 750D such as a 24-megapixel sensor, fully articulated screen, and built-in wireless.
However, the screen of this camera is slightly larger and the camera is more compact and lightweight. Although it is a bit expensive, on the plus side, it is easy to work with and has an agronomical design that makes it more desirable as dental photography equipment.
This camera has a wide variety of lenses you can choose from, and that’s what i like the most about this camera. You can read more about best Nikon D5600 lenses here.
3. Canon PowerShot SX740
Made in Japan, another great camera for digital dental photography is Canon PowerShot SX740. The camera features DIGIC 8 image processor and its slim and compact body is easy to handle and work with. Get enhanced image quality and unexpected dental photo opportunities with this model from Canon.
Some impressive features include Wi-Fi connection, Video Snapshot function, and smartphone pairing. SX740 system is seen as a shift from the Canon G-series and the talented engineers of the brand have created an innovative magnetic mounting system for the macro lens and diffuser.
Get fast response time because of the 40x optical zoom and cover every possible angle within the oral cavity with a wide-angle 24mm and telephoto 960mm. What increases the speedy capture is the short start-up time and shooting intervals. This camera boasts of a host of other advanced shooting features, as it is supported by powerful image processing capabilities. Wi-Fi feature allows additional functionality and convenience, while the high-definition tilt-type LCD screen can be flipped in any direction. Go ahead and use the model for dental photography to precisely frame and focus your subject with proper exposure and balanced lighting.
2. Nikon D7500
Nikon D7500 is easy to use, lightweight and perfect for getting accurate dental photos. The model is known for a class leading image quality and precise image processing. The tilting LCD screen comes with touch functionality and one can enjoy continuous shooting capability up to 8 fps because of the 15 cross type sensors present in it. Other impressive features include power aperture control, full 1080p HD video with stereo sound, 4k UHD time lapse and more. What makes for an easy connectivity is the built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that allow easy and fast dental photography setting and sharing.
Due to the powerful focusing system, one can get sharper, faster detection even in low light. Expect improved AF performance during high speed shooting because of the 180,000-pixel RGB sensor. Use the tough and rugged design in any working condition, as the camera can withstand heavy use as well as moisture and dust. You can work for longer hours, as the camera offers improved stability and a deeper grip that allows comfort for all day dental photography shooting. Install Nikon’s SnapBridge app and share those impressive shots with your colleagues, clients, or team, or for automatic backups.
1. Canon Power Shot G7X Mark II
Another digital camera that can be added to the list of top dental photography equipment is the Power Shot G7X Mark II model from Canon. The bestselling camera comes with a sleek, compact body and is seen as an improved second-generation model. Equipped with a new DIGIC 7 image processor, you get enhanced picture quality with natural depiction and contrasts and in high apparent resolution. Get a more accurate capture of important subjects like dental procedures with new shooting modes such as Time-lapse, panning and Short Clip.
Now there is no need to get advanced knowledge of difficult techniques once you have this Canon. Expect a lot more precise and accurate filming of oral cavity with this improved premium compact camera. As it comes with a large sensor, you can take better pictures even in low light. The new DIGIC 7 imaging processor allows high-speed processing and one is able to get much better shots with a higher resolution and improved image quality, which is essential in dental photography.
Enjoy increased flexibility because of the Full HD capability, in-camera RAW conversion, and built-in Wi-Fi. It allows you to capture those high-quality images and videos and share them instantly.
Things To Look For Before Buying A Camera For Dental Photography
Here are some essential aspects to look for in a camera you are buying for dental photography.
Type of Camera
Give attention to the type of camera you are buying. There are different types available out there, some of which are:
- Compact digital cameras – The most commonly used camera for dental photography is the digital camera. With built in Flash and lens units, these cameras are easy to work with, but they may not be suitable for photographic oral cavity.
- Smartphone cameras – Smartphones and tablets today come with built in cameras. However, these are not suitable for digital photography, as the final images tend to get pixelated with the digital zoom.
- Bridge compact digital cameras – These advanced compact cameras are a mix of a compact camera and a DSLR. With built in flash and lens units, these specialised cameras are found to be suitable for dental photography.
- Mirrorless cameras – The Mirrorless system is the most recent type of camera and has similar capabilities to a DSLR. The interchangeable lens cameras are suitable for dental photography but offer limited choices for modifications.
- DSLR – DSLR or digital single lens reflex is a highly modifiable camera that houses the body, the lens and the flash. This sort is considered to be the best for dental photography.
Based on the above discussion about different kinds of cameras, it is evident that DSLR is considered the best camera for dental photography. The DSLR has become an essential tool in every dental practice, as the camera system can offer high-quality macro photography that is needed for the dental purpose. However, all cameras need a specific set-up for dentistry photography, such as proper exposure, Calibration, and other set -ups.
While there are endless brands out there selling DSLR cameras, Nikon and Canon are the most popular and reliable ones. Those who are interested in buying a camera for dental photography must opt for DSLR cameras from the top brands.
Camera Body
The camera for dental photography should have a solid build and great construction. After all, the camera is likely to be used for longer shoots and extensive working hours. If the camera body is not solid and does not have quality construction, it would not be considered appropriate for the task. It’s also better if the body of the camera is compact, as it would be difficult to take dental photographs with a bulky camera.
The Lens
Another important factor to keep in mind is the lens of the camera for dental photography. Macro lens is considered a fantastic lens for dental photography, as such a lens can take photographs of minute and tiny parts with clarity and precision. You can also look for many more advanced features in a camera, like silent wave motor, image stabilisation, and vibration reduction that work together to produce top quality images that are much needed in the dental profession. The quality of the lens matters, as it will impact the focal length and the final results.
Flash
The best camera for dental photography comes with a couple of flash options like full-manual settings for flash-diffuser to offer smooth results. If you are looking for high-quality close-up dental pictures with no shadows and precise colours, then get a macro camera, lens and ring flash. After all, the ring flash was invented precisely for dental photography to create crisper photos.
There are two types of ring flashes, the Light Emitting Diode and Through-The-Lens. However, do not buy LED ring flashes as the pictures will come out dark. So, go for the Through-The-Lens flashes for dental photography camera.
Verdict
All the cameras listed in this guide for dental photography indeed make for a great choice. While the right kind of digital camera system has become vital for photographing dental practice and images, it is equally essential to understand your photography needs, the features of camera you are planning to buy and ensure that it best suits your requirements and preferences or not.
Whether it is lab communication, marketing, or case documentation, or for dental treatment purposes, one need quality dental images to rely on and draw conclusions. For educational reasons also, some images may need higher details with precise color. Therefore, the decision to buy the right dental photography camera is an important one. Just keep the above guidelines in mind when buying the camera and make sure that the equipment you buy perfectly suits your requirements, preferences, and budget.
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