Get Started with Dental Intraoral Photos
YOUR GUIDE THROUGH THE CONFUSION
The Basic Kit for Dental Photography is:
Camera body
Macro lens
Ring Flash
Mirrors
Retractors
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW
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What is the best camera body for dental photography?
If you are just starting out, I recommend getting an affordable DSLR camera. The two major brands are Nikon and Canon. With these two, there is a similar Coke vs. Pepsi war.
For a basic starter camera body, I recommend these:
As you advance your photography skills or would like to begin with making a one-time investment. These are my ultimate favorite camera body...full-sensor, mirrorless cameras. These cameras allow for my favorite feature, focus peaking.
Focus peaking is a feature that is underrated until the patient is dismissed and you sit to view the images on your computer to realize that the main area of your image is blurry.
I would recommend mirrorless cameras from three brands, Canon, Nikon, and Sony.
Canon mirrorless camera body
Nikon mirrorless camera body
Sony mirrorless camera body
I recommend getting a camera body with a flip-out screen which really comes in handy for vertically challenged people like myself.
What lens do I need for dental photography?
For portrait (extraoral) shots, a nifty fifty aka 50mm works great! It allows you to be closer to the patient, the patient further away from the background (eliminate shadows), and prevents most distortion.
For intraoral photos, a macro lens is needed. Either an 85mm, 100mm (my personal favourite), or 110mm.
CANON
NIKON
What flash is best for dental photography?
I have a few so let me break it down. Affordable, beginner flash is this Canon ring flash and Nikon ring flash Level up your game with these twin flashes that should work on both Canon or Nikon The highest level of flashes are these adjustable twin flashes from Photomed but be ready to drop some serious cash! This is my recommendation for extraoral studio photo lighting
Accessories for lighting in dental photography.
Light diffusers/ softeners are a great way to get a clean professional image.
IF YOU'RE IN SCHOOL, THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES SHOULD BE PROVIDED BY THE SCHOOL BUT IF NOT, THESE ARE MY RECOMMENDATIONS.
Retractors:
An extra but so valuable yet affordable accessory to avoid fogging of your mirrors...
Is this or this one. Read more about why this is game changing in this blog post.
Get a FREE camera setting guide here!
That's it!!
If you can find used items, that would help cut costs significantly, and ensure that different components will work together.
Now that you have everything that you need to start snapping some photos, do you know where to start with shot angles? Check out this video!