PBase

I am looking for a digital camera to photograph paintings and show them on the web including selling on e bay. Does anyone have any ideas as to which camera would be good in the under $400 price range

http://hometown.aol.com/svirgo91

For the web/ebay: Just about any camera in this price will have the resolution needed. A two-mega pixel is more than enough. The problem is with the flash. All of the cameras will have an on board flash that is close to the lens. When photographing flat object this will cause the flash to be bounced back into the lens. This is true for cameras with on board flash at all prices.

If you want, you can shoot slightly off to the side. This will cause the flash to bounce back at an angle missing the lens. This is not the best way to portray works of art. Buyers may wonder why the frame is not the same length on the top or sides. Again this is not the best way.

One solution is to shoot outdoors using natural light. This should be done in the shade. Sunlight falling on the artwork would have a harsh lighting and not look very good to the buyer. You would also need to watch for reflections.

Another solution would be to use daylight bulbs in regular floodlights inside your home. These can be purchased at a photo store. For normal size paintings you would need two. Place them one on each side at a 45-degree angle equal distance from the painting. The camera needs to be parallel with the painting.
Good luck
john