Dentistry Technology Watch: Digital Dental Cameras Price Reductions
Canon continues the popular G-Series line of digital cameras with the new G6. The G6 expands all the features of the G5 with additional resolution – 7.1 megapixel resolution.
The Digital Dentist, Dr. Lorne Lavine, has The Bottom Drops Out.
The big news with digital cameras doesn’t seem to be exciting new cameras (although I’m sure new models are on the way). Rather, the steady decline in prices is the big story. Want an entry-level digital camera with “the works” (Camera, 32MB memory card, high quality macro lens, lighting attachment, memory card reader (for fast image transfer to the computer), hard case and Canon image organization software)? How does $1195 grab you? That’s what they are charging for their Canon A95 kit. The ever-popular G6 is down to $1495, and even the fantastic Rebel XT with Sigma 105mm lens, which debuted at over $2500, is now under $2000.
With fast USB 2 connections (either directly connected or with card readers) attached to intra-operatory computers with LCD monitors a number of dentists are using these digital still cameras in lieu of the more expensive and often quirky intra-oral cameras. Portrait and full profile photos are a snap and intra-oral mirrors aid in that close-up tooth or tissue view.
So, why not……?
Canon continues to refine and enhance their digital camera line with the new Rebel XT. In comparison to the original Digital Rebel, the Rebel XT has more resolution (8.0 vs 6.3 megapixel) and is 25% lighter and smaller. The Rebel XT also includes many of the features that made the Canon 20D popular for dental photography: ultra-fast startup time (0.2 secs), RAW + JPG mode, DIGIC II processor, USB 2.0, advanced color adjustment controls and custom functions for personalized camera operation.
Technorati Tags: dentist, dentistry, dental, Canon, Photomed.net, digital dental camera
3 Comments
Dave L
Since I’m probably going to be getting a new camera soon so I was thinking that I should get one that I could also use when I start treating patients in my 3rd year. After looking at those prices I’ve changed my mind, they may be cheap if you think of them as dental equipment, but they’re way out my budget as a student. Would it be possible to use an ordinary digital camera to take dental pictues or do you need a macro lens (and possibly other features)and anything else just won’t do the job?
Flap
Dave,
I would think you could pick up a reconditioned digital camera at a lesser price.
Call Photomed or check on E-bay.
And, yes, you need a macrolens and specialized flash for decent photos.
Dave L
Thanks.