Which dental camera should I buy?

I love to write about ways to help dentists get better images. I discuss things like composition, mirror and retractor position, how to get images without a second operator, getting great depth of field, how to never worry about lighting and a whole host of other things to help dentists get the absolute best images in their community. However, no matter where I go, or who I teach, almost every dentist, assistant or hygienist who approaches me starts with "Which camera should I buy?"

It's a curious question, but one with which I am not surprised. You see, dental professionals are techies, or most are, at least. We love to look through our dental journals and learn about the latest and greatest products and see the new bells and whistles that will make the delivery of care easier and more efficient. Naturally, it would follow that when it comes to cameras, the equipment we choose will make all the difference, right? Well, not really.

I know that right now it's not in vogue to quote Lance Armstrong, but I've long quoted the title of his book "It's not about the bike." When it comes to getting amazing dental images, it's simply not about the camera. Sure, the equipment you use will play a role in your images, to a point, but I have been at dental meetings where I grabbed a point and shoot, took a couple of images and challenged anyone in the room to match my composition and lighting.

Here's a secret you probably already know: The key to exceptional dental images is NOT the camera setup you buy,  but rather, the way you use it. If you have exceptional ability at using mirrors and retractors, you can use virtually any camera and get great images. If you know what a histogram is and how to use f-stops for amazing depth of field, you could use any SLR camera for perfect shots every time regardless of camera brand.

So, the next time you're wondering if you have the right camera setup, feel free to email me at Glenn@Kriegercontinuum.com and ask. Whether it's a 10 year old Fuji S2 or a brand new Nikon D7000, recognize that both of these cameras can give you great images. However, as I tell most who e-mail me, be less worried about your setup and more worried about your skills. Instead of looking to invest in a new camera, consider my 2 clinical photography DVDs and shoot amazing images regardless of your SLR camera setup.

Click HERE to see our DVDs.

Best Wishes,
Glenn

5 Tips To Capture Amazing Images

Our 3rd webinar in our series "Getting Started With Clinical Photography" has now been posted on our website. You can see it by clicking HERE.

Thanks to everyone who came and listed to our webinars. For those of you in different time zones, don't worry. We're going to give them again next month at times specifically for you.

If you have an ideas for future presentations or if there's anything you'd like to see, please let us know.

Best Wishes,
Glenn

Webinar Now Posted- 5 Ways to Use Your Dental Camera System for Maximum Efficiency

Our 2nd webinar in the "Getting Started With Clinical Photography" series was a huge success tonight. Thanks to all 84 people who signed up.

If you want to see it (again) is is available HERE.

If you want to sign up for our 3rd, and final webinar in this particular series, you can do so by clicking HERE.

Best Wishes,
Glenn

Archived webinar now available-Sign up for the next one!

Hi Everybody.

I wanted to thank the 83 people who signed up for my webinar "8 Tips for Buying the Right Clinical Camera System" earlier this evening. It was the first in a three part series of 15 minute webinars called "Getting Started With Clinical Photography".

We've gotten a lot of requests for people who missed it, so we've archived it on our website. You can find it by clicking HERE.

Our second part in the series, "5 Ways to Use Your Dental Camera System for Maximum Efficiency" will be held next Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM EST. You can register for free by clicking HERE.

Best Wishes,
Glenn

8 Tips For Buying the Right Camera System For Clinical Dental Photography

Hi All!

I've decided to put on a 3 part webinar series on implementing clinical photography in the dental practice. I know how busy you are, so I always keep them to less than 20 minutes and I leave time for questions afterwards.

Join me this Tuesday evening at 7:30 EST as I present the first one "8 Tips For Buying a Clinical Dental Photography System".

Click Here to be directed to the registration page and please feel free to tell your friends and team members.

Best Wishes,
Glenn

Assistants and Clinical Dental Photography

"Whatever you are, be a good one." —Abraham Lincoln

This is a short post, but one that I think is one of the most important I have ever posted.

As I travel around talking about clinical photography inevitably the conversation turns to the one big statement..."My staff doesn't want to use a big and bulky SLR camera" to which I always respond "To flippin bad for them". 

Sure an SLR is slightly heavier. I've done the math (yep, I'm a geek). The Nikon D3200 with an 85mm Nikkor lens and R1 flash weighs roughly 1075 grams. That's just over 2 1/2 pounds. I've seen many an out of shape team member carry a Costco birthday cake weighing 10 pounds with a smile on their face, so don't let tell me that a camera is too much trouble.

C'mon everybody...You went through college and persevered through dental school. May of you even went on to specialty programs. The fact that you even care enough about clinical photography to read my blog tells me that you are all the "creme de la creme" of dentistry. Hopefully, you have written mission and vision statements which you created with your amazing teams. If one of your goals is to excel at what you do, how can your team refuse to use a simple device (the SLR) which will give amazing images, increase case acceptance and make your practice stand out that much more in the community?!?!? Better yet, how can you let the get away with that?!?!?

Great teams follow great leaders. Make it a point that you have all worked so hard to get to where you are. There are shortcuts you can take and those you can't. Once you learn how to use an SLR, you will NEVER go back. It's like anything else with an adaptation period. Insist they use it for a while and your team will start to take great pride in the images they take, but like a diet, or workout commitment, the first three weeks are tough (read "Psycho Cybernetics by Maltz" for more). Once through the first 21 days, though, a transformation will happen and your team will be on board. 

Do I seem a little unyielding on this topic? Darn tootin'! Our names are on the building and we signed big notes to buy our practices. I try to be very fair with my team but I get what I want. However,  I would never ask any member to do anything that I wouldn't be willing to do, and I've personally shot an SLR for 20 years. 

If you ever have a team member who isn't willing to use an SLR with a smile on his/her face simply because you asked them, explain to them why you want them to do it and the importance in making your practice the best. If they're still not willing or they're complaining, well, it's up to you where you go next...

Go get great images and make your practice the best it can be and don't let an unhappy team member hold you back from being the best you can be. 

You can let them make excuses or you can get results. You choose the one that you want.

Best Wishes,

Glenn

Wireless Images for Clinical Photography-send to an iPod, phone or computer

I’ve been asked over the last several years if there is any good way to send images to mobile devices such as tablets or phones. With the popularity of iPad and Android tablets, many doctors want to start sharing images immediately with patients.

Though there are many good and bad reasons to warrant carefully deciding if that’s really a good idea, there are now many options for dentistry. I’ve looked at a bunch of different ways, and here is some feedback.

There are some really expensive ways (not what I want to do) and some really inexpensive ways to do it. Problem is, the ones that work with all cameras (expensive modules like the Nikon WT 5A) either cost too much or  aren’t practical and the ones that are inexpensive and work well (Nikon WU-1A) don’t work well for all cameras unless hacked.

The reviews on the Nikon WU-1A have been great, and for less than $50, its a great option-if you happen to use a Nikon D3200. If you use any other type of Nikon, well, you’re out of luck. Remember, it only sends you images to a tablet or phone, which is great ti show a patient, but is otherwise a pain to work with and store.

The Eye-Fi Pro X2 ($99)  is the best option for now, because it fits in every camera, will wirelessly transfer to your computer, tablet or phone quickly and easily. Simply hook up to your office (or home) network, designate the fie to which you want to send it and you’re set. Use the file on your computer the same way you might use a “holding” folder, then transfer them to the desired folder later. It’s a great way to work.


Before you go ahead and take the plunge, give a little thought about the logistics of how you plan on using this technology. How will you store images and if you want patients to sees it on an iPad or other tablet? Think of it in terms of a bigger system. Just remember the words of Steve Jobs...

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

If you want to learn how to get the best clinical images, or you want a resource for your team, consider using our acclaimed DVD available HERE .

Best wishes for an awesome 2013!!!

Glenn