How to take intraoral photographs

We will introduce how to take intraoral standard photographs (5-shot series) easily using autofocus and auto flash, as well as the necessary equipment.

Contents: Why use a ring flash / Required equipment / Instructional videos / Web guides and related articles

Why use a ring flash for intraoral photography

Light easily reaches the molars
Because the ring-shaped flash tube is positioned right next to the lens, light can reach the back molars.
Achieves a deep depth of field
To keep both the front and back teeth in focus, you need to set the lens aperture between F22 and F25. The high output of the strobe compensates for the darkness caused by stopping down the aperture.
Reduces the influence of room lighting
By stopping down the aperture, the effects of room lights and reflections are minimized, allowing you to shoot using only the stable strobe light.
Accurately reproduces colors
Strobes are light sources with high color rendering properties (Ra96), capturing colors that are close to natural light.
Prevents blur
Because the flash duration is as short as a few thousandths of a second, both camera shake and subject motion blur are suppressed.

Required equipment

Ring Flash

MF18 II Macro Ring Flash (for Canon, Nikon, and Sony). It supports TTL auto-metering, allowing you to capture images with the proper brightness simply by pressing the shutter. Please check the Camera Compatibility Chart to see if your camera is supported.

Recommended cameras and lenses

We recommend lightweight, easy-to-use Nikon digital SLR cameras along with a macro lens that provides an optimal shooting distance from the patient. Since both are no longer in production, you will need to purchase them used.

Camera: Nikon D3500, D5600
Lens: AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR, Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD

If you are using a current Nikon mirrorless camera, the lightweight Z 50 or Z 30 is recommended. Since there are no lenses suitable for intraoral photography for mirrorless (Z-mount) yet, please attach the aforementioned SLR lenses using the Mount Adapter FTZ II.

If it is difficult to source cameras and lenses

We offer a subscription-based "Intraoral Photography Kit" that comes with the camera, lens, and ring flash pre-adjusted to our recommended settings. Replacements are provided free of charge in the event of a malfunction.