Gary--

I've found the same to be true for making photos.

I bought an new full body digital a few years ago, bought a large light tent, and made inventory photos of knives just for the record.

But all the photos came out "muddy" and not worthy of showing off. Probably/maybe not enough light, but the "smart" camera might have/should have been able to make adjustment.

I have found that for inventory purposes I can use a standup white carboard background that I think somebody bought at Wal-Mart, and white or other background, on a southern exposure roofed back porch, use a white reflector to get the desired view on the blade, and touch the button on the cell phone. Does a pretty good job--and large file photo results which can be reduced in mb's for other purposes.

Here is an example: