shooting large metallic objects

I work for a small but growing server VAR (value added reseller), and
we'd like to step up the quality of our product photos. We originally
purchased the largest Red Wing cocoon from B&H, which based on its
specified dimensions SHOULD have fit our servers, but it was not
rectangular. So we're now looking for other solutions (building our own
giant cocoon?), and I'm hoping someone here can help.

Basically, we have large metallic objects -- rail kits and servers --
measuring upwards of 17x13x25 inches for some of our larger servers. We
need isometric, which is what prevented them from fitting into the
cocoon, head-on and rear shots, and I've been shooting from a distance of
6-10 feet in order to avoid as much barrel distortion from the lens as
possible.

Other than the size, the biggest issue is that the servers are generally
several shades of black (eg. a painted black metal grille with black
plastic behind it, and holes in that plastic that lead into the even
darker internals of the machine), with shiny metallic parts all around.
We need to capture as much detail as possible in the blacks and shadows
without overexposing the metallics.

I think I've done OK with what I have (eg.
http://www.siliconmechanics.com/i1206/timages), but I've reached the
limits of my rather limited knowledge of photography (I'm a
web programmer/designer with some outdoors photo knowhow, but very little
studio experience).

Oh, and we're currently using a Sony DSC-S75 3Mp digital camera (should be
more than adequate), a handful of tungsten lights and a white paper
backdrop.

I see our solution comprising a mixture of better lighting, and a more
experienced photoshop user. The latter we can find, and we can build a
reasonable budget for the former, but only if we know what to get. Any
ideas, pointers, links, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

-Chris Petersen

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