Digital Cameras

joel_19

Hi guys. I would like to give all our technicians, installers, etc. cameras. I want them to be able to document what they see. Does anyone have any recommendations on one? It needs to be a decent quality, but even more important, is that it needs to be heavy duty - since it will be in vans/trucks/basements, etc. Any suggestions? Thanks,

Erika Boucher

Constantin

You may want to consider...

... the Pentax Optio. Waterproof, pretty compact, 5MP, etc. May be worth considering, particularly if coupled with a hard case.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Here's a Ruggedized Digital Camera designed especially for the construction trades.

Looks like that model is discontinued.

Here's the latest Konika "Construction" Camera. Unfortunately, I can't find any on-line sources to buy. Looks like it's only available in Japan at present.

Here's a Ruggedized Digital Camera from Kodak It is available from on-line sources.

Maine Doug_20

Cameras

I would suggest not buying too much camera. They will get roughly handled, bounced around and dirty. For documenting work, you probably do not need beautiful 8 x 10 glossies. For publishing on the web, you do not need high resolution high - megapixel digital images. A camera that is physically small might be difficult to use with manly man hands that are at home with pipe wrenches for 6 inch mains.
If you want some light bedtime reading, check out this site-

http://www.dpreview.com/

I have an old Nikon Coolpix that has the lens half of the camera that rotates. I am approaching 5000 pictures thru this thing. So I would suggest buy cheap but look for a good flash and the ability to focus close enough for work in tight places. Most techs etc carry some lighting anyway and it is amazing what a couple of light bulbs can do.
If the cameras last a couple of years in a truck or tool bag be happy.

Patchogue Phil_28

Newer Konica

I think that camera may be replaced with a newer model
Konica DG-3Z.

Constantin

The one feature I would look for...

.. is an auto-focus assist light. This is a nifty little feature that many entry-level cameras lack. Without the AF assist, a camera will have a very difficult time focusing in low-light situations. Considering that these cameras are meant to be used in basements, this feature is very important if you want to have sharp pictures.

I also prefer cameras that have compact flash memory modules.

I would look for something in the 4 or less megapixel range. You're not looking for prize-winning photographs here, just a record of the before and after, right?

Geo_5

digital cam

Thers nothing like a 5mega-pixel cam for zooming in on things but I just picked up a 1.3mp cell phone that takes a real nice pic and you can send video (15 second) too.

http://www.motorola.com/motoinfo/product/details/0,,82,00.html