Thread: Looking for a good digital camera for home inspections

Amazon is currently selling successor model DMC-ZS7 for $249. I'd love to get it, but my beat up 4 year old DMC-TZ1 just will NOT quit

Originally Posted by Mike Krueger

Hello all,

The tough cameras sound really attractive for the durability but I don't like the fact that you have to compromise the quality of the photo, and zoom to get it. I totally agree with Bob (above). I did some research along with Bob's positive remarks about the Sony HX5V and decided to buy one. I didn't get it yet but I can let you know in a month or so how it's working for me.

I have a cheap GE A735 7 meg. I bought for $50 new on sale. I dropped it several times used it in crawl spaces, in the Wis cold, and protected it the best I could in the rain and it still works great. It's not a tough camera either. So I hope to get the same toughness out of this new Sony.

Thank you all for your input. Have a Merry Christmas!


If interested the best price I could find was one of the stores on amazon.com.

mk Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5V, 10.2 Megapixels Digital Camera (Black) $279.00 $279.00 1 Promo Digital: Case,Tripod, Lens Cleaning Kit ,LCD Screen Protector, Fiber Cloth & Memory Wallet $0.00 $0.00 Sub-Total: $279.00 Ground $0.00 Total: $279.00

(good price)
Mike you are going to love it.
Pictures are my notes and I take 200-300@ job plus videos so if you are using them for information you will be very happy with the choice.

So far I do not need to change to the second battery unless doing two jobs in a row but it is good to have backup.
Nice size screen for client replays also.

Only issue is sound quality for summer concert videos.(not good with Bass)

Originally Posted by Michael Thomas

Amazon is currently selling successor model DMC-ZS7 for $249. I'd love to get it, but my beat up 4 year old DMC-TZ1 just will NOT quit

Just saw a good review for that camera in todays Chicago Sun Times on page 11.

By the way I have never had a manufacture built in battery go bad on me yet.
My 10 year old Nikon Cool pix battery is still cooking.

Originally Posted by Bob Elliott

Just saw a good review for that camera in todays Chicago Sun Times on page 11.

By the way I have never had a manufacture built in battery go bad on me yet.
My 10 year old Nikon Cool pix battery is still cooking.

Bought the Pentax W90. Very disappointed in the proprietary battery that came with it. More experimentation to come

Originally Posted by JB Thompson

Bought the Pentax W90. Very disappointed in the proprietary battery that came with it. More experimentation to come

Never tried a Pentax but good to know.Especially since the model mentioned above by Scott intrigued me.
Anyone using the Kodak tag feature and finding it helpful to sort pictures into your reports or as a note taking feature.
I was looking at the slice and the Kodak easy share software 8.2 on the internet is all viruses even on c net.
Kodak has no working chat support either.
Whats up with that?.
Links download the old Picture Reporter of all things.hahaha.

Originally Posted by Bob Elliott

Never tried a Pentax but good to know.Especially since the model mentioned above by Scott intrigued me.
.

don't count it out yet. let me play with it some more and let you know.

Originally Posted by JB Thompson

don't count it out yet. let me play with it some more and let you know.

Ah I did not catch you had just bought it.
Not play mom but did you let it charge fully overnight before messing around with it?
Those things have a memory.

Originally Posted by JB Thompson

don't count it out yet. let me play with it some more and let you know.

I get a couple hundred pictures from a battery before it needs charging, I just placed it on the charger and I have right at 217 pictures with about half using the flash on this charge.

My Nikon Coolpix S630 gets around 400 on a charge, it has a 1050 mAh battery. But it is not half as tough as the W90.

Originally Posted by Bob Elliott

Ah I did not catch you had just bought it.
Not play mom but did you let it charge fully overnight before messing around with it?
Those things have a memory.

Bob, the charger has a light on it (red) that goes out after it is charged. With this understanding, I removed it from the charger after the light went out.

I don't get the impression that it continues to trickle when the light is out.

But yes, I did charge it before messing around with it ... not overnight though.

Scott, I like the feeling of being able to get it wet, dirty, etc..., but since it is an electronic device, I'm still treating it with kid gloves.

I also bought a Wasabi Power 1000 mAh extra battery. It lasts longer but not much. I'll know more in a few days.

I decided on the Canon SX210IS, my decision was driven by (in order);

1) Small size - this one is only slightly larger than the standard point & shoot type.
2) Optical zoom - 14X !! With optical image stabilization.
3) 28mm wide angle lens
4) Battery life - seem good so far
5) Screen size - 3"

I can see the argument for AA batteries but a spare Li-Ion pack isn't too much and will normally outlast the AA's.

Originally Posted by John Kogel

OK, call me cheeep, Nikon Coolpix, takes AA batteries, can take about 400 pics on rechargeables, has all the faults of a retracting lens, but takes good pics, I've posted lots here. Use the Portrait setting and leave it there.
I have dropped this one on concrete from twenty feet up and it stayed alive, but the lens wasn't out at the time. A previous one dropped on concrete, the flash bulb broke. $90 at London Drugs. I have a pouch with a belt clip. Yes, the lens will wear out from 50 on/offs a day.
My spare is a Fuji Finepix with a 2 second timer that is lacking on the Nikons. I use that for the camera pole, 5 or 6 times a year. It also takes AA's. It stopped focusing correctly after about a year.

I do the same as John. I buy 2 Nikon L22's when on sale for about $90. I get up to 5-6 months per camera. Duracell AA rechargeble batteries are great. If dropped the battery door may break due to it's poor latching hardware. Otherwise, the display eventually self-destructs. I've never had problems with the lenses on these. They are a little slow not to focus, but with the shutter and (or) shutter & flash.

I buy the extended warranty plan for 1 camera.

Hi Guys

My dead camera shelf is groaning under the weight of four Poloroids, three Sony Mavicas, a Samsung Digimax and now a Nikon Koolpix. The Samsung developed problems after two years of hard use and started gave mangled images.

Sams had the Nikon Koolpix L22 which has worked fine but has a under designed battery door latch with a tiny plastic catch that wears out and now won't keep the door shut without a rubber band.

So I'm looking at cameras again. I find that these cameras seem to exhaust my rechargible AA's awfully fast, some times after only a few shots. I use both the quick 15 minute chargers and the slower ones with Sony, Duracell and Nuon batterys. I'd like to stay with AA's to standardize my gear.

Most cameras are too smooth and lack grippable texture and profile; especially in cold conditions. I'm kinda stuck with Big Book stores here in Anchorage. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

Originally Posted by Kris Ericsen

Hi Guys

My dead camera shelf is groaning under the weight of four Poloroids, three Sony Mavicas, a Samsung Digimax and now a Nikon Koolpix. The Samsung developed problems after two years of hard use and started gave mangled images.

Sams had the Nikon Koolpix L22 which has worked fine but has a under designed battery door latch with a tiny plastic catch that wears out and now won't keep the door shut without a rubber band.

So I'm looking at cameras again. I find that these cameras seem to exhaust my rechargible AA's awfully fast, some times after only a few shots. I use both the quick 15 minute chargers and the slower ones with Sony, Duracell and Nuon batterys. I'd like to stay with AA's to standardize my gear.

Most cameras are too smooth and lack grippable texture and profile; especially in cold conditions. I'm kinda stuck with Big Book stores here in Anchorage. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

If you're going to stick with AA batteries, may I suggest buying the Maha Powerex 2700 mAh batteries and a Maha charger? I can't say enough about how great they are or how long they last.

As far as cameras, I just bought the Pentax W90. It has a proprietary battery so I bought an extra one.

Originally Posted by Mike Krueger

Hello all,

It's time to replace my digital camera.

I'm looking for a point and shoot with:
good battery system
good pic quality
fast at taking pics (focus & shutter speed)
good software
small enough

Does this camera exist?

Thank you for the advice in advance. Have a great day all!
mk

After destroying several Canons (from dirt/dust during crawls) which I loved due to the small size and the infrared focus that allowed me to shoot in the dark I discovered the Olympus Stylus waterproof units. Waterproof, shock (drop) proof. The current model I have is the 720SW and it's several years old. 7.1 mp, waterproof to 10 feet, drop proof to 5 feet, pretty scratch proof screen and about the size of a regular pack of smokes. It even fits in the leather belt case the Canon did. Check out places like Overstock.com: Online Shopping - Bedding, Furniture, Electronics, Jewelry, Clothing & more
Right now they have an Olympus X-560WP 10MP kit for $99. Includes case, XD card, mini tripod etc. Sweet deal.

I've been rotating two Nikon L22s for the past year or so. Not bad inspection cameras but the plastic battery door is a joke. I bought the warranty on one and its been sent out 3x, worth it. Then #2 comes into play.

Based on these reviews I did buy a Sony HX5V and have liked it so far but the battery life is horrible even in Stamina mode. I have two and barely make it through a full day without recharging on gigs. Ironically, I dropped from 5' today and hit the corner of LCD and it still works but LCD is cracked and 50% gel now. I DO like the camera, however.

And, STILL using a Panasonic DMC-TZ3K from 2007 or 08 that, as Michael Thomas said, just won't quit. Best camera but not necessarily used every day. For a retractable lens I haven't a speck of dust on the sensor yet. I've used several DMC-TZ5s and they were rugged but every one of them allowed massive dust bypass and floaters in the images. Cheap camera and good for the relatively short shelf life.

Lastly, if I need a close up, the Canon 7D and Tamron 70-300mm comes out. Nothing like it, won't miss a detail even from sitting in the truck. Now that's funtography, if but just a tad overkill.

Hi, I know this thread is a bit older, but I have the same question. We need point and shoot that will last through heavy daily use, be protected from moisture/dust. I have been thinking of a waterproof camera- anyone using one of these? If so, which brand/model is working for you?

We have following needs:
rechargeable battery
protection from elements (prefer non retracting lens)
durable
will work with heavy daily use on/off -usually have 10 properties per day with 100-300 each house.
clear photos - we use VGA 640 x 480 not required to be high quality, just clear

Non Requirements:
Infrared
drop proof
high zoom (5x is plenty)

We have used Nikon coolpix, Fujifilm waterproof/older model/slow,and Canon point and shoot, these dont last very long. The SLR is too bulky and dont need that quality of pics. We tether cameras around neck so we dont drop them. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

- - - Updated - - -

Hi, I know this thread is a bit older, but I have the same question. We need point and shoot that will last through heavy daily use, be protected from moisture/dust. I have been thinking of a waterproof camera- anyone using one of these? If so, which brand/model is working for you?

We have following needs:
rechargeable battery
protection from elements (prefer non retracting lens)
durable
will work with heavy daily use on/off -usually have 10 properties per day with 100-300 each house.
clear photos - we use VGA 640 x 480 not required to be high quality, just clear

Non Requirements:
Infrared
drop proof
high zoom (5x is plenty)

We have used Nikon coolpix, Fujifilm waterproof/older model/slow,and Canon point and shoot, these dont last very long. The SLR is too bulky and dont need that quality of pics. We tether cameras around neck so we dont drop them. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

I use the Olympus TG. Not the cheapest and the cycle between pics is longer than the Canon, but it has been durable. I believe I got 2+ years out of the last one. The Canons typically last less than 1 year.

Originally Posted by sherry lowe

Hi, I know this thread is a bit older, but I have the same question. We need point and shoot that will last through heavy daily use, be protected from moisture/dust. I have been thinking of a waterproof camera- anyone using one of these? If so, which brand/model is working for you?

We have following needs:
rechargeable battery
protection from elements (prefer non retracting lens)
durable
will work with heavy daily use on/off -usually have 10 properties per day with 100-300 each house.
clear photos - we use VGA 640 x 480 not required to be high quality, just clear

Non Requirements:
Infrared
drop proof
high zoom (5x is plenty)

We have used Nikon coolpix, Fujifilm waterproof/older model/slow,and Canon point and shoot, these dont last very long. The SLR is too bulky and dont need that quality of pics. We tether cameras around neck so we dont drop them. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

- - - Updated - - -

Hi, I know this thread is a bit older, but I have the same question. We need point and shoot that will last through heavy daily use, be protected from moisture/dust. I have been thinking of a waterproof camera- anyone using one of these? If so, which brand/model is working for you?

We have following needs:
rechargeable battery
protection from elements (prefer non retracting lens)
durable
will work with heavy daily use on/off -usually have 10 properties per day with 100-300 each house.
clear photos - we use VGA 640 x 480 not required to be high quality, just clear

Non Requirements:
Infrared
drop proof
high zoom (5x is plenty)

We have used Nikon coolpix, Fujifilm waterproof/older model/slow,and Canon point and shoot, these dont last very long. The SLR is too bulky and dont need that quality of pics. We tether cameras around neck so we dont drop them. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Used a panasonic w90 until it gave up the ghost. Now using a panansonic lumix. I like the camera but it feels a little slippery. some grip tape would fix that.

I had one day where it glitched and the lens (inside) somehow stuck. I whacked it on my desk and it's worked ever since.

I've got to ask....how is it that one person can do 10 inspections in one day? Are you talking about a regular home inspection?

Thats what I was thinking...10 inspections with 100 - 300 photos per?

Anyway.................
My criteria is much different. I want as much zoom as I can get. I have used Pansonic Lumix for years, but they just don't seem to last. Either the zoom breaks, or dirt gets inside and leaves spots on the photos. I just bought a couple SamsungWB250F on Black Friday and less than half price. I'll see how they work out for me.

Pentax WG-10 prices have dropped. I just bought another one at Target for $129.99. You will need backup batteries but it comes with one proprietary rechargeable. This is the camera that I use for dirty crawls, enclosed lens, water proof, 5x optical zoom.

Olympus TG-620. Water, shock & dust proof, lens does not extend so lens jamming is not an issue, has a 5X zoom. Mine cycles a lot faster than the Fuji and Nikons I used in the past. Normally not a problem to get 300 photos (mixed flash & no flash) between charges. Resolution is good and the macro function with the LED lighting lets me get good close ups of data plates and electric panels without the photos getting washed out by a flash. ISO goes to 6400 so dark crawlspaces and attics usually show up pretty well. Been using it for about 15 months or so now, did not even realize that it had been that long, and it has been trouble free.

Go with an affordable "rugged" camera, it's the only way to go in this business. I used go through about two camera's a year. They usually go bad after getting dust and dirt in the lens. I finally got a rugged camera "Fujifilm XP55". It's water, shock, and dust proof, has a sealed lens which is great for crawlspaces. I might look at buying a new camera soon if I can find a better rugged camera for $200 or less.

Many inspectors are starting to use smart phones and tablets as their primary camera. Most of the software providers are making mobile versions of the software that run on smart phones & tablets.

Originally Posted by Trent Tarter

Go with an affordable "rugged" camera, it's the only way to go in this business. I used go through about two camera's a year. They usually go bad after getting dust and dirt in the lens. I finally got a rugged camera "Fujifilm XP55". It's water, shock, and dust proof, has a sealed lens which is great for crawlspaces. I might look at buying a new camera soon if I can find a better rugged camera for $200 or less.

Many inspectors are starting to use smart phones and tablets as their primary camera. Most of the software providers are making mobile versions of the software that run on smart phones & tablets.

Check out the Pentax, see my post below.

I sued and Olympus for a couple of years until the figures wore off the control knob. I went to get another and they didn't have the original but an upgraded version. That one was a dog. It would take at least 5-10 seconds to auto ficus or what ever it was doing.

I have two Nikon Coolpix AW100s now. You will need extra batteries and likely a car charger. It works fairly well and takes decent pictures.

Originally Posted by JB Thompson

Used a panasonic w90 until it gave up the ghost. Now using a panansonic lumix. I like the camera but it feels a little slippery. some grip tape would fix that.

I had one day where it glitched and the lens (inside) somehow stuck. I whacked it on my desk and it's worked ever since.

I've got to ask....how is it that one person can do 10 inspections in one day? Are you talking about a regular home inspection?

No, must be insurance inspections, Just pics, not much write up, very low pay.

Yeah, I tried the cheap Canon when I had to grab something quick. Lens started jamming after 2 months, zoom switch has a hair trigger, then retracting it jams. POC.