TOPIC: What camera to use

Hi, I am looking for some advise on the best digital cameras to use for my HIP inspections. I am currently using a large Canon SLR.  Works fine but is a little bulky.  John Graham

John many Inspectors use the Olympia cameras because they are tough however I just purchased a second Sony HXV5 because it has the best HD video of any compact on the market.
Also includes GPS and compass position no matter where you are kinda like Google Maps.
Another feature it has that I love is Twilight setting that takes 5 rapid fire shots to blend into one and eliminate all grain in darker shots such as attics and crawls.

Looking for cheap get a FUJI tough model that also is shock proof and water proof.

Those are the 3 best options and it depends on needs.
I also have a couple Sony and Nikon that have touch screen writing for notes.The brand new models do not seem to carry that feature that I found in the stores however.

John,

Go to this page: www.dcresource.com . The reviewer has been running every camera in the world through the same battery of tests for years now and you can get very clear and detailed comparisons, often side-by-side of similar models.

I use an Iphone, but for clarity, features and ease of use I would always go with Sony or Canon if using a separate camera. Sorry I couldn't give a model number as I'm not up on current models available. Both those brands seem to stand out in the quality of the picture especially in low light conditions, but like Dom mentioned, there may be more rugged brands which would strike a better balance between quality and durability. Just check out that page, it is like an encyclopedia for cameras.

I have been using an Olympus Fe series for two years now. Generic batteries are cheap, it can use the micro sd cards along with the oddball Olympus card (ZD?), The best part is 25mm equivalent lens.  I don't know how I worked without one.

My advice is wide angle to moderate (5X) zoom, rechargeable cheap battery, and don't spend so much on it that you will cry when it falls off the ladder top, into the pool, etc. because it will.

Good luck to you!

I am using Sony Cyber-shot from last two years and I think it is the best!! It has best shooting features and excellent photo and video quality and solid shooting performance.So I will suggest you to go with it otherwise you can also go with Nikon D7000.It is also good. For more information you can go here:

reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-d7000-body-only/4505-6501_7-34180830.html

Olympus Stylus Tough is the only way to go for me anymore.  (Thanks Jeff Pope)  Shockproof, dust proof, water proof (can be used under water without special cover to a limited depth).  I bought it after my last camera came out of my pocket while coming off the roof.  It slid perfectly down the roof right into the water filled gutter.  Luckily I keep an extra and just moved the memory card to my spare to finish the inspection.

Just took video of my wife's equestrian clinic a couple days ago.  Turned out great.