Anyone ever use skins for your digital cameras?

[Kevin A. Spellman]

Paid $400 for a Cannon A50 power shot in 1999, with a built-in wide angle, still going. I have bought used A50s on EBay for $50-$150 for other appraisers who worked with me years ago. Very good camera for an appraiser, low resolution most shots around 120 kb. It works well for me.

 

[Blueprint]

Evan,

Why on earth would you want an "appraisal camera" without at least a 28mm (equiv.) lens? Seems like a waste of money to me. You said your previous Canon (which is one of my faves, BTW) gave out on you (from minor abuse, typical to the profession?), so why would you think the cheaper model will fare any better? Just some things to think about... I'm not trying to be critical, just to ask the "devil's advocate" type things to hopefully aid in thinking things through...

Anyway, it sounds like the problem is in the lens retraction system... (?) Some of that can be avoided by using a design that does not have this (very typical) type of lens assembly. There are some recently available (and another one just announced) cameras that, while being in the $330 - $400 range, may be a better VALUE for you (?) YMMV, of course.


You might consider one of the following. Both are semi-rugged designs which means they are:

• water-proof to about 30 feet
• dust-proof
• shock-resistant (5' - 6' drops)
• 28mm - 100mm+ (equiv) zoom lenses that are the non-protruding "folded lens" type that reduces the fragile moving parts that probably failed in your other camera

Available now - the Olympus Stylus SW 1030.
Detailed description: http://tinyurl.com/5z4teq
Pricing: ($330 - $400) http://tinyurl.com/5eouz9

Available in August - the Pentax Optio W60
Detailed description: http://tinyurl.com/5s4smy
Pricing: ($330) http://tinyurl.com/5pcagk


Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
..Apex Software..

/end/

Thanks for the input. I considered the Olympus Stylus 1030 and 850. They are well built, durable cameras yet were not as functional for me as the Canons are.

I admit I am biased toward Canon for their ease of use at all times. I don't want to have to fidget with the camera due to different light levels, be it inside or outside. My first camera was the SD200 which was easy to use, lasted a really long time and still takes great pics except for the fact that I killed the LCD on it!!! I went with the SD750 as it fares better on my wallet at this point over the SD870. I am going to treat the 750 a lot better and see how it works out. That's kinda why I am considering skins!!!

 

[Blueprint]

Apperently nobody uses skins. I'll have to try the first one I listed and let you guys know, hopefully 2+ years from now!!!

 

[Randall Garrett]

Evan,

Understood... I am also partial to Canon's.

I know you've already selected your camera so this is just for others: Despite it being about $75 more, I think the 1030 is a better "appraisal" camera than the 850 because it has a 28mm - 102mm (equiv.) lens where the 850 has a 38mm - 114mm (equiv.) kens.

I'll try to post something on the W60 when I get one.

-Randall Garrett-
..Apex Software..

/end/

 

[Metamorphic]

....can you take the pixles down to around 1+ to prevent file overload.....rs

Memory is cheep, going back to get a better picture to make a point is expensive. A couple weeks ago in a class the instructor said an attorney contacted him. He was involved in some litigation regarding a some construction on a house that the appraiser had appraised a while back. The attorney was looking for a "before" picture of some amenity to make a point. The appraiser had it in his file, and it was a good high quality shot. The attorney gladly sent over a $150 check for the photo. "Click send...get check!"


I floated the father's day idea, but apparently they've already got a plan.

I may have to treat myself. :icon_mrgreen:

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

18mm - 200mm is the 'right' choice. That pretty much means you can stand 15' away from the house and get it in, or zoom into that place that is 300 yd up a locked driveway. For any camera accepting a 37mm thread, you can buy a close up lens. My old Mavicas do great with a 0.5 closeup and I can literally "fisheye" a dwelling. The effective focal length is well under 20 mm.