Are there camera recommendations for inspections? I bought a $40 camera but the resolution and focus was really bad on it, so capturing photos of labels was impossible. I’m looking for something that works well and is reasonable in price
I use an iPad Mini.
What were the reviews on a $40.00 camera?
You’ll need to add a zero to that cost. $400 will get you a good pocket size camera.
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I use a “Fuji XP 130”. Shock proof/water proof, $359.95 on Amazon. Always have my Google Pixel 6/smart phone as backup.
Price varies a little depending on the color.
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Pretty much any Samsung, Apple, Motorola, or other fairly respectable cell phone bought in the last decade will give you all the camera power you need. 
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I agree except for maybe enough optical zoom.
Just walk closer. 
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Yes, well…
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Search B&H and KEH for Refurbished or used cameras. I have used both with good results.
Also, drop in to a local Pawn Shop and see what they have available.
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What is your concept or expectation for a reasonable price?
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NIKON COOLPIX L320. Takes great pics, has built in flash, good zoom and uses standard AA rechargable batteries. You can pick one up on ebay for under 75.00. I’ve been using one for eight years and still going.
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Use to use that camera. Good solid bridge camera with good starter supper zoom at x26. Good starter camera.
Now I purchase no camera with less that X50. Super zoom bridge cameras allow you to take images further away as if you were on top of that component.
Pictures save your ass. I take 150 - 200 visual images per condo. 400 plus per 2.5 story home. 10-20 thermograms.
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Nikon Coolpix S4.
My current one I bought on Ebay for less than $100.00. X10 zoom lens section rotates, fits in shirt pocket.
They key to taking pictures of labels is to switch into macro mode on the camera. On a Coolpix (Nikon) it is a little graphix of a flower. Always shoot with high resolution for clear pictures. After loading the pictures to your computer use a bulk utility (Fast Stone) to decrease picture size so the pictures take up less report space.
Back up camera is also a Coolpix (P100). 26x zoom and a switchable eye view piece for backlit shots (where screenview is washed out). Older camera, also on Ebay for less than a buck.
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Yep! I use a Canon Powershot SX60HS. I can take a picture of a gnats ass hairs at 300’! It has an aperture adjustment which comes in real handy to control low or high light conditions. All of my pictures are taken in super high resolution and later reduced to 640 X 640 with clarity that can kill! In high res if I suspect the gnats ass hairs are dirty I can expand that and check it out.
Only bad thing about the camera is that it has so many features I would never use it gets in the way sometimes.
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Exactly why you don’t need ALL THAT.
This is one of those questionable needs! A gnat’s ass voyeur!
Simple is better. 1.) Camera is not bulky, isn’t a pain to drag around. 2.) 10X zoom is plenty, you’re not inspecting from the next block over 3.) Macro mode for closeup - text on serial plates. 4.) high resolution for detail - can crop picture to show small area w/good detail - you can always reduce picture size with software.
Consider all the pros and cons presented in this thread. Make your own list and decide what features are essential for your use! We can’t do it for you and you may identify needs not covered here.
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Yes, I’ve been using that model for years now, I have three, just in case!