Digital Cameras

[wmisegades (William T. Misegades)]

@dedwards

Same here. One other way to increase the speed of finalizing the report using your photos as notes is to have two computer monitors. You can put all the photos up on one screen and do the report on the other instead of having to flip back and forth. Saves scads of time, reduces eye strain (monitors are cheap these days so go big or don’t go at all). Rarely take notes as my camera is my notepad. I always carry not only spare batteries (mine seem to last for days as I turn it off when not using it) but I carry a spare identical camera so if I want to swap the SD cards I can. K.I.S.S.

I like that idea!

[tpappas (Troy N. Pappas)]

@kleonard

Here’s what I use. http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1497

Same here. I have a battery in camera, a spare in my case, and a plug in charger available if needed.

[bsmith (Bill Smith)]

Canon SX120 with a 10x optical zoom. It’s starting to act up, so I have a new SX150 (12x optical zoom) waiting in the wings. For me AA batteries are the way to go. I cycle fresh rechargables in the camera and always have spare non-rechargables handy.
Tip - when you get the “battery low” icon flashing on your screen, switch the postion of the batteries in the camera. I can usually get an additional 30-40 pics that way.

[jbraun (James E. Braun, CMI)]

I get a good 500 pictures off a set of rechargeable good brand name AA baterries. I keep an extra set on a charger in my van, just in case.

[jbraun (James E. Braun, CMI)]

I also do not take notes. If the property is really bad a use the voice memo on my Iphone.

[lkage (Larry Kage, CMI)]

These have a fantastic life for cameras, etc.:

http://www.bigw.com.au/media/BIGW/Product/300x300/5029495_0_9999_med_v1_m56577569830498791.jpg

[tspargo (Tim Spargo, CMI)]

I dropped my stylus tough off a ladder today at a commercial inspection , I picked it up and kept using it

I docarry a spare (actually I carry 2 of a lot of things)

[gayers (Gregory Ayers)]

Thanks for all the good advise, from this information I have been researching different models. I believe I will purchase one of them tomorrow. I like both the Canon and Olympus models that I will look at and decide. Thanks for all the help. Greg:)

[mparker1 (Michael Parker, NYS Lic. 16000046690)]

Make sure you get the extra protection program in case you drop it.

[clambert2 (Charles Lambert)]

Ok, so then most are using the camera instead of pen and paper. I see.
I use a Droid now enter as I see it pictures when taken go directly into report no fuss.

[jbraun (James E. Braun, CMI)]

Whose software are you using, Charles?

[kleonard (Kevin Leonard, CPI/CMI)]

@jbraun

Whose software are you using, Charles?

Possibly - Companion mobile apps for tablets and phones | 3D Products | About | User Community

[clambert2 (Charles Lambert)]

@jbraun

Whose software are you using, Charles?

3D been using it for 11 years now

[jpope (Jeffrey Pope, CMI, CHI, CPI, ICC)]

@clambert2

Ok, so then most are using the camera instead of pen and paper. I see.
I use a Droid now enter as I see it pictures when taken go directly into report no fuss.

I still don’t understand the “note” thing. I just enter the info directly into the report.

@mparker1

Make sure you get the extra protection program in case you drop it.

You don’t need the protection plan with the Olympus. Go ahead and drop it, in fact, drop it often. These things are tough.

[belliott (Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)]

@jpope

I still don’t understand the “note” thing. I just enter the info directly into the report.

You don’t need the protection plan with the Olympus. Go ahead and drop it, in fact, drop it often. These things are tough.

Jeff you do not understand it because I bet you do not talk to the clients during the inspection process.
Am I right?

[tspargo (Tim Spargo, CMI)]

Bob is correct, you can not possibly talk to a client and collect/input data at the same time… there is NO WAY POSSIBLE

You MUST… however,

*create a new narrative for every problem, every time, as a leaky nipple at water heater is different, every place and every time
*You must create this narrative @ home/office AND it must be off-site.

• You must take at least 3 pictures (close up as well) of said defect. As some items, like a door that rubs, can not be documented without a picture.

Those are the rules.

I’m kidding, so you must be kidding too… right?

[jpope (Jeffrey Pope, CMI, CHI, CPI, ICC)]

@belliott

Jeff you do not understand it because I bet you do not talk to the clients during the inspection process.
Am I right?

Of course I do. Where are you going with this?

Clients don’t normally follow me around during the entire inspection, but they often ask questions during the course of the inspection. I don’t walk them around and explain what it is I’m looking at or taking pictures of, but at the end of the inspection, I tell them of every defect I discovered and show them anything they wish to see.

[kleonard (Kevin Leonard, CPI/CMI)]

Before I buy a new camera next year I am going to have to look real hard at this first. Pocket PC has been great but I wonder how much longer it will be supported.

http://www.3dinspection.com/support/files/forumpics/ANDROID_VIDEO_ER_Bousquet.wmv

[clambert2 (Charles Lambert)]

@kleonard

Before I buy a new camera next year I am going to have to look real hard at this first. Pocket PC has been great but I wonder how much longer it will be supported.

http://www.3dinspection.com/support/files/forumpics/ANDROID_VIDEO_ER_Bousquet.wmv

Either on the Droid or a Win 7 phone I think you will really like it. The droids have more size options. I use a Dell Streak 7 (7 inch droid) however I am looking at the Samsung Galaxy Player 5 for a possible better fit.

[belliott (Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)]

@tspargo

Bob is correct, you can not possibly talk to a client and collect/input data at the same time… there is NO WAY POSSIBLE

You MUST… however,

*create a new narrative for every problem, every time, as a leaky nipple at water heater is different, every place and every time
*You must create this narrative @ home/office AND it must be off-site.

• You must take at least 3 pictures (close up as well) of said defect. As some items, like a door that rubs, can not be documented without a picture.

Those are the rules.

I’m kidding, so you must be kidding too… right?

Not sure about that overboard excited comment but I do know that preloading my template with the word “satisfactory” 500 times over and over is not as good as mentioning type of window with a picture showing the window.You might be surprised to learn that many have no idea how to remove the lower window for cleaning as example.

I often use pictures as an opportunity to show first time home buyers parts of a home they may not know about.

Too much ?..that is opinion and personal option of those that simply wish to get in and out based on a business model of doing 4 inspections a day.

My reports may have a picture showing how to light the fireplace with text and arrows pointing to sparker,pilot,furnace filter location,fridge filter location,locations needing caulking and my clients are grateful for the help.

When on location my head is not down tapping away like a teenager driving on the expressway nor am I running into the next room to click on a box.
I am however talking to my client and paying attention.

Anybody thinking a report contains “too much” may simply be trying to get by on a minimum amount of input ,however as mentioned it all depends on business model.My business model includes the client silly me.
I must be radical because I actually prefer a client to be present and working side by side with me.