The only possible benefit I could see is some higher end standalone cameras can give a higher quality picture than some phones. Also standalone cameras may have a more powerful optical zoom.
Neither of these features outweigh the numerous benefits of using a modern phone camera and not having to drag along another device, in my opinion. Certainly efficiency is not improved with this method. Most phone cameras are way, way beyond good enough for report pictures.
Also, consider this; if you are using older software that generates PDF reports as your main report format, increased picture quality is not going to convey to your client.
That feature alone is a huge time saver. Three times today, I zoomed in on features high above me without having to position and climb a ladder to show the detail.
You are assuming the zoom found on most phones could not do the same though. At least at a level that is sufficient for reporting. That is not the case as far as I have found, even using the mid-level phones I have used.
Here are some pros to using your handheld computer that doubles as a camera and a communications device. One can weigh these against having (maybe) a better zoom.
Not have to carry two expensive devices around during the inspection.
Phone has a larger viewing screen, making it much easier to frame the picture correctly.
Google Lens.
Ability to instantly populate pictures into the report using mobile reporting software.
Phones have protective cases, cameras not so much.
Selfie camera comes in handy for looking upwards and taking pictures under low items like dryer vents near the ground.
Phone fits in pocket better than camera.
Camera controls on the phone are larger and easier to manage for bigger hands. For instance, most phones allow you to tap anywhere on the screen to snap a pic.
One less device to worry about charging.
P.S.- I’m not trying to sway anyone, use what you like. I’m just contesting the statement that a standalone camera is way, way better than a phone for inspection purposes.
My question–> IF you had used your phone, (remember I require HighRes for all pics), how far would you have made it before your phone maxed out or went dead? Extend that to if you also needed to write the report for your contributions?
Point being… phones have limitations that are often difficult to overcome… expecially now-a-days where most phones do not allow you to swap-out the battery for a fresh one to continue!!
My camera… I can swap out a battery in less that 10 seconds.
Way, way more than 351. I have a different phone now with gobs and gobs of memory (and a better camera). But even then, my older phone could easily hold 5,000 + high resolution photos. My new phone can hold probably 100,000 or more. (512 gb).
As far as battery life, most phones will be good for up to a full day of heavy usage fairly easily. But that can vary with whatever else you are doing on it. I prefer Motorola phones as they have the best batteries (in my and others opinions). I could probably go 3 days of inspecting without charging if I needed to. That is if I’m not playing my games or using it for other stuff. Luckily it is basically always charging when I am driving so low battery is never a concern.
Adjustable aperture allows taking pictures in extremely low light conditions or preventing washout in high light conditions…
50X Optical/digital zoom allows viewing a gnats ass (or equivalent sized area) from a great distance.
Each image is taken in very high resolution if needed for later review. All images are very, very quickly reduced to 640 X 640 for inclusion in the report as needed. Even the reduced image quality is outstanding.
High resolution images allow for easy cropping when needed and still maintain resolutions.
Articulating screen allows the camera to be placed at odd angles and still view the subject area (you know like dryer vents near the ground).
Unlimited power with fast battery changes.
Ability to record both video and sound movies when needed.
Capability of bluetooth connection for picture transfer wherever/whenever needed.
These are only some of the camera’s abilities and there are lots more most that can not be replicated or replicated easily with a phone camera.
High Res on a phone sucks and chews up storage. I also require all high res pics. Should have also added even in high res an HD card of sufficient size is used that I have never had to swap it out or come close to its capacity. I’ve done well over 1500 pics on an inspection.
Wow! As for the camera, just use what you like and what works best for you! But, if you notice the more experienced inspectors tend to use the tried and true point and shoot real camera and not their smartphone! This in its self should give you an idea of the way you might want to consider going!
Ditto. All my SD cards that are used for Commercial properties are 16GB, and I just recently starting replacing the older cards with 32GB. Yeah, it’s a bit overkill, but since I often hire assistant inspector(s), and I require the highest Res their cameras can produce, (including my multiple cameras…), I am covered for any contingency.
Experienced framers used to use this. Try that now, other than an occasional use, lol. Just because it was used in the past doesn’t mean it is the best tool now.
