Has anyone else had problems taking photos with the HIP camera in lower light conditions? Specifically, in an attic taking photos of the HVAC equipment, in a garage taking a photo of a sub panel and in a kitchen taking a picture of my temp gun pointed in an oven. I’m having to toggle the HIP camera on and off during every inspection and it’s slowing me down. No issues at all with the HIP camera off, other than I have to save the image before marking on it or taking another image. The phone I use for inspections is a moto g stylus 2023 and this might be specific to my phone, as they have told me that I’m the only one experiencing this. The problem started for me immediately after the last update.
We stopped using the HIP camera years ago. Depending on your device, some had no issues, and some had a bunch of issues. We actually went back to using old-school point-and-shoot cameras and then uploading the photos back at the office. Since we only take photos of issues, it takes very little time to add a dozen or so photos to the report.
I know this is going against the grain for many, but it works for us.
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what is a hip camera?
It’s the home inspector pro camera that’s integrated in the software. When using the software I can choose to use the phone’s camera or the integrated camera built into the software. IMO, the integrated camera performs better during an inspection than the phone camera but either one works.
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Wow thanks, not familiar…
The HIP cam has great features that allow for easy editing etc. Down falls for me were the photo screen on the device does not align with the photo size that goes in the report and the voice command to take photos on my device doesn’t work with HIP cam last time I checked.
There is a relatively quick option on mobile to toggle from device cam to HIP cam which can be used to change between the two in the field. I use my device cam most often because I use voice command to ‘capture’ photos frequently. But switch to HIP cam occasionally when features like the rapid fire and fast annotation/editing are beneficial.
Thanks Dave and I have been switching back and forth but the picture size in my reports is different, so I’ll have 2 landscape oriented photos next to each other in the report that are sized differently. Also, with the HIP camera I can draw an arrow or oval on the picture and save it with one click, as well as rapid fire photos, like when I’m on a roof and would prefer to finish the photos when I’m on the ground. Since I’m the only one having this issue, it’s probably related to my phone. Fortunately, the voice prompt is fine with either camera.
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Well, you’ve heard of “body” cameras, this one attaches to your hip. I imagine it is very difficult to focus on any particular thing. You’ve heard the phrase, “shooting from the hip?”
good one Bob. Ive been with HIP from the beginning, but I do what Scott does… use a camera?
My biggest issue with HIP - and the company that took it over keeps sayin “we’ll fix it” is, trying to line up your thermal pic with the normal pic next to it. They have to come up with an easier, better way for 2 side by side pics. I can have it perfect while creating the report, then when I hit generate the pics go all over the place…Then , back to the drawing board… For the last 2 or 3 years or so the help desk people keep saying the same thing. “everyone keeps calling us with the same issues so the higher ups are looking into it”…
Does the flash operate?
Hi Dave, Yes I have the flash set where it lights up when I turn the camera on, so the image I’m trying to capture is illuminated but that doesn’t make a difference. The team at HIP has been trying, and I appreciate their effort. Now that I can predict when it is most likely to occur, I’ll switch over to the phone camera before I get in the attic, or before I take a picture of my temp gun at the oven, just to save the frustration. So I’m making the best of it. Thanks.
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I went thru that time consuming aggravation many years ago.
Now I just use my IR cam in the photo I take for the report. Basically a “picture in picture” with the cam in the photo.
That’s what I do too. It takes a bit to get it lined up and the focus where you want it, but it makes for a good report picture. Two birds, one stone.
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Ill have to try the p.i.p, but whats the cam is in the photo mean? PIP to me means that the thermal is in/ over the black and white. Thanks Dave and Ryan.
This might solve your problems, no matter which smartphone you have in your hand.
Fenix Flashlights, Headlamps & Lighting Gear Retailer | Fenix Store
The problem isn’t your phone/camera or your software. It’s your lighting.
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Basically, you take a picture of the thermal cam screen with the area you are imaging in the background. Similar to this…
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oh, interesting, thank you.
Thanks Bert, I wish it was that easy. I also wear a headlamp when I’m in an attic and have the light on the listing label I’m trying to capture.