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Digital Cameras for Use in Tough Conditions?
b!arg asks: "I am a sysadmin for a construction company. Currently the company spends god knows how much money on disposable cameras. They use these cameras to document accidents and the such out in the field. Typically these disposable cameras have 27 pictures available to them but only a few are ever taken before they are developed because of time. We can't hold onto a camera to take different shots of different accidents until its full. I am looking into the feasibility of moving to all digital cameras. Does anyone have experience with using these in such a potentially damaging setting? Obviously no digicam will withstand getting run over by a dumptruck, but what have you found to be a durable digital camera for people out in the field. Ease of use is also fairly important. And since we understand that these will almost definitely break once in awhile, I can't buy $1000 cameras. Two MegaPixels is sufficient quality, preferably using CF and, if I can dream, waterproof since the Northwest U.S. tends to be a tad rainy (does that break my budget?). Or am I trying to be too 'techie' when this solution just won't work because of the conditions in which they'll be used?"
The Canon PowerShot S series cameras are small and robust, with a metal case and a lens that retracts flat into the body and is protected by a retracting cover. They produce excellent pictures. I have an S100, which I've just replaced with an S400 because I liked it so much. (The S400 is the newest 4 megapixel descendant of the S100.)
For your situation, I'd add on the appropriate waterproof case. I imagine a PowerShot in one of those would stand up to falling from a truck, being dropped in wet cement and hurriedly rinsed off with beer, and so on.
GCHQ Quantum Insert installed. If only our tongues were made of glass, how much more careful we would be when we speak
I sell lots of these kits to local mining and smelting companies. The combination is a bit pricey for just 2MP/3x optical zoom; converting from Canadian dollars, at retail prices, I sell these at about $260 per camera and $150 per watertight case. Keep in mind this is a retail store, though. I'm certain you could find a better price online if you don't mind the lack of local tech support.
:) )
Like all Canons, they use plain compactflash, and the A series uses AA batteries. If you're out in the field on a deadline, being able to go to the nearest corner store for an emergency power supply can save your ass. The A60s are newer, but I've found they're less durable. I've got an A70 myself, but it's not really suited for abuse.
This is all anecdotal, anyways. I've never done any proper stress testing, I'm just going by what my customers in a few heavy industries have told me. ( My boss would kill me if I spent a day dropping store stock and seeing what happens.
I am also a sysadmin for a construction company. We had the same problem where we were blowing threw tons of $$$ on disposable cameras and developing. The Project Managers and I were finally able to convince our frugal and technophobic VP into letting us buy digital cameras.
We decided on the Fuji FinePix 2600. It's a nice little camera that is easy to use. I'm not sure how waterproof they are though. In my experience when you start talking about "ruggedized" or "waterproof" it means a huge price jump.
As far as the legal issue goes we take it on a case by case basis. Meaning that some of our contracts specifically state that digital photography is not to be used. I have to say that lately we have not had many contracts that forbid the use of digital cameras.
I worked as an construction inspector for the city here. Every spring we would go out and take pictures of every thing that would be affected by the oncoming construction, including two pictures of each driveway, every tree close to the construction, fencelines, property lines, etc. This was done to prevent homeowners placing the blame for pre-existing problems on the city.
One example of this was a fellow who claimed that a large oak on his property was damaged by heat from a shovel's exhaust. A few bucks in camera film saved the city a few thousand in lawyer fees right there.
I mention this because in our case a digital camera was not acceptable. The time that the picture was taken was vital, and having the picture between 31 other negatives on a strip goes a long way towards that goal. I know little about digital cameras, but I imagine the date would be trivial to alter.
As far as durability is concerned, the only expensive object I saw on site was an electronic transit ($25,000+), and have seen a couple of those run over by trucks. If you want durabilty, maybe check out the military specs guys?
Here's one, I'm sure Google will help you find many more...http://www.itronix.com/Products.asp
...a Polaroid camera. They even have a model called the "JOBPRO" that's "designed for the construction professional".
A digital would just sit around in the glovebox and it's battery would always be dead when you needed it.
is International Electronic Machines - www.iem.net The Ultimate Rugged All-Digital Camera From their page: IEM's Rugged Camera is designed to acquire motion video in demanding applications where ordinary cameras just will not perform. Designed to operate underwater or above ground, IEM's Rugged Camera is the most versatile imaging solution on the market. Utilizing state of the art image processing algorithms, the camera is capable of providing high resolution images in all weather conditions where ordinary cameras cannot.