Posted by MC_oh on 12/1/05 3:33pm
Msg #79659

Hand held or digital camera

I'm considering buying the Palm one treo with digital camera. Does anyone have experience using this, or opinions on digital cameras. thanks for the input.

Reply by Mitch_MD on 12/1/05 3:39pm
Msg #79661

You can do more with an actual digicam over what you can do with any "camera" built into a cell phone. That's bound to change in the future, but not for the present offerings. I use a Canon PowerShot G3 for recording IDs at signings; since it has a fast f/2.0 lens, I rarely need to use the flash.

Your best bet would be to go to any of the online camera review sites like DP Review (http://www.dpreview.com/) and do some research there.

Reply by MC_oh on 12/1/05 3:42pm
Msg #79662

thanks mitch, I was leaning that way. I'm happy with the phone and service I have. I guess I don't need to duplicate that.

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 12/1/05 4:42pm
Msg #79685

I have the Canon Powershot S330 (the pictures are incredible!!!) and a Philips digital camcorder that I carry on the front of my motorcycle when I like to record my destinations. It also plays mp3's. The pictures are not so great, but it is nice an small.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_s330.asp

http://www.everythingusb.com/hardware/index/Philips_KEY019_Digital_Camcorder.htm

Haven't needed them for signing's, but I keep them handy just in case.

- Melissa

Reply by rdowns_in_CA on 12/1/05 3:44pm
Msg #79664

Depends on what you want to do with it. I've not used the Treo, but I'm guessing it's a 640x480 resolution, and I'm quite sure there's no flash. I've used many other camera phones - including PDA/phone/camera combos, and none of them have taken even marginal photos, in my opinion, unless you're in bright sunlight. Unless you plan to used the camera only rarely, and for relatively unimportant things, I'd say you're better off getting any other cheap standalone digital camera (under $100), but make SURE it has a flash.

If you're interested in the Treo for its PDA features, the PocketPC phones tend to be more versatile, though at a higher price. I used to use an Ipaq 6315 pda/phone/camera from Tmobile, but switched back to Verizon due to coverage issues. Now I use a Samsung i730 pda/phone (no camera), and I absolutely love it. It's almost identical in size to the Treo, but much more capable.

Ron

Reply by MaggieMae_CA on 12/1/05 3:52pm
Msg #79668

Palm, Zire 71

I have the Palm Zire 71 with the built in camera. Don't purchase the Treo for the camera feature, trust me. The resolution isn't that good and there tends to be a glare that distorts the image when taking pictures of laminiated documents.

I have used my Canon PowerShot on occasion and that works better. The problem with making a digital image of anyone's ID is that it's stored in your camera and leaves you open to problems. I've stopped offering to take pics of the ID and instruct the borrowers to fax their ID to me or to the TC after closing.

Reply by Mitch_MD on 12/1/05 4:04pm
Msg #79673

Re: Palm, Zire 71

> The problem with making a digital image of anyone's ID is that it's
> stored in your camera and leaves you open to problems.
===
??? What are you referring to?

In my case, the image is only on the camera for a period of a few hours at most; I copy the image to my hard drive, edit and print it, then use Eraser v5.7 (http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/) to securely wipe the image from both locations.

Reply by MaggieMae_CA on 12/1/05 4:09pm
Msg #79676

Re: Palm, Zire 71

Some are not as diligent as you Mitch and the image stays in their PDA or computer for a longer period of time. If you lose your PDA or Camera with IDs on it, one could open a pandora box if it falls into the wrong hands.

Reply by Mitch_MD on 12/1/05 4:14pm
Msg #79678

Re: Palm, Zire 71

> If you lose your PDA or Camera with IDs on it, one could
> open a pandora box if it falls into the wrong hands.
===
I agree. However, they would have to take my entire *locked* bag to get my digicam and then I'd be in a whole world of hurt, as my stamp, embosser, journal and the signed docs would all be gone in the same heist.

Reply by OnTheDot_CO on 12/1/05 3:49pm
Msg #79666

I tried my camera phone but it did not work very well. I switched to a digital camera and I was still not very satisfied. A couple of weeks ago, I found the Canon PC 150 personal copier on sale. I bought it and I love it. It has a handle to carry the copier. It works wonderfully. I would highly recommend it.

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/1/05 4:53pm
Msg #79688

Since I do inspections I have a fairly macho camera that's been a good one for three years now: SONY DSC F717. Also, I purchased the close up lens for snapping a picture of a TDL. It's excellent for that (though I realize many do not agree this is a good practice).

http://www.epinions.com/content_78968819332

Reply by Mitch_MD on 12/1/05 4:57pm
Msg #79690

Re: That's a great camera

Brenda, I really had to think about whether to get the G3 or the Sony you have. I went with the G3 in the end, but there are times when I wish I had the Sony.