Point & Shoot Camera for Childcare Centre

RoosterBooster on 31/07/2019 - 20:42

Hi OzBargainers,

I am looking for recommendations to upgrade the 2 point and shoot cameras at our childcare centre. We find we frequently miss photographic opportunities due to the time the camera takes to turn on and focus. Most action shots also turn out blurry, so we need something fast enough to snap that moment clearly. A main part of our program is ‘bush kinder’ where we spend the day outdoors in the bush a few times a week. Therefore we need something a bit durable and with a decent zoom to capture from a distance. Hopefully image quality will be good enough to display photos on our smart board. I haven’t confirmed budget yet, although my rough guess would be $200-$400 per camera.

Thanks for all your recommendations.

Electrical & Electronics Camera

Comments

  • bulldoges on 31/07/2019 - 21:36

    The camera is 8 m waterproof, 1.5 m shockproof, -10°C freeze proof and dustproof for added durability.

    https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/panasonic-…

    Also office works has a good return policy so you could try it out and see if taking a photo is fast if not return it

    From office works website

    Change of Mind Returns – 30 Days
    If you have changed your mind about your purchase, Officeworks will be pleased to offer you a refund or exchange provided that:

    You return the item within 30 days of purchase
    You produce a satisfactory proof of purchase (being your original register receipt or online proof of purchase, such as a tax invoice)
    The item is in re-saleable condition, including its original packaging (if any), is unused and as sold

    • RoosterBooster on 31/07/2019 - 22:04
      +1

      Cheers. This actually looks remarkably similar to the ones we’ve already got (possibly a newer model?). I had no idea how much our current ones cost but they’re a lumix. We’re definitely very pleased with their durability, although they don’t zoom very far and image quality is best for non-moving subjects (hence it doesn’t capture running children all that great). That said I can’t be certain this is the exact same model, but perhaps we need to spend a little more if we want something better. Thanks for finding this though - I can use it to compare specs and see which ones we need to bump up such as more zoom.

      • John Kimble on 31/07/2019 - 23:14
        +1

        More zoom = Less durability

      • HighAndDry on 01/08/2019 - 13:47

        image quality is best for non-moving subjects

        Ability to take moving subjects clearly will come at a premium, because it'll need faster shutter speed (meaning less light) which will require a bigger CMOS (light sensor - to counter the less light issue).

  • pinchies on 31/07/2019 - 23:22
    +2

    Waterproof cameras have small folding optics (all internal) which limits their image quality to potato cam levels.

    If you want a better camera, you probably need to spend a little more, unless you're happy to consider used cameras.

    As a photographer, I would recommend you against a high zoom. Photos start to look "flat" or "compressed", the image clarity suffers and people shakeycam starts to become tricky too. I would recommend stick with a good camera with 5x zoom. High zoom cameras will also typically do worse in low light.

    For some thing with fast autofocus, a DSLR with a kit lens, will probably be the best bet for many reasons - bang for buck, battery life, durability, autofocus speed, reliability, and for image quality. Cheap DSLR are less expensive than you might think. Don't get a mirrorless, as one in your price range will have slower autofocus.

    You don't have to be a camera genius - just keep it in full automatic mode, and you'll be perfectly fine.

    A Nikon D3200 used should be comfortably under $400 with a lens, and a D3100 under $300.

    Canon 4000D with lens should be under $350 new.

    • RoosterBooster on 01/08/2019 - 09:18

      Thanks for that. I had no idea how much zoom we’d need, I was looking at 10-12x zoom so I might have to go for 5-8x instead. I personally have used a D3300 SLR before (really impressed by it!), however we already carry a lot of gear on our outdoor excursions so we need something lighter and less bulky that will slip in our pocket. Based on suggestions here I’m slightly altering what budget I think we’ll need and the specs to suit our needs. Your feedback is much appreciated.

      • pinchies on 01/08/2019 - 12:55
        +2

        Unfortunately, the smaller a camera is, the more difficult it is to produce good image quality. Small cameras with good image quality sell for a premium as a result, as everyone wants those things. I would recommend looking at used RX100 cameras (any version), but they do not have the same ruggedness as a DSLR. You could also look for a mirrorless camera, the only downside is they will have slower and less reliable autofocus, in low light in particular.

        My old workplace has a bunch of Fujifilm XA-1 cameras lying around they would be happy to sell fairly cheaply. Maybe message me if that's something that might work for you.

  • Kangal on 31/07/2019 - 23:44
    +1

    Can you repurpose an old smartphone?

    Something like a: Zenfone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, S7, S8, S9, HTC U11, P20 Pro, Pixel 2, Pixel 3.
    I know something more modern like an OnePlus 7 Pro, iPhone Xr, S10, Mate 20 Pro, P30 Pro will cost a premium, but the other options could be feasible.

    • RoosterBooster on 01/08/2019 - 09:24

      I know smartphone cameras these days appear to be just as good although I think we’d prefer to stick with the standard camera. We have a no phone policy at work (although I know that it would be used for different purposes). We also pull the memory card out to transfer photos. Thanks for the input though.

      • Kangal on 01/08/2019 - 09:28
        +1

        Yeah, for your regular shots, phones are equally good.
        Where I would use a point'n'shoot would be for long-distance zoom, and the better low-light performance.

        I used to be into the P'n'S category, but I haven't looked at it for nearly 4 years, so its undoubtedly changed a little since then.
        I'm sure if you google it, you will be able to find an article, or do a quick youtube search. Good luck.

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