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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
 Posted - 05/12/2003 : 07:07:48
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I didn't want to dilute the Photo Adjuster thread, so I started this one relative to the topic.
Tom, I think what you are looking for is a "Monopod".
I have no hesitation in recommending Henrys. The are a large and principally commercial shop, that also have many stores; and are a preferred vendor to many insurers.
Have a look at http://www.henrys.com
They are very professional and ship worldwide.
While browsing there, you might want to look at the "MANFROTTO 680 MONOPOD (479-4)" |
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matthew_adjuster
2 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2003 : 09:37:43
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I must be a real novice when it comes to technology, but I have been using just a simple Kodak digital camera for taking pictures. My only complaint is the memory card it too small.
I do not have Fort Knox in my bank account, but would like to upgrade to a reasonably nice camera?
Any suggestions, ole wise ones? |
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yumadj
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2003 : 14:57:34
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| I have a Vivitar Vivicam 3725 which retails for about $225.00. At the 640 setting, with a 128 mb flashcard ($60.00), I can keep over 500 photos on it. Also has a 60 second video clip. Image size goes up to 2048, but that reduces storage on flashcard. It is not as sleek as some other models, but has all the bells and whistles. Pictures are perfect. |
Jeff Finley |
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TomToll
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2003 : 15:13:59
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| CC, thanks, but that is not what I am looking for. The mono pod, (I have one) has a fixed head mount, therefore you cannot tilt the camera. That is why I am building one with a fluid head mount and pointer so I know which direction the camera is pointing. It will extend to 12' which is perfect for taking photos of two story roofs while on the step ladder. While on the roof and with a wide angle lens (28mm) it will make diagramming much easier as it will show the complete roof. |
Tom Toll |
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TomToll
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2003 : 15:17:01
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| Matthew, go to e-bay and find a Sony Mavica FD-90 digital. It will not cost that much and is an excellent camera. I use a professional FD-95 with 20X zoom. It is a little bulky and heavy, but does a fantastic job with 35mm quality. |
Tom Toll |
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bryan newell
USA
45 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2003 : 18:32:28
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| The new NIKON Coolpix 3100 is great. Still used compac flash, not the SD format.. Great camera for $300 |
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fivedaily
USA
258 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2003 : 18:34:10
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I use the Sony Mavica Tom mentioned and couldn't be happier with it. I like that I can get ~30 images on a disk and it is easy to organize the photos by claim - 1 disk = 1 claim.
Jennifer |
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bryan newell
USA
45 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2003 : 23:43:26
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Jennifer,
Some carriers are now requiring minimum of 3 megapixel photos. The Mavica floppy camera cannot do that. |
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fivedaily
USA
258 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2003 : 08:18:53
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Wow... I don't know too much about this type of stuff, but isn't 3 megapixels a huge file? How do you upload something like that without a high speed connection?
Jennifer |
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bryan newell
USA
45 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2003 : 14:45:55
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Jennifer,
You send it at night, while you are sleeping.
Another way faster than xactnet is to use Adobe Distiller, which compresses the entire file so that a transfer takes less than 2 mins. With this you can send your letters, SOL, short report, activity log, estimate, diagram, scope notes, invoices, receipts, etc, all electronically. Through regular email. The reader cannot alter the file, but can print it easily. Great software for $200 |
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TomToll
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2003 : 23:24:35
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Bryan, what megapixel is this photo.
Image Insert:
37.57 KB |
Tom Toll |
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bryan newell
USA
45 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2003 : 08:36:04
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Tom
1.3 |
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OBHF
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2003 : 08:59:11
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If I may jump in with a guess, it looks to be smaller than 360 x 480. 640 x 480 files usually run about 50 to 54 KB. 360 x 480 files run around 38 to 41 KB, and, I might add, can look just fine. While I shoot high resolution photos, and save them to CD after an event, I usually send or print lower resolution photos. (The ACDSee photo editing program lets you resize an entire photo file with a few mouse clicks or keystrokes, depending on how you like to get thinks done. You can get a free trial download at ACDSee.com. The important thing is that a photo actually shows pertinent information. We’re supposed to be the carrier’s eyes.
I still have my third Mavica, an FD-92. It maxes out at 1.6 mega pixels, but the 16x telephoto lens and, probably more importantly, the macro close-up features are very useful. I also have a Sony DSC-S85 (I suppose both of these are obsolete by now...) The DSC-S85 is a lot easier to handle, produces 4.0 mega pixel high quality photos and it has become my camera of choice. (The truth is my wife took over the Mavica for bird watching photos.) I'm not sure that it is in any practical way superior to the Mavica. (Where photos are a major issue, we are probably going to be followed by an engineer or a professional photographer using 35mm photos.) The memory sticks and USB file transfer that both cameras have sure beat using and storing floppy discs!
But, the point (I think) you are making with this photo is well taken.
As to carriers requiring three mega pixel photography, I sometimes wonder if the examiners are even looking at our photos.
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TomToll
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2003 : 11:01:31
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| The FD-95 Mavica has a 20X lens, 10 focal, 10 digital. It is a 2.1 megapixel. I have had no complaints as to quality of photos. I use Photoadjuster sofware, so I don't have to be concerned about saving to CD or Zip. I save them to PDF files after completion of the photoadjuster remarks, etc. I then save them to CD in original form for litigation purposes. Photoadjuster sofware provides me with litigation ready photos. A 3 megapixel photo is not necessary, as a printer will print no more than 1.2 megapixel. On large commercial losses, I shoot the photo in 1200x1600 which gives me 8x10 resolution for enlargements. Most examiners glance at the photos, so if you have laid out the photos properly, it helps the examiner overview your scope and estimate. A good photo is necessary to document your file properly. Take many photos, you don't have to send them all. Once again, check your photos before you leave the insured's property, as there is nothing as thrilling as getting back to your room and finding the disc or memory stick failed. |
Tom Toll |
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345
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2003 : 21:16:26
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Tom; I finally got the Disto Classic and the eyepiece that I ordered. Learned to use easily; sure did save my b**** in Dallas last month on the steep and highs. Worth every penny and saves lots of time on diagrams.
Milton |
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Cameras, equipment & Accessories
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