Posted: 2/26/2011 8:59:50 PM EDT
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Camera will shoot about 30 shots a day, 5 days per week (Industrial photography, record keeping). Must have standard 1/4X20 tripod adapter. Must be able to accept remote release. I would prefer to connect the camera to a computer and use the computer screen to compose the shot and a mouse to release the shutter.
What are my options for under $1000? TIA SRM |
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I think most of the newer 'budget' models from the big-names will support Live View (or the brand name of it, where the mirror is up and the sensor is capturing to display on the LCD). This functionality is a prerequisite for 'tethered' viewing on an attached computer screen.
There are several aftermarket applications out there that can support tethered shooting over USB. - Adobe has it built into Lightroom 3 (check their website for specific models supported). - OnOne Software just released an update to their iPhone - DSLR Camera Remote and with it an HD version to run on the iPad. Connect the camera to your PC running the free server application, connect the PC and iOS device over a wireless network and you have remote triggering in your hand. (I've gotten it running with the free version of the app on my iPhone). - There are plenty more. Myself, I have a Nikon D7000 which has some differences in the communications with the PC and has not received support for tethering inside of Lightroom 3 (yet0. The OnOne Software update, just added support for the new body. Nikon does sell a tethering application for ~$150. For what you've described a Nikon D3100 should fit your price range and meet your needs. The D5000 may fit the bill as well. Canon has similar offerings, but I can't point you to a specific model (probably in the Rebel line). One advantage of Canon, the tethering software is bundled with the camera for free. I can't speak anything to how Sony, Panasonic, etc. fit with tethered shooting and bundled or aftermarket software. Likely, no one manufacturer's camera will perform better than another for what you are looking to do. Look for the support for tethered shooting in the applications that you will use for photo manipulation or for a bundled application that gets decent reviews for its tethered shooting. Don't forget, you'll need a tripod decent tripod. I have a 'cheap' $80 tripod from a big-box store. It works... But the plastic head has a lot of play when I move it to portrait mode or if I have a longer lens on it. If you want crisp shots, you'll want to put a few more bucks into a sturdy tripod. |
| No indication in your post that the lighting conditions are especially tough. I suspect that a fairly cheap p&s will do you just fine. Honestly $200 should get you all you need for the camera. A remote release may be another $50 or so. No need for a full up dslr. |
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You could use a Canon G12 (or any earlier variant if you can find one used for a cheaper price) and a $20 intervalometer found on EBay. Add a memory card and the cost of the system should run less than $500 new. The G12 can take an external flash and you can manually set the shutter speed and aperture if you desired. If you MUST have computer preview/control, you can try to find an old G10 (or any other camera on their supported list) and use PSRemote from Breeze Systems. |