Need some advice for a camera (work related)

[krispos42]

Hi everybody, I'm looking for a camera to do a specific task at my job.

What I want to do is make it easy for users of our inspection machines to document how we set up (fixture) parts for inspection.

I envision something like this: a WiFi-enabled camera that we can set to automatically send pictures to a shared network drive on our company network. It's rechargeable via a standard micro-USB plug (e.g., Android phones) and we could just unplug it, snap a picture, and if we like it press a button to send it to the network. Or even just automatically send all taken pictures to the local network drive.

Decent resolution is nice, but we don't need anything spectacular. A flash would be nice as well.

This camera can't be cloud-connected; federal export regulations prohibit use from using cloud services. So it can't use WiFi to connect to Google Docs, Microsoft Drive, or anything else that is cloud-based.


I just don't know what to search for. I spend a few minutes on Amazon just trying to get a feel for things, but I kept getting NannyCams, mini spycams, and cameras that connect to your smartphone or tablet via WiFi.

Any ideas? Maybe a category I can search through?

TIA.

[flamin lib]

1. Geez this is a tough one.

Contact your local camera store. Explain what you need and ask if you can talk to the sales rep for all the major camera manufacturers.

I worked for Olympus as a sales rep. I was better than most but when I got in over my head there was a tech rep who knew stuff only a Jedi could and if needed could call upon the Force ( home office in Japan).

Good luck.

[krispos42]

3. Yeah, I'm not even sure what keywords to use to narrow down a search!

Something like a WiFi-linked webcam...

Hmmm... maybe if the cable was long enough...

[Ferrets are Cool]

2. Call B & H Photo or Adorama and see if they can help...

they have some experts there that might have some ideas. I've been a professional photog for 30 years and I don't know what would meet your needs.

[krispos42]

6. A good suggestion. Thank you. n/t

[Sherman A1]

8. I would call adorama

Or visit your local store. My experience with B&H has been less than stellar.

[Major Nikon]

4. There's all sorts of cameras that have those capabilities

Most are primarily geared towards uploading to cloud services which you don't want, but some can do so to network drives. I'm pretty sure wifi enabled SD cards like Eyefi and Flashair will do this with any camera that accepts SD cards. I have an EyeFi that I haven't messed with in years that I did something similar with.

I'm not sure what kind of budget, quality, lighting, and duty cycle you require. If I were doing this with something that required a high duty cycle of hundreds of picks per day, I'd go with a professional grade DSLR that had a high shutter count rating, along with an off-camera strobe with its own power supply. If you only need a handful of shots per day, you could get by with something that is consumer grade.

[krispos42]

5. It would be used a few times a week.

We're taking pictures of machined parts (usually small enough to be held in one hand) that are being held in vises or v-blocks or something and being run on a CMM. So we have to be able to show how to prop the parts up and hold them down, as well as where to take alignment points so the machine knows where the part is.

Usually it's just some work with MS Paint to draw circles and lines and labels on the parts.

The parts are machined metal, so they are shiny, as are the various items we used to fixture the parts, so it tends to have a lot of flash glare on the surfaces. It's not too critical as long as we can clearly see which surface is getting what.

WiFi-enabled SD cards? Hmmm... never heard of those but that might work with our existing camera that we never use.

[Major Nikon]

7. You might try using bounce flash if your camera has a hot shoe

Using an external flash that has the capability of aiming up or sideways and bouncing the light off the ceiling or wall will result in less glare.

[Ferrets are Cool]

9. I would love for you to keep us updated...

and what camera you eventually get. I used Nikon/Canon exclusively for more than 20 years, then made the switch to Sony. I will never go back. I LOVE my Sony's. I am exclusively a Real Estate Photographer now, and they fit my needs to a tee.

[krispos42]

10. We're looking into the WiFi SD card thingy right now.

We have a digital camera already (a Nikon, I think) but it's just not very convenient to use and for "obvious" things we "forgot" to document it.

[Ferrets are Cool]

11. How large are these parts?

And are they attached to something or loose? Can they be situated into a light box? That would eliminate most if not all of the reflections.

https://www.amazon.com/LimoStudio-Photography-Studio-Lighting-AGG349/dp/B005CX9S8A/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_421_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AHEQ9R6C7N5NMNKZPHY7&dpID=51kJgTeh7IL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

Also, if small parts, you probably want a macro lens. And if you need quality, get a fixed lens, not a zoom.