Pocket Camera Recommendations

[RWillan]

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I am looking to pick up a compact digital camera to use while in training, more to put together a personal database but something that could also produce journal quality images if more advanced cameras (DSLRs) are not immediately available.

I have been looking at the Sony Cybershot TX-20, which is not the most current model but has a better macro range than the TX-30 (1 cm vs 3 cm). Any thoughts?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=846311&Q=&is=REG&A=details

 

[Dral]

Nikon used to have great macro optics. Not sure if still the case.

Canon powershots work really well as long as they are set correctly.

 

[asmallchild]

If you are just putting together a personal database of photos, any point and shoot camera will suffice

For true publication quality photos, I really would recommend a SLR with a ring flash. It's large, cumbersome, and more expensive but really makes a big difference for macro photography

 

[pupster]

I picked up a CHEAP Samsung Wi-Fi-enabled ST150F point and shoot. I was always leaving my Nex7 mirrorless SLR camera lying around the hospital. So, I bought a cheap camera ($90 on sale at Best Buy/NewEgg) that does the job and takes excellent photos under low light conditions. Samsung is the only Wi-Fi-enabled camera maker that makes cameras that I know of that can work w/ public WiFi hotspots that require a splash screen. Other WiFi camera makers only make cameras that work w/ a WAP-based authentication method, which doesn't allow you to use this w/ public hotspots (i.e. Starbucks) that require you to check a box before logging onto the network.

 

[molmol]

iphone 5. for real.

 

[xyzyx]

I picked up a CHEAP Samsung Wi-Fi-enabled ST150F point and shoot. I was always leaving my Nex7 mirrorless SLR camera lying around the hospital. So, I bought a cheap camera ($90 on sale at Best Buy/NewEgg) that does the job and takes excellent photos under low light conditions. Samsung is the only Wi-Fi-enabled camera maker that makes cameras that I know of that can work w/ public WiFi hotspots that require a splash screen. Other WiFi camera makers only make cameras that work w/ a WAP-based authentication method, which doesn't allow you to use this w/ public hotspots (i.e. Starbucks) that require you to check a box before logging onto the network.

Thanks for the recommendation on the camera! I always feel bad taking photos with my phone. Using a point and shoot seems better for some reason. The downside of most non-phone cameras is the difficulty emailing the photos. This one you suggested solves the problem.

Quick question -- how were you able to find one that works with hotspots that have a splash screen? (short of buying them and trying them out?). I can't really try it out in stores since most B&M stores don't have a wifi signal for you to use...
I could just buy the specific model you listed, but I like to look at other options too. 🙂

 

[RWillan]

Wifi connectivity seems like it would be pretty useful, but macro is pretty limited at 5 cm...

If wifi is important, there are memory cards that provide this feature:

http://www.eye.fi/

Price is pretty steep.

 

[Anonymous007]

iphone 5. for real.

This is a bit tangential, but does your institution condone taking photos with personal phones/cameras? This is strictly forbidden by my institution for reason that it is a violation of HIPAA. Can anyone weigh in with expertise on this topic?

 

[skin tag]

Agree with the iPhone 5 or even 4S is more than sufficient. This is all you need -- even for publications. You will rarely need a macro mode for 99% of derm photography (unless taking pics of nail fold telangiectases is your thing). Keep in mind the best camera is the one that's with you.

Don't believe me on the iPhone pic quality? The Chicago Sun Times just fired their entire photography dept in favor of switching to iPhones instead. See the link: http://www.adweek.com/news/press/chicago-sun-times-eliminates-entire-photography-department-150009

HIPAA-wise, it's not a violation if you don't include the face or PHI. I always tell patients that I use my iPhone because it takes better pics and that it'll be uploaded to the EMR and promptly deleted from my phone. They usually appreciate that explanation. I work at a VA and another institution which is mostly medicaid and neither population tends to care about pics being taken on a cell phone.

 

[pupster]

Wifi connectivity seems like it would be pretty useful, but macro is pretty limited at 5 cm...

If wifi is important, there are memory cards that provide this feature:

http://www.eye.fi/

Price is pretty steep.

I have an Eye-Fi card I use w/ my Nex7, but the problem w/ that is that it doesn't work w/ public hotspots that require a splash screen and box to check before logging in. The Samsung works w/ these types of hotspots because it has a built in browser.