The problem with something like a 5d is that whilst they are great cameras,
they aren't as well geared up for amateur use. There is also the issue of a
lack of a longer term warranty with second hand gear - 5D classics are old
cameras now too. Also, actuation count is one thing, but it doesn't say
anything for how many knocks, bashes and repairs a camera has taken. Little
things like a bent then straightened pin in the CF card slot can't be very
easily detected when buying, but catch it wrong with a CF card again and it
will snap, resulting in an expensive repair/doorstop.
As a pro-photographer for 10 years (with 5 years in camera retail in my
early days as a pro) I have seen and made a lot of issues with second hand
gear, so these are just my (devils advocate) thoughts.
Buying new is definitely safer, especially when buying for other people!
There is also the fact that even the most basic camera can do a much better
job than most would imagine.
As an extreme example, I did a (nervous) talk to a bunch of museum folks a
few years back - we demonstrated how even an iphone with the basic app can
be very effective. It was loosely based on this little guide
<http://f8creates.com/how-to-product-photos-website-ebay-iphone/> on our
website. Iphone apps can even kick out TIFF these days....
Of course, this isn't me recommending an iphone, just hopefully
highlighting that there is more to the awesome old gear vs low end consumer
new gear dilemma
On Wed, Oct 5, 2016 at 7:05 PM, Andrew Larking <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I'd buy a near new but second hand Canon 5D. How are you going to store
> the images and catalogue them?
>
> On 5 Oct 2016, at 18:46, jon pratty <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Hi all
>
> I'm working on a small digitisation project with a local volunteer-run
> museum in the SE and we now need a good basic digital camera to begin our
> digitisation activity. Most of the object capture work will be done by the
> volunteers, so we need to acquire a camera capable of making images and
> saving them as RAW files rather than just .jpgs.
>
> I don't usually work with budget-end cameras so I'm not familiar with
> models that might fit the bill - can anyone on the list offer some hints
> about devices we can buy that might work well at our level? We're looking
> to spend £300-£500?
>
> All responses appreciated...
>
> Jon
>
> --
> Jon Pratty, FRSA
> Creative Digital Producer
> 07739 287392
> @jon_pratty
>
> Chair, Brighton Digital Festival CIC
> <http://brightondigitalfestival.co.uk>
> Creative Network Programmer, Ideas Test <http://ideastest.co.uk/>
> Creative Director, People in IT Ltd <http://www.peopleinit.org.uk/>
>
> I have a hearing impairment and my preferred means of communications is
> email. If I'm not answering my phone, please leave voice mail in a loud and
> clear voice, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
>
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