Office Camera

[AgentVlin]

I need helping suggesting a camera for our office, to my boss. We are working ‘on-site’ for the next 4 years, so it has to be versatile and durable. We are an office of 25+ people and peoples experience with cameras range from basic through to semi-professional.
My boss is looking for something around the AUD$500/USD$450/GBP250/EUR295 mark, however I think he could be convinced to spend more if the expense is justified.

Initially I considered recommending a Cannon Powershot – the A580 or similar. However I have held off recommending it as the site will require regular wide angle shots (Perspective shots of construction progress from narrow streets below).

Can anyone recommend a camera? Does anyone have experience with a good site office camera?

Requirements:
High ISO (dim interior shots during construction)
8+ megapixels (sometimes print at A1)
6x + optical zoom (shots of façade and high rise construction)
Wrist/neck strap (so people don’t drop it)
Large screen – preferably operable (rotates away from camera case, for confined spaces)
Durable
Preferably AA batteries
Preferably wide angle

Should I just reccomend the Powershot and stitch the photos in PS?

[jake]

The problem always comes down to a fixed lens camera at this price point NOT having a wide enough angle lens.

I use to have a Nikon 990 that had a wide angle adapter that worked pretty well. I now use a Nikon D 200 with a 12-24 Nikkor for most of my arch stuff, especially the interior work. If you do any interior work you will want a wide angle lens.

Go to dpreview and take a look first.

dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com/)

[AgentVlin]

a fixed lens camera at this price point NOT having a wide enough angle lens.

Thats the problem. Very clearly stated.

[nicholas]

Thats the problem. Very clearly stated.


Ricoh GX100 (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0703/07032801ricohgx100.asp)

I have used this for over a year now; excellent quality and very wide angle lens for point and shoot (19mm adapter). I shoot in RAW using aperture priority. Maybe a little more expensive though well worth it. (Having survived a year of site visits and travel in my hands it must be very robust!)

[AgentVlin]

Thanks for the lead Nicholas

[gorgon]

double recommend the Ricoh. awesome point and shoot camera.

[AgentVlin]

hmm, what would it be like for the inexperienced photographer in the office?

[nicholas]

Set it to aperture priority (just explain the depth of field + available light) and will get good results

[gorgon]

no skills required. turn it on and shoot great pictures

[jake]

no skills required. turn it on and shoot great pictures

If Ansel Adams had only known this before he spent all his time with fancy film camera.