CaptainEd

I've got a client that is in the Landscaping business. Not a mow-and-blow guy, rather high end commercial design, installation and maintenance. I'd like to use photos of his actual work for his web site and marketing materials, but everything he sent me, and all he has, was shot with his iPhone, complete with dirty lense.

He's asked me what kind of camera to purchase for better shots I can use. I was originally thinking of having him grab a Rebel kit, but even that is likely more complicated than he's going to spend time figuring out.

I do want him to be able to shoot RAW+JPG so I can correct the exposure and white balance of the photos he takes. The photos will mainly be used for his web site, blog articles and email campaigns. I doubt large prints will be an issue, he can hire a local pro for that level.

So, I'm thinking:

Something that shoots RAW+JPG
Moderate optical zoom
Behaves decently on "Auto" but offer aperture priority mode.
Tough enough travel with him, though I don't think weather sealing is a big issue.

I shoot Canon, but am brand-agnostic for this application.

We haven't discussed budget, but I know he likes to do things "right" rather than skimp and I told him it could cost $500 to $1000 and he wasn't taken aback by that.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

-Ed G.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Sony RX 100 - whatever the latest version is ....

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Have him hire a pro. My 2 cents.

HardwareGuy

A used NIKON D7100 with a mid-range telephoto is a good choice. 2 card slots and low pricing on a fine camera can be readily found.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

I would also recommend the Sony RX100 line.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

Hire a photographer? If he does high end work he should be willing to pay for good advertising material. A camera does not a photographer make.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You were right the first time with a Rebel kit. The issue is not the camera body, but rather the lenses, out the box the 18-55 will do fine. Let him decide after some hands on experience whether a wider or longer lens is needed. The same applies to Nikon's D3500 entry-level kit and follow-on lenses, if desired.

wetreed

Your best choice would be the Nikon 3500 or the Nikon 5600 . These two cameras are without doubt your best option

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

The OP figures the camera should be easy to use and be able to shoot RAW + JPEG. This landscaper is basically in a type of construction business, and things get knocked around. I think the Olympus TG-5 Tough would be a good camera for that. It's small, durable, and brings a reputation of very good IQ with it, and is easy to use.

Malco

+1

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Canon G15/G16, another thread running right now that will tell you all you need to know, it will do it, and simply.

CaptainEd

Thank you for that valuable input.

CaptainEd

As mentioned, if we need really good stuff for print work, I'll have him hire a pro. For capturing work in progress for project articles, or simple shots for the the web site, I'm sure I can walk him through the basics of framing an light angles to get what we need.

CaptainEd

I'll search for it, thank you!

CaptainEd

I didn't realize the TG would shoot raw. I've had a couple over the years and like them. I'll take a look, thank you!