what's the cheapest digital camera that you can get away with for mystery shopping?
Warning: For Full Access Please Log In or Create an Account (Free)
I don't think MSCs care how much you spend on a camera, just as long as it does what they want you to do with it.
If a $19 camera for you, does it work for them?
If a $19 camera for you, does it work for them?
sojo917 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't think MSCs care how much you spend on a
> camera, just as long as it does what they want you
> to do with it.
>
> If a $19 camera for you, does it work for them?
i haven't tried the camera yet, and i've never used a camera before on a mystery shop. i've just been doing shops without cameras for the last six months. i've done about 100 shops so far. the camera doesn't have a flash, however, and some of the reviews say that the pictures may be blurry. therefore, i don't know if it will be acceptable to these companies or not.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/15/2011 01:22PM by vince.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't think MSCs care how much you spend on a
> camera, just as long as it does what they want you
> to do with it.
>
> If a $19 camera for you, does it work for them?
i haven't tried the camera yet, and i've never used a camera before on a mystery shop. i've just been doing shops without cameras for the last six months. i've done about 100 shops so far. the camera doesn't have a flash, however, and some of the reviews say that the pictures may be blurry. therefore, i don't know if it will be acceptable to these companies or not.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/15/2011 01:22PM by vince.
The good news is, you will make a lot more money with the camera than without. Just try some shots in various situations and upload them. You should be able to tell if they're clear enough. In the beginning it will seem awkward trying to be discreet. It gets easier and you'll be amazed at how many people don't notice and/or don't care.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I would be hesitant using that camera for assignments. You don't need a great or fancy camera, but you do need one that can take clear pictures.
My daughter had one of the $20 Walmart cameras before. It was almost impossible to get a clear image from it.
I do know of several MSPs that will not accept a report if the pictures are blurry. In the long run, a camera that is that low quality could end up costing you more if you aren't paid for your assignments.
I've gotten some nice cameras on clearance at Staples in the $40-$50 range.
My daughter had one of the $20 Walmart cameras before. It was almost impossible to get a clear image from it.
I do know of several MSPs that will not accept a report if the pictures are blurry. In the long run, a camera that is that low quality could end up costing you more if you aren't paid for your assignments.
I've gotten some nice cameras on clearance at Staples in the $40-$50 range.
Wal Mart has some decent cameras in the $79-99 range. I'll be getting a new camera myself soon, mine is a 2001 Kodak and pieces are falling off it now.
Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain
And to kill time between a couple of shops yesterday I hit a couple of garage sales. There was an old flip phone for $1 that could take pictures (those would be the small ones and you would need to get a cable to transfer images to your computer) and there were 3 cameras at one sale including 2 old film ones and a 2 megapixel digital that was probably really fine equipment a decade ago but with today's standards was marked 50 cents. Even dinosuar equipment can work well for shops.
But aren't more shops being accepted with cell phone pics???
I know some forbid it, but it seems like more msc' are accepting
cell phone pics.
I know some forbid it, but it seems like more msc' are accepting
cell phone pics.
i've never done a mystery shop before, but i think i might have an idea to try, depending on how big the camera is and what details you can share without getting in trouble
More of them do, but you still have the issue of quality. I choose between my phone and camera depending on the quantity and quality needed. For a covert interior or exterior shot the phone is fine, for audits requiring multiple photos or a photo on the fly it just quicker and easier to use the camera.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I recently bought a GE zoom at Sears that was discontinued for $39.00, it is a 12meg. Works great. I lost my Nikon, and then found it after buying and using the GE....now one goes in my car. Everything I saw at Best Buy was over 100.00. I wouldn't buy the cheapest one, but one that you can actually look at (not in wrappings), and talk to the camera guy about, otherwise, it's money thrown away.
Many companies require the stamp and date to show, be careful about that.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/16/2011 03:25PM by Irene_L.A..
Many companies require the stamp and date to show, be careful about that.
Live consciously....
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/16/2011 03:25PM by Irene_L.A..
If the pics are not clear enough it will cost you money as you either won't get paid or will be sent back. I know one requirement I saw lately said the 3 MP was the minimum you could get away with if using a cell phone.
I got a lumix camera off of Woot for about $55 that I love. It is a 14 MP and takes amazing clear pics of even receipts in almost any light, so makes everything more portable.
The other factor to consider is batteries. Mine came with a rechargeable battery at that price. The digital cameras really seem to go through regular batteries fast. You will probably need to either pay extra for a rechargeable battery or spend a fortune on disposables.
I got a lumix camera off of Woot for about $55 that I love. It is a 14 MP and takes amazing clear pics of even receipts in almost any light, so makes everything more portable.
The other factor to consider is batteries. Mine came with a rechargeable battery at that price. The digital cameras really seem to go through regular batteries fast. You will probably need to either pay extra for a rechargeable battery or spend a fortune on disposables.
My first digital came with the rechargeable L-ion battery and at that time I didn't have a way to charge it in the car. It became a real problem on routes. When it died I thought I was being oh so clever getting one that takes regular batteries. It's a bit larger making it harder to carry in a pocket, surprisingly heavier and those batteries were costing me a fortune until I got some rechargeables. Since then I bought one of the car chargers which has both a regular plug and a usb port making it possible to charge 2 things at once. A must have for road trips!
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I use a Nikon with rechargeable NiMH AA batteries. After a day of image auditing and mystery shopping, I pull the old batteries out and replace them with freshly charged batteries. Today's batteries go in the charger and become the batteries for day after tomorrow. I also carry a couple of extra sets with me, just in case, but have never needed them if I start the day with freshly charged AAs. In case of emergency, you can always buy NiMH AA batteries ready to go at any Walmart, Best Buy, Walgreen's etc. They are universally available.
I liked this set up so well that I bought another exact same camera using AAs for a backup camera.
This is old technology, which I guess I chose due to getting some information that wasn't first rate. When I bought the first Nikon, I was told that the other type battery (L-Ion?) would take a few hundred pictures before needing recharging. This was marginal for me, since I sometimes take 600 - 750 pictures a day. The price of a replacement battery was three legs, an arm, and a front tooth. I decided to go with the AA camera, and have since been told by a different salesperson that The L-Ion battery will take thousands of pictures.
I don't know what's true on this issue.
But I do know this. The AA rechargeable NiMH battery system works great for me, and if you're looking at a good, cheap camera that works on the AA batteries and you're willing to buy a charger and switch out batteries faithfully, it will all be good.
I liked this set up so well that I bought another exact same camera using AAs for a backup camera.
This is old technology, which I guess I chose due to getting some information that wasn't first rate. When I bought the first Nikon, I was told that the other type battery (L-Ion?) would take a few hundred pictures before needing recharging. This was marginal for me, since I sometimes take 600 - 750 pictures a day. The price of a replacement battery was three legs, an arm, and a front tooth. I decided to go with the AA camera, and have since been told by a different salesperson that The L-Ion battery will take thousands of pictures.
I don't know what's true on this issue.
But I do know this. The AA rechargeable NiMH battery system works great for me, and if you're looking at a good, cheap camera that works on the AA batteries and you're willing to buy a charger and switch out batteries faithfully, it will all be good.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
I still use my trusty old Fuji FinePix 5.1 MP--it's a workhorse I've dropped more than a few times. And I'd be lost without the review screen. I lose track of the gas pumps I've already captured if I break away for price signs, POPs, pot holes, etc. I never leave until I review each shot for clarity and make sure I've taken everything required plus extras. I recharge it every night if used and carry a spare memory card. Luckily, its got long battery life on a charge and uses an XL card I've never filled.
I buy batteries for everything in my house and camera needs at .99 store for .99......brand names and it all works.
Live consciously....
MDavisnowell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I use a Nikon with rechargeable NiMH AA batteries.
> After a day of image auditing and mystery
> shopping, I pull the old batteries out and replace
> them with freshly charged batteries. Today's
> batteries go in the charger and become the
> batteries for day after tomorrow. I also carry a
> couple of extra sets with me, just in case, but
> have never needed them if I start the day with
> freshly charged AAs. In case of emergency, you
> can always buy NiMH AA batteries ready to go at
> any Walmart, Best Buy, Walgreen's etc. They are
> universally available.
>
> I liked this set up so well that I bought another
> exact same camera using AAs for a backup camera.
>
> This is old technology, which I guess I chose due
> to getting some information that wasn't first
> rate. When I bought the first Nikon, I was told
> that the other type battery (L-Ion?) would take a
> few hundred pictures before needing recharging.
> This was marginal for me, since I sometimes take
> 600 - 750 pictures a day. The price of a
> replacement battery was three legs, an arm, and a
> front tooth. I decided to go with the AA camera,
> and have since been told by a different
> salesperson that The L-Ion battery will take
> thousands of pictures.
>
> I don't know what's true on this issue.
>
> But I do know this. The AA rechargeable NiMH
> battery system works great for me, and if you're
> looking at a good, cheap camera that works on the
> AA batteries and you're willing to buy a charger
> and switch out batteries faithfully, it will all
> be good.
What is your Nikon? I am looking for a new one but want to stay with Nikon.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I use a Nikon with rechargeable NiMH AA batteries.
> After a day of image auditing and mystery
> shopping, I pull the old batteries out and replace
> them with freshly charged batteries. Today's
> batteries go in the charger and become the
> batteries for day after tomorrow. I also carry a
> couple of extra sets with me, just in case, but
> have never needed them if I start the day with
> freshly charged AAs. In case of emergency, you
> can always buy NiMH AA batteries ready to go at
> any Walmart, Best Buy, Walgreen's etc. They are
> universally available.
>
> I liked this set up so well that I bought another
> exact same camera using AAs for a backup camera.
>
> This is old technology, which I guess I chose due
> to getting some information that wasn't first
> rate. When I bought the first Nikon, I was told
> that the other type battery (L-Ion?) would take a
> few hundred pictures before needing recharging.
> This was marginal for me, since I sometimes take
> 600 - 750 pictures a day. The price of a
> replacement battery was three legs, an arm, and a
> front tooth. I decided to go with the AA camera,
> and have since been told by a different
> salesperson that The L-Ion battery will take
> thousands of pictures.
>
> I don't know what's true on this issue.
>
> But I do know this. The AA rechargeable NiMH
> battery system works great for me, and if you're
> looking at a good, cheap camera that works on the
> AA batteries and you're willing to buy a charger
> and switch out batteries faithfully, it will all
> be good.
What is your Nikon? I am looking for a new one but want to stay with Nikon.
Deech - I have the Coolpix L22, which takes AA batteries. There is also an L21, which has the other type battery.
I want to caution you that in several reviews on this camera, people have reported trouble breaking off the plastic tab on the battery case. I read in their reviews that Nikon wants big bucks to replace it and you may as well buy a new camera. I have not had any problem with the plastic tab, but I am very careful to push it all the way to the open position before I try to open the case. The main thing is that I never force it. I am also very careful closing the battery case. You can find reviews at Amazon, and probably at Best Buy.
I've been using the first camera a lot, around 600 - 750 pics a day when I go out, several days a month, for over a year and a half. No problems until I decided I HAD to finish the last station of a long day during a downpour. I had a few problems with my pictures that night (my stupid) so I bought a backup camera. The old one seems fine now that its dried out.
I bought the first one at Best Buy and it was about $119 to $129. I went back to Best Buy for another one and they told me it was discontinued. I found one on Amazon for $89, same camera. The first camera didn't come with an instruction manual and the second one did. You can download a manual free on the Nikon site.
The newer camera that "replaced" the discontinued L22 is smaller and lighter, which for me is worse because my hand doesn't work 100% right and I need the weight and size. This is not a large camera at all, just bigger than some of the little bitty ones. This camera is about 3 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 1". It's a little big and heavy to put in your shirt pocket like a pack of cigarettes. It works fine in the pocket on a safety vest or in the pocket of a pair of loose khakis.
The camera is light enough I wear it on a strap around my neck when I'm working. Stretching out the length of the strap works great for stabilizing the camera for a shot.
Deech, I've been really happy with this camera but I'm not an expert on other cameras. This one does what I need.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/16/2011 08:43PM by MDavisnowell.
I want to caution you that in several reviews on this camera, people have reported trouble breaking off the plastic tab on the battery case. I read in their reviews that Nikon wants big bucks to replace it and you may as well buy a new camera. I have not had any problem with the plastic tab, but I am very careful to push it all the way to the open position before I try to open the case. The main thing is that I never force it. I am also very careful closing the battery case. You can find reviews at Amazon, and probably at Best Buy.
I've been using the first camera a lot, around 600 - 750 pics a day when I go out, several days a month, for over a year and a half. No problems until I decided I HAD to finish the last station of a long day during a downpour. I had a few problems with my pictures that night (my stupid) so I bought a backup camera. The old one seems fine now that its dried out.
I bought the first one at Best Buy and it was about $119 to $129. I went back to Best Buy for another one and they told me it was discontinued. I found one on Amazon for $89, same camera. The first camera didn't come with an instruction manual and the second one did. You can download a manual free on the Nikon site.
The newer camera that "replaced" the discontinued L22 is smaller and lighter, which for me is worse because my hand doesn't work 100% right and I need the weight and size. This is not a large camera at all, just bigger than some of the little bitty ones. This camera is about 3 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 1". It's a little big and heavy to put in your shirt pocket like a pack of cigarettes. It works fine in the pocket on a safety vest or in the pocket of a pair of loose khakis.
The camera is light enough I wear it on a strap around my neck when I'm working. Stretching out the length of the strap works great for stabilizing the camera for a shot.
Deech, I've been really happy with this camera but I'm not an expert on other cameras. This one does what I need.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/16/2011 08:43PM by MDavisnowell.
ok now im confused.. i thought you didn't want the people to see you taking the pics..
Babygurl - I do convenience store image audits, and the audits are revealed. On these audits, the auditor presents a letter of authorization before doing the audit. The first part of some of them is a short mystery shop, but the latter part (which includes the pictures) is revealed. Maritz and Corporate Research have these. They are my favorite jobs, and I build most of my routes around them.
There are also mystery shops of various types in which you take pictures secretly.
There are also mystery shops of various types in which you take pictures secretly.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
MDavisnowell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Deech - I have the Coolpix L22, which takes AA
> batteries. There is also an L21, which has the
> other type battery.
I'm using the Coolpix S220 now and it's good, but I'm not that overly happy with it. I found I got clearer pictures with my lower priced EasyShare.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Deech - I have the Coolpix L22, which takes AA
> batteries. There is also an L21, which has the
> other type battery.
I'm using the Coolpix S220 now and it's good, but I'm not that overly happy with it. I found I got clearer pictures with my lower priced EasyShare.
I have an EasyShare,too. It does take good pictures, plus the Zoom gives you a better picture. I keep spare batteries all the times.
VINCE wrote
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>> the camera doesn't have a flash, however, and some of the reviews say that the pictures may be blurry. therefore, i don't know if it will be acceptable to these companies or not.<<<<<<<<
One should take at least five pictures of the same thing. And why would you send in a blurry picture? The more pictures one takes, the better choice you have to send in.
The pictures can be download to your computer so that you can pick and choose the better ones.
VINCE wrote
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>> the camera doesn't have a flash, however, and some of the reviews say that the pictures may be blurry. therefore, i don't know if it will be acceptable to these companies or not.<<<<<<<<
One should take at least five pictures of the same thing. And why would you send in a blurry picture? The more pictures one takes, the better choice you have to send in.
The pictures can be download to your computer so that you can pick and choose the better ones.
My Coolpix is 2200. It takes longer and longer to recover after a photo. I am not sure which will give out first me or the camera. :-) The Coolpix L22 sounds smaller and lighter than mine. Mine still does a nice job still, but I am thinking about a new one , with a zoom, for other than shopping.
I have to be sure and not leave it in the car on a cold night. It will not work when cold and the car heater is not enough to warm it. Once it gets warm it works just fine.
I have to be sure and not leave it in the car on a cold night. It will not work when cold and the car heater is not enough to warm it. Once it gets warm it works just fine.
I am sticking with my $20 Walmart camera for now. If it becomes a problem I will reconsider but I do not get many shops that require photos and to spend $100 for a camera would take me a long time to make up the $.
Arch Stanton Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> But aren't more shops being accepted with cell
> phone pics???
>
> I know some forbid it, but it seems like more msc'
> are accepting
> cell phone pics.
I've used my phone's camera on countless shops [yes, even ones that scream DON'T USE CELL PHONE PHOTOS...guess I'm just a rebel
]. It's a 3.2MP camera that I keep on maximum resolution, and I have never had a single photo rejected.
That's how a big portion of my receipts/business cards get uploaded as well.
-------------------------------------------------------
> But aren't more shops being accepted with cell
> phone pics???
>
> I know some forbid it, but it seems like more msc'
> are accepting
> cell phone pics.
I've used my phone's camera on countless shops [yes, even ones that scream DON'T USE CELL PHONE PHOTOS...guess I'm just a rebel
]. It's a 3.2MP camera that I keep on maximum resolution, and I have never had a single photo rejected.
That's how a big portion of my receipts/business cards get uploaded as well.
I tried to take photos for my pizza shops with my iphone, and the pictures were not clear enough. Apparently, they blow them way up in size.
writer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I tried to take photos for my pizza shops with my
> iphone, and the pictures were not clear enough.
> Apparently, they blow them way up in size.
Blown up in size means they were too clear.
I forgot to downsize some gas audit photos that I took with my DSLR one time. The MSC wants them in 400x600 size. They initially got them at 4200x2800....oops.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I tried to take photos for my pizza shops with my
> iphone, and the pictures were not clear enough.
> Apparently, they blow them way up in size.
Blown up in size means they were too clear.
I forgot to downsize some gas audit photos that I took with my DSLR one time. The MSC wants them in 400x600 size. They initially got them at 4200x2800....oops.
MDavisnowell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Deech - I have the Coolpix L22, which takes AA
> batteries. There is also an L21, which has the
> other type battery.
>
> I want to caution you that in several reviews on
> this camera, people have reported trouble breaking
> off the plastic tab on the battery case. I read in
> their reviews that Nikon wants big bucks to
> replace it and you may as well buy a new camera.
> I have not had any problem with the plastic tab,
> but I am very careful to push it all the way to
> the open position before I try to open the case.
> The main thing is that I never force it. I am
> also very careful closing the battery case. You
> can find reviews at Amazon, and probably at Best
> Buy.
>
> I've been using the first camera a lot, around 600
> - 750 pics a day when I go out, several days a
> month, for over a year and a half. No problems
> until I decided I HAD to finish the last station
> of a long day during a downpour. I had a few
> problems with my pictures that night (my stupid)
> so I bought a backup camera. The old one seems
> fine now that its dried out.
>
> I bought the first one at Best Buy and it was
> about $119 to $129. I went back to Best Buy for
> another one and they told me it was discontinued.
> I found one on Amazon for $89, same camera. The
> first camera didn't come with an instruction
> manual and the second one did. You can download a
> manual free on the Nikon site.
>
> The newer camera that "replaced" the discontinued
> L22 is smaller and lighter, which for me is worse
> because my hand doesn't work 100% right and I need
> the weight and size. This is not a large camera
> at all, just bigger than some of the little bitty
> ones. This camera is about 3 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 1".
> It's a little big and heavy to put in your shirt
> pocket like a pack of cigarettes. It works fine
> in the pocket on a safety vest or in the pocket of
> a pair of loose khakis.
>
> The camera is light enough I wear it on a strap
> around my neck when I'm working. Stretching out
> the length of the strap works great for
> stabilizing the camera for a shot.
>
> Deech, I've been really happy with this camera but
> I'm not an expert on other cameras. This one does
> what I need.
I have a Nikon L21 which I bought used on Ebay. For almost all my MSC needs,
This camera has worked very well. Battery life is a problem, But
I recharge the batteries after every use.
None of my photos have ever been questioned. Sometime, cell phone
Cameras are acceptable as long as the subject is clearly visible.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Deech - I have the Coolpix L22, which takes AA
> batteries. There is also an L21, which has the
> other type battery.
>
> I want to caution you that in several reviews on
> this camera, people have reported trouble breaking
> off the plastic tab on the battery case. I read in
> their reviews that Nikon wants big bucks to
> replace it and you may as well buy a new camera.
> I have not had any problem with the plastic tab,
> but I am very careful to push it all the way to
> the open position before I try to open the case.
> The main thing is that I never force it. I am
> also very careful closing the battery case. You
> can find reviews at Amazon, and probably at Best
> Buy.
>
> I've been using the first camera a lot, around 600
> - 750 pics a day when I go out, several days a
> month, for over a year and a half. No problems
> until I decided I HAD to finish the last station
> of a long day during a downpour. I had a few
> problems with my pictures that night (my stupid)
> so I bought a backup camera. The old one seems
> fine now that its dried out.
>
> I bought the first one at Best Buy and it was
> about $119 to $129. I went back to Best Buy for
> another one and they told me it was discontinued.
> I found one on Amazon for $89, same camera. The
> first camera didn't come with an instruction
> manual and the second one did. You can download a
> manual free on the Nikon site.
>
> The newer camera that "replaced" the discontinued
> L22 is smaller and lighter, which for me is worse
> because my hand doesn't work 100% right and I need
> the weight and size. This is not a large camera
> at all, just bigger than some of the little bitty
> ones. This camera is about 3 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 1".
> It's a little big and heavy to put in your shirt
> pocket like a pack of cigarettes. It works fine
> in the pocket on a safety vest or in the pocket of
> a pair of loose khakis.
>
> The camera is light enough I wear it on a strap
> around my neck when I'm working. Stretching out
> the length of the strap works great for
> stabilizing the camera for a shot.
>
> Deech, I've been really happy with this camera but
> I'm not an expert on other cameras. This one does
> what I need.
I have a Nikon L21 which I bought used on Ebay. For almost all my MSC needs,
This camera has worked very well. Battery life is a problem, But
I recharge the batteries after every use.
None of my photos have ever been questioned. Sometime, cell phone
Cameras are acceptable as long as the subject is clearly visible.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.