Recomendations for camera

Hi,
I have a problem and could use some advice.

I work for an auction house that holds classic car auctions. The two guys that produce the catalogue for the auction have requested a dslr to take photos to go into the catalogue. They have no photography experience and would just be setting on green mode, pointing and clicking. The catalogue is a high quality publication so we need good quality photos to use in print at 7 x 5 ish size.

My initial thought was a dslr would be too much camera, too big to lugg around the country, and a waste if just using green mode.

So i suppose i am asking if anyone can recomend a compact, bridge or micro 4/3 camera that will do the job. Or would a dslr be the way to go?

I think you've got a problem right here :

Really, you need someone who knows how to take photographs, otherwise you'll have some results that look like Autotrader on a bad day, which I can't see any of your clients being happy with...!

Its not just the technical aspects, like is there enough light and is the camera held straight, its the artistic side - how is the car presented? what is surrounding it? does it give off the right "aura" to buyers?

But... its the way of the industry now sadly...

Cheap compact - things like Canon S90 are very popular and cope reasonable (for a P&S) with low-light (i.e. people's garages).

Micro 4/3 : Actually more expensive than a entry-level DSLR such as the Kx, as well as being as big once you slap a decent zoom on it!

I'd suggest instead of m4/3, going for a K/x, maybe upgrade with a better zoom lens? (e.g. DA 17-70)


Then you are up to mid-range DSLR's - K7 & 17-70, or Nikon D90 & (???), or...


Or if somehow there is the budget for top equipment instead of people (...) you could go for a D700 & 24-120mm VR lens... it might take fab pictures just in full auto by a numpty, way in excess of what a P&S could do, but really...its a horrible waste...

p.s.
You'll also need to get them a stonking big flash...

Why go new? 2nd hand with a 8GB memory card and 2 ebay batteries.

Any 2nd hand 6Mpixel DSLR or 10Mpixel DSLR on green will do this.
GX10/K10D with 18-55mm would be fine and cheaper than S90/LX3. And the images will be way better quality than even the best pocket camera.

Even the Ist models.
Lets say your 6Mpixel is 3000x2000 pixels. At 300dpi you have 10" by 6.6" at native resolution. Plenty of room to reduce or crop out a decent image.

You won't need a superzoom but the ahem! Lumix FZs would be OK, the FZ7, FZ18, FZ28 all would do the job.

[quote:3496ace15f="flossie"]I think you've got a problem right here :

but really...its a horrible waste...

quote]

Thats my thoughts, but maybe I am thinking personally about it and what i could do with a camera like that.

I hear what you say about getting the right people first but unfortunatley I am not hiring and they get hired on their writting ability first and foremost.

My first thought was a Kx, but then i think they are never going to change a lens on it so why bother?

Who knows - they may grow an interest

I suppose what I am looking for is the camera with the best metering system, accurate AF, good colour reproduction and high dynamic range.

????

Here's my tip (as cars make up about 50% of all my photography); go for a wide angle lens as you'll rarely, if ever, need anything longer than a 50mm (equivalent). I find the DA12-24 is perfect for most car photography and absolutely invaluable for interiors, etc.

If you're going for a compact camera then I'd give serious consideration to the Panasonic LX3 - a suberb compact with a 24-60mm equivalent lens and easily good enough quality for print work as long as you don't let the ISO stray above about 400. Add to that a tripod and you have a perfect car kit for the inexperienced.

Thanks for the tip Hefty1. I have read some reviews/specs and have now placed an order for a LX3. I will do some tests myself when it arrives and if alls ok then order the other two we need.

Thanks again for the recomendation.