Photograph of graves - completed

[Calverley Lad]

After suffering the sunny conditions whilst taking photos in a cramped graveyard with a digital camera without an optical viewfinder.
Could anyone suggest what type of digital camera they favour.
Bridge camera - like a single lens reflex camera but with a fixed lens mount.
Single lens reflex - Removable lens camera.
Basic digital camera Using screen to view subject, but limited to dull weather?
I want to treat myself for christmas, cost not looked at this moment of time just type of camera.
(Used a SLR roll film camera for many years, but now wear specs that are variafocal so not so good now.)
Any help appreciated in helping me to decide.
 Brian

[elinga]

hi
photography is a bit of a hobby of mine , has been for many years and like you used to use film.
however with getting on a bit and technology I have gone digital.
I have 2 cameras a pocket one Fujifilm Exr  and an Olympus e500.
with digital you can take a million pictures then just delete what you dont want or need, having an lcd monitor is a great advantage as far as I am concerned.
so when I go to take photos of graves I use both and pick what is/are the best.
my problem today is with taking photos of graves you have to get down on your hands and knees to take decent photos, which makes life a wee bit more difficult.
dont know if that helps, but it really depends on how much you want to spend!
good luck.
regards
Elinga

[Calverley Lad]

Currently using a pocket digital camera (8MP), with a Olympus OM1 as an emergency aid.
No problems bending down yet (pensioner), just fed up looking at a screen under bright sunlight.
I have a pair of stepladders in the car for box graves.
Ideally need a digital camera with an optical viewfinder as std.
Money not a problem, well once it costs more than a months pension I give up.
So say 400 - 500 pounds as very tops, if I say @200-250 pounds ideal.

[elinga]

I forgot to mention the main reason I bought olympus was , it weighed much less than the Cannon , I have arthritis in my hands and fingers so the olympus won!
take a look here , it might help you to choose
http://www.which.co.uk/technology/photography/reviews-ns/best-digital-camera-brands/

I see you are in the uk see Argos for quite good offers on digital slr!
if you have any more questions dont hesitate to ask!
Elinga

[Calverley Lad]

I take it that not many people take photographs of memorials?
Initially just wanted feedback on whatever they found best, and why the camera was chosen.
Currently as stated 'loosing hair', after doing photo session down at the local graveyard thoughout the summer.
Started off doing the church a favour by photographing memorials whilst my wife transcribed the headstones.
When the ever changing sun hits the camera screen I go blind trying to view correctly.
 Will most likely spend too much on a SLR digital camera with the equivalent of a 70-210mm telephoto lens.
 Brian

[PrueM]

Hi Brian

Not sure that the type of camera will make a huge difference, although of course you will get more control if you use a dSLR with a good lens (I'd suggest a 50-55mm lens as you will be fairly close to the subject most of the time and this won't distort the image as a longer lens might at close quarters, but I'm not a photography expert, and there are plenty of other options).

I found the following article online, and there are lots of others with good advice:
http://www.genealogy.com/64_gravestones.html

There are a few tips here, as well:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,317501.0.html

Cheers
Prue

[Braindead]

I agree with PrueM that the camera may not make a huge difference, but things such as weather conditions, time of day & condition of the gravestone will.

I too, like a viewfinder. I have two cameras, a Fujifilm s5000 bridge camera and a Canon EOS 350D DSLR. The Canon has an optical viewfinder, the Fuji has an electronic viewfinder, so the image you see is a lot sharper in the Canon than the Fuji. "Modern" electronic viewfinders are a lot sharper than my older one though.

Both of these cameras are quite old now and can be picked up quite cheaply second hand but if you want to go more modern, then new ones can be a bargain - Amazon currently have the Canon EOS 1100D at £361

I took the picture I have attached at Midday in October with the Canon, not because the grave is relevant to my research, but because I liked it. I think it shows some of the things you will need to consider - the light was good so some of the inscription is easy to read, but there are other conditions affecting the result - the grave is overgrown so the ivy and grass prevent a complete reading. I take a notebook along to a cemetery and transcribe what I've seen, as well as taking pictures.

Good luck with your choice & I'd be interested to hear what you decide on.

[Calverley Lad]

After looking at various camera magazines I have come to the conclusion that a 'bridge type camera is for me.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 is my chosen purchase unless anyone has any better suggestions.
(Has viewfinder as well as 3inch screen)
 Brian

[Calverley Lad]

As a postscript, purchased the above camera and found it awsome.
24mm to 600mm Leica zoom lens, would find it hard to beat.
 Brian