What 'site inspection' camera?

[PomBstard]

Looking for a camera to take on inspections at construction sites and also to use for photographing materials defects on site. Needs some certain features...

Excellent macro
HD video or similar
Good zoom
Shockproof/waterproof/dustproof
Lightweight/compact size
Easy to use - intuitive

Our photos are often used in client reports and can be used as part of the site report to recommend certain repairs, so faithful to the eye is important.

Not much, eh? Anything spring to mind...???

Cheers
PB

[CivicMan]

Excepting the shockproof bit etc, as most cameras are susceptible to extreme elements, I would suggest the:

Panasonic TZ7

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_l...

Superb quality, great macro, HD video and goes in your shirt pocket. Had mine for 6 months and is brilliant.

[PaulHogan]

I use a Nikon Coolpix for my site visits. I have been known to take over 500 pics and key to me is the ability to use 'ordinary' AA batteries so I can re-load rather than have to re-charge. If this doesn't matter to you then so be it but if I'm at a site in Southampton (I live and work in Leeds) I don't want to have to re-visit because I'm out of juice.

/2p