Last year I purchased a Camranger and a cheapo off brand 7 in. tablet to use with my Canon. I've decided I need to invest in a larger, better tablet as my old eyes are having difficulty with a 7 in screen. The tablet works, but it's nearly impossible to see the screen while outside (I even bought a "shade" and non-glare sticky cover thing) and it's very slow. I like the Camranger and that I can download and zoom in on images while shooting and make adjustments, but that's hard to do when I can't see what's on the screen.
I don't want to spend more than $250-$300 for a tablet. I would like something in the 10 in. range. I don't need 4g, wifi is fine as I don't plan to use the internet while out in the middle of nowhere. It doesn't have to be blazing fast. I probably won't use it for much of anything else, other than maybe to download kindle and some ebooks.
I need some help picking out what tablet works best for photography in the field (that is, bright sunlight). I assume the higher resolution, the better. Are there certain brands that are easier to see outdoors? Are certified refurbished the way to go to save money? There are hundreds of tablets out there and it's hard to figure out what is best. I'm leaning toward iPad or Samsung as they seem to have good reviews as to image quality. Your help and expertise are appreciated!
Posted by Jim DeWitt on January 30, 2016 at 10:24 AM
Angela, are you thinking of the tablet as the camera or for viewing photos taken with a traditional camera?
Posted by Angela Classen on January 30, 2016 at 10:46 AM
I want to use the tablet to view the photos I take with my camera. I do not plan to take photos with the tablet.
Posted by Jim Gavin on January 30, 2016 at 1:26 PM
I have had an IPad for a few years and really like it. Being an older version it is heavier and thicker than current ones. I am not sure if there is a tablet that viewing wise works well in the sun. I can change brightness and black background with white print to white background with black print to help a bit, but it still does not completely solve the problem. Whatever you get be sure to include enough storage capacity. Photos take up a lot of space.
Anandtech has reviews of a lot of different tablets. Their reviews tend be on the technical side, but are very thorough.
Storage space may be needed if you have to wait to review images due to glare off the screen in bright ambient light. Hopefully you'll find one that meets your needs.
--P
Posted by Jim DeWitt on January 30, 2016 at 10:35 PM
The Retina displays on the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro are stunningly good. As you shop. I'd visit an Apple Store with my camera, and have one of the clerks display a camera photo on each of the iPads and see what you think. The stores are brightly lit; not outdoor sunlight, but pretty bright. And probably, if you ask, the'll let you take one and a clerk out into sunlight.
Discussion
8 repliesI don't want to spend more than $250-$300 for a tablet. I would like something in the 10 in. range. I don't need 4g, wifi is fine as I don't plan to use the internet while out in the middle of nowhere. It doesn't have to be blazing fast. I probably won't use it for much of anything else, other than maybe to download kindle and some ebooks.
I need some help picking out what tablet works best for photography in the field (that is, bright sunlight). I assume the higher resolution, the better. Are there certain brands that are easier to see outdoors? Are certified refurbished the way to go to save money? There are hundreds of tablets out there and it's hard to figure out what is best. I'm leaning toward iPad or Samsung as they seem to have good reviews as to image quality. Your help and expertise are appreciated!
Anandtech has reviews of a lot of different tablets. Their reviews tend be on the technical side, but are very thorough.
Storage space may be needed if you have to wait to review images due to glare off the screen in bright ambient light. Hopefully you'll find one that meets your needs.
--P