Photography Case Study Needs Assessment

Photography Case Study

Needs Assessment

Desired Camera Specifications

Desired Computer Specifications

Camera Models Considered

Camera Reviews, Discussion and Selection

Computer Models Considered

Computer Reviews and Discussion

The purpose of this report is to provide research guidance, as consultants, to assist a small business owner's decision in purchasing new equipment. Since the business operates in the service industry, more specifically the photography industry, the equipment used to provide services is of vital importance. If services can be enhanced by using state-of-the-art equipment then this would provide a competitive advantage that would allow this service to outperform the competition. Therefore, this project will go to great lengths to identify to the hardware and software that will allow the small business to achieve the greatest return on its investment. The scope of this project entails choosing the camera and computer that will meet the requirements of the customer (photographer) which in turn will also meet the needs of the end user (photographer's customers).

Needs Assessment

The needs of the small business consist of two separate pieces of equipment. The first piece of equipment is the camera used to photograph clients. The second piece of equipment is the computer used to process the digital images and prepare the final product for the customer. Each piece of equipment has different specific needs requirements however it is also necessary to note that each piece of equipment must be fully compatible with the other. Since the equipment could potentially be purchased separately and be produced by different manufactures it is necessary to keep compatibility in mind throughout the design process.

Desired Camera Specifications

The camera will be the primary tool of the photographer and thus represent the most valuable piece of equipment in the entire business process. It will be used in the field by the photographer in whatever location the client requests. The location would generally be indoors however it could also include outdoor locations as well. It must also be portable as it will travel extensively with the photographer.

The required criteria for selection of a camera include a professional grade, high resolution digital image capturing capability. For cameras, the scale that rates these capabilities is generally referred to as its megapixel capabilities. Having a high resolution is important to a professional photographer is important because it allows them to create large high quality prints. It also allows them great ability to edit photographs, such as cropping images, without sacrificing any noticeable quality. Another requirement is that the camera be able to adapt to many different environments in terms lighting. For example, the camera should be able to take high quality photographs in both dim and well lit areas as well as both indoor and outdoor areas.

Mandatory Specifications:

High Resolution Capabilities

Professional Grade

Adaptable to Different Environments

Manufactures Warranty

Ease of Use

Desired Specifications:

Ultra-High Resolution Capabilities

On-screen Editing Options

Affordable Price

Desired Computer Specifications

The computer will allow the photo editing person the ability to upload the photographs from the camera and manipulate the photographs using image editing software. The computer must be portable to accommodate the travel needs of the photographer. It must also contain the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the image editing software as well as other related tasks such as accounting software and a scheduling program. It is also necessary to have a quality high resolution screen that will portray the images clearly for the editor to make the necessary adjustments.

The computer will primarily be used indoors however it may be advantageous to have a model that could be used outside as well. This would allow the photographer to have access to the software in the event of an outdoor photo shoot. An optional feature that would assist the image editor in editing the photographs would be a tablet pen; such as those found on a tablet pc. This pen makes tasks in the editing software (such as Photoshop) much easier. An example of this would be the ability to touch up blemishes with the pen as opposed to having to use a mouse or a track pad.

Mandatory Specifications:

Adequate Processing Power

Portable (Laptop)

High Resolution Screen

Manufactures Warranty

Ease of Use

Desired Specifications:

Tablet PC Capabilities

Outdoor Screen Viewing Capabilities

Affordable Price

Camera Models Considered

Four models were chosen for comparison in this project. Each model has a unique set of features and each also has a different price. The first model considered is the top of the line professional camera from Canon which is known as the Canon EOS 1DS Mark III Digital SLR Camera model.

Figure 1 - Canon EOS 1DS

This model boasts an impressive twenty one megapixel photo resolution and is packed with several other features. It is able to take up to five pictures per second. This model also has the greatest price tag of all the cameras reviewed; it is listed as 29,999 AED (Spend Wiser) and comes with a one year manufactures warranty.

The next camera model considered the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Digital SLR Camera. This model is very similar to the previous model however it does not have the same megapixel capabilities; this model has a 16.1 megapixel capabilities but also is less expensive as the last model (21,399 AED). It also carries a one year warranty (Spend Wiser).

Figure 2 - Canon EOS 1D

The next camera considered in the review is the Olympus PEN model. It offers many features and has a 12.1 megapixel resolution. It comes with a one year warranty from the manufacture and is significantly less expensive than the previous two models; it is priced online for 5,499 AED (Spend Wise).

Figure 3 - Olympus PEN

The final camera which is considered in this project is the Canon ES 550D. Although this is not Canon's top of the line model, it still offers many features not found in cameras in the price range. The price is listed at 5,099 AED and it also offers a one year warranty (Spend Wiser).

Figure 4 - Canon ES 550D

Camera Reviews, Discussion and Selection

The two professional series Canon cameras (the EOS 1DS and the EOS 1D) received good feedback in terms of their quality (Photography Review). However, there were significant amounts of negative feedback given because of their weight and the ease of use. This fact coupled with the exorbitant price tags excluded these two models from making the short list. These models seem to be target for ultra-high end users such as modeling photographers.

The two mid-range products reviewed seemed to be fit for the intended use in this situation and therefore were added to the short list. The Olympus camera did not seem to fare well in the review process (Trusted Reviews). It does not offer as many features as other cameras in this price bracket and the design leaves much to be desired. The Canon ES 550D seems to be the clear winner in this review. From a business perspective, you could purchase several of these cameras for the price of one of the higher end models. It is capable of handling all of the needs of a small business photography service and also achieved very good feedback in the reviews (Camera Labs). Therefore, it is our suggestion that the Canon ES 550D be purchased as the business's new camera.

Figure 5 - Canon Review

Computer Models Considered

Four models of computers were also considered; all of which are laptops and one of these is a convertible tablet pc model. The first model considered was the Apple MacBook Pro 15" Aluminum MC 373. The aluminum chassis would make this model more rugged for everyday use and the Mac OS runs well with Photoshop (TechSouq).

Figure 6 - Apple MC 373

Two Dell models were also considered for this project. The first model that was considered was the Dell Studio 1558 (TechSouq). This model represents the top of the line model that this vendor offered that was manufactured by Dell. It has ample processing power to handle virtually any program that would be used in the photography business as well as a large screen for viewing the photographs. It was priced at 4,399 AED.

Figure 7 - Dell Studio 1558

The next Dell that was considered was the Vostro 1015 (TechSouq). It has many of the same features as the Studio Series however is priced significantly cheaper (2099 AED). The quality of this machine does not appear to match that of the previous model and this is an entry level product from Dell. Both Dell models come with a one year manufactures warranty.