Question
Project: Decision Making
As a crime-scene photographer, you will need a good camera and the basic equipment listed in the lesson. Making the right decisions when procuring such equipment is sometimes difficult. You want the best, but you have a budget.
It often helps to construct a decision-making table in order to compare your options. Once you have finished the table, it can be used to make the best decisions for purchasing each of the needed items. The sum total of your choices must meet the budget yet obtain the highest-quality items needed. For example, you might want to economize a bit by purchasing a lower-quality flashlight and tripod. Money saved by that decision might allow you to a more secure and weather-proof carrying case or bag to protect your valuable camera.
Conduct an online search to gain knowledge about the types of lens and light filters you will need for this type of work.
Part 1: Decision Making—Selecting the Right Camera for the Job
Presume that you have $4,000 to spend on a DSLR camera and the basic equipment necessary for crime-scene documentation.
You will also need to buy all the basic photographic equipment listed in the lesson.
Research the equipment available and the prices for that equipment at three different stores.
Construct a table comparing the specifications and prices of the equipment available. Make sure to be specific—see the sample below.
After completing your table, review the information in order to make the best choices. Circle the particular items you have decided to purchase.
Make sure your total cost does not exceed the budget limit.
Write an explanation of why you made your choices.
Equipment Specifications Price Store Pros Cons
Assignment Guidelines:
Your response must include the following elements:
Provide a comparison table listing basic photography items (found in the lesson), their specifications, and their prices at three different stores. Note: a DSLR camera must be included in the list.
As you enter the information, write down the pros and cons for each item.
Circled the items you propose to buy, staying within the budget of $4,000.
Remember to include all of the basic photographic equipment listed in the lesson in your projected purchase.
Provide a four-paragraph explanation of why you made your equipment choices.
Part 2: Career Decision Making Using a Dichotomous Key
A dichotomous key is another graphic way of categorizing things or making decisions. Each question is a couplet or pair of questions. The yes-or-no answer to each question will lead you to the next set of questions.
Work through the Career Dichotomous Key. Record your answer and write a short explanation of how or why you arrived at that choice.
Choosing a Career Using a Dichotomous Key:
1. a. I enjoy working with computers........................................................go to 7.
1. b. I do not enjoy working with computers...........................................go to 2.
2. a. I enjoy being creative at work.....................................................................go to 3
2. b. I do not enjoy being creative at work, I prefer medicine ...........................go to 4
3. a. I want to work outside ...................................................... go to 5
3. b. I do not want to work outside ........................................... go to 6.
4. a. I want to work in forensics........................................................forensic nurse.
4. b. I do not want to work in forensics............................................general nursing.
5. a. I want to work in forensics.....................................................CSI photographer.
5. b. I do not want to work in forensics...............................................photographer.
6. a. I want to work in forensics..............................................forensic artist.
6. b. I do not want to work in forensics........................................ fine artist.
7. a. Enjoy working with words.....................................go to 8.
7. b. I do not enjoy working with words....................... go to 9
8. a. I want to work in forensics.....................................................forensic linguist.
8. b. I do not want to work in forensics; I prefer medicine.............speech pathologist
9. a. I use the computer to be creative..............................................go to 10.
9. b. I do not use the computer to be creative.................................. go to 11.
10. a. I want to work in forensics.....................................forensic animator.
10. b. I do not want to work in forensics.................................... animator.
11. a. I want to work in forensics.....................................forensic computer examiner.
11. b. I do not want to work in forensics.................................... computer specialist.
Assignment Guidelines:
Your response must include the following elements:
List your selected career.
Write one paragraph explaining why and how you made that choice.
General Submission Requirements
For all assignments, remember the following important elements:
Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Use complete sentence structure and standard written English. Do not use texting abbreviations or other shortcuts.
Make sure all that paragraphs have a minimum of six sentences.
Question # 1
File Upload
Submit your completed photography equipment comparison table, listing basic photography items, their specifications, prices at three different stores, and their pros and cons, as well as your explanation of why you made your equipment choices.
In addition, submit your short explanation of how you arrived at your chosen career using the Career Dichotomous Key.
As a crime-scene photographer, you will need a good camera and the basic equipment listed in the lesson. Making the right decisions when procuring such equipment is sometimes difficult. You want the best, but you have a budget.
It often helps to construct a decision-making table in order to compare your options. Once you have finished the table, it can be used to make the best decisions for purchasing each of the needed items. The sum total of your choices must meet the budget yet obtain the highest-quality items needed. For example, you might want to economize a bit by purchasing a lower-quality flashlight and tripod. Money saved by that decision might allow you to a more secure and weather-proof carrying case or bag to protect your valuable camera.
Conduct an online search to gain knowledge about the types of lens and light filters you will need for this type of work.
Part 1: Decision Making—Selecting the Right Camera for the Job
Presume that you have $4,000 to spend on a DSLR camera and the basic equipment necessary for crime-scene documentation.
You will also need to buy all the basic photographic equipment listed in the lesson.
Research the equipment available and the prices for that equipment at three different stores.
Construct a table comparing the specifications and prices of the equipment available. Make sure to be specific—see the sample below.
After completing your table, review the information in order to make the best choices. Circle the particular items you have decided to purchase.
Make sure your total cost does not exceed the budget limit.
Write an explanation of why you made your choices.
Equipment Specifications Price Store Pros Cons
Assignment Guidelines:
Your response must include the following elements:
Provide a comparison table listing basic photography items (found in the lesson), their specifications, and their prices at three different stores. Note: a DSLR camera must be included in the list.
As you enter the information, write down the pros and cons for each item.
Circled the items you propose to buy, staying within the budget of $4,000.
Remember to include all of the basic photographic equipment listed in the lesson in your projected purchase.
Provide a four-paragraph explanation of why you made your equipment choices.
Part 2: Career Decision Making Using a Dichotomous Key
A dichotomous key is another graphic way of categorizing things or making decisions. Each question is a couplet or pair of questions. The yes-or-no answer to each question will lead you to the next set of questions.
Work through the Career Dichotomous Key. Record your answer and write a short explanation of how or why you arrived at that choice.
Choosing a Career Using a Dichotomous Key:
1. a. I enjoy working with computers........................................................go to 7.
1. b. I do not enjoy working with computers...........................................go to 2.
2. a. I enjoy being creative at work.....................................................................go to 3
2. b. I do not enjoy being creative at work, I prefer medicine ...........................go to 4
3. a. I want to work outside ...................................................... go to 5
3. b. I do not want to work outside ........................................... go to 6.
4. a. I want to work in forensics........................................................forensic nurse.
4. b. I do not want to work in forensics............................................general nursing.
5. a. I want to work in forensics.....................................................CSI photographer.
5. b. I do not want to work in forensics...............................................photographer.
6. a. I want to work in forensics..............................................forensic artist.
6. b. I do not want to work in forensics........................................ fine artist.
7. a. Enjoy working with words.....................................go to 8.
7. b. I do not enjoy working with words....................... go to 9
8. a. I want to work in forensics.....................................................forensic linguist.
8. b. I do not want to work in forensics; I prefer medicine.............speech pathologist
9. a. I use the computer to be creative..............................................go to 10.
9. b. I do not use the computer to be creative.................................. go to 11.
10. a. I want to work in forensics.....................................forensic animator.
10. b. I do not want to work in forensics.................................... animator.
11. a. I want to work in forensics.....................................forensic computer examiner.
11. b. I do not want to work in forensics.................................... computer specialist.
Assignment Guidelines:
Your response must include the following elements:
List your selected career.
Write one paragraph explaining why and how you made that choice.
General Submission Requirements
For all assignments, remember the following important elements:
Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Use complete sentence structure and standard written English. Do not use texting abbreviations or other shortcuts.
Make sure all that paragraphs have a minimum of six sentences.
Question # 1
File Upload
Submit your completed photography equipment comparison table, listing basic photography items, their specifications, prices at three different stores, and their pros and cons, as well as your explanation of why you made your equipment choices.
In addition, submit your short explanation of how you arrived at your chosen career using the Career Dichotomous Key.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### Part 1: Decision Making—Selecting the Right Camera for the Job
#### Comparison Table
| Equipment | Specifications | Price | Store | Pros | Cons |
|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-----------|---------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| **DSLR Camera** | 24 MP, Full Frame, ISO 100-25600 | $1,200 | Store A | High quality images, versatile for low light | Initial cost high |
| **Lens (50mm f/1.8)** | Prime lens, sharp images, good for portrait & detail| $200 | Store A | Affordable and lightweight | Fixed focal length |
| **Zoom Lens (24-70mm f/2.8)**| Versatile, good in low light, weather-sealed | $1,800 | Store B | Great for diverse shooting scenarios | Expensive |
| **Tripod** | Carbon fiber, adjustable height, lightweight | $300 | Store C | Stable, durable, portable | May be too lightweight for heavy cameras|
| **External Flash** | 600 TTL capable, different angles and strength | $250 | Store A | Helps with low-light shooting | Can be bulky |
| **Carrying Case** | Weather-resistant, padded compartments | $120 | Store B | Protects equipment, easy to carry | Adds weight |
| **Light Filters** | UV and polarizing filters | $100 | Store C | Reduces glare, enhances colors | May require additional steps in usage |
### Equipment Choices
**Proposed Purchases:**
1. *DSLR Camera* - $1,200
2. *Lens (50mm f/1.8)* - $200
3. *Zoom Lens (24-70mm f/2.8)* - $1,800
4. *Tripod* - $300
5. *External Flash* - $250
6. *Carrying Case* - $120
7. *Light Filters* - $100
**Total Cost: $3,870**
### Explanation of Equipment Choices
In selecting my equipment, I prioritized purchasing high-quality items that balance versatility and durability while remaining within my budget of $4,000. The DSLR camera with a full-frame sensor and a 24 MP resolution allows for high-quality images essential in crime-scene documentation. The inclusion of both a prime lens and a zoom lens provides options for different shooting scenarios; the prime lens offers sharp images and a wider aperture for low-light conditions, while the zoom lens ensures flexibility in framing shots from various distances.
While the tripod adds a stable shooting platform, carbon fiber models won out due to their lightweight nature, making them easier to carry without compromising stability. The external flash is crucial for filling light gaps in darker scenes, and its TTL capabilities allow for correct exposure automatically, increasing efficiency. A padded carrying case was selected to protect the equipment thoroughly, considering the potentially harsh environments I may encounter on-site.
Together, these choices allow for a well-rounded and functional kit that meets my needs as a crime-scene photographer, focusing on quality and reliability without exceeding the budget.
---
### Part 2: Career Decision Making Using a Dichotomous Key
**Selected Career:** CSI Photographer
**Explanation of Choice:**
Following the dichotomous key led me to the career of a CSI photographer through a series of choices based on my personal preferences. I indicated my enjoyment of working with computers, prompting me to explore creative opportunities. Since I prefer working outside, it directed me toward forensic-related careers, ultimately landing on being a CSI photographer. This career aligns with my interest in photography and forensics, allowing me to combine both talents and interests. The opportunity to contribute to investigations through visual documentation appeals to my desire to make a difference and work in a field that engages my creative skills while serving justice. This career also promises diverse experiences and challenges, making it an exciting choice for my future.
#### Comparison Table
| Equipment | Specifications | Price | Store | Pros | Cons |
|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-----------|---------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| **DSLR Camera** | 24 MP, Full Frame, ISO 100-25600 | $1,200 | Store A | High quality images, versatile for low light | Initial cost high |
| **Lens (50mm f/1.8)** | Prime lens, sharp images, good for portrait & detail| $200 | Store A | Affordable and lightweight | Fixed focal length |
| **Zoom Lens (24-70mm f/2.8)**| Versatile, good in low light, weather-sealed | $1,800 | Store B | Great for diverse shooting scenarios | Expensive |
| **Tripod** | Carbon fiber, adjustable height, lightweight | $300 | Store C | Stable, durable, portable | May be too lightweight for heavy cameras|
| **External Flash** | 600 TTL capable, different angles and strength | $250 | Store A | Helps with low-light shooting | Can be bulky |
| **Carrying Case** | Weather-resistant, padded compartments | $120 | Store B | Protects equipment, easy to carry | Adds weight |
| **Light Filters** | UV and polarizing filters | $100 | Store C | Reduces glare, enhances colors | May require additional steps in usage |
### Equipment Choices
**Proposed Purchases:**
1. *DSLR Camera* - $1,200
2. *Lens (50mm f/1.8)* - $200
3. *Zoom Lens (24-70mm f/2.8)* - $1,800
4. *Tripod* - $300
5. *External Flash* - $250
6. *Carrying Case* - $120
7. *Light Filters* - $100
**Total Cost: $3,870**
### Explanation of Equipment Choices
In selecting my equipment, I prioritized purchasing high-quality items that balance versatility and durability while remaining within my budget of $4,000. The DSLR camera with a full-frame sensor and a 24 MP resolution allows for high-quality images essential in crime-scene documentation. The inclusion of both a prime lens and a zoom lens provides options for different shooting scenarios; the prime lens offers sharp images and a wider aperture for low-light conditions, while the zoom lens ensures flexibility in framing shots from various distances.
While the tripod adds a stable shooting platform, carbon fiber models won out due to their lightweight nature, making them easier to carry without compromising stability. The external flash is crucial for filling light gaps in darker scenes, and its TTL capabilities allow for correct exposure automatically, increasing efficiency. A padded carrying case was selected to protect the equipment thoroughly, considering the potentially harsh environments I may encounter on-site.
Together, these choices allow for a well-rounded and functional kit that meets my needs as a crime-scene photographer, focusing on quality and reliability without exceeding the budget.
---
### Part 2: Career Decision Making Using a Dichotomous Key
**Selected Career:** CSI Photographer
**Explanation of Choice:**
Following the dichotomous key led me to the career of a CSI photographer through a series of choices based on my personal preferences. I indicated my enjoyment of working with computers, prompting me to explore creative opportunities. Since I prefer working outside, it directed me toward forensic-related careers, ultimately landing on being a CSI photographer. This career aligns with my interest in photography and forensics, allowing me to combine both talents and interests. The opportunity to contribute to investigations through visual documentation appeals to my desire to make a difference and work in a field that engages my creative skills while serving justice. This career also promises diverse experiences and challenges, making it an exciting choice for my future.