Used Camera Database Blog

This would be a good time to discuss what is planned for the near future at the Used Camera Database.

1. Top priority for the next week is getting the third party brands for the Canon EOS system into the database (i.e. Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, etc.).  I’d also like to get the FD and FL lenses listed (at least some of them) but that is lower priority for now.
2. Polishing existing entries will continue to be a priority, including refining search terms, fixing duplicates and missing lenses, etc.  The goal is to get all EOS lenses listed well, test other features (listed below), then add Nikon, Minolta, Sony, and other lenses.
3. Linking.  One of the big selling points of this database, at least for me, is the ability to have every lens in the database linked to the relevant reviews, comparisons, manuals, datasheets, etc. on the web.  The goal is to make it that much easier to determine which lens you want, then find out about it and access the wealth of information out there without spending hours in Google.  I hope to have linking done in the next couple of weeks, and to spark it off I’ll have a linking contest with a (meager) cash prize.
4. Comments and ratings.  After linking, I want to get a comment and rating system in.  Ratings, in particular, are very useful for me when I compare lenses, and I’d like to get that here.
5. Aesthetics.  Usability is way more important that how nice the site looks, but I do have plans to ‘pretty’ it up.  Most likely this will be a larger update in a few months, depending on how other things go.

Also, in terms of the blog, I’m going to make a more concerted effort to add content.  Specifically, over the next week or two, I’m going to post regularly about the philosophy of the site and things I’ve learned while make it.  In particular, I’ve learned a ton about classifying and searching for lenses on eBay that I’d like to share.  These posts will generally be short, but my goal is to get out about one a day.  So check back often (or subscribe using the links at right)!

So, stay tuned!  If you have any suggestions, let me know!

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 10th, 2009 at 10:00 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.