"Keith nuttle" <keith_nuttle@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:nC4Wj.3593$nl7.442@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>I have been doing library research lately, and thought that a digital
>camera would work well.
>
> Can someone recommend an inexpensive camera that has the macro focus. It
> does not need a viewfinder. Something that could be tossed in the
> briefcase, set upon a simple stand over the book page, take a readable
> image of the page in the available light in the typical library, and
then
> be quickly downloaded into my laptop.
Spouse & I have had experience using digital cameras in libraries and
courthouses to collect genealogical data. Based on that, I'd suggest:
1. Macro isn't necessary if you are taking pictures of most or all of a
standard letter page or ledger.
2. Using the LCD on a point-n-shoot is an advantage since it avoids the
problem of parallax.
3. You want something that performs well at moderately high ISO since
flash
can cause problems with glare. Libraries are lit for reading, not
photography.
4. Some point-n-shoot cameras have a "text" or "copy" scene mode to assist
in this task.
5. If white pages tend to come out grey, you want to use the exposure
compensation function to increase the exposure. Try +1 to start.
6. If you are photographing pages in a book, the biggest problem tends to
be
getting the pages flat enough. Weights or large binder clips might help in
the absence of a helper.
7. Don't forget to take a picture of the cover and title page as well.
8. Don't get too wrapped up in high megapixel count. 6MP should be enough.
9. Image stabilization (IS) or Vibration Reduction (VR) are handy in
letting
you hand hold the camera.
Any number of small, inexpensive digital cameras will handle this. Find a
store with a number of cameras available and see which ones fit your hands
best. Try testing them on a sample page.
Good Luck,
- Astigmatic Owl
|
