Re: digital cameras
I too use a digital camera - 5 megapixels required. But I'm an amateur
and the prints are not particularly good, getting documents in focus is
difficult without a tripod and a stand for the document and a lot of
fiddling around.
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My reply
Have you adjusted the speed of the camera to 400ASA or faster? That
should improve the prints, but they will be grainier. Also set the lens
the maximum wide angle.
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On the whole, I don't think record offices have caught up with this
trend yet - many of them do permit the use but there are no facilities
to enhance the pictures, such as well-lit rooms. Moreover, the
persistent digital camera user can also cause annoyance to other
researchers if on the same table.
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My reply
Only too true
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I was interested to read that the digital prints will not last 10 years
- presumably the CD copy will be OK, so long as it is transferred to
updated software every now and then? If not, what is the best way for
long-term preservation of these digital pictures? Jacqueline Cooper
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My reply...
The survival of most 20th century records SHOULD BE OF CONCERN TO ALL
HISTORIANS. Viz: -
1) Most films and photographs which have been taken have been lost. Viz:
This includes much TV production including early series of Dads Army,
Steptoe and Son, and only recently was the episode where Dr Who
regenerates for the first time rediscovered. Similarly all the episodes
of the Archers from 1960 to 1969 were also rediscovered in a trunk
destined for shipment to South Africa.
2) Our paper has a high acid content. Pick up any book more than 30
years old and you'll see the problem. Compare that with much 13th
Century parchment.
3) 5.25" floppy disks can no longer be read. I have heard that the
Americans are no longer able to read the tapes on which their census of
1950 was stored.
4) Have you any Betamax videos? If so, can you play them?
5) Buildings are pulled down without proper surveys or photographic
records being made.
6) Who bothers to photograph their houses before making alterations and
redecorating?
Clearly something needs to be done to preserve the present as well as
the past.
David
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