Aerial Photographic Equipment - the Digital Age!

(It must be remembered however that satelliteEasier archiving of electronic data with instant recall.
imagery rarely competes with Oblique AerialEasier manipulation of images for both archiving in
Photography where and angle is required) For manyAerial Photographic Libraries and e-mailing.
years aerial photographers like their land-basedDisadvantages of digital over film: -
colleagues have relied on film and it has only been inLimitation in size of printable image depending on size
the last few years that the digital equipment hasof sensor. Most semi-pro DSLR's do not have full
been able to rival film. This is still not true for largeframe sensors, therefore smaller than 35mm.
prints where medium format film cameras provideProfessional DSLR cameras do have full frame
the benchmark in perfect conditions such as displaysensors but these are roughly the equivalent of a
Construction Photography.35mm film camera and no larger.
The main advantages digital has over film: -Meduim format digital cameras are not usually
Greater flexibility - allows photography in poorerappropriate for use in Aircraft due to the restriction
condition which would not normally be possible, e.g.on ISO settings and the very high cost.
Photography in low light - ISO's up to and abovePossible to loose data inadvertently.
1600.Camera battery power is paramount.
Immediate data recall and review while on location.Need for constant hardware and software upgrades.
No changing film.For many aerial photographers the move to digital
High capacity memory cards allow hundreds ofequipment has not only provided greater flexibility but
images on one card (depending on image size) -has also reduced processing costs as many clients will
especially important where a large number of imagesnot require prints but only the digital files on a disc.
are to be taken in a short space of time, such asAlthough there will be a large initial outlay for the
Event Aerial Photography.equipment the savings over time on the lab
Image stabilization on lenses.processing fees should outweigh these.
Immediate image transfer from the office to clients.