Scanners, digital cameras and digital video cameras have dropped in price to well within reach of even the smallest groups. We think that every group should have a scanner and a digital camera, and any group that does extensive media work or popular education should consider investing in digital video equipment.

 

It's an old saw, but a picture is worth a thousand words. This is especially true for the environmental movement; we work to protect some of the most beautiful places on earth, and using making effective use of images has long been one of our most important techniques for building support for environmental protection. On the other hand, many of the day-to-day materials we produce are "text-heavy"--because we lack the tools to readily incorporate images into our work. Digital imaging technology--scanners, digital cameras, and digital video cameras--can allow us to use images every day, not just on "special projects."

Scanners

Scanners are the simplest and most ubiquitous digital imaging tool. Scanners are used to capture ordinary prints and slides for use online. High quality flatbed scanners now cost under $250, and many can be had for less than $150. Typical scanners now offer 600-1200 dpi resolution, easy connectivity via your computer's USB interface, and reasonably good bundled software for imagine editing, OCR, etc. 

We've had good luck with the Epson Perfection 610 ($150) and its newer cousin the Epson Perfection 1200U ($175).. In addition to scanning photographs, scanners can be useful for capturing and archiving media clippings, and for converting print documents to editable word processor text via OCR (optical character recognition software). 

While many flatbed scanners also have transparency adapters that will allow them to scan slides, they lack the resolution to produce truly good results.  Scanning slides well requires a resolution of at least 2000 dpi, while affordable flatbed scanners typically have maximum resolutions of only 1200 dpi.

If scanning slides is important to your organization's publishing work, we recommend purchasing a dedicated slide scanner in addition to a flatbed scanner.  While slide scanners can be somewhat expensive, they are capable of producing the truly outstanding image quality that is essential to creating persuasive high-impact materials.

 There are several appealing choices at two price tiers: around $500 and $1000..  Advantages of the more expensive scanners include: slightly higher resolution and ability to deal with "difficult" exposures (i.e. lots of shadow, etc.), built-in "scratch/dust removal" technology, and more robust software.    And, they're somewhat easier to connect to your computer, as they use the simpler USB interface, rather than requiring an add-on SCSI adapter ($150).  Recommended "low-end" slide scanners include the Minolta Dimage Scan Dual II ($500) and the HP PhotoSmart S20xi ($400).  Recommended midrange slide scanners include the Minolta Dimage Scan Elite** (US$1000) and the Nikon CoolScan III LS-30 (US$770).

Digital still cameras

Digital still cameras first hit the consumer market about two years ago. Digital cameras record still images to special memory cards instead of film. These images can be quickly downloaded into your computer and incorporated into print documents or published online. Most digital cameras can even hook up directly to a television. The main advantage of a digital camera over a conventional camera is the low cost of use. Because digital cameras don't use film (and expensive photo processing services!) you can shoot hundreds of pictures just as cheaply as you can shoot two or three. 

The other advantage is the immediate availability of digital images. You just hook the camera to your computer, download the images and go--there's no waiting to get your film back! Digital photography is often the only practical way to incorporate images into time-sensitive campaign work.

For example, Forest Action Network used digital cameras to document unsound logging practices in the Ingram-Mooto watershed along the remote mid-coast of British Columbia. FAN uploaded the photos to their Web designer via satellite phone, and was able to put together a Web site that showed daily photos of the logging site as a means of "bearing witness" to the destruction of this remote and pristine place. While they didn't win this particular battle, their intrepid witnessing has helped them build momentum to launch a major corporate accountability campaign against the logging companies that are destroying BC's rainforests.

Key features to look for in a digital camera include: a resolution of at least 1.3 Megapixels (1024 x 768), which will yield solid 4" x 6" print images and is more than sufficient for Web use; a USB connection (or an external USB card reader) for fast transfers to your computer; a modest zoom lens; and at least an 8 MB storage card. 

We've had good experiences with the Kodak DC4800 (about $550) and the Kodak DC280 (~$450). The Epson PhotoPC 650 ($250) and the Olympus D-360L ($300) also get solid reviews, although the Olympus lacks USB support.  Note that new and improved cameras come out very often, and prices are in a continual free-fall.  Check current reviews before you buy.  We've found that C|NET generally has good information and reviews on digital cameras.

Whichever camera you buy, be sure to invest in rechargeable batteries. Digital cameras--and their LCD viewscreens in particular--can eat batteries for breakfast. If your camera doesn't include a USB adapter, invest $30 in a USB adapter for your camera's memory cards--it will greatly speed up image transfer and make the camera far more pleasant to use.

Digital video (DV) cameras

Digital video (DV) cameras have finally come within reach of motivated users. These cameras store images digitally on tape, and can quickly transfer recordings to computers via high-speed FireWire connections. Digital video cameras can also capture still images. The incredible image quality and easy access of DV, coupled with the availability of affordable video editing software (championed of late by Apple), has made near-broadcast quality video readily available to grassroots activists.

Solid digital video cameras are now in the $1000-$1500 range. Sony and Canon are the two leading manufacturers of DV cameras, and both have a range of models that are appropriate for nonprofit use. While a DV camera is a substantial investment, it's well within the reach of a group that is ready to commit the time and energy to incorporating video into its communications mix.

If you're interested in pursuing digital video production in your organization, we strongly suggest you seek advice from someone experienced with grassroots media production.  (Contact us if you need a referral.)  Again, C|Net offers useful reviews.  We also recommend looking About.com's resources on desktop video

For more information

Forest Action Network

http://www.fanweb.org/ingram/index.shtml
 

C|Net's digital camera reviews and information

http://computers.cnet.com/hardware/0-1078.htm
 

About.com's desktop video resources

http://desktopvideo.about.com/compute/desktopvideo/
 

06/29/01  

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