Digital Field Photography on a $200 Budget

Digital Field Photography on a $200 Budget
David H. Ahrenholz
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Subcompact Digital Cameras
An alternative is to use a subcompact digital
camera (SDC) of 6–7 megapixel resolution with
a completely internal zoom lens. These cameras
weigh less than 6 oz. and fit into a small shirt
pocket. They can be used as a backup camera for
large SLR systems because of their miniature size
and weight, and they can produce 11 × 14-in.
prints if used carefully.
Always begin by testing any digital camera you
currently own to determine whether it is adequate
for your field photography needs. I have included
specific suggestions to optimize the photos taken
with any small digital camera. Only if you find
that your current camera is inadequate (too small
LCD, less than 3–5 megapixel resolution, poor
flash exposure at close distances, poor macro
performance) would it be advisable to investigate
purchasing another camera.
Current subcompact cameras use tiny internal
zoom lenses of modest zoom range, typically
35–105 mm equivalent. The cameras are so small
because they capture the image on a miniaturized
photo sensor. These sensors are marvels of technology, but they have rather severe limitations. At
higher ISO settings, the images exhibit a marked
electronic noise pattern manifested as low-contrast images with multicolored speckles across
the frame, reminiscent of the grain pattern found
in high-speed film. As the image-sensing elements
are made smaller and placed closer together on the
light-capturing sensor of each new camera model,
this effect becomes more visible even at lower ISO
settings. The best compromise for these SDCs is
found with a sensor resolution of 6–7 megapixels.
The market is glutted with small cameras of 8, 10,
or 12 megapixels, but the image degrades quickly
for any but the most brilliantly illuminated subjects.
An “obsolete” 6 or 7 megapixel SDC is much more
versatile in a variety of lighting conditions than an
identical model with a greater megapixel count.
But bigger is better for LCD screens. Current
SDCs do not have functional viewfinders like
conventional SLR cameras. Instead, they rely on a
live view LCD to permit image composition, and
immediate review to check exposure, focus, and
framing. If you have used the tiny LCDs on early
digital cameras, you will appreciate the “huge” 2.5
to 3 in. LCDs available on tiny pocket cameras. The
image is so clearly visible that it is possible to frame
and shoot photos with the camera held at arm’s
length, relying on the auto-focusing capabilities of
the camera for sharp images. Using the camera’s
internal flash will freeze motion and increase the
percentage of sharp images as well. But these
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igital photography has revolutionized the
art of field photography for entomologists.
It is possible to immediately confirm exposure, composition, and focus in even the most challenging situations. The cost per image is negligible
compared with the high cost of film-based photography. The highest quality photographs (capable
of poster- or even billboard-sized enlargement)
are obtained with a digital single lens reflex (SLR)
body and one or more interchangeable lenses. But
these systems are expensive, bulky, and especially
heavy to use in remote field locations.
Fig. 1. Two affordable subcompact cameras capable of life-size or greater macro photos in the middle zoom
range for greater lens-to-subject distances.
American Entomologist • Volume 54, Number 4
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Fig. 2a. Handheld photo
under rainforest canopy
with available light shows
the background, but has
a green cast from the
overhead foliage (1/75
s at f 3.0, ISO 50), Auto
WB. 2b. Same subject,
handheld with flash, shows
a black background but
freezes the flying bee near
the antennae of this Agrias
claudina sardanapalus
butterfly. The background
is black, but the image
has greater sharpness because of the high-contrast
illumination and small lens
aperture (built-in electronic
flash, 1/120 second at
f11.3, ISO 50, Flash WB).
systems are not perfect, and exposure, focus, and
framing must be confirmed after taking a shot.
Every camera manufacturer offers a range of
small digital cameras, each with a noninterchangeable zoom lens. Most are the size of a cigarette
pack with an extending lens. But in the pursuit
of ultimate portability and versatility, I prefer the
even smaller form factor of the subcompact digital
camera with a completely internal zoom lens. These
cameras usually start up quickly because there is no
lens to extend from the camera body, and there is
no extended lens to block the onboard flash.
Macro Capability
Almost any SDC will function to photograph
habitats or field workers. But entomologists also
want to document small subjects, and the close212
How to Optimize Your Camera
These cameras are not perfect, and you may
choose to use your current small camera or find
another model that you feel is ideal for your field
photography. Regardless, here are a few options
to optimize your digital photography with any
compact camera.
First, purchase a large storage card and begin
using the camera regularly. These are small cameras
and you should carry one everywhere, shooting
photos every day. The cost per shot is infinitesimal,
so shoot at highest resolution, in case you manage
to take a unique shot. You will soon learn what
the camera does very well and what kinds of photos you would like to improve. Learn to review
each shot immediately to check for severe focus
or exposure problems and to immediately reshoot
poor photos.
Second, download the photos and review them,
quickly erasing those of substandard quality. But
American Entomologist • Winter 2008
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focus characteristics of digital cameras vary widely.
Almost all have a “macro” setting, although the
abilities to photograph small objects are specific to
each camera model. In the days of film cameras,
macro lenses were defined by the ability to photograph a subject 1 in. tall, the same size as the height
of the 35 mm film frame. This 1:1 macro capability
was available only with specially manufactured
lenses, which were larger and much more expensive
than conventional lenses of identical focal length.
Today all digital cameras have a “macro” setting,
which really only indicates a close-up mode. The
majority will focus closely enough to fill the viewfinder with an object 2 or 3 in. tall. Perhaps this is
sufficient for your needs.
Very few camera models have a zoom lens
capable of capturing a subject 1 in. tall or smaller.
Most such cameras have a lens that locks into
macro mode at the shortest focal length of the
zoom range (sometimes called “superzoom”).
This requires that the camera be held very close
to a small subject. If the object is alive, it is frequently frightened away or assumes an undesirable
defensive posture. Even worse, the camera or its
operator blocks the ambient light illuminating the
subject. At really close distances, many cameras will
either overexpose images taken with the on-camera
flash or have uneven exposure because the flash is
located to one side of the lens.
These problems are dramatically reduced when
using an SLR by changing to a macro lens of longer
focal length. But SDCs do not have interchangeable lenses. At least two older subcompact camera
models are capable of 1:1 photographs at greater
distance from the subject because they activate the
macro mode in the mid-zoom range. These are the
discontinued Nikon Coolpix S3 (6 megapixels)
and S7c (7 megapixels), although models from
other manufacturers may be equally capable. Fortunately, these two have been available as used or
refurbished items on the Internet at very reasonable
prices, although the supply has decreased dramatically in the past 12 months.
Accessories
I am often asked about accessories for field photography. Do not purchase any except a large storage card until you have found the correct camera.
Then immediately buy a snug-fitting padded case
and wear your camera on your belt. Practice unzipping the closure and operating the camera with one
hand. In the field, I often have a net or notebook in
one hand when a photographic opportunity presents itself. Because most of my photos are of active
subjects that rarely dally within range, I preset my
camera for macro photos and the current lighting
American Entomologist • Volume 54, Number 4
Budget Digital Field Camera Outfit
Refurbished Nikon S3 camera
$124
2 GB SD memory card
$ 20
Padded LowePro case
$ 12
Extra Nikon EN-EL8 battery
$ 35
Total
$191
Camera weight /
with charger
4.2 oz. /
14 oz.
conditions, and I have learned to zoom the lens
and fire the camera one-handed. I do not lean in
to photograph my subjects, but hold the camera at
arm’s length below the insect and slowly raise it to
the correct level. Objects approaching from above
often cause insects to take flight.
Next, buy at least one additional battery made
by the camera manufacturer. I have had generic
batteries fail while traveling, and there is no worse
feeling than having an unpowered camera in the
field. Do not overcharge the batteries. Rotate them
in the camera to test them well before an extended
field trip.
All these items are tabulated in the table above.
The total price (with some serious shopping) may
be less than $200, and much less if you already own
a satisfactory camera. Purchase a dedicated card
reader. Many small cameras have slow interfaces
and prolonged download times that are a waste
of battery power and your time. Do not buy a
dedicated color printer. The biggest drain on your
time and photo budget will be tweaking the prints
from a home printer. The cost of commercially
produced prints is dropping daily, especially from
mail order sites, or even the local Sam’s Club or
Costco. The latter will provide a flyer recommending the optimal number of pixels at which to save
your edited photos for any given print size. Spend
your time efficiently editing the photos and let the
retailer print them for you at a fraction of what it
will cost you at home.
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note what was poor about the shot (focus, color,
contrast, image magnification), so you will recognize these errors that were not so apparent when
reviewed in the camera. Pay attention to obtrusive
objects in the background. Then erase all inconsequential photos so they don’t clog your computer.
Do not store photos on your storage card, or it
will soon be full.
Third, organize your saved photos so you can
find them, or your hard drive will quickly become
a photo cemetery. Choose software that allows
you to review and sort thumbnail images quickly
into subdirectories or folders of related images (by
date, subject, project, etc.). Learn to add labels to
aid in image retrieval.
Fourth, lock your camera on its lowest ISO
setting and shoot for a few days. Notice that the
contrast of most of the shots is slightly better, and
the “speckles” are reduced. You may also notice
more blurred images because the camera is using a lower shutter speed. Blurring is much more
common with smaller cameras because they are so
lightweight compared with more massive cameras.
Use a short neck strap and extend the camera
against the resistance or use a walking stick to
minimize hand movement when shooting photos.
For photos taken with flash, the images taken at a
distance may appear dark because effective flash
range is reduced at low ISO settings.
Fifth, learn to set the white balance (WB) and
adjust it each time the lighting conditions change
by metering off a white card. The automatic
WB setting frequently results in photos with
strange greenish or bluish tones (fig. 2a), which
are difficult to correct later. If your camera has
no manual WB setting, use one of the preset
modes for sun, clouds, etc. to match the lighting
conditions. If shooting flash, lock the WB for
flash, and the color consistency of your photos
should immediately improve.
Sixth, intensively practice the kind of photo
that is most important for your purposes. I
practice macro photography daily, almost always
using flash. If you prefer macro photos without
flash, a tabletop tripod may be your best option. If
you are not getting the quality you desire, politely
borrow cameras from your family and friends for
evaluation, and you may stumble on the perfect
camera for your needs. For really demanding
subjects, an SLR may be your best option, despite
its weight and cost.
Avoid a Few Simple Mistakes
Use a black camera for macro work or apply
removable black tape to a colored camera body. At
close distances, the color of the camera body is reflected unto the subject, yielding some very creative
color casts. Finally, do not use insect repellent when
photographing insects. DEET repels all insects, not
just the biting ones, and occasionally can corrode
the finish of your beloved little camera. Have fun,
and keep shooting!
David Ahrenholz is an associate professor of surgery
and senior burn surgeon at the University of Minnesota. He travels extensively in South America
studying Riodinid butterflies, and he has published
many unique entomological images (dhahrenholz@
yahoo.com).
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