EH.R: Digital cameras for archival research

[Joyce Burnette]

John,

I have found that using a digital camera for documents is really
valuable if time in the archives is limited.  Occasionally I get blurry
photos if I move when taking the picture, but otherwise the pictures are
legible.  The quality is not quite as good as the original, but usually
it's close.  It's nice to have the original picture to check if you think
you might have made a mistake in the transcription.

I have run into a few places that didn't allow digital photos (all of them
English record offices; that's where I work).  It doesn't damage the
documents if you don't use a flash (which is not needed anyway).  I think
they are either worried about copyright issues, or worried it will reduce
their photocopying revenues.

I can't recommend my camera because it's discontinued.  Generally get one
with lots of memory and high resolution.

Enjoy!

Joyce