You might have noticed that digital cameras are getting cheaper all the time and the image quality has also improved immeasurably. So much so that about a year ago I realised that using a digital camera would be a very affordable option compared to conventional film. And using a digital camera has two major advantages compared to film. Firstly, you can view your results within minutes of landing (if you have a laptop to download them to) and secondly, you do not have to spend money developing a film that might only have one or two decent images captured on it.

The camera I use is the Nisis Pencam 1.3. The 1.3 stands for 1.3 mega pixels, which is a measure of the image quality. A lower resolution camera will produce a pixelated image, but 1.3 is good enough to produce sharp images for viewing on a computer or for printing at about 7” x 5”. The pencam is very small, measuring only 3cm x 3cm x 9cm and very light, just 70g including two AAA cells. Another 12g would add a micro servo to actuate the shutter. Virtually any model could carry this load without problems and you would be rewarded with quick, cheap, quality images.

As you probably know, I only fly electric models and saving weight is always a major consideration. So much so, that I decided to modify the camera so that it could be powered from the flight battery and the shutter actuated using a signal from the receiver. A small IC and a few components were soldered inside the camera and I can now use it without the AAA cells or a servo to actuate the shutter. This saves 35g and allows the camera to be carried easily with my Multiplex Twinstar. There are several people offering a kit (the IC and a few components) to modify this and other digital cameras for aerial use in RC models. The one I bought was by RC-CAM from the USA and only cost 10 dollars plus shipping.

Here’s the best part. I bought my camera in December 2002 from Dabs direct for £65. If you bought one now it would only cost £39.99. If you do decide to have a go at digital aerial photography make sure to send some images to Andy so he can add them to the website.

Dabs: http://www.dabs.com/uk
RC-CAM: http://www.rc-cam.com/index.htm

If you have pictures and would like to see here, email them to me - webmaster@wimbornemac.org

Ashley Heath (White blob is club Hut) Supersize Image	Ashley Heath towards Verwood Supersize Image	Ashley Heath on FFF day Supersize Image	Cashmoor Supersize Image
Note - The Supersize images are Mike's originals so you can see the actual quality, but have large file size (180 - 250K each)