I do agree with Trevor Jones that for objects higher resolution is better,
especially since CD's make for very cheap storage and can be re copied
quickly and cheaply in years to come. I primarily work with costumes and
costume accessories and these should be handled as little as possible. I
usually do take images like this, and lower end cameras can take very high
resolution images. These images are more than adequate for future use on
the web, etc. These images are most usable in a database as these objects
should be stored in  very non visible storage. Once something is dressed or
opened I take many extras and save the best ones on CDs. In jpeg format a
CD can hold hundreds of images.

jpegs are the norm and I assume will remain pretty universal in the future.
If there is no intention to use images for more than than database and web
use it seems to me ou do not really need much more. I know with costumes,
press releases and exhibit photgraphy is higher quality and I have seen it
usually done to a much higher standard than for general internal use and is
more specialized in regards to background, etc.

Cameras do change quickly, but having used two models of the same camera I
have to say the changes are usually in the features more than the quality.
Cameras are not very obsolete even if they are out of date (like computers)

In response to another message, I usually take special detail shots instead
of cropping on a general pictures, these usually come out a bit clearer. I
have been able to take very clear images of individual textile threads
using my $300 Olympus and a small magnifying glass. They even print out
well on ink jet paper though this would not be archival.

The biggest problem I have had has been the green tint of florescent
lights, but this went away with the use of photographic lights. Digital
cameras are very sensitive to light colors. Once the pictures are taken I
can usually adjust and save about 30 images an hour into a database and
have never been able to work with a scanner with that kind of speed.

The one time investment of digital has seemed to me ideal for museums with
little money as development and film can run so high in price. It would be
nice to always have a very high end camera, but it is not absolutely
necessary.

Elizabeth Walton

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