Digital photography options
We offer Pentax *ist DL and Nikon Coolpix 995 digital cameras, Nikon WC-E63 wide-angle lens, lightweight Bogen-Manfrotto tripod and Kaidan panoramic rig.
This equipment is available to all instructors, students, staff and faculty for short-term loan on request.
Technical specifications
Pentax *ist DL (6.1 megapixels)
Lens
18 - 55 mm equiv.
Lens max aperture
F3.5 - F5.6
(Note: this SLR can take other Pentax lenses)Sensitivity
Auto, ISO 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Resolutions
3008 x 2008 (Large)
2400 x 1600 (Middle)
1536 x 1024 (Small)Shutter speed
8 sec - 1/2300 sec (plus Bulb)
Flash
Pop-up
Flash range
10 m (32.8 ft)
Power
2 Lithium AA
Storage
SD
Nikon Coolpix 995 (3 megapixels)
Lens
4 x optical zoom, 38 - 152 mm equiv.
Lens max aperture
F2.6 - F5.1
Sensitivity
Auto, ISO 100, 200, 400, 800
Resolutions
2048 x 1536
1600 x 1200
1280 x 960
1024 x 768
640 x 480Shutter speed
8 sec - 1/2300 sec (plus Bulb)
Flash
Pop-up
Flash range
10 m (32.8 ft)
Power
Nikon EN-EL1 Lithium-Ion rechargeable
Storage
Compact Flash Type II
Kaidan KiWi 990 panoramic mount kit
14- and 18-detent rings are included. Use the WC-E63 wide-angle lens, 18-detent ring and bubble levels for best results.
VRWorx v2.5 software
This software is used for "stitching" images together to make panoramic and QTVR movies. It is installed on the Power Macintosh G5 in the Digital Imaging Lab in 14D Mudd.
Bogen-Manfrotto 190SSB tripod + 700RC2 head
The tripod features a maximum height with extended center column of 58.9", minimum height of 19.1" and a closed length of 24.6". It weighs 4.7 pounds, and the tripod/head combination will support a load of up to 5.5 lbs.
The 700RC2 is a compact and lightweight 2-movement head designed principally to support the latest digital video equipment but also well-suited to still photography cameras with medium and long telephoto lenses.
The 700RC2 has a fixed length pan bar with a soft handle and separate locking mechanisms for 360º pan and +90º/-75º tilt. It comes equipped with a quick-release video plate system with VHS pin and secondary safety catch. Smooth and constant movements on both axis are assured by a fixed system of fluid cartridges with this video head.
Nikon 0.63x WC-E63
The on-camera zoom lens is equivalent to a 38 mm - 152 mm zoom (35 mm equivalent). Since this converter has a magnification of 0.63, mounting the converter on the camera effectively changes the zoom to 24 mm - 96 mm (35 mm equivalent). A lens of this width (24 mm) is good enough for most panorama shots.
If you use Manual Focus in M-REC or use Infinity focus mode (i.e., the mountain icon) in either A-REC or M-REC, the focus distance is different from the actual distance. Consequently, you should ignore this distance and use the LCD monitor to make sure your subjects are in focus.
SanDisk 512 MB Compact Flash II card
This flash memory card will store approximately 320 high-quality (2048 x 1536) images on the Coolpix 995
SanDisk 1 GB Ultra II SD card
This flash memory card will store approximately 340 high-quality (3008 x 2008) images on the Pentax *ist DL
Usage instructions
If you need assistance with the Pentax *ist DL or Nikon Coolpix 995, please contact Computing Support staff to arrange a demonstration.
To move images off the camera, use the USB-to-camera cable in conjunction with Apple iPhoto, available on the Power Macintosh G5 in the Digital Imaging Lab in 14D Mudd.
Costs
There are no usage costs associated with use of the Pentax *ist DL or Nikon Coolpix 995 or other accessories at the present time.
However, while you have equipment in your possession you are financially responsible for it — be sure to lock the carrying case and accessories safely when not in use!
Funding
Our Pentax *ist DL was obtained via department funds. Nikon camera and lens were funded via the SAS Computing Instructional Technology Grant program. Other accessories were acquired via departmental funds. Thanks to both groups for arranging the purchase of this equipment.
