I'd like to replace my current digital camera with one better suited to
pictures from my glider, but I'm having difficulty finding one with the
features I want. Perhaps someone has solved my problem already, or at
least has a way of finding a suitable camera without days of downloading
brochures and camera manuals.

Here's what I think the ideal in-cockpit camera must have:

* Focal length: minimum 28-100 mm (35 mm equivalent) optical range
* Pixels: 4 mp (gives 2 mp with cropping to 140 mm lens equivalent)
* Viewfinder: minimum 2.5" sunlight visible LCD AND with good
visibility from the side
* Shutter lag: 0.5 second after pressing button
* Shutter: Continuous mode for at least 10 pictures
* focusing: Auto plus Manual (or settable at infinity)

Here is what would be really nice, in addition:

* Size: small and light enough to put in a pocket
* Anti-shake lens

But wait, there's more!

I'd also like to get a camera that can be attached to the outside of the
glider (wing, tail, etc). Here is what I think it must have:

* Focal length: minimum 28-100 mm (35 mm equivalent) optical range
* pixels: 4 mp (gives 2 mp with cropping to 140 mm lens equivalent)
* It must not turn itself off automatically! It's OK if an external
battery is required to achieve this.
* Wireless remote shutter actuation
* Shutter lag: .5 second
* Focusing: manual or settable at infinity
* Battery life: at least three hours and 50 pictures, external
battery OK if needed

Here is what would be very nice, in addition:

* Remote zoom control
* Battery life: 6+ hours
* Size: small and light
* wireless transmission of a reduced image to a cockpit display
(Bluetooth to an Ipaq?)

The greatest happiness would be one camera that can do both jobs, and
maybe there is one out there that can. New digital camera models seems
appear at a one-a-day rate, minimum.

--
Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA