I have some interesting questions

[tomchook]

In my business, I need to take pictures of about 1000 papers a day. The thing is that some of these papers are wet, and some are wrinkled so I can't scan them. I was thinking of a solution, but I don't know if it's possible, so that's why I'm asking you.

1. I want to buy a budget camera which will stand on a tripod, that will have an option to have a fixed (manually selected) focus (because the camera will be at a fixed distance from the paper, and for autofocus another click is needed, which I don't want! I want to have only one click each time for taking a picture)

2. Is it possible to control this camera from a computer, without having to click it?

3. Is it possible to have the camera connected to AC outlet so I won't have to change batteries?

4. Is it possible to set the number to the sequence of pictures? for example, I would like that the picture name will be the number 323 and the next picture will be renamed automatically to 324, the next would be 325 etc...
If so, how do I do it?

I'm sorry for my bad English, I hope you will understand.
Thank you in advanced!
Tom K.

[Bynx]

Sounds like you need a hi-res Webcam attached to your computer. Its budget, you control from the computer, its powered by the computer. As for the numbering of the frames not sure how to accomplish this. The pic files can be sorted by time so they stay in order.

[erichlund]

Good grief! Google copy stand. Canon's dSLRs come with computer control software. Nikon you have to pay extra. You'll have to ask someone else about other brands.

1. Copy Stand - not tripod
2. Yes
3. Yes - external power supply - Most brands of cameras have them available, though you may have to order it, as they are not always in stock.
4. Photos will be numbered sequentially. I'm not sure how customizable this is, but there are programs that can do this in seconds in post processing, to whatever numbering scheme you want to use. It's done in the photo's EXIF data.

[tomchook]

Good grief! Google copy stand. Canon's dSLRs come with computer control software. Nikon you have to pay extra. You'll have to ask someone else about other brands.

1. Copy Stand - not tripod
2. Yes
3. Yes - external power supply - Most brands of cameras have them available, though you may have to order it, as they are not always in stock.
4. Photos will be numbered sequentially. I'm not sure how customizable this is, but there are programs that can do this in seconds in post processing, to whatever numbering scheme you want to use. It's done in the photo's EXIF data.

How can I do it without a tripod? I don't think I want to hold the camera for each photo.
Which program would you recommend for the numbering schemes?

Thank you!
Tom

[Anthony]

As erichlund said SEARCH GOOGLE for COPY STAND.

Most cameras let you either keep going with the numbering or reset it when you want. Some let you change the prefix of the numbering.

A lot of cameras have an option for running it off the mains if you buy a transformer.

I have been looking at the CHDK software for Canon camers and that lets you use the USB connector as the shutter release which may make things easer to do. http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/USB_Remote_Cable

I have a A650 IS which lets you select the lighting option to use ? e.g. Florescent, daylight etc. and also a colour correction option.

[Anthony]

If you buy a Canon you could try this http://alkenius.no-ip.org/Cam4you_remote/index.html Or http://www.breezesys.com/PSRemote/index.htm - links came from the CHDK Wiki and I am unsure if you need to install that first but my camer is not supported by either :(

[erichlund]

How can I do it without a tripod? I don't think I want to hold the camera for each photo.
Which program would you recommend for the numbering schemes?

Thank you!
Tom

A copy stand holds the camera with the lens pointed at the surface that holds your copy work. It also often has built in lighting set up for low glare. Do the search. Understanding will be immediate.

[James DeRuvo DHQ]

It also has the advantage of providing control over lighting, which you'll need to be able to get the proper detail and contrast to read the papers. You could easily make one out of PVC, but here's what they look like - http://www.marietta.edu/~mcshaffd/macro/copy.html

http://www.marietta.edu/~mcshaffd/macro/images/camlens/cstand.jpg