[DigiCam] DigiCam for OCR

[George Reis]

A few things I would consider:

To determine the resolution you will need, try to determine the ratio of the
smallest type to largest page you will be photographing - 8 point on a 3
inch page doesn't require as much resolution as 11 point on a 12 inch page.
You can determine the total resolution you need by scanning a page at
different resolutions and seeing the pixel dimensions that give acceptable
results - if they are 1,200 X 1,600 pixels, then a 2 megapixel camera would
theoretically meet your needs (1,200 X 1,600 = 1.92 MP).

Another thing you may want to consider is if you will be doing any macro
photography. Are any of the books very small? If so, you may want to compare
how closely different cameras will focus.

As to TIFF images - many cameras offer saving images in a TIFF format.
However, many software applications can easily convert your JPEG images to
TIFF - you would just need to be sure that you don't over-compress the
JPEGs.

It would probably make sense to make a Photoshop Action (or other
automation) that converted the image to a grayscale TIFF. This would allow
this to happen in the background, while you do other things, or during
lunch, etc.

If I were looking for a camera to do what you are doing, I would probably
look at the Nikon line (the 4700 or even a used 990 or 995) - very sharp
images, ability to save in TIFF (if you determine that is your preference),
great macro capabilities, etc. The only weakness is that they don't focus
well in low light - but that probably isn't a factor for your application.

Good luck,

George Reis
--
Imaging Forensics <http://www.imagingforensics.com>
Specializing in digital imaging consulting, training, analysis and
enhancement for the law enforcement, investigative and legal communities.