Historic Preservation Camera Requirements

*last updated May 2025

 

Photography will be a fundamental tool for your work as a Weitzman Historic Preservation student and most likely in your professional life. We recommend all students acquire mirrorless or advanced point-and- shoot digital camera with at least 18-megapixel resolution. DSLRs are also a perfectly good (and more economical) option but are widely being replaced by mirrorless designs.  In addition, we suggest you have a sturdy tripod. We have four departmental cameras and three tripods for short term borrow, but it is best for you to use and master your own equipment. Joe Elliott has compiled a list of suggested models below. Used equipment is a good option through a reputable camera dealer.

Contact Joe Elliott with questions
elliott@muhlenberg.edu
267-981-6774

Basic Camera Requirements

  • Camera must be able to operate in manual mode. That means you can control the focus, shutter speed, and aperture manually.
  • Camera must be able to produce images in Camera Raw format
  • Camera must be able to produce images that are 15 megapixels of larger
  • Camera should have basic zoom lens of focal length approximately 18-55mm
  • Camera can be either Mirrorless or DSLR
  • Buy a SDHC memory card with at least 32GB capacity
  • Buy a clear filter to fit the lens
  • Buy an 18% gray card for color accuracy ($10.50 as of May 2025)  
  • If your camera does not have a built-in level, buy one of these (Vello Three-Axis Hot-Shoe Bubble Level for Standard 35mm SLR Cameras, $19.99 as of May 2025):

All of the cameras listed below have the option of manual control, which is important for class. But some are easier to use in manual mode than others. The best way to decide is to go to a camera store and compare the way they feel and operate. Optically, they are all excellent

Mirrorless

Mirrorless cameras are the first option. This Canon is a typical mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens ($599.00 as of May 2025)  There are similar cameras from Sony Panasonic, and Nikon.

DSLR

DSLR is an older design, but the optical quality is equal to mirrorless designs. These cameras are fading in popularity, so they are more affordable.  Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens ($479 as of May 2025) You can also get a similar camera by Nikon or others in the same price range.

Tripods

This is a good tripod: Manfrotto Element MII Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head (Black) ($109 as of May 2025) 
This is a much better tripod: Manfrotto MK290XTA3-3WUS 290 Xtra Aluminum Tripod with 804 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head ($219 as of May 2025) 

Sources

In NYC and online: B and H Photo https://www.bhphotovideo.com

In Philadelphia: Unique Photo https://www.uniquephoto.com This is a great local store, a good place to try out and buy a camera.