Nevada Space Grant
Student
High-Altitude Ballooning

NV SGC
This program is generously supported by the Nevada Space Grant Consortium


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There are some consideration when using a camera for your payload.  First, do you want a film camera or a digital camera?

There are two ways to handle photo taking on a balloon flight.  You can include one really good camera to take quality pictures for all involved or you can include a camera in each of the student built payloads.

If you are going for the one camera option get the best camera you want because weight isn't too much of an issue.

Film camera Digital Camera
Can run for months on one battery

Limited to 48 pictures (typically)

Won't auto off

Lighter than digital camera

Easier to "hack" shutter release than digital camera

Seem to tolerate the cold better than digital cameras (less dependent on battery voltage)

Best mounted to allow easy film loading

 Can run for one flight on batteries

Can take hundreds or even thousands of pictures

Often has an auto off

Some have auto interval timers (no hacking required)

More expensive than film camera

Best mounted to allow battery/card loading