I’ve made several research trips across the United States in the past There have been several times when a portable media device is needed to record a book page, document, or photo. Several times, I was able to have a copy made at a courthouse or archive, unless the ledger or document was too large. Sometimes the cost is too expensive using the copy method.
Two wonderful devices, digital cameras and portable scanners, are a great tool to bring on research trips for recording book pages, documents or photos. Compact and SLR digital cameras with macro capabilities and flash are nice because they are easy to use, portable, and take great photos. Macro allows close-up shots up to 12 inches without distortion. Flash is only recommended in dark situations at an angle to prevent spot reflections on paper or through glass. I recommend a digital camera with zoom capabilities (3X or higher) with macro and a portable tripod stand for perfect still shots and to eliminate any blurring. A good smartphone camera will also work. There are many name brands on the market available at electronic or office supply stores or even online.
Portable scanners are also a great benefit, but beware that all portable scanners are not the same. Some portable scanners require a person to drag the unit over a book page, document, or photo allowing some possible risk to damaging the document or photo. Many archives or libraries won’t allow these types of portable scanners, however I recommend the Flip-Pal portable scanner. This portable scanner is gently placed on the document and scans the document like a normal flatbed scanner. Large documents or photos can be multi-scanned and stitched together using their software.
~ Bob Larson is an instructor for Larimer County Genealogical Society. Please visit our society website: www.lcgsco.org or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lcgsco for our many events coming in 2019.