historical document imaging

[RJH]

we plan to use our Rebel xti to photograph textual documents using a tripod instead of photocopying. i have seen other people connect their camera to their notebook computer and view the image on the computer screen prior to triggering the shutter. (this would save standing over the table for hours on end to preview the shot). is this possible with the canon software that came with the camera or do we need to purchase other software?

also, would you recommend locking the focus and settings once the best image has been recorded to save the camera doing it for each sheet of paper?

thank you for your advice.

[gjl711]

Look for the remote camera software that came with the canon software. It's pretty easy to set up and works quite well.

[C2S]

You probably can't "live-view" the image on the computer monitor though, unless the camera has that feature as well?

If I recall, the Rebels with live view mode are XSI, not XTI.

[troutfisher]

we plan to use our Rebel xti to photograph textual documents using a tripod instead of photocopying. i have seen other people connect their camera to their notebook computer and view the image on the computer screen prior to triggering the shutter. (this would save standing over the table for hours on end to preview the shot). is this possible with the canon software that came with the camera or do we need to purchase other software?

also, would you recommend locking the focus and settings once the best image has been recorded to save the camera doing it for each sheet of paper?

thank you for your advice.

You will not see the image on the laptop before taking the shot-you will see it afterwards as the XTi does not have live view.Regarding locking focus and exposure if I was doing it I would use flash. Camera on M 1/200 sec F11, flash on ETTL two flash units at 42 degrees to the paper ( a copy table would help) focus and shoot away. BTW can you scan the documents?

[RJH]

Thank you for your advice. We do some scanning put I'm hoping the camera will be faster than the portable scanners. Also, the archives and reference libraries do not allow flash photography. I appreciate the suggestion though.

[RJH]

Thanks to all three that responded. It was unanimous that the XTi cannot live view. Darn - sounds like I bought the wrong camera Oh well - will make do with viewing the image after taking the shot.