Digicam: What features best for filming UFOs?

Originally posted by schuyler
Perhaps a mundane question, but more people here deal with analyzing UFO photos than elsewhere so I thought I'd try here. I've heard, for example, that the auto-focus on some units is such that it hinders picture quality, therefore you need a unit where you can turn that off--fast. Also, there must be optimum zooming features. There are so many digicams out there that it's difficult to analyze them. I almost think an analog unit would be better because it is so much simpler to operate. What features should I look for? (I don't expect I'll ever shoot a UFO, but why not be prepared just in case?) Do you folks have any preferences?

While I haven't had any experience with shooting infrared, I have shot quite a lot of ufo material using a few different cameras, two still and two movie, with tele conversion lenses for all.

I guess the main questions are:

a) Do you want to shoot at daytime or night? Still or movie?

Night: Night time movie results are usually just blinking lights. But using a still camera shooting slower shutter speeds than a moviecam, say up to 1-8 seconds with a tripod ( a movie frame is usually 1/25sec), you might get better results. A still camera has a lot more latitude to capture clearer images at higher resolution. Light is a problem at night and a 3 x tele conversion on say a 3x optical zoom will get results. Also bear in mind that the more zoom you use the less light you have, and this can be an advantage given the high light intensity of the subject. Shooting raw is the best option because you can push it a couple of stops later in pp for possibly a brighter, or darker night image, than say a still of a 'blinking light' from a movie frame. A still camera is also good for burst and time lapse capture of the subject. I wouldn't consider using any filters that may have a factor that takes away more light through the lens. Manual focus is essential.

b) Daytime: This is different to night shooting, and can be done well with movie cameras ( as well as still camera...) A high zoom is important or tele conversions lens at least. A tripod is a must ( particularly if you attach telescopes for really high zooms). If you want to shoot ufos you have to practice a lot with the equipment and try and get your shots smooth. Keep it on full zoom most of the time. A still camera isn't as critical to work, and in daylight your still shutter speed could be around 500-1000sec. While the movie clips I've shot are useful, when it comes to serious analysis I think the still pictures probably provide the better information.

Now where are the ufos? From what I've experienced there is a tendancy for activity to repeat itself in certain areas of the world. Find one of these and you 're on your way.... Good luck!