Using DSLR to 'Scan' Colour Slides: learning from the Digitising Jemdet Nasr 1988–1989 Project

Mónica Palmero Fernández

doi:10.11141/ia.55.10

Abstract

This article presents a cost-effective method for digitising photographic film for archival purposes using a DSLR camera, focussing on the widely used colour reversal Kodachrome film produced by Eastman Kodak between 1935 and 2009. I discuss the digitisation of an archive of 787 Kodachrome slides taken between 1988 and 1989 during the excavation of Jemdet Nasr, an archaeological site located in southern Iraq (Project website). I compare results obtained using a film scanner (Nikon Coolscan IV ED) with two different scanning software solutions (SilverFast and VueScan), a flatbed scanner (HP Scanjet 8300), and two DSLR cameras with macro lens (a Canon EOS KissX3 with 105mm lens and a Canon EOS 80D with 90mm lens). The results demonstrate the cost-effective value of the DSLR method for archives where time and resources are limited, but where digital photography equipment might be readily available, such as an archaeological unit or a university department. The method allows for high quality, fast and economical digitisation of excavation and collection archives that will enhance research. The method also offers superior results in rendering the high dynamic range of photographic film such as Kodachrome.

Highlights

Advancements in digital photography and other recording tools over the past ten to fifteen years have improved the visual recording of archaeological excavations and artefacts exponentially
When comparing the results obtained using SilverFast's HDR function (Figure 13c) with the non-HDR image obtained with the DSLR camera (Figure 13h), the method here described offers rich colour preservation, better capture of Kodachrome's original dynamic range, and grain does not appear to cause significant noise
As the discipline of archaeology continues to develop digitally based methods, the incorporation of analogue visual archives into the pool of digital data will streamline the integration of archival and contemporary or future records to enhance their analysis and interpretation

Summary

Introduction

Advancements in digital photography and other recording tools over the past ten to fifteen years have improved the visual recording of archaeological excavations and artefacts exponentially. It is possible to produce large photographic records of excavations at a fraction of the price it cost before the advent of digital photography. Other techniques such as photogrammetry enable three-dimensional recording and exploration of archaeological sites and objects on an unprecedented scale. Like artefacts and organic samples, these photographs constitute archaeological data that can be crucial in restudying old archaeological excavations employing updated methodologies

Methods

Results

Conclusion