News Article

Dec 20, 2011

Category: Product Reviews

Environmentally Friendly Photography

by Simon Damkjaer

The nature of photography, it may be argued, is to preserve a scene, an emotion, or a point in time by capturing what is seen in time and space using the tool of the camera. Photographers, however, also have an obligation to preserve something more important, which is the object of nature photography, namely the environment itself.

Nature photographers have for a long time been at the forefront of environmental conservation. Ansel Adams, a well-known American photographer, not only had a love for wildlife photography, but was also active in pushing for environmental conservation and the establishment of American National Parks in the West of the United States. Nature photographers, in addition to everyone else, have a responsible for preserving the environment that others may wish to capture.

If you, as a photographer, have not yet made the transition from manual or disposable photography to digital photography, now is the time to switch. Digital photography is easier on landfills as it involves less packaging and does not generate used films. Furthermore, the development process involves toxic chemicals and uses a tremendous amount of water and electricity. Digital equipment may be more expensive in the short run, but will save money on film and processing in the long run, as well as reducing your ecological footprint [1]. This article provides an overview over some of the environmentally friendly cameras and brands that exist.

Canon

A good example of a green Camera is the Canon EOS Rebel T2i digital camera which does not contain lead parts. Lead has been known to be harmful, so Canon decided to launch a camera that would differ from other types. The T2i camera manufacturing process has also been established as being more environmentally friendly than other camera manufacturing processes [2].

Nikon

Nikon is also another brand that has become more active in helping the environment and has significantly reduced its use of hazardous chemicals in its products. The manufacturer also offers free recycling of batteries and other electronic devices in an attempt to reduce waste. One of its energy-efficient and economical items is the CoolPix S80 camera, which also has a longer battery life span, saving on the electrical costs associated with multiple charges.

Olympus

Olympus, is one of the companies known to be dynamic in the fight against anthropogenic induced climate change and are actively reducing the use of harmful chemicals. The company usually displays a green leaf on its products that signifies the item’s recyclability, reduced harmful substances, and effective energy saving features. For example, the Olympus FE-47 camera is one of the company’s environmentally friendly cameras, as it has no PVC, cadmium and lead.

Sony

Sony, has taken the more creative side of things, by launching its 2006 “odo” design concept group whose devices are powered by kinetic energy. The series of photography products look like simple toys and the products are made of recycled parts or Bioplastic. Furthermore, the parts are connected by sturdy natural rubber bands, which means that the series of products use a minimum of screws which greatly simplifies assembly and disassembly [3].

Sony’s Twirl N’ Take digital camera is a hand-powered still camera that uses a built-in generator that can charge up to take one picture as you push its roller back and forth for about 15 seconds.

Similarly, the Crank N’ Capture digital video camera is powered by turning the crank on the side for shooting and playback. Unlike a regular digital video camera, images are not smooth but intentionally choppy, as if animated by flipping pages. The designers invite users to enjoy this novel and charming effect.

In addition, the Spin N’ Snap, digital still camera, is powered by sticking one’s fingers through two holes and spinning the camera end over end. Because there is no LCD screen, the holes also serve as a viewfinder [4].

Another way of viewing images is with the Push Power photo viewer. Push Power is powered by pushing the viewer to rotate its bottom-mounted wheels as the unit is held with both hands. The viewer displays the digital photos stored on Bitty memory cards. The viewer can also be recharged while in use, as it continues to display images. Sony has also created the “Juice Box”, a solar battery, which collects sunlight. Once charging is done, it can be folded up as a portable battery for all “odo” series products [5].