Instruction manual

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• If time allows, you may check each shot as it appears on the camera’s LCD screen
after each shot. However, since the display is usually set to come on for only a few
seconds this may not be practical. Additionally, it may be so bright in the cabin that
you can’t see the image on the LCD.
In situations like disaster assessment, the time you spend reviewing each photo on
the LCD screen can make you miss the next one. Large memory cards let you shoot
scores of photos and review them when there is a break in the action, keeping only
the best and deleting the obvious duds. In these cases, it’s best to turn the LCD
review feature off.
• After you have finished, have the Mission Pilot pick a safe spot nearby and circle
while you check the photos or video. If you are using a portable GPS, ensure the
coordinates were included with the photos. If you have difficulty seeing the images
on the LCD screen, look at it under a large dark T-shirt, jacket or blanket (i.e., a
portable dark room). [Note: A LCD hood helps minimize the glare on a digital camera
LCD monitor because it shields the monitor from bright overhead light and from light
coming from the side. Unless you buy a LCD hood made for a specific model,
universal LCD hoods attach to digital cameras by Velcro, an elastic strap or by
attaching it to the tripod thread.]
Most cameras offer a LCD magnification feature in the review mode that allows you
to zoom in on the image (anywhere from 2x to 12x) and scroll to look at different
parts of the image. This allows you to check finer details such as focus.
Note: LCD screens may not present an accurate representation of what the colors
and tones in your image actually look like, so you won’t necessarily be able to spot
over- and under-exposure or assess contrast and color. To check for correct
exposure in these cases, look at the image’s histogram. For example, the Nikon
D200 provides eight pages of information that can be superimposed on single-
playback photos; two of these are histogram information.
If using the portable GPS, ensure the coordinates were recorded with the images.
• Log time (and Hobbs) and report "Out of the Search Area."
• Double-check heading and altitude assigned for transit to next target or return to
base. Relax sterile cockpit rules.
12.5 After the Sortie
• Make sure you have all your equipment before you leave the aircraft.
• Clean the windows for the next sortie.
• If no more imaging sorties will be flown in the aircraft, replace the aircraft window
screw (and bushing or washer) if it was removed for your flight.