##Some configuration ideas## *For using the Canon Powershot A495 camera's normal menu settings* Personal preferences vary, but these choices have worked well during mapping flights. In general, manual settings are preferred over automatic settings so each photo has similar qualities and will stitch together well. The exception is exposure, which is a challenge to set correctly before launch, and may need to change during a flight. *Manual Focus* -- the A495 can be set on "infinity" focus mode. The camera has to be in "Manual" mode for this option to appear (have to confirm this). For most mapping flights, everything will be in focus if the camera is focused on infinity. Some additional information is needed to confirm how this "infinity" mode works. *Daylight White Balance* -- When the camera is in "Manual" mode, select the sun icon for daylight white balance. *Image Stabilization* -- The A495 does not have image stabilization. That's okay because it probably does not help on balloon or kite flights. *Exposure Compensation* -- On sunny days, the view from above is bright, and the automatic exposure system can be fooled. The A495 can compensate for such scenes by reducing the exposure in increments of 1/3 f-stop. Setting the Exposure Compensation to -1/3 or -2/3 can eliminate overexposed highlights.

*ISO* -- On sunny days, ISO 80 (the "slowest" sensitivity to light) should produce the crispest images. On darker days, setting the ISO higher (100-200) will allow faster shutter speeds (less motion blur), but the images will be noisier (grainy). ISO settings higher than 200 are not recommended because the images will be rather noisy, but in dim light this may be the only option. *Battery Saving Features* -- (must confirm with the A495) * Turn the brightness of the LCD display way down * Turn the autofocus light off * Turn off the LCD display before launch.