Equipment

Digital Cameras: The following paragraph talks about cameras for the use of the photo team taking many many photos in a short period and was written about three years ago. Things have changed since. Most any digital camera is fine for the average volunteer contributing to the project. The resolution of the newer cameras is fantastic. I still believe in the Sony cameras and their long life batteries, but again, that is with shooting many pictures in a short period in mind.

The Sony Mavica line is the only digital camera model we are aware of which is ideally suited to this project. The Sony Mavica series of cameras uses inexpensive mini CDs (same as your computer) as a storage medium as opposed to the very expensive flash cards used by other cameras. The Mavica CD200, 300 & 400 series use Carl Zeiss lenses, the best lenses in the world. The Mavica also uses the same rechargeable long lasting battery as a the Sony video cameras. These batteries can last up to 8 hours (depending on the model) of continual use. This would allow many hundreds of images to be recorded before a recharge is necessary. Regular batteries need recharging after about 1-1.5 hours and a maximum of 150 shots per charge.

These cameras cost about $1,200.00Cdn/£500.00+ UK or less.

Laptop Computers: When the photo team is out in the field, there will be plenty of 'down time' when it is raining, or in the evening when many of the photos could be processed. To do this we would need at least two laptop computers. Ideally these laptops would be Apple MacIntosh computers which will be compatible to the computers we already use and for which we have the appropriate programs. The laptops will also allow us to update the web site while on the road and keep in touch with other volunteers and friends and family via the internet.

These laptops need not be new or the latest models.

The cost of these laptops vary depending on model, specifications and whether new or used.

Zip Discs, CD and DVD: These are high capacity storage devices that will all be used at various points as the technology advances.

Transportation

Vehicles: While in Europe we will need the use of vehicles for transporting the team and luggage and equipment from location to location. We expect the team to consist of a maximum of 8 members. Ideally two or three small vehicles would be best unless a motorhome was available. We may also need a small trailer. These vehicles could be donations to the project, loaned to the project or rented for the use of the project team. We have even approached car companies for the use of their vehicles in return for sponsorship considerations. We are open to all ideas.

Air Transportation: The team, when it is assembled will need to be brought from all over Canada to a single location in Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels or Frankfurt). Anyone in the Airline business or with access to a company jet, wishing to assist with this problem, is asked to please contact us.

Accommodation

Once our team is in Europe, accommodation, of any sort, will be needed for short periods of time in any one location. The length of that period will vary according to the number of graves in any area. This accommodation could be in the form of private homes, apartments, cottages, boats, barracks, school dormitories, campsites, hotels, hostels, B&B's, or even a tent in a back yard. The team will be supervised and proper care will be taken with all accommodation offered.

The Project Director, while living in England is also looking for inexpensive accommodation in England, as the more money spent on accommodation means less spent on the project. Given the high cost of rental accommodation in the Reading area this is a fair amount. Please contact him if you can help.