##What kind of camera works best for balloon/kite mapping?##

Technically, any camera will work for [balloon and kite mapping](/tool/balloon-mapping), but compact cameras in the "point-and-shoot" class are the right size & weight for balloons and kites, and are cheap. Phones with good cameras can also work.  

Most cheap consumer cameras have good enough resolution, though >2 megapixels, and closer to 8-12 is best. It's best to choose a lighter camera (< 1/4 pound or 150 grams). An older, used camera is a good option, as it is possible to lose or damage cameras if something goes wrong.

###Continuous Mode###

You will need a camera that can do continuous shooting (or "continuous drive"), or you will have to add an external shutter trigger ([see the camera trigger page](http://publiclaboratory.org/wiki/camera-trigger)).
<img src="https://publiclab.org/sites/default/files/continuous_0.JPG" width="222" </a>

###Continuous Shooting Consumer Cameras###

See if your camera is on this <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/products/search/cameras#criterias=SpecsCoreParams%2CSpecsContinuousDrive&includeDiscontinued=No&sort=newestFirst&view=list&page=1&paramSpecsCoreParamsBodyType=UltraCompact%2CCompact%2CSLRLike%2CLargeSensorCompact%2CRangefinder%2CMirrorless%2CCompactSLR%2CMidSizeSLR%2CLargeSLR&paramSpecsContinuousDrive=Yes">list of continuous drive cameras at Digital Photography Review.</a>

For timelapse apps on smartphones, see <a href="http://publiclaboratory.org/wiki/timelapse-apps">Timelapse Apps</a>.  

<a href="http://publiclaboratory.org/tool/balloon-mapping">PLOTS Map Tools</a>