[Data-modeling] Camera domain consolidation (was Re: State of the commons (C-F))

[Benjamin Goldenberg]

On Wed, Jul 1, 2009 at 1:57 PM, Jeff Prucher<jeff at metaweb.com> wrote:
> There are a couple camera bases; I rather wonder if the film and digital
> camera realms couldn't be merged fruitfully?

I originally started the Film Cameras domain before there were bases
and wanted to focus on a smaller set of data (and one that doesn't
change much any more). I think we should combine the common film and
digital camera properties into one Camera type and create supporting
Film Camera and Digital Camera cotypes.

Camera: includes properties such as Manufacturer, Camera series,
Autofocus type, Manufacturing dates, Metering range
Film Camera: film format(s)
Digital Camera: sensor type, resolution, ISO range, etc.

The way I see it, there are several different classes, of cameras with
various applicable properties:

Interchangeable lens camera: lens mount(s)
Built-in lens camera: lens focal length, lens speed, etc.
Single Lens Reflex: lens mount, frame coverage
Rangefinder: magnification, frame lines
Built-in shutter: shutter speed, flash sync speed, etc. This applies
to most 35mm and digital cameras, but most medium and large format
cameras have leaf shutters in the lenses.

and probably some more that I can't think of right now. However, this
is probably too many cotypes for one concept and we should try to find
a balance between having lots of properties that don't apply to the
majority of cameras and having a confusing type hierarchy. There's
also the issue of the convergence of digital still and motion
cameras...

Anyway, hope that provides some food for thought.

Regards,
Ben