Video recording as a more versatile way to identify species.

[dougarts]

Having read how many recorders agonize about killing specimens in order to ascertain the species beyond doubt, perhaps in some cases killing might not be necessary if we make greater use of video recording of species.

My Panasonic camera, can record video in ultra high definition. With it given a willing subject I can sometimes record it at many different angles: face on; side on and top (underside is not so easy). My software then allows me to 'freeze' any number of frames to produce still images. Just think how much easier identification could be given this technology.

[Roger K.A. Morris]

Unfortunately, for those poor sould who have to do the identification video is an even worse medium. We then have to try to take screen shots and check charceters - adds greatly to out time and as shots are often blurred we stand no better chance of providing an ID.

[dougarts]

Thank you for your comment Roger. On reflection, close up video is fiendishly difficult when specimens are moving - as live insects have the habit of doing. There is no magic bullet so perhaps it is wishful thinking but the challenge of taking enough video of a particular hoverfly, spider, bee sufficient to make a usable sequence keeps me outside for much longer than would otherwise be the case. So that is good enough reason to do it and the bonus comes when you are able to identify a specimen from it. I will keep trying.