Digital photography and photodocumentation

I have a question about digital photography used for
photodocumentation in conservation.  I have used slides and black
and white print film for photodocumentation in conservation since I
have been studying and working in conservation.  Recently, however,
I know that some conservators have been using digital photography
for their documentation and in presentations (via powerpoint).

Is digital photography now accepted as a method for
photodocumentation in conservation?  Can it be used exclusively as
such?  Is it accepted to the same level as slides/b-w print photos?
Finally, if it is accepted in this way, is there a recommendation
for a digital camera that produces images that are true (combined
with the right printer, etc.) to the artifact depicted?  I feel very
"out of the loop" on this topic.

Erica E. James
Painting Conservator


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:17
                 Distributed: Thursday, October 7, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-18-17-028
                                  ***