Photography

[CaptainShark]

Some time ago I made a thread about adding some more variety/real-world science parts to KSP, (which is now buried a ways back i imagine), but one of the ideas touched on there-in came back up with the integration of "reputation" as a currency in career mode.

The idea in summary:

- Add "camera" parts, ie: parts through which we can see ala: IVAs, but then take photographs (basically) screenshots through.

- These photos could then be given a "value" in rep points (or science, but rep would make a bit more sense) based on the objects in frame and the setting (ie: from space, flying or on the surface, etc)

- These could then be placed in a "gallery" of sorts in the admin building maybe for further management.

Anyone who played the old N64 game pokemon snap could recognize the idea of scoring photos. For KSP it could be fairly simple, since the code to recognize when objects are in frame, even very distant ones like moons or Kerbol is already in the game.

Another possibility:

Maybe each of the Kerbal admins wants photos for different reasons or will give you something different for them (not the recovery guy obviously)

Finances = sell them for some extra cash

PR = Use them to gain extra rep

Science = use them to get a small amount of science

Or: maybe contracts could have "take photo of x body" or "Take a photo of a kerbal on the surface of x body", etc.

Some objects/factors which could factor into a photo's value:

- the planets, moons or stars in frame (der)

- Flags

- Kerbals

- Vehicles

- the setting (in space or "under a different sky")

Cameras as a part:

- Probably placed radially or as a "tiny" part

- Would have a very minor pan/zoom ability, meaning you would actually have to point a ship in order to take a desired photo

- Consume power on activation/taking a picture

- Maybe they can only store so many frames before needing to transmit them to the KSC (film or digital storage space)

Some benefits I see to the system:

- Adding some game play/objective variety

- A record of achievements for players

- A means of making back or padding the rep system (for when that becomes important)

- Integrating into game play the idea of screenshots

- Adds a new reason to have transmitters

- Means that a bit of value could still be salvaged from say: a rover who's wheels busted on landing and thus can't travel

Thoughts/Suggestions?

[dryer_lint]

Yes, cameras would be a great addition. I mean, if they made a new Mars rover, would people be talking about the on-board Goo Exposure Unit? Or its state-of-the-art Thermometer? No, they get excited about the cameras.

This would add a lot of depth to the game. You could get science based on how much of the object or surface is visible, and a rep bonus when you transmit the picture (I don't think it needs a whole new strategy though). There could be an orbital telescope as well, which requires precise aiming... the possibilities!

[CaptainShark]

Well: glad someone else likes the idea.

As to telescopes: I touched on those on afore mentioned "more science parts ideas" post which I'll link:

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/78161-Some-ideas-for-additional-science-parts

[Astronomer]

I support this idea. Really cool.

[moogoob]

Came here to post this very idea! Love it! Imagery in general, though - I'd love to see optical sensor packs for probes (see photos of Saturn & moons that Voyager or Cassini has sent) too. Even if the "in frame" stuff is too complicated to code (or play; or as a stopgap until it is), it could be done similarly to EVA reports - "Captured orbital photos of Kerbin's Shores" if you're close or "Captured orbital photos of Kerbin" if in space high above a planet.

Thoughts?

Edited October 18, 2014 by moogoob
clarity

[Astronomer]

Yes. Although it would add a fun new game mechanic if you actually aim the camera yourself.

Taking a picture of the Mun arch for extra science...

[CaptainShark]

Yes. Although it would add a fun new game mechanic if you actually aim the camera yourself.

Taking a picture of the Mun arch for extra science...

Yeah: that was the initial idea: integrate the idea of screenshots into gameplay as it were.

And that had crossed my mind: special bonuses for discovering the various "anomolies" (easter eggs) about the solar system.

[zeel]

Is Kerbal equipment (chutes and such) ever coming? Along with adding a part, the ability to give a kerbal a camera to use would be great. Probably less "quality" images, but easier to aim at things.