Spotting Camera

Aerial photography was one of the first functions of aircraft during wartime, not too long after the development of consumer cameras by Kodak in the 1880s. The first reconnaissance flight was credited to Captain Carlo Maria Piazza of the Italian Air Force during the Italo-Turkish War of 1911. The French made good use of aerial reconnaissance, entering World War I with the premier air force. German advances in camera design and optics allowed photography at high altitude, primarily from Zeppelins. All sides sought to improve upon ways to quickly deliver intelligence to commanders on the ground.

Spy planes would continue to play a crucial role in warfare and foreign relations until the development of satellites during the Cold War.

Battlefield 1
The Spotting Camera allows pilots of Barrage s to locate ground targets. It is used by pressing the button while aiming with the Bomb Sight.

When activated, all enemies in view are spotted for the entire team. The pilot may immediately follow up with bomb drops or setting up a strafing run for his gunner(s).

Trivia

 * The Spotting Camera applies a temporary sepia filter, also made available to spectators as one of several camera filters.