The need for a wide field camera for X-ray astronomy is reviewed. The theory and practical design of one suitable instrument, the shadow or Dicke camera are discussed, and results and conclusions from computer simulation of the device are presented. The basic principles and design of a suitable X-ray imaging detector, the Imaging Proportional Counter, are outlined. This is followed by the description of a small prototype detector filled with Xenon/Methane at 2 atmospheres pressure. Results from this detector are presented. Finally some remarks on the performance and design of the shadow camera are made along with a discussion of future work required before a flight of a wide field shadow camera is made.