On 2007-12-31, nick hull wrote:
I know this is WAY OT but I need some clues to get started. I want to
use a digital camera as a security camera. The problem is that all
digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically.
Turning them on takes too long; I want to disable the auto off or find a
simple camera that does not turn itself off. It will be powered from
the AC mains so battery life is a non-issue.
Hmm ... note that the thing which seems to slow down the
power-up cycle of most digital cameras is involved with the autofocus
and the "live view" display.
In contrast, a *good* digital SLR (interchangeable lenses with
the older film cameras for the most part) can power up much more
quickly. An example is my Nikon D70 -- which (assuming that I've left
the lens cap off) I can switch it on as I'm lifting it to my eye, and by
the time it is there, it is ready to take pictures.
But the longest that it can be set to stay powered up is 30
minutes, IIRC. Note that just a touch on the shutter release button (to
half-depressed) will wake it up as quickly.
The Digital SLRs happen to be the most expensive digital cameras
in general, so are probably not what you want.
However -- what I would suggest is that you look at some of the
digital video cameras. You'll need a video capture card on your
computer to grab what it sends, of course, but it will stay on full
time. These cameras can be obtained for very little (IIRC, I got one --
uncased but with lens -- for about $25.00 at a hamfest last summer.
These are *made* to be security cameras.
Try looking at eBay auction #170182244508 for an example of a
packaged one.
The best I've found so far is a game camera, which turns itself on when
it senses a hot animal and takes a picture. Unfortunately it takes
about 5 seconds to turn on, and 5 seconds seems like eternity in some
situations. I want instant pictures. I also would like to take pictures
from an external trigger signal.
If you can involve a computer, and you simply watch and then hit
a button to tell it to save a picture -- this should do.
It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time
delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical.
Any clue where to find such a camera or to find someone who knows how to
modify one?
Look at a used Digital SLR. Anything which does not try to use
its display as a viewfinder should be pretty quick to turn on. And
maybe you can find one inexpensive enough. Do you want to put it in a
weatherproof housing -- or just bring it in when the weather threatens?
Good Luck,
DoN.
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