Camcorder
Second hand video camera Nikon VH-3100 (8mm standard). Cost about 40€. I use it as secondary source of video signal.
It has much better lens than PCB camera and can provide colorfull picutres. Has ability to record movies. Much cheaper than colour CCTV camera with comparable lens.
The bad thing is that it needs more power and sensivity is much worst than PCB cam. Compare 4lux/F1.8 for camcorder to 0.05lux/F1.2 for PCB cam. It has built it microfone, but underwater it is useless. Camera is bigger (size and weight) than CCTV cameras.
One of the interesting features is LANC interface. See below for more details.
Nikon VH-3100 lens: Lens of Nikon VH-3100 consumer camcorder. Zoom x6.
Nikon VH-3100: Second hand 8mm consumer camcorder.
Parameters
8mm video standard gives 240 TVL.- Video signal: PAL CCIR
- Cassette: 8mm
- Image device: CCD
- Lens: 37mm, F1.8, f=5.8-35mm
- Minimum illumination: 4lux (F1.8)
- Video output: 1 Vpp, 75ohm
- Power consumption: 5.6W (recording)
- Dimensions: 105x99x166mm (w/h/d)
- Weight: 580g
- Power: 6-9V
Example pictures
Postcard photo: Source of light: 2x100W.
Test scene light: Source of light: 2x100W.
Test scene dark: Source of light: 1x40W.
Test scene torch: Source of light: pocket tourch.
maximum zoom: Source of light: 2x100W.
LANC interface
The lanc connector is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and the peripherals connected to it. This connector has the same function as the connectors indicated as CONTROL L or REMOTE.This make it possible to control camera by microcontroller. Which means you can control zoom, focus from your control panel.
LANC interface: location of LANC interface
LANC links
- How SONY LANC™ protocol works description of commands (English/German).
- The Sony Control-L LANC Protocol description of the protocol.
- IRdeo LANC controler for PC computers (German, some pages in English).
