Fun with the CVS Camcorder
The CVS disposable camcorder is available from CVS Pharmacy for $30,
extremely lightweight, virtually indestructible, long life on a pair
of AA batteries, can be made
waterproof, and fits in your shirt pocket. What more could
you want for audio/visual recording?
Modifications
This camera is great for experimenting with infrared and learning
about optics. Side by side view frames of unmodified video camera and
one with infrared filter polished away with zoom lens installed. Plants
do not need infrared light, so they reflect it.
Disassembly of camera with a zoom assembly of another camera epoxied to
sensor board and modified case.
Modified camera and original camera for comparison.
Macro Pictures
More still frame samples from zoom lens taken of a SMD circuit board and
1600x1200 monitor pitch. These frames were taken with "mplayer -vo
jpeg" under Linux.
Videos
Our kids like these cameras.
Connector and Source Code
You may make a
cable for your USB port to read videos from this camera.
From left on the circuit board connector, pin 6 is USB positive, 7
is USB ground, 8 is green, 9 is
white.
The source can be compiled with -lusb
directly from gcc, or you can simply download the Windows binary. This
is the licnese for distribution and use. The Linux binary is only 12KB.
Resources
A forum for camera
experimentation.
Email
dattaway@dattaway.org