Small Video Cameras

[Robert Rohloff]

I am thinking of trying a small camera dash mount similar to what you see in police units that runs video back into my computer. Does any one use cameras like this or know where you can find a camera with some zoom and low lux or b/w switching?

 

[John Diel]

Seems that a lot of the PD's use standard video cameras with tape. At least on the cheap side they do. The others appear to be CCD Bullet cameras or the smaller fixed lens CCD Security cameras.

From some recent experience in attempting to help a friend set up a home security system, Stay away from CMOS based cameras. They simply don't have the resolution needed to do what you want.

There are a few of these small single CCD cameras that produce a decent image though. They are surprisingly affordable as well. I don't know about their long term viability though.

You will also need to think about a capture device of some sort to get the video to the computer. There isn't much in the USB market that works real well. For real time capture, you will need something that captures in 30 fps (Of course you already know this...) and there in lies the problem. Most of the USB captrue devices I've seen do not capture at 30 fps, but more like 15 fps. This also could be a software limitation as well.

Do a search for bullet cameras or security cameras. That will net you quite a bit in the area "I think" you are looking at. The best one's I've seen only go down to about 2 or 3 lux for Color and down to about .003 lux for B/W. Stay away from teh IR cameras, at least pointing out the window. All you will get is the reflection back from the IR LED's.

Now remember, this is on the lower end of the camera market. Some of the Sony security cameras are very good and come up with a pretty good zoom. You will have to figure out how to power the camera and control device though. They aren't cheap either.

I would also stay away from the wireless cameras. Moving around storms, radios, etc. will open you up to interference. Most of the wireless cameras work in the 2.4 Ghz range though there are 1.2 Ghz (Amatuer TV band?) and the newer 5.8 Ghz (more expensive).

Most of the cameras you will find are Chinese or Tiawanese built. They do work.

 

[Robert Rohloff]

John, Thanks for the information. I have used the cameras both camcorder and small camera units in my patrol car in the past. I could not locate anything locally, a friend showed me a camera that had the zoom buttons on the back. They use it in their digital systems but do not sell the camera alone. I am wanting to stream with this camera and use my camcorder for video, however I have modified a camera/radar mount to hold the top portion of a tripod with quick release. I will see how that works.

 

[jason kissam]

i was looking for the same thing, i looked under in car race cameras. i found a model that you can mount anywhere and record using the camcorder. here is one website i found http://www.hoyttech.com/

 

[John Diel]

Hey! I like that GPVlite software. I wonder if there would be a way to display something like that on a web site? You video and your position on a detailed map like that. That would be something.