Thread: Any Video Equipment Experts Around?

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I am designing a prop that will need a lot of electronics, including all of the makings of a standard video camera (Lense/CCD Assembly, Video Processing Unit, Video Recording Unit [DVT, DVD, or Memory Stick], Video Display Screen [6" - 8"] w/controls, Control Panel [buttons & I/O ports]), but modular instead of in a tight little package. I can piece all of these together for $600 - $800, but why should I have to when I can pick up a surplus video camera for $100 or less at the local pawn shop and an LCD screen from the local Spy shop. Question is, is there a way to separate a video camera (an older one, not one of the new palm-sized ones) into the major components and still have them all work? Actually, I just need the lense/CCD assembly and the viewfinder/display screen separated. The rest can stay as they are. Think of it as an electronic periscope that can still record what it's seeing. Any ideas or suggestions?

Depending on how the camera is made, separating the viewfinder from the body could be relatively simple. Ideally you would just need to extend the wires. You could probably get the lens off; however, aligning the CCD with the focal point of the lens after it has been removed would probably be more work than you are looking for. You would also very likely lose zoom control.

If you don't need zoom, buy a security camera and wire it to your camera's video in (provided you can find one with sufficient image quality).

It would probably be simpler to use the video out plug on the camera and run the signal to the LCD screen (monitor) from the spy shop. Extend the camera controls yourself with wires and switches if you don't have line of sight to use the camera's remote, keep in mind some cameras can use a remote infrared sensor so you only need to create a line of site with the wired sensor rather than the camera.

OK I work in broadcasting and Now you have my intrest in your project.

Originally Posted by TNBrad

OK I work in broadcasting and Now you have my intrest in your project.

LOL Well, the actual project is a big secret. I mean, as soon as I spill the details, one of the regulars on this site will build one before me and steal all my glory. All I will say is picture a cross between the Huey/Dewey/Louie robots from Silent Running and a bomb-disposal tank.

Originally Posted by DeathDealer

Depending on how the camera is made, separating the viewfinder from the body could be relatively simple. Ideally you would just need to extend the wires. You could probably get the lens off; however, aligning the CCD with the focal point of the lens after it has been removed would probably be more work than you are looking for. You would also very likely lose zoom control.

If you don't need zoom, buy a security camera and wire it to your camera's video in (provided you can find one with sufficient image quality).

It would probably be simpler to use the video out plug on the camera and run the signal to the LCD screen (monitor) from the spy shop. Extend the camera controls yourself with wires and switches if you don't have line of sight to use the camera's remote, keep in mind some cameras can use a remote infrared sensor so you only need to create a line of site with the wired sensor rather than the camera.

Ok, I do need zoom AND high resolution. I need the lense/CCD assembly to be as small and light-weight as possible, otherwise I would just use an entire camera with a separate display screen. Extending the wires has been my principal idea, but I'm concerned that, especially on newer cameras, some of the components may be integrated on a common PCB. Also, there may be signal degradation with longer cabling. Ultimately, I am going to have to buy a camera & hack it, and if that one doesn't work, buy another. I was just hoping someone might already know of a hack-friendly video camera.

Have you considered the difference between an older analog and a newer Digital camera, format. The older analog would be more likely to have components and a digital would likely be a PCB. The analog video could be upgraded to digital if the little difference between, them isn't that important.

Originally Posted by TNBrad

Have you considered the difference between an older analog and a newer Digital camera, format. The older analog would be more likely to have components and a digital would likely be a PCB. The analog video could be upgraded to digital if the little difference between, them isn't that important.

Oh, for sure, analog. That's why I'd look for an older model. Still, it would be nice to know what model EASILY separates into the main components without having to cut foil runs & perform micro/miniature soldering. I am NOT rich, and the idea of buying & dismantling a half dozen cameras before finding the right one is NOT appealing!

I think an old (Big) VHS or even a "super 8" video camera could be the easiest to work with and the extended wire ribbons could be acquired at an electronics store or Radio shack, ETC; and they could be the cheapest.
OK with that said.... you have my interest on this one. I can hardly wait to hear about what this is.