There are two main ways to trip the shutter on a camera; electronically and with a
servo. The electronic path is much cleaner in setup, plus no extra weight is
required for the servo. The price you can pay for a digital camera runs from $11 to
hundreds. I will cover all the cameras I have used or hacked with tips on their use and
detailed photos of exactly where to solder and where to get the software you will need.
The best switch setup I have found is the CamMan, and I have installed it in many
cameras. I also have a custom switch very similar to the CamMan using the same PIC.
My source code and executable for that PIC is available for free. At the
bottom of the page are links to some of the pictures I have taken with these setups.
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Olympus D450
Cost : $250 originally
1.3 megapixel : 1280 x 1024
Memory: Smartmedia 8MB to 128MB |
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Aiptek Mega Pencam
Cost: $30
1.3 megapixel : 1280 x 960
Memory: Fixed 32MB |
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Argus DC3640
Cost: $50
3.1 megapixel
Memory: Fixed 16MB + SD |
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Aiptek Pencam SD
Cost: $30
1.3 megapixel : 1280 x 960
Memory: SD |
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Ritz One Time Use Dakota
Cost: $11
1.3 megapixel : 1280 x 960
Memory: Fixed 16 MB |
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Aiptek Pencam Trio II
Cost: $25
.3 megapixel : 640 x 480
Memory: Fixed 8 MB |
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Radio Shack FlatFoto 3
Cost: $30
3 megapixel
Memory: Fixed 16MB + SD |
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HP E317
Cost: $88
5 megapixel
Memory: Fixed 16MB + SD |
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PIC Switch
Cost: $20 hardware + free software
Controls most digital cams; modify it to what you need.
Includes PIC development tutorial.
Based on CamMan. |
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CVS Digital Camcorder
Cost: $30
Resolution: 320x240 to 640x480
Memory: Fixed 128MB
25 - 45 minutes record time
Move imager to allow for less drag when installed on plane. |
[Under Construction] |
Video Downlink
909 Mhz and 2.4 Ghz Transmit / Receive
RF amplifiers
CCD and CMOS cameras |
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