Webcams

[RubberDevice]

I have a very serious 96 LED Infrared lamp and was hoping to put it up into the roof-space with a webcam to record the nightly parties the local possums enjoy while I am asleep.

Would this camera work in the dark with only the IR lighting up the space?  If not could you recommend another Logitech webcam that has a IR compatible sensor?

Once I find evidence where the possums are sleeping I want to use the cam as a regular webcam so the Security cams in the range are not a solution for me...

Thanks 

[RubberDevice]

 

Any technical staff have some advice for me?

[RubberDevice]

Really?? 3 days and no technical advice?

Should I place a call to the help-line? 

[pedroc]

Hi RubberDevice,

Unfortunately, the environment that you are trying to use the webcam has not been tested therefore I can provide you with accurate data. Hopefully, another community member has done a similar project like yours and can provide some type of feedback.

Thanks,

-PedroC

[UmboSan]

I corrected the sensor from CCD to CMOS.  Thank you KachiWachi.

It is a great camera, and I use several.  The CMOS sensor will work in the infrared region, but I suspect that logitech has put a filter in place to filter out the IR, which sharpens the normal image.  

I have used it as a backup camera, mounted inside, for my Scion xA (in a very complex proof of concept setup), using my iPhone 4 in the horizontal position.  Awesome.  I plan on using a halogen lamp as I want color and it will only be on during backing up.  

You might instead look at a this camera made my Sony sold by: http://www.cctvfactory.com/cctv-video-security-cameras/1-3-sony-color-ccd-infrared-illumination-nigh...  

I think you are a bit impatient, but must admit that  logitech technical support varies profoundly in its quality. 

[Tyrell153]

I'm attempting the same project...Long Range Night Vision using the Webcam.

1. LOW LIGHT SETTING (While some cameras have this setting the cheapo Logitech I used had realy good over exposure)

You need to use a web cam that gives you a low light setting. The images will blur when people move but you need the overexposure in order to 'absorb' images in the dark that are far away.

2. IR-Filter

All cameras are capable of picking up IR except there is a small filter of glass that blocks Infrared. You will need to remove the IR-filter. This will damage the webcam...basically it will be a black and white cam once u converted it.

3. IR-LED

Luckily for us the next generation of IR-LED is out. We should be able to get our hands on 5watt 920nm IR LEDS. I've seen these LEDs stacked up to 80watt. Basically you could view the neighbourhood with these types of IR-LEDS. I am still trying to order these LEDs so I have not been able to test them.

Cameras seem to be more sensitive to IR light than the higher spectrum of colour light we see. So once you remove the filter to the cam the IR light will flood the images and the colours will fade.

4. Wide angle & Zoom lens.

Other modifications can be optical zoom on web cam...A lens that focuses the IR into a beam for long range...and a wide angle lens to increase the degree of view.

Good luck...If I get this to work properly I will post it on youtube.

I’m a private person offering my insight which may or may on be of benefit.  I accept no responsibility for the damages that may result from tampering with cameras or looking into IR lights...Be very careful when you play with these things.

Note removing the IR-Filter can be very tricky...It will require you to cut at the right place to lift it. Reseach this to find out how to do it.