An easy camera to trigger?

Jay Kickliter

Does anyone know of an older (<$70 used on ebay) digital camera that is easy to trigger with a micro-controller? I got an $8 Canon Powershot A510, but even with all the screws out, I just cant get it to come apart. So, are there any cheap cameras that accept an external trigger and don't need to be disassembled? What I really want is a Ricoh, since they can do time lapse, but they're pretty expensive.

sylvie369

If all that you want is to do "time lapse", you may be able to do what you want with a standard Canon (though apparently not the 510) by replacing the firmware, following the directions that you can find here:

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ

I have a nice intervalometer program loaded into my PowerShot 570 using this method. It's a bit tricky to figure out, but works great.

Searider

Jay,

You could explore triggering the camera using the "IR" remote feature. Many low-cost cameras have·provisions for a IR remote. It may not be prety, by you can tape an IR LED to the camera's reciever and then send the correct code.· I know this process is used in some KAP (Kite Arial Photography) kits.

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Searider

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rjo_

I've been looking at this one... TRDB_D5M Mega Pixel Module from terasic $85

http://www.terasic.com.tw/cgi-bin/page/archive.pl?Language=English&CategoryNo=39&No=281

You would have to get the FPGA... which is about $150

it saves to an SD card...

rjo_

double posted... sorry

Earl Foster

You might be able to find a Nikon Coolpix L series on ebay for that price. If you do I have posted information on my website that describes how to modify the camera and trigger it with transistor switch. The Prop pulls the pin low for a 1 second or 2 then sets it high to control picture taking. Works well in my balloons.

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