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NA_skins
08-18-2008, 09:55 AM
Hello all,
New member here. Happy for find this type of forum. I am starting a new project at work. Mainly it is for machine vision applications. If you dont know these types of applications its simply stated as take a picture, compare it to an acceptable image of a product, pass/fail. There are tons of video cameras available for these applications; however, most of the prices which are suitable for my needs are in the $4000 to $6000 range; much to great for this initial project. Long story short, we need a camera which can be connected to an external PC via Firewire (IEEE 1394) or USB. We would like to be able to view live images, take the photos, save the photos to the companies network, and zoom, all controlled throught the PC.

If anyone knows of any camera(s) which can do this please list. The questions are answered below for preferrable cameras if multiple ones found to be able to do this operation. However, please list all applicable as I think that my choices may be limited.

Budget: <$2000

Size: Does not matter

Features

How many megapixels: >=5

Zoom: Any

Image quality: As best as possible...?

Do you care for manual controls? Controllable through external PC!!!!

General Usage

Slow moving images, on an LCD screen. Test screens/images. Pretty low light but can add additional light if neccessary.

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate? None

Are there particular models you already have in mind? None

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD) If available, a wide operating temperature range is desired for changing climates/temperatures

Thanks to all who have input!!

~Nick

NA_skins
08-20-2008, 07:06 AM
So there are NO (D)SLRs or P&Ss out there that can be controlled by an externally connected computer? WOW...

Anyone?

Beowulff
08-20-2008, 07:40 AM
It's a fairly specialised technical need you've got, and I'm not sure if this is the right forum in which to be asking.

I don't have any personal knowledge of these applications, but you might like to check out THIS (http://www.cnet.com.au/downloads/0,239030384,10646106s,00.htm) site which links to a (free trial initially) site for software that can control multiple Canon digital dSLRs.

I'm sure that all the other "big" players in the dSLR game will have remote control facilities inbuilt into their upper-end models, but I'm not sure about fitting into your budget of less than two grand.

Hope this helps :)

NA_skins
08-21-2008, 11:37 AM
It's a fairly specialised technical need you've got, and I'm not sure if this is the right forum in which to be asking.

I don't have any personal knowledge of these applications, but you might like to check out THIS (http://www.cnet.com.au/downloads/0,239030384,10646106s,00.htm) site which links to a (free trial initially) site for software that can control multiple Canon digital dSLRs.

I'm sure that all the other "big" players in the dSLR game will have remote control facilities inbuilt into their upper-end models, but I'm not sure about fitting into your budget of less than two grand.

Hope this helps :)

Thank you for the reply. Ive been looking at a similar software that I thought Id share for anyone in the future looking for something like I am. It is by a company called Breeze Systems. They have single camera and multi camera software to control Canon dSLRs and Powershots.

Linky: http://www.breezesys.com/products.htm

Take care!