Can I Use a Disposable Camera Flash for Water Drop Photography?

In summary: One possible solution could be to use a laser pointer and a photosensor to sense the water drop passing a point. Another option could be to use an IR laser or IR LED setup to avoid taking pictures of red water drops. The Hot shoe could also be utilized to help with triggering the flash. In summary, the person wants to build a simpler project after a previous failure and is seeking advice on how to create a circuit to sense water drops and trigger a flash using a laser pointer and photosensor or an IR setup, and possibly utilizing the Hot shoe.
  • #1
noagname
144
5
Ok so last year I went way over my head and tried to build this http://makezine.com/04/strobe/" . Which ended up being a huge failure, now I want to try doing something simpler.

I went to CVS and they handed me 12 disposable camera's then which I figured out that if apply 5 volts to a pin and ground another pin the flash will go off. I also have a Nikon D80, and I love to take photos of water drops. From here I need your help, what circuit would be able to sense a water drop either by sound or light and trigger the flash. Most of the sound sensitive circuits I found were meant for louder sounds. I have also found how to's on makezine and instructables. Their is also http://www.hiviz.com/

Can you guys give me some advice of where I should go. Would using the Hot shoe help?

Here is a photo I took by hand, I had to take a lot of photos get this just this on
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1706399/DSC_0540%20copy.jpg"
 
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  • #2
noagname said:
Ok so last year I went way over my head and tried to build this http://makezine.com/04/strobe/" . Which ended up being a huge failure, now I want to try doing something simpler.

I went to CVS and they handed me 12 disposable camera's then which I figured out that if apply 5 volts to a pin and ground another pin the flash will go off. I also have a Nikon D80, and I love to take photos of water drops. From here I need your help, what circuit would be able to sense a water drop either by sound or light and trigger the flash. Most of the sound sensitive circuits I found were meant for louder sounds. I have also found how to's on makezine and instructables. Their is also http://www.hiviz.com/

Can you guys give me some advice of where I should go. Would using the Hot shoe help?

Here is a photo I took by hand, I had to take a lot of photos get this just this on
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1706399/DSC_0540%20copy.jpg"

To sense a water drop passing a point, use a laser pointer aimed at a photosensor. As the drop passes through the beam, it will cause a blip in the photosensor output. If you don't want to keep taking pictures of red water drops, you can use an IR laser or IR LED setup instead.
 
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1. How does the flash on a disposable camera work?

The flash on a disposable camera works by using a small battery to power a flashbulb. When the shutter button is pressed, the flashbulb is activated and produces a burst of bright light to illuminate the subject.

2. Can I reuse the flash on a disposable camera?

Unfortunately, the flash on a disposable camera is designed to be used only once. Once the flashbulb has been activated, it cannot be reset or reused.

3. How far can the flash on a disposable camera reach?

The range of a disposable camera's flash varies, but it typically reaches between 10 to 15 feet. Keep in mind that the brightness and range of the flash may decrease as the battery drains.

4. How long does the flash on a disposable camera last?

The duration of the flash on a disposable camera depends on the battery life and the intensity of the flashbulb. On average, the flash will last for about 1-2 seconds.

5. Can I adjust the brightness of the flash on a disposable camera?

No, disposable cameras typically do not have adjustable flash settings. The flash is automatically activated when the shutter button is pressed and cannot be adjusted.

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