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

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on utilizing a disposable camera flash for water drop photography, specifically with a Nikon D80. The user discovered that applying 5 volts to a specific pin on the disposable camera triggers the flash. To effectively capture water drops, the community suggests using a laser pointer aimed at a photosensor to detect the drop's passage, which can then trigger the flash. Alternatives such as IR lasers or IR LED setups are recommended to avoid interference from visible light.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electronics and circuits
  • Familiarity with disposable camera flash mechanisms
  • Knowledge of photography techniques, particularly high-speed photography
  • Experience with sensors and triggering mechanisms
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to build a circuit using a laser pointer and photosensor for triggering flashes
  • Explore the use of IR lasers and IR LEDs for non-visible light photography
  • Learn about integrating a hot shoe for external flash synchronization with a Nikon D80
  • Investigate advanced sound-sensitive circuits suitable for detecting quieter sounds
USEFUL FOR

Photographers interested in high-speed photography, electronics enthusiasts looking to experiment with triggering mechanisms, and anyone seeking to enhance their water drop photography techniques.

noagname
Messages
143
Reaction score
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"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Step Up Voltage from Disposable Camera Flash
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
How Can I Build a Sound Activated Shutter for High Speed Photography?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K