Do Camcorders/ Video camera have Sensors in them?

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SUMMARY

Video cameras and camcorders are equipped with sensors, primarily CMOS or CCD sensors, which are essential for capturing images and video. Autofocus systems utilize these sensors to determine the distance to subjects, while analog cameras also measure light intensity for adjusting shutter speed. For those interested in repurposing camera components for robotics, understanding the functionality of these sensors is crucial. Resources such as Wikipedia provide detailed explanations of CCD technology, which can enhance comprehension of how these sensors operate.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of CMOS and CCD sensor technology
  • Basic knowledge of camera components and their functions
  • Familiarity with robotics and sensor integration
  • Experience with circuit modification and soldering techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "How CCD Sensors Work" on Wikipedia for visual explanations
  • Explore robotics projects on "Make" to learn about adding vision systems
  • Study "CMOS vs CCD Sensors" to understand their differences and applications
  • Learn about circuit board design and modification for practical applications
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for robotics enthusiasts, electronics hobbyists, and anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of video cameras and integrating vision systems into robotic projects.

Rhine720
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Curious. I have a video camera and I've decided to take it apart. I posted a thread a while ago about building a robot, so It would be nice if somehow i could use something from this camera to give it "vision" or "Senses". So I want to know. Do these things have sensors in them? Is that how they work? What kind of sensors if they do?
 
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Rhine720 said:
Curious. I have a video camera and I've decided to take it apart. I posted a thread a while ago about building a robot, so It would be nice if somehow i could use something from this camera to give it "vision" or "Senses". So I want to know. Do these things have sensors in them? Is that how they work? What kind of sensors if they do?

Any autofocus camera will have a way of knowing how far it is from the subject.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autofocus" goes into some details about the methods.
 
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I'm just guessing here, but it seems to me that any decent camera would also have some sort of optical sensing apparatus, such as maybe a CCD array...
 
Well if the camera still works, you could incorporate it into the robot to give you video feedback. Otherwise, I don't really think there's much you can do with it, other than possibly making a line, color, or light/dark sensor (but it might take some advanced soldering and circuit modification).
 
In addition to ranging for autofocus that DaveC brought up, analog cameras will, usually have sensing for overall light intensity to adjust shutter speed and flash. I don't know about digital cameras.
 
Danger said:
I'm just guessing here, but it seems to me that any decent camera would also have some sort of optical sensing apparatus, such as maybe a CCD array...

No sensors, there is a gnome in each camera, gnome with a canvas, palette and paintbrush.
 
For video you need two sets of imps, one painting each image and another blowing it dry.
 
Now, now people be nice..

I'll answer some of your question after that use Google and wikipedia.com
for more detail..

1) Don't even try to hack an old broken camera..
unless you have tech information on that camera your wasting your time.
2) All camera contain some type of "sensor" Cmos or mos.
the most common is a ccd a type of cmos sensor.
3) Here's where you should go to wikipedia and look up "CCD"..
How they work is much easier to understand with pictures.
4) Adding vision to a robot is a very complex process...
I would recommend that you visit a site like "make"...They have projects
you maybe able to do to add simple vision to your home bot.

Well that's it from me... good luck...
 
mgb_phys said:
For video you need two sets of imps, one painting each image and another blowing it dry.

@*#! unions...
 
  • #10
Yes Video camera and camcorders do have sensors. without ssensors hardly there are anymore gadgets produced.
 
  • #11
Alright so after taking it apart some more. I can across a very interesting piece. Makes me think of a turbine(I know that it is not). At one end it has a white cap with 4 holes with metal rods that then pass through a short(very short) glass tube and then through some gears and into another things with all these green and copper tightly packed teeny tiny wires. and then that's connected to the part that you put your eye at..Could this be it? If not, what is it? I'll upload a picture
 
  • #12
Photo043.jpg
 
  • #13
Rhine720 said:
all these green and copper tightly packed teeny tiny wires...
Hm. If you don't know what a circuit board is, is there any possibility this is over your head?
 
  • #14
Of course it is..which is why I'm buying a kit to learn off of. But I figured I'd pick up some knowledge here too =]
 

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