How Can I Build a Sound Activated Shutter for High Speed Photography?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around building a sound-activated shutter for high-speed photography, focusing on the technical aspects of creating a circuit that can trigger a camera shutter in response to sound. Participants explore various circuit designs and compatibility with specific camera models, particularly the Nikon D80.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses the desire to create a sound-activated shutter to avoid purchasing an expensive flash, noting challenges with high voltage outputs from existing circuits.
  • Another participant questions the definition of "high speed shots" and emphasizes the need for sufficient light in short durations, typically achieved with flashes.
  • A participant clarifies that they have an external light source adequate for their needs but that it cannot be turned on and off rapidly.
  • There is a suggestion that the Nikon D80 has a remote shutter release input that could be utilized for the sound activation circuit.
  • One participant confirms the camera's shutter can be triggered by connecting specific terminals and discusses the need to lower the voltage output from the circuit.
  • A link to a potential circuit design is shared, with advice on using a resistor for voltage level translation, contingent on the required voltage being below 9V.
  • Questions arise regarding the specifications of the resistor and the function of the MOC3020 component in the proposed circuit.
  • Another participant suggests using the circuit as is, prompting inquiries about the camera's input requirements.
  • A participant describes the camera jack configuration, indicating uncertainty about the voltage requirements needed to trigger the shutter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best approach to build the sound-activated shutter, with various suggestions and uncertainties regarding circuit specifications and camera compatibility remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear voltage requirements for the camera shutter input and the need for further clarification on the circuit components and their functions.

noagname
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I want to take high speed shots. My problem is I don't want to buy an expensive flash, so I thought let me make a sound activated shutter. In other words the moment their is a sound my camera takes a picture. After spending hours on the internet I was only able to find circuits that give me and output of 400 volts. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=211988"

Yes I do know that all of those are meant for flashes but found a way to that output into my camera, I just can't have 400 volts coming out of their.
 
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What do you mean "high speed shots"? How many frames do you wish to capture per second? The reason it's often done with a flash is because normal cameras can't get anywhere near enough light in (using ambient sources) in the small duration required.
 
I have a Nikon d80, and I should have made it more clear. I have an external light source with is strong enough for what I am doing, only problem is, is it not meant to be turned on and off at high speeds. "High speed shots" I just meant taking high speed photography, and I don't really care the amount of frames per second.
 
So you want to use the Nikon's shutter? Surely the Nikon has a remote shutter release input, which would just be a circuit to close?
 
Yea, you are spot on. The jack on the camera is just a circuit, when to connect one side to the other the shutter goes off. I need to make it so the shutter goes off the moment it hears a sound. Only problem is, is in the 5 links that i gave they all have a giant voltage output.

Once I find a way to lower the voltage. I need to find a way to connect the circuit with the camera. Off of ebay I can get for 4-5$ a wire that goes into the camera.
 
It seems the third circuit you found should be perfect.
http://lullaby.homepage.dk/diy-camera/usoft.html

Just use a resistor instead of the MOC3020 part (or possibly put a resistor across terminals 6 and 4) to do the level translation. Assuming the voltage you need is below 9V, of course.
 
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How strong of a resistor and what does the moc3020 do?
 
maybe you can just use the circuit as is. what are the input requirements of your camera?
 
voltage requirments, I have no clue. Like I said earlier the camera jack where I control the shutter has 4 pieces of metal, If I stick a wire in and touch wire A, B all to D then the camera goes off. If I touch a wire to just C and then to D the camera re focuses(which I don't care about.)
 

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