Camera remote control via a PC

gulped alive · #1 (**permalink**) 30-07-2006, 09:23 PM

Hi. I'm a new member to this site and this is my second attempt at posting a thread (the first one seemed to disappear off into the ether).

I'm fairly new to wildlife. I started birdwatching (of the garden/armchair variety) and feeding about six months ago and have enjoyed it immensely.

From very near the begining I've taken pictures with my "point and shoot" (Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-P120) digital camera with variable results. I'm now looking to go a step further with the photography. Can anyone please give me advice on a good camera and the right software as outlined below.

I think I would still be looking for an automatic digital camera with manual overrides (I'm not a true photographer). It would probably have a 10x zoom or better and it must have PC connectivity for remote control, time exposure, etc. And just to make it more difficult I am on a limited budget.

Has anybody gone down the PC controlled route? Please could you give me some advice.

Many thanks.

Kev Lewis · #2 (**permalink**) 30-07-2006, 09:40 PM

Remote control of cameras is possible, however the distance is normally limited to 5 metres for USB connections. It is possible to buy USB drivers that convert the USB protocol to a serial protocol and run over ethernet cat5 cable, this increases the range considerably. Worth looking at what software is available and what cameras that software can work with rather than starting with the camera and then looking for software. Google is your best friend

Boddie · #3 (**permalink**) 30-07-2006, 09:42 PM

I think the FZ30 from Panasonic seems right up your street. The versatility of DSLR's but you need not worry about the hassle of lenses. If you go to the Gallery and then search then put either Gill Catton or Matt_XYZ into the search part where it says search by user you will see their results with this model. Got one this weekend for 360 Boys. So a good price too.

Why do you want to control it via the PC by the way?

gulped alive · #4 (**permalink**) 30-07-2006, 11:08 PM

Thanks guys. I have just been looking for options on the net and it's a bit bewildering! The prices can be a bit daunting too! I'm looking at remote capture so that I don't have to shoot through windows and so that I can get different camera angles without frightening the birds. It would also allow me to get the camera as close as liked to them to get the best picture quality possible. Thanks again.

Gill Catton · #5 (**permalink**) 30-07-2006, 11:13 PM

I love you name! where did the inspiration for 'gulped alive' come from!!

Oh and yes I love my panasonic FZ30 but have zilchumundo experiance of using it remotely from a pc - or even connecting it to a pc. Matt has had his for a lot longer so he may be able to advise.

eeyore · #6 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 12:03 AM

you can buy (or make) long cable releases so that you can trip cameras from a hide (or house), some manufacturers also make infred relesae, and you can also rig up a simle pir detetor to fir the shuter, somethunk to tyhunk bout

Boddie · #7 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eeyore

you can buy (or make) long cable releases so that you can trip cameras from a hide (or house), some manufacturers also make infred relesae, and you can also rig up a simle pir detetor to fir the shuter, somethunk to tyhunk bout

have you been drinking?

cherrybee · #8 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

have you been drinking?

By the look of the spelling he is sozzled

gulped alive · #9 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 12:13 AM

cherrybee: Thanks for the warm welcome. Even on the computer it can be a little intimidating "meeting" new people.

Gill Catton: I am gulped alive ... yorkshireman of mystery! You can't expect me give away my secrets straight away.

eeyore · #10 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 08:20 AM

sorry about the typos above - i had a sherbert or 9 last night, its all that boddies fault really

what i meant to say is that if you buy a camera that has an electronic cable release rather than a manual one, you can extend the cable with a piece if coax out to about 10m. some manufacturers also make IR releases.

It is also relatively simple to adapt the circuitry on an old digital camera to take 1 shot per second until the battery is flat , or the card is full. or to addapt a household security PIR sensor to tripthe shutter when activated.

welcome to wab by the way (it doesnt really stand for wild about booze you understand)