'Will Somebody Help Me Please'

[posie]

I would like to set up some equipment to observe wildlife......I dont know ANYTHING about such things, and don't understand the technical words or abbreviations either. So every time I try to research what is available, I am out of my depth and don't understand any of it. All I know is....there are still photos that you can take with a normal camera, (I have a Canon digital, and to be honest, haven't worked out how apply the instructions to the intention yet) but it's not that sort of photography I'm wanting to do. I think it's called 'covert' photography that I want to do, where I set up the equipment, and then either have a monitor or run it through the TV..............................(1) Will this give me moving (as in a video recording),.....(2) and if it does can I take stills off it? Also I've heard about cameras that take a picture every few seconds,(maybe the time-span is adjustable),....(3) what would I need to buy to do this?.....(4) And what distance can you have between camera and monitor.. ....(5)What other options are there,....(6) and what's the approximate cost for a complete new set-up...(7)and are there ever any second-hand set-ups advertised.?.....(8) Or would it be advisable to have new.?....Thankyou.....

[artdemole]

New interactive online magazine Better Digital Photography might have some tips.betterdigitalphotography.com

[The Woodman]

It's hard to guess what you want to do exactly posie, I think I do so here's a thought or two.

Unfortunately most technical gadets are sold by advertising their features which are meaningless unless you know what they mean.

CCTV systems are available that link directly to your TV. Very basically, the more you pay the better gear you get. From the set up that's available from Argos, a bird box camera right up to professional quality costing mega bucks.

I'm going to suggest you consider one of these

Digital Wildlife Stealth Spy Game Scouting Trail Camera on eBay (end time 15-Apr-10 17:13:32 BST)

I had a look at one of these last weekend and the owner was pleased with the results. It's a small "trail camera" designed to operate remotely so you could set it up near your fox earth or duck nest and record either still shots or videos on to a SD card just like your camera.

I have a couple of similar units - StealthCam - which I use nearly 24/7 for survey work.

You could a lot of fun with one of these. There are many similar products out there and I've only mentioned this one because it's a neat and simple device.

if you want any more info on camera trapping just ask.

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Posie,

Maplins sell quite a lot of cctv equipment which might suit your needs. I recently posted this in response to a similar query.
Pond webcam

They also sell dedicated surveillance cctv digital video recording units, individual cctv cameras, and ready made up interconnection leads. I would imagine that you would get everything needed for less than £200.00

Dependent upon what you buy, Such a setup might work via your computer, or television, and would store the recorded images on your computer’s hard drive or on a TV hard drive recorder. (or a dedicated cctv drive/record unit if you so wished).

A typical computer linked cctv DVR is Maplin’s item no. N71CQ (costs £79.99). With this model, you would be able to programme for time lapse recording, and would also be able to extract single images from whatever was recorded.

The possible downside of that specific one would be that it only works when your computer is switched on. But on the positive side, it has functions that would be considerably more expensive on stand alone setups. It works with Vista, but not with Windows 7 (There are a number of FAQ’s at the bottom of the item’s information page). It works with any of their cctv cameras.

Depending on which camera you choose, you may need the interconnecting cable to be a composite cable, containing both the video wires, and power wires to feed the camera. That way you can have the camera’s power supply at the computer end, simplifying the external installation considerably. (i.e. no outdoor mains voltages to consider etc. etc.).

I would suggest a trip to your nearest store might be best. (They usually have a cctv display that you can switch between cameras to see the standard of images obtained). You will also be able to discuss your needs with the shop’s salesman, to ensure that you get the correct cable etc.

Distance from your computer might be the final determinant of whether this would work, as you may start to get problems if you exceed 20-30 metres. (Salesman should know maximum recommended).

The other thing worth mentioning is that these are surveillance cameras, and not the multi megapixel units such as are found in today’s stills cameras, so don’t expect miracles when considering what you get for the money. That said, the video images are quite reasonable. Many of the cameras have integral infra red illuminators for nocturnal surveillance, but they are really only effective for close-to-camera subjects and usually provide somewhat grainy black & white images of more distant subjects).

There are also camera options with inbuilt motion sensors, that start the recording when movement is detected. Again, best to discuss options at the store before purchasing. (Preferable taking notes at the time, along with the name of whoever you speak to – that way, if what you get doesn’t work, you will have recourse with whoever sells it to you).

Hope you manage to get what you need.

EDIT - Reading that back, it sounds like I'm a Maplins shareholder I just want to confirm that I have no connection with the company - but the cctv camera I got from them is still going strong.

Regards,
Mike.

[posie]

Hello Art, Woody and Mike, thankyou, thankyou for the information, things are very gradually becoming clearer to me now . Just one more question....Can I have more than one camera with a switcher on monitor, to go from one to another; In other words, more than one camera coming into one monitor...............It would be nice to have say...4 cameras with the pictures coming up in little boxes all on one screen, I can just see myself showing that off to visitors......Only trouble is though, that lot would probably cost 'an arm and a leg and a couple of wings'........Posie..

[Lancashire Lad]

You certainly can with some of the Maplin systems (There I go again) but you will need a more complex controller. See their full kit ref. N10GN (£299.99 - comes complete with 4 cameras and the necessary DVR recording unit etc.) - Just plugs into a normal television.

Regards,
Mike.

[posie]

Thanks again Mike, I'll have to find if we've got a local Maplins, or when I decide I could buy on line praps....I always thought MAPLINS was a holiday camp like butlins..

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by posie

Thanks again Mike, I'll have to find if we've got a local Maplins, or when I decide I could buy on line praps....I always thought MAPLINS was a holiday camp like butlins..

No problems. Just make sure that you are certain of whatever you decide to buy if you do it online. - I would hate to spend possibly £300.00 and find out it didn't really do what I wanted it to.

Regards,
Mike.

[posie]

I agree, don't worry I think I'll find a shop somewhere and now I've got a bit more basic understanding of what I need I'll make some poor young guy earn his wages for once sorting it out for me..........Posie...

[posie]

..Also my neighbour has just loaned me her Argos catalogue, so I can browse through that to get some ideas, I know there is an Argos locally......if I find anything suitable, and after comparing prices of course....