Video University: Inactive Forums: Underwater Video: DIY using security camera

VideoUniversity.com
Home	Free Library	Store
Free Catalog Please support VU by making your B&H purchases and links through this B&H ad. Doesn't cost a penny more.

See The New VU Postcard Catalog

To post in the forums see the Forum Guidelines.

Join or Renew Today.
New Benefits for all VU Members

Forum Guidelines and FAQ
Main Index	Search Posts
Who's Online	Log In

Home: Inactive Forums: Underwater Video:
DIY using security camera

rpmorrow
New User

Jun 21, 2005, 7:29 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1462 views)
Shortcut

DIY using security camera	Can't Post

Hi,
I have recently waterproofed a security camera to use underwater. It works fine out of the water but I can see virtually nothing under the water. Does the water have to be very clear for it to work?
If I stand at the edge of the lake, I can only see the bottom through a meter of water or less. I was hoping that there may be a way to see further. I am trying to see the features of the lakebed and maybee some fish. If anyone has any Ideas that may help me, please let me know.
I have allready created some 3D depth maps of the lake (Alsager Mere), using a fish finder and GPS. This data reveals an odd hole that I was hoping to look at with a camera.
Cou can see the data here;
http://www.rmcybernetics.com/...r_mere_depth_map.htm

Thanks,
Richard Morrow

maxheadspace
Novice

Jun 26, 2005, 10:57 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1432 views)
Shortcut

Re: [rpmorrow] DIY using security camera [In reply to]	Can't Post

Not sure how you've constructed the camera, but you have to have an air gap between the camera lens and the water, otherwise it's like swimming underwater using your bare eyes. Another issue is clarity of lakes. Almost all inland lakes that I've dove in have had horrible visibility, like anywhere from a foot to a few meters. I've found the best solution is to dive when the water is cold, like in the Spring, before all the algae and other botanicals start growing.

Cheers!
Max.

rpmorrow
New User

Jun 27, 2005, 3:13 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1414 views)
Shortcut

Re: [maxheadspace] DIY using security camera [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi,
Thanks for your help. My camera is made from a small colour security camera housed inside a 5cm diameter tube. One end has the cable sticking out, and the other has a perspex window. The camera is touching the plastic window, but there is about 1-2mm of space between the surface of the lens and the window.

To view the images the camera is connected to a small TV on my rowing boat, and then lower down by its cable.
I manged to get a pretty clear view of the bottom today, but I think the camera was only a few cm from the bed. I think a brighter light may help a bit, but it is pretty murky. It is slightly clearer at other times of the year, maybe better then.

Do you think that I have enough of an air gap?
Do you know if it is best to have the light mounted close, in front, or behind the camera?

Cheers, Richard Morrow
http://www.rmcybernetics.com/