PINHOLE CAMERA → CMOS/CCIQ

CMOS/CCIQ QUESTIONS

What is the minimum focusing distance of a camera?

All our camera including pinhole cameras (but except for a hidden cameras where you can not turn the lens), can macro focus to an object as close as 1mm between the lens and the object.

PINHOLE CAMERA QUESTIONS

How big of a hole does a pinhole camera need to see through?

Assuming a pinhole camera is hidden behind a thin material such as a paper or a sheet metal, you only need 1/16" dia. hole for the camera to see through completely. On a thick material such as a drop ceiling tile, you will need to cave in the camera so the lens will almost flush with the outer surface. Otherwise tunnel vision will occur.

How can I focus the pinhole lens?

Turn the lens counter-clockwise to the point where it almost falls out. Connect the camera to TV and turn the lens clockwise slowly until it focus. Ba careful not to bottom out, it will crack the CCD sensor.

Is it normal for a miniature camera to get very hot to the touch? How much ventilation does a miniature camera need?

Yes, all metal housed, miniature CCD cameras do get very hot. It is normal. As long as there would be some room in the enclosure, you do not need any ventilation. You may drill few holes just in case.

What is a best camera for hiding in a drop ceiling tile?

On a thick material such as a drop ceiling tile, you will need to cave in the camera so the lens will almost flush with the outer surface. Otherwise tunnel vision will occur. Best camera to use would be: PBC-Series

Where & how are the power and video connectors located for a miniature camera?

Yes, Please see: camera connection sheet

GENERAL QUESTIONS ON CAMERAS

Can a camera detect motion?

No, not the camera itself. Motion detection is a function of a recorder such as a DVR where it digitally senses video fluctuation to record upon motion. A VCR or a consumer level DVR (e.g Tivo) can not detect motion.

Can a camera see in total dark?

Cameras can not see in total darkness. You will need IR illuminators either built around the camera lens or as a separate lighting source (only for a B/W camera or a D/N camera). We do carry cameras that works in very low light conditions. Lower the lux rating, better it is under low light.

Can a security camera itself record? such as a pinhole or a miniature camera?

No, unlike a camcorder, security cameras do not record by themselves. You will need to connect a camera to a recorder such as a VCR, DVR or a PC with a recording software. However, we do carry "all-in-one" cameras that can record to its built-in DVR and also a "self-contained systems" that have a DVR attachment.

Do your cameras work with different voltage for other countries?

Most of our cameras come with a power adapter that can handle form 110V ~240V AC. In case you get a camera with direct AC plug-in such as clock radio camera we will include the 220V to 110V (60Hz) step-down converter. However, if your country uses 50Hz, the time on the clock, because it is digital, will not be correct (it will be off about 20 min a day)

How can I connect a camera to a laptop?

All security cameras (except for web or wifi IP cameras) are composite video, so you will need to convert the signal to digital in order to connect to a laptop via USB port. You can use a video capture device found in a computer store however most likely it will not come with a security recording software. We recommend USB DVR or if you have a wireless router, you can use: WiFi IP Camera with out any video capture device.

How can I connect a camera to internet?

All security cameras (except for web or wifi IP cameras) are composite video, so you will need to convert the signal to digital in order to connect to a laptop via USB port. You can use a video capture device found in a computer store however most likely it will not come with a security recording software. We recommend DVR with network feature at: Network DVR or if you have a wireless router, you can use: WiFi IP Camera with out any video capture device.

How does a camera adjust to different lighting level?

Every camera has auto electronic iris built-in. Unlike a human iris or other camera, there is no mechanical diaphragm that controls light intake, rather shutter speed changes automatically. Level of adjustment is very wide from low light to very bright light. You can actually place the camera an inch away from a lit 100W light bulb and still be able to read clearly the label on the bulb.

How does a camera work with a bright spot lighting source.

All cameras come with auto-electronic iris control. In a case in low light the iris will open up and brighten the picture automatically (however limited to its lux rating)As long as the camera is not facing directly toward a light source in low light, it'll be OK. However if a light source would be on the screen, the iris will close thus darkening the picture of the surrounding.

How far or how much can you see with a camera?

Cameras can see Infinite, therefore It all depends on the size of the object. Wider the angle of the lens, smaller it will appear but area coverage will be greater. You can not have both zoomed in view and cover wide area. Most of our cameras come standard with wide angle lens (75 deg horiz) that will cover the whole room if placed at the corner looking towards the center of the room.
Try our CCD Lens Calculator for more information.

How much of a room can a camera view?

Most of our cameras come with around 4mm lens providing 75 deg in horizontal angle (for 1.3" CCD). That means if the camera is placed at the corner looking towards the center of the room, it'll cover most of the room regardless of its size. Also all camera lenses are fixed focus and will focus to an object from about 2 ft away to infinity.