But - the USB webcams are focusable and I had already experimented to see just how close they could be made to focus. Almost down to zero - the only limit, leaving enough room between the camera and the object to let light in.
So - how to mount one of the cameras solidly to give it a chance of reasonably clear pictures? Simple - hack an old hefty microscope and mount the camera on that. Both cheap cameras worked well but the clincher was the one which had the cable emerging from the centre of its back. That meant it would be easy to route the cable up through the middle of the focussing tube once all the microscope lenses had been removed.
Final solution:
That was followed by a long session playing with the set up to see how it performed. As I said, the webcam hates bright light which is ideal for this job as it can be pretty dull right under the lens. Here are some of the items I tried:
And here the actual photo grabs made using the free version of Debut Video Capture Software, warts and all - no cropping or tweaking:
The circular mat
Bee Legs:
Screw:
Flower:
Leylandii:
It was difficult to get full colour shots - too much light could wash out the colour so even in the shade of the summerhouse I sometimes had to add extra shading right next to the microscope. Watch out - I could be finding this set up useful for the Monday Macros.
Instead of £50+ this cost me £4.99 (free p&p) for the webcam from eBay. I was lucky, they are now £5.79 (free p&p) If you are a tinkerer like me and interested the camera I ended up using was
that's what i was thinking! a whole bunch of 'what is this?' posts!
ReplyDeleteTWG: I'm building up a small stock ready for use!
DeleteBrilliant John. I was going to suggest stacking but you beat me to it,
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always entertaining though I'm a Luddite and like to get images that will print big, sharp and colourful. I fail more often than I succeed.
Adrian: Seems to be the story of my life - find a different use for some object, especially if it's cheaper than the real thing.
Deleteoh me, how much more Macroer can Macro Monday be? I'm afraid to guess any longer.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy the creative set up, the fantastic price, and the Flower.
ImaBurdie - I'm sure you will do well with your guesses.
DeleteYou got some great results from that set up John.
ReplyDeleteThank you Keith
DeleteOh my goodness. This is fantastic. You amaze me. Finally go to see Mrs. Tit on the next. She was moving the eggs around a bit it seemed. Thanks so much for all the neat things you share.
ReplyDeleteBonnie: Mrs GT spends a lot of time turning the eggs to keep them at the right temperature right through.
DeleteGreat results John. Well done and on the price, your talents were well rewarded!
ReplyDeleteGood to read on earlier posts that things are progressing well in the nest box.
Thank you Jan. Plenty of 'will it work if I do ....' experiments stops the little grey cells from stagnating.
DeleteJohn, Have you thought of surrounding the webcam with tin foil? The light from the LEDs would possibly reflect onto the subject.
ReplyDeleteAdrian: I'll give it a try though I think the colour may be wrong, too blue by the look of them.
Delete