Pinhole Camera
Most people have the
mistaken idea that a
pinhole camera is a primitive
device, built by students in for their science projects.
Just like technology, this 'basic' camera has advanced
with the times, with versions that provide great image
quality. A camera of this sort generally consists of a
small box with a small hole (at most 0.5mm in diameter)
or a pinhole in place of a lens on one side and
photographic paper to capture an image on the other.An image is formed when
light passes through the small hole and 'burned' onto
the photographic paper. You can easily build a camera
like this at home but if you want one that gives a clear
image quality, you can purchase one with a micro lens.
If you want to build your
own camera, you will need to get a cardboard box, some
tape and a small piece of aluminum foil. Create a
shutter in the front of the box and use the tape to make
a hinge for the shutter. Then take a small needle and
punch a hole through the aluminum foil, making sure that
the hole has a diameter of no longer than 0.5mm. Tape
the foil to the inside of the box to create the little
hole from where your pictures will be taken. If you
don't want to make a shutter for your camera, you can
also use your thumb instead - just cover the hole with
your thumb. You will need photographic paper to capture
the image you want. This paper is attached to the inside
of the box on the side opposite of the pinhole.
With a camera like this, you
must bear in mind that there is no viewfinder. You just
have to point the camera to the object you want to
capture and determine the amount of exposure necessary
to take the picture you want. Exposure in a pinhole
camera is commonly measured in minutes and can range
anywhere from a couple of minutes to a few days
depending on the type of image you want to capture.
Good quality cameras of this
type can be easily purchased online and are perfect for
the home surveillance of nannies or caregivers as this
pinhole camera can easily be hidden in toys, amongst
books on the shelf and many other household items.
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