Covert Pinhole Cameras Able To See Details

[Victor43]

Ok I have been researching these covert cameras that are tiny or micro in nature for some time now. I have found that these camera do have the capability of capturing up close details on a subject standing 5-8 feet from the camera lens. Details like being able to tell the time on a subject watch or being able to read a document that the subject is holding. Now what I am trying to learn is what kind of optics or specifications allow this tiny covert camera the ability to do this ? Is there anyone who might know a little about these cameras that would like to share any information ?

Thanks in advance

Victor

[SafeSmallTowns]

They normally use a CCD sensor. Wikipedia has a nice article on how CCD sensors work here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge-coupled_device

[Victor43]

They normally use a CCD sensor. Wikipedia has a nice article on how CCD sensors work here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge-coupled_device

Thank you for the reply. Apologize for the delay in posting.

I have found that CCD sensors do perform better then CMOS designed sensors, but the gap has narrowed, in providing a clear and high quality picture but what about the lens ? Does the lens not play a factor in producing a high quality image ?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Victor

[Condo Guard]

From my (very) limited experience, as long as the lens has a clear view and there are no air issues (i.e. moisture leading to fogging) the latest ones are all pretty good. My company has a small camera in the middle price range we can move around and install in trouble areas, works very well. Only issue we've had is clarity in low light conditions. The next camera we buy will specifically be designed for that. (For certain areas we use it in installing a bright light would be a tip off.)

[Victor43]

From my (very) limited experience, as long as the lens has a clear view and there are no air issues (i.e. moisture leading to fogging) the latest ones are all pretty good. My company has a small camera in the middle price range we can move around and install in trouble areas, works very well. Only issue we've had is clarity in low light conditions. The next camera we buy will specifically be designed for that. (For certain areas we use it in installing a bright light would be a tip off.)

Thanks a lot for the information. Can you share a little more information as to what specifications for your next camera which you have said will perform in better in low light conditions ? What lux ratings and lens type would you recommend which will give a much better picture in low lighting situations ? Does the sensor also play a role in enhancing an picture in low light conditions ?

By the way I did find out that the Sony 1/3" 960H Exview HAD II CCD sensor is an ideal sensor for these pinhole lens cameras which provides a superior picture quality. The focal length of the pinhole lens is also an essential part in achieving what my original requirements was asking about. A standard 3.6mm does not work. However something along the lines of 16mm or higher does.

Hope this topic might of some help to others interested in this area of covert video cameras.