SHORT focal range camera?

[Left Coast Geek]

a friend has an application for a camera that can take extreme closeups, like 6 inches to 2 feet, with a wide angle lens, and good night vision with minimal IR. I thought a IPC-T5442T-AS 2.8 would work, but they say minimum focus is 4.3 feet, which is just too far, and I suspect the 1-2 foot stuff will be way fuzzy.

so... anyone know of any such cameras ? I realize this isn't a normal security camera, in fact, its a camera to go inside an owl nesting box. he has some funky analog 480i camera now, but would like to upgrade to 1080p or better, my thought was a micro PC connected to the spare HDMI port on his main TV set being fed from whatever camera. He's totally up fro having several cameras, only one would be super short like this, the others would be longer range outside cameras and likes the idea of PoE and BlueIris on a mini PC feeding said HDMI port.

p.s. I'm leaving for a week long road trip tomorrow morning, so I probably wont be in a place to follow up until I return on July 3rd or 4th. He's in no hurry, so its all good.

 

[looney2ns]

Cams like the Top 201, come with lens that can be adjusted manually.

Or: Bring You Closer to the Wildlife with IP Technology - Green Backyard

 

[Left Coast Geek]

I think my friend is going to give this one a try.

Long Range Wireless Outdoor IP Bird Box Camera - Green Backyard

HD bird box camera fits 600ft long range WiFi transmission and 64G local video recording

green-backyard.com

While the owl box is on a little used workshop a few 100 feet from his house, its right next to a source of 120V power, so running the cam+transmitter on 12V is as simple as a 12V wallplug charger and a small SLA. His home internet router is right near a window that overlooks that workshop, so the point to point radio should work great. I suggested adding a 'chromecast' to his TV so he can use his phone to throw the live video up on the big screen.

 

[Holbs]

I had the same thought process. Many 3D printer people looking for a camera need focal from 6"-2feet distant. Other than something really spendy, I went with a simple Raspberry Arduino Camera. Though does not have any fancy AI or bells & whistles, it's just a camera. It works for 3D printing purposes Can even swap lens out to different focal lengths.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

this guy isn't nearly nerdy enough to deal with a raspberry pi.

 

[Mark_M]

I bought a small POE 4MP camera from AliExpress to use in a birdhouse.


I bought it from 'topsee miniature camera Store' on AliExpress.


It's not too bad for a cheap camera.
Certainly can do better quality.

 

[borisw37]

Just found this guy on Amazon. Will report back it if works well for short-focus.
*I know this tread is ~8mo old. More of a note to self and other who may come across the same google search.

https://www.amazon.com/REVOTECH-Camera-Indoor-Security-2-8-12mm/dp/B096VJWZ5N

 

[Left Coast Geek]

found same cam on alibaba, got more specs, but nothing about focus distances,

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255799830343168.html

I can't find a manufacturer website anywhere.

 

[looney2ns]

Just found this guy on Amazon. Will report back it if works well for short-focus.
*I know this tread is ~8mo old. More of a note to self and other who may come across the same google search.

https://www.amazon.com/REVOTECH-Camera-Indoor-Security-2-8-12mm/dp/B096VJWZ5N

View attachment 159923

Most of those Revotechs, have a set screw holding the lens, you can loosen the set screw, then adjust the focus all you want.

 

[borisw37]

Received the camera linked above. Pleasantly surprised with the performance.
@looney2ns , you are right. There is a set screw which allows for the lens to be moved even closer to the sensor reducing the min-focal distance.
Set the camera up to read the water meter dial and the front of the lens is only ~2" away from the dial.