Zigview/Camranger alternative 'Blue-Sky' thoughts...

<p>Just thinking out-loud really..:-)</p>

<p>Is there any reason why, via firmware, that any of the current Nikon DSLRs couldn't be made to trip by some observed behaviour TTL?</p>

<p>If anyone remembers the Zigview R or S2, it had a motion detect mechanism whereby it used a small separate CCD camera looking through the camera's VF to scan within a grid of 9 segments of the view and if it detected a change in brightness it would trip the shutter via the cable-release port on the camera.</p>

<p>It's downside was a rather clumsy UI and a limited battery life.....and the not insignificant bulk of having a small box attached to the VF eyepiece rails. In the case of the round eyepiece Nikons a tricky screw-in fitting.</p>

<p>The downside of using the actual sensor signal, as the Camranger and the Zigview Live do, is possible overheating after 30mins or so....and high battery drain with the mirror held up and the sensor running.</p>

<p>Can/could the 2016-pixel RGB sensor (used for exposure metering) be made to do the same as the Zigview's 3 x 3 trigger matrix?<br>

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It would seem that as many people would want a self-tripping wildlife camera than would want a special D810 for astrophotography. Cameras seem to be going over the top with regard to interval timers and slo-mo video etc. etc. <br>

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It should be just a case of internal software, ie firmware, shouldn't it? They'd be a slightly higher battery drain with metering activated permanently, but that's about it. <br>

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No other hardware would be required. Maybe that's a problem for Nikon..:-)</p>

<p>Mike,</p>

<p>The detection methods seems to match features found on video surveillance systems where a zone within the image area could sense motion. You might pursue a critique of advantage/disadvantage from discussions about video surveillance systems. And yes, from my limited knowledge, an image-zone had potential advantages such as sensing direction of travel activation, activation once a predetermined number of grid locations measured activity, etc.<br>

Just something for your interest.</p>

<p>Joe</p>

<p>Most domestic security Passive-Infra-Red (PIR) motion detectors could be made to fire a camera. They work off 12v usually, but you can get battery operated ones that communicate with their control box by radio. The standard type just signal a detection to the control box by closing a reed-relay internally. Just connect the relay to Nikon's 10 pin socket and you have a motion detect camera trigger.</p>

<p>The only drawback is that standard PIRs have a wide detection field, so no guarantee that whatever triggers the motion sensor will be in view of the lens. Although I once came across a narrow beam PIR. Think I still have it lying around somewhere. Or maybe the "beam" could be narrowed by masking off with tinfoil.</p>

<p>Edit: Surely focus trip could be used as well? I'm not sure if the camera's internal battery would last long in a permanent on situation, but an external power source could be used. Such an arrangement would definitely be needed anyway if using the Live View video feed to an external PC running motion detect software.</p>

<p>RJ, I've got a bunch of motion triggers, both PIR and ultra-sonic, but I was wanting an 'internal' one!</p>

<p>...and indeed they can be masked down to quite a tight cone...20 deg easilly.</p>

<p>...and the external PC isn't on the cards.</p>

<p>I want the metering chip to control the camera!</p>

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<p>Edit: Surely focus trip could be used as well? </p>

</blockquote>

<p>For one frame maybe....but I want about 8 frames... horse jump at 8 fps.</p>

<p>OK Mike. I can see the appeal of a "stand-alone" solution, and I think it's perfectly possible technically. It might require an expansion of the amount of firmware memory in the camera though.</p>

<p>What stands in its way, I believe, is whether there's enough demand for such a feature, and the extra complexity it would add to the camera's menu options - already quite daunting to the average user I imagine. Plus I'm not sure how many users would be willing to leave expensive camera gear unattended; even if automated subject detection was offered.</p>

<p>All in all, I doubt that Nikon would think it worth the development costs. Although a 3rd party accessory of some sort that could be used with a variety of makes and model of camera might find a niche market. In fact a fairly simple App for a smart phone might be up to the job. Pity phones don't have a simple output port, and rely on complications like Bluetooth, WiFi or USB to communicate with other digital equipment.</p>

<p>I would be able to see the camera(s), but they'd be fully autonomous. Effectively, I'm trying to clone myself and put my clone in a confined or 'unsafe' position. I shoot a safe fence and 'he' shoots from underneath maybe. I guess the device would be something like a DSLR version of the Trail Cams that wildlife hunters and conservationists use. They rely on a broad FOV PIR and a small CCD camera in a camo box and a attachment strap..... Amazon, B00IID3O2M<br>

</p>

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<p>is whether there's enough demand for such a feature</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I'm sure most (all?) photographers here in the Nikon forum have shot birds at a bird-table or feeding station? <br /> <br /> Camera on tripod, longish lens ~ 180mm, 16GB card, fresh battery. Leave for work @ 07.00. Return from work at 18.00 with 250 high quality shots of activity at the table. Maybe even a bunch of real keepers..:-)<br /> <br /> All fully standalone, no tethered laptop or phone App. No beam-break traps. No falsely tripped PIR frames. Camo cloth draped over the camera, maybe an old fleece to muffle the sound.<br /> <br /> I guess you could either use the AF points to trip the camera or the rapid exposure change when a critter arrives....or maybe twinned signals to maybe prevent false firings?</p>

<p>I wonder how many people actually <strong><em>use</em> </strong>the now seemingly compulsory Interval Timers that are in all modern DSLRs?</p>