[OFF] webcam converted to be a magnifier/Visual aid?

[peskywinnets]

Sorry, this is somewhat tenuous, but I can think of no better resource (lot of experience on this site).

I intend doing a fair amount of surface mount technology soldering...for those that don't know what that is...bleeding small comoponents! My eyes aren't getting any better so I'm seeking out solutions to assist me solder these fine components. I have a large 12" desktop magnifying glass...which is good, but not exactly that convenient...also, being slightly off centre leads to massive distortions.

There are electronic devices out there that some use...visual aids...they're intended for the visual impaired to super magnify small text onto a PC screen, this will give you an idea...



(that said, I 'd like to have had a bit more room above, to be able to get a soldering iron, hands PCB in!)

the thing is these electronic magnifiers are stupendously expensive.

But ....on my workbench I already have a PC, a PC screen & great lighting so if I could just find some way of having a camera mounted above that, which magnifies a *lot*, then I'm home dry!

the immediate obvious things that come to mind are...

1. A mod'ed webcam (good quality one)...take it out of its case put a cheap (but good) lens sourced from fleabay. (for example, I've seen youtube videos where some are using a webcam to attach onto a telescope)

the thing is...what focal length to give somethig like 10-15x?

2. I have a Canon 450D...from what I can gather there's a hace which allows Live View to be viewed remoted over USB? Has anyone investigated this remote Live View?


Grateful for any other (cheap!) ideas!

[>Jaz<]

Yes you can use EOS Utility to remotely trigger the 450D, it does stream as if it were a webcam I think.

The EOS Utility software would have come in the 450D box. : )

[peskywinnets]

Originally Posted by >Jaz<

Yes you can use EOS Utility to remotely trigger the 450D, it does stream as if it were a webcam I think.

The EOS Utility software would have come in the 450D box. : )

This might sound strange...but the reason I never explored the CD in the box, was because I thought that (Remote Capture?) was for remote stills. As far as I was aware, the 450D Live view is only available on camera...though apparently there is a hack which allows alive view over USB.

I guess I'll have to go & have a play!

[senu]

Originally Posted by peskywinnets

This might sound strange...but the reason I never explored the CD in the box, was because I thought that (Remote Capture?) was for remote stills. As far as I was aware, the 450D Live view is only available on camera...though apparently there is a hack which allows alive view over USB.

I guess I'll have to go & have a play!

Have a go and lets know. Th CD in the box is worth a lot more than you think
If you have LR or Adobe camera RAW you may not think it but Canons DPP for RAW procesing conversion is quite good