CCTV camera and notebook - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jane
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 04:49:27 pm
content: Is there any way how to connect CCTV camera with a notebook? The camera looks like that in the picture and besides there is a 4 pin connector on PCB ( not sure if it is a firewire connector or not. How to find out ?)Can anyone help?Thanks

author: SL4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 05:16:04 pm
content: From the connectors - it looks like a composite output camera module (fairly standard kit)To get this into a notebook/laptop - you could use a cheapie USB video capture dongle, but the quality is extremely variable between brands.Remember to put a sticker warning people they are being watched/recorded - otherwise you may end up in jail!

author: Jane
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 05:55:35 pm
content: Thanks for the reply.But I do not want to capture the output of the camera I want to connect only , so that I can see the realtime camera output.How can I do that?Thank you

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 06:17:44 pm
content: VLC Player will directly display the output from a video capture dongle.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 07:13:34 pm
content: Quote from: Jane on May 16, 2014, 05:55:35 pmSimple - buy USB dongle that can read composite/S-video signal of a camera. This USB dongle should show up as a USB camera device.For live view, I would suggest "amcap" on Windows systems. VLC Player always seems to add unnecessary lag (at least for my setup) - not the best option for real time video.

author: aroby
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2014, 07:14:34 pm
content: Quote from: Jane on May 16, 2014, 04:49:27 pmUse something like thishttp://www.amazon.com/EASYCAP-Audio-Video-Capture-Adapter/dp/B0019SSSMY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400267604&sr=8-1&keywords=easy+usb+video. You'd need an adaptor to convert your BNC connector to an RCA.Anthony

author: Jane
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2014, 05:45:23 am
content: Thank you ALL for the replies.Is anyone capable of comparing CCTV and WEB cameras?What are advantages/disadvantages?I think WEB camera is cheaper but has a lower resolution.But no need to buy another USB dongle/adaptor.What else?Thanks

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 20, 2014, 11:15:48 am
content: It is very difficult to compare general specs of CCTV and WEB cameras in general. You have to decide what kind of performance, software and connection options suits your needs best.There are several solutions for live view/video recording:USB camera (also called WEB camera, most laptops have these embedded). It does not require additional power cable (power through USB) and you can use one of multiple SW options for live view or recording. It is limited in cable length though (max 5 meters on a good day).CCTV camera connected via composite/S-video connection. You don't need a PC for live view, video monitor is sufficient. PC has to have special video input or you have to use special video adapter. Cable can be longer than 5 meters. You need to provide external power.IP camera - connected with ethernet cable. Semi live view on browser, various software options for recording or semi-smart recording. Cable length is relatively unlimited (but you still have to decide on power options, ethernet cabling and internet on camera location). It gives the most flexibility for remote viewing.Quality of the image varies widely in each category.WEB and CCTV cameras may have additional lens options - see if you want that.I would also recommend to check angle of view (AOV). Some cameras come with very narrow AOV by default (20, 40, 60 degrees) - narrow AOV is very annoying except for very specific applications, where you need high "zoom" of specific area only and have very solid mount (forget about loose mount or handling camera in your hand). Go with 80-90-100 or higher AOV for general applications.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2014, 12:42:05 pm
content: A "WEBcam" is either built-in to the computer itself, or is specifically designed with the "video capture" function built-in, and with a USB interface to the computer.CCTV simply means "closed-circuit television". It implies a rather inexpensive, fixed-view camera typically used for security surveillance, etc. These cameras typically have more conventional output (composite for older standard-definition cameras, and HDMI or SDI for newer digital, high-resolution, 16x9.)The camera in your photo appears to be a standard-definition camera with composite output. As others have already said, you cannot interface this with a computer without a "video capture" device. That is one of the major differences between a "webcam" and a "CCTV" camera.The little "board-level" cameras like in your photo are very simple arrangements typically with simple, fixed lenses and often raw (without an enclosure, etc.)OTOH, "web" cameras often include better features like audio, zoom, video effects, even the ability to "follow" you if you move away from the center of view, etc. Of course, most of these features are done in the software drivers that come with the camera.