Board Cameras - An Introduction

Board cameras are tiny cameras with the lens mounted on a circuit board. They come in very small sizes which make them ideal as security cameras or hidden cameras. They can be used as static surveillance cameras or as mobile hidden cameras for public recording. In fact, some of these cameras make use of pinhole lenses, which are very small in diameter. Pinholes are especially useful because only the rest of the camera need not be exposed in order to record - only the pinhole needs to be exposed.

Pinholes typically come in two categories: flat pinholes and conical pinholes. Flat pinhole lenses are used for materials such as film covering or fabric. Conical pinhole lenses need smaller holes and are usually used for static installations such as in ceilings or high posts. Pinholes are generally useful as any other kind of hidden camera but it comes with a trade-off: the resolutions it offers are slightly lower than that of standard board camera lenses which have a much larger diameter than that of pinholes.

Board cameras make use of two camera system technologies: CCD or charged couple display; and CMOS or Complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor. CCD changes the light that enters into the lens into electricity which is then transformed digitally into information that is essentially picture data. CMOS also operates in the same way as CCD but has a few advantages over CCD - CMOS has a wider range of functions, can be made in smaller sizes and have an overall lower power draw. However, CMOS also has a disadvantage in that it can't match the image quality of CCD sensors.

Board cameras are typically plug-and-play which means that they can be directly connected to a TV, VCR or even personal computers. They use AC adapters to operate. However, some of these cameras also operate wirelessly, making use of batteries. Wireless board cameras have different transmitter and receiver configurations which can be utilized depending on the applications they will be used for.

Board cameras have very few moving parts, which mean that the applications they can be used for is already very limited. Also, they have a short focal length which produces a wide angle of view.

Overall, board cameras are ideal choices for static camera system applications such as surveillance cameras at stationary points like checkpoints or at building entrances. Their wide angle view also helps their case as static surveillance cameras. They are also good for discreet surveillance - their small size makes them extremely easy to conceal and they can also operate wirelessly, which is a major advantage. They can also be used for a broader range of applications such as for school projects, or can be used in conjunction with other pieces of hardware. These cameras also have their advantages over other types of hidden cameras such as their very small size, low power requirements, relatively cheap cost, and relatively easy installation and operation. However, they also have their own distinct disadvantages such as lower resolution and mediocre image quality. There are many choices for hidden cameras and board cameras are undoubtedly one of the best.

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