Nowadays it is difficult to imagine a person who does not have a phone. The usual with a small number of functions and capabilities has been replaced by a “smart” phone - a smartphone. Since it is in great demand, the number of devices created for it has grown. A smartphone is often compared to a control panel: it can be used to communicate with friends, listen to music, watch movies, take pictures, and also observe the inaccessible details of various mechanisms.
What is a smartphone?
The word itself is borrowed from the English language and means "smart smart phone." A smartphone differs from a regular phone by the presence of an operating system, thanks to which you can use several applications at the same time. Simply put, this is the same computer, only working on it is more convenient due to its compactness.
The following types of operating systems have been leading the way for several years: Android, Apple iOs, and Windows Phone. Regardless of their type, each smartphone can be slightly improved with third-party devices. Through the USB output, the following devices are connected to the phone: mouse, keyboard, flashlight, speakers, flash drive, camera, etc. For example, remote cameras for smartphones are used to improve the quality of photos and videos. We will consider some of their varieties later in the article.
How is the camera arranged?
Over the past few years, the quality of photographs taken on digital devices has improved significantly. Remote cameras for smartphones allow you to shoot at night, under water, as well as independently adjust the shutter speed. There are many other useful features.
What does the camera device consist of? Maybe from megapixels? Partly yes, but in fact, everything is much more complicated. The usual-looking plastic camera eye is a multi-component system that performs complex processes. The basis of the work is the lens and the matrix. As an addition to them, there are all kinds of flashes, autofocus stabilizers, RGB sensors, laser rangefinders.
A remote camera for a smartphone allows you to work in tandem with a control device. Now most phones are equipped with a camera, and the more expensive the device, the higher the quality of the images. But even the most expensive smartphone is not able to take pictures like a digital camera. What is the reason for this?
Remote Camera Features
The main parameters and characteristics of the remote camera for a smartphone:
- powerful zoom lens ；
- wireless connectivity with smartphone ；
- photosensitive matrix.
Simply put, an external camera can be controlled remotely and can perform various functions, for example: bokeh - the ability to focus on the foreground object, while what is behind will look a bit blurry.
Types of remote cameras for a smartphone
Depending on the nature of the connection with the control device - a smartphone or tablet - the following types of cameras are distinguished:
- wired (attached via USB or headphone hole);
- wireless (does not have a visible connection with a smartphone, but has a connection based on a special application that transmits data via Wi-Fi or mobile Internet);
- the endoscope has a small eye and is considered a wired camera, but has a longer cord to make it easier to penetrate into narrow spaces.
Each type of mini-camera has its own characteristics and characteristics. Having studied them, you will be able to decide on the purchase.
The benefits of the remote camera
A portable camera for a smartphone is needed not only for taking pictures with high quality. An important advantage is that some external cameras may not connect to the device via cable, whether it be a smartphone or tablet. This makes it possible to position the camera at a distance from the photographer at a convenient angle and at the desired height.
This device is used for covert or remote shooting, for example, video shooting to protect any object or photographing fearful animals. Pictures are flawless due to additional settings that can be applied depending on the expected effect.
Motorcyclists and cyclists are extremely pleased that a wireless remote camera for a smartphone has appeared on the market. With it, the driver can observe the situation behind. The control device can be mounted on the steering wheel, and the camera can be placed on the seat.
Wired camera for smartphone
The first external mini-camera was introduced by Sony. Subsequently, they gained wide popularity. Although they are all different in appearance, their design has something in common - the external similarity with the lens from a digital camera and the ability to connect to a smartphone. Such a device can be attached to the smartphone itself on top of the factory one or as a standard webcam for a computer.
Remote wired camera for smartphone performs the function of a lens. Inside it is a photosensitive matrix, working in tandem with the processor. The wired camera also has a rechargeable battery and a slot for a memory card.
These cameras include those that are attached using a magnet to a smartphone, while absolutely no need for wires, the device and so it works fine. But the main minus of such mini-cameras follows from this - the long transfer of the picture to the smartphone. But after transferring photos with them, you can perform various actions (edit, publish, etc.).
Features of a wired camera
Developers distinguish 4 main positive properties of wire cameras:
- The external camera is endowed with optical zoom, in contrast to the smartphone’s camera, in which it is digital.
- Optical zoom prevents blurry and blurry images.
- High quality shots.
- Wide viewing angle.
The only disadvantage is the lack of a high-quality flash, which is why shooting in the dark leaves much to be desired.
Wireless camera
The remote wireless camera for a smartphone is also called a standalone Wi-Fi-camera. Downloading images is carried out by means of a video signal, with a maximum transmission distance of up to 80 meters. The camera is often used in surveillance mode.
The appearance of the wireless camera is similar to a hockey puck, only larger. On its surface there are no holes, antennas and lens. Inside the so-called washer is an ultra-sensitive microphone, the camera itself and a Wi-Fi transmitter. It is worth noting that the transmission range of such cameras depends on the presence of obstacles to the video signal. Therefore, in a room such a device is recommended to be used only taking into account the number of obstacles, their thickness and absorption capacity.
Which device can receive video material from a remote camera? For a smartphone on Android and on the iOs operating system, this will not be difficult. Due to the wide functional capabilities of the wireless camera, the scope of its application is practically unlimited.
The most common uses for the mini camera are:
- to monitor subordinates (employees in the office, workers at the construction site, sellers in the store, etc.);
- to monitor the situation near the front door of an apartment or house;
- as a “baby monitor” to look after a child who is in another room.
The remote wireless camera is suitable not only for entertainment, but also as a serious household assistant.
Wireless Camera Features
Features of the external and internal parameters of the wireless mini-camera:
- nice and stylish appearance;
- compact size;
- support for all Wi-Fi networks;
- remote viewing function;
- battery operation;
- convenient opening and closing of the lens;
- application at a distance of 30-80 meters, depending on the presence of obstacles.
When buying a wireless camera, it is worth considering that not all models have a memory card.
Flexible camera
If you need to look into hard-to-reach places, for example, into the engine of a motor or a sink drain pipe, a flexible camera endoscope for a smartphone will come to the rescue. USB is a universal port for connecting various devices, including the camera and the device.
This is a device that allows you to see what is happening in a place inaccessible to the naked eye of a person. It was appreciated:
- Dentists
- ham radio;
- auto mechanics;
- plumbers;
- housewives.
Using a flexible camera just to ease the process is boring. Therefore, many use it for other useful or enjoyable purposes. For example, for entertainment, as well as for unusual and interesting shots.
By connecting a flexible camera (endoscope) to a USB port from a smartphone, you can immediately display the image on the screen. A person who understands the trends of such a technique may be surprised at the resolution level of the device, which is 1280 × 720 (HD). Shooting with such a camera will allow you to consider even the smallest details.
Usually, adapters for the computer are included with the device. With their help, you can upload video footage shot on a flexible camera. If the owner of the device works as a car mechanic, then he can record a video showing the cause of the breakdown, and then show the owner of the car.
The complete set also has a special mirror. With it, you can see what is on the sides of the device’s eye. Thanks to the mirror, the viewing radius is increased.
You can attach a magnet and a hook to some flexible cameras for smartphones. With this equipment it becomes possible not only to look into the drain pipe, but also to eliminate the cause of the blockage. For example, if metal objects fell into the sink, a magnet will help to get them, and if there is other debris, then it can be hooked and pulled out using a hook.
Flexible camera features
Among the advantages of the device, the following can be distinguished:
- Water resistant. Statistics say that the device is most often used to penetrate plumbing pipes, that is, where humidity is increased.
- The ability of the device to operate at different temperatures (from -18 to +80). The temperature range is quite large. Thanks to this, a person who does not have special equipment, but decides to fix the car on his own, will be able to look at the engine close by and identify the cause of the breakdown. Even if the car is in working condition, and the parts are hot and in motion.
- Ability to connect to a tablet or smartphone. Thanks to this important function, it becomes possible to view in real time a particular space. You can use a flexible camera not only for entertainment, but also for solving problems with a clogged pipe.
- Wide viewing angle (60-66 degrees). For a long time, the flexible camera had a maximum of 50 degrees of view, which significantly worsened the experience of its use.
- Portability and compactness. It is important to note that the small dimensions of the device do not affect the quality of shooting.
After reviewing the remote cameras for your smartphone and studying the above characteristics, you can accurately determine the design you need. The main thing is to know for what purpose you will use it, take your budget into account, determine the possibility of connecting the camera to a smartphone. And you can safely purchase your favorite device.