I.R. Cameras in your haunt?

[Nightmare Grant]

The haunt owners out there who have infared cameras in your haunt, I would like to know what cameras you use that also picks up audio or has a microphone with it. I installed four cameras last season and have some great video footage but no audio to go along with it.

My question is, what brand/model do you use that would do both.

Thanks in advance,

[colwood56]

l to would like to know!

Problem is, l feel that if your not part of the click on this board, you won't get an answer. Could be wrong and if l am sorry for that but it always appears this way too me.

[BackInBlack137]

We have a few crappy ones around one of the 3D show. It isn't weatherproof and we need to get a new one. I have been looking at one from Pinhole Security systems. Here is the link: http://www.pinhole-security-cameras.com. For one with audio here is the link: http://www.pinhole-security-cameras....with_Audio.htm. Hope this helps you some!

-Garry Richwine Jr.

[SSP]

We took some night-vision footage last year, I used an old camcorder of mine, came out great. This year Jim (Gravestalker) purchased some other cameras, getting high tech, I don't know the details but I'll ask.

I have no idea if our new cameras come with sound options (I doubt it), but the easiest thing I would do would be to buy the lowest end night vision camcorder you can find. You don't need resolution when it's mounted like a security camera, plus it records on the tape-deck. I don't know what kind of other equipment you would need for those security cameras.

You could also record audio separately, and sync it up later, but depends on how much work you want to do, and that's a lot.

I'm sorry, the camera thing is not my area of expertise but I thought I'd throw in what I did.

[Karl Fields]

Grant,
We have gone from one extreme to the other. Started out with simply a camcorder with 'nightvision'. Worked ok, for one camera.

Then we went with baby monitor type cameras. They are failrly cheap, but do have nightvision and audio, but a failry low resolution. Of course you need something on the other end to record it all. We used VHS decks.

We are now at the other end (I think) of the line. The system has not arrived yet, but basically 16 Sony day/night cameras connected to a GeoVision 1480-16 card. None of the cameras have audio built in but we have external mics coming for each camera that also hook to the GeoVision card. We should be able to save all data for the season on a 1 tera byte drive. Might run some of the cameras with motion sensors to save space, but well see. The cameras are 720x480x30fps as is the capture/record mode on the GeoVision card.

Should have some great video - if I get it all hooked up on time

You should take a trip down to your local electronics store, or even Costco or maybe WalMart. They have various sized complete systems with a wide price range - and some with audio!

[Nightmare Grant]

Karl and everyone so far,

Thanks for your responses! Karl, what type of external mics are you going to use? I ordered a four camera I.R. system from frys.com and have some great footage but with no audio. How do you connect the mics to the individual cameras and then sync it all?

Thanks so much

[UndeadProd]

We ordered a system from supercircuits last year and it seemed to work very well: http://www.supercircuits.com

Before you start recording audio, you might want to check any legal limitations. Recording audio without a person's knowledge or consent, even in a surveillance capacity, can sometimes be prohibited legally.

[Karl Fields]

That's an interesting thought Scott. We post that by entering, any customer may be video taped, but don't mention audio. Have to look into that, even though all we are looking for is screams and such.

Grant - mics are located near the cameras and the audio is sent to the PC capture card real time, along with the video feed. The card syncs it all.
http://www.worldeyecam.com/store/KT-...e-p-16394.html

[Nightmare Grant]

Karl,

I just went to the website you sent and WOW!!! SOLD!!! I think I will go for the card that is 120 fps at 4 cameras so I can capture 30 fps per camera. I'm going to call them tomorrow to discuss details. Thanks again for the link.

[GraveStalker]

Astak Camera

On the cheaper side of things: we have done some testing with an Astak Wired Weatherproof Night Vision Color Video Camera, Model CM-818W.

It has effective nightvision (in pitch black) to around 15 feet and built in microphone. It does emit a faint red glow when Infrared Leds are on

They have wireless, but you need to be aware of potential for interference -especially on commonly used frequencies. Wired units can be had for about 50 bucks a pop. So, it's definitely a good camera to test.


In our application, we are using Zone Minder software w/ Video 4 Channel PCI Video Card @ 30FPS. Video is relatively smooth and resolution very good.

[colwood56]

Great Responce

Some great info and appreciated much. l too will look into this. Just want to say thanks everyone,
jim @ colwood