Video Camera Modification

[Mike Warren]

Here's a project I just finished for fun.

I have a small consumer camera I wanted to improve some things on.

-Better audio with manual control.
-Use common Sony NPF-550 batteries.
-Quick release tripod mount.
-Ability to fit my 67mm filters.
-Lens hood to reduce flare.
-Shade over the LCD to help visibility in bright light.

Most of the time went into the mechanical side of the project. Made from plastic enclosures and fibreglass.

Schematics, Gerbers, Code here: http://mike-warren.net/files/SD90Mod-rev1.zip

[SeanB]

Very nice conversion. Nice work there.

[Legit-Design]

Did you make any changes to the audio input circuitry on the actual camera? I assume is was just normal condenser mics. Did you just tap your mod into the existing circuitry? I've been planning to add external mic input for my camera, but was thinking more of a quick hack, than something this advanced.

[hedgewallace]

How does the microphone go compared to the in built one?

[Mike Warren]

Did you make any changes to the audio input circuitry on the actual camera?

No. The camera has a 3.5mm audio input jack. I added a couple of condenser mics in a stereo configuration and preamp. I have lowered the camera's audio levels by 9 dB, which lowers the noise floor. My preamp is quieter than the camera's.

The external mic is a desk shotgun that I modified.

[robrenz]

Very nicely done Mike!