johnkelly 0 Posted July 19, 2010 I have a friend who is legally blind (~ 85% vision disabled). He and his wife have tried to obtain a CCTV video magnifier so that he may read books, letters, etc. but the price is way outside their budget (these things run $4k+) and insurance won't cover one. Something similar to this: http://63.240.118.132/images/video%20magnifier.jpg is what would be used. Now I'm a lay person with some technical skills (electronics assembly, etc), but it seems to my that a system such as this consists of four major components: 1) CCTV camera, 2) Monitor, 3) Light Source, and 4) Base/Monitor Arm. To my way of thinking such a system could be assembled for under $1000. I am seeking advice on what type of camera system would be best suitable for this type of application. Color, auto-focus would be required and also probably a camera with auto-white balance and the ability to adjust brightness and contract if reading at night. My plan is to purchase a camera (cost unknown), an LCD panel monitor (around $200), base/arm assembly (old overhead projector found cheap somewhere), and a light source (LED so they won't have to replace bulbs plus it's nice and white for reading). Attach camera to base/arm assembly, attach monitor and light and while it may not be pretty it will work. Any suggestions or ideas? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bpzle 0 Posted July 19, 2010 What you need is a document camera. I wouldn't bother trying to make a CCTV camera work for what you're trying to do. They are not designed for objects up close. Plus a document camera will come with everything you need like the lights and stand. Avermedia makes them, check them out at Avermedia.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
