Looking to get a little more creative with your photography and fancy giving high-speed photography a go? Why not create your very own high-speed camera trigger using an Arduino, piezoelectric sensor (as a sound sensor), a DSLR camera, and an external flash. Watch the video after the break to see it in action.
If you’re not sure what an Arduino controller is: Arduino is an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple microcontroller board, and a development environment for writing software for the board.
What is High-Speed Photography?
High-speed photography is a technique used to capture images of fast-moving objects. This can include anything from a balloon popping to a bullet piercing through an apple. The key to high-speed photography is timing, and that’s where a high-speed camera trigger comes in handy. By using a sound sensor, such as a piezoelectric sensor, you can trigger the camera and flash at the exact moment a sound is detected, ensuring you capture the perfect shot.
Building Your Own High-Speed Camera Trigger
Creating your own high-speed camera trigger might sound complicated, but with the right components and a bit of patience, it can be a rewarding project. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you’ll need and how to put it all together:
1. Arduino Board: This is the brain of your project. Arduino boards are versatile and can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks. For this project, you’ll need to write a program that tells the Arduino to trigger the camera and flash when it detects a sound.
2. Piezoelectric Sensor: This sensor will act as your sound detector. When it picks up a sound, it sends a signal to the Arduino, which then triggers the camera and flash.
3. DSLR Camera: Any DSLR camera with a remote trigger input will work. You’ll need a cable to connect the camera to the Arduino.
4. External Flash: An external flash is crucial for high-speed photography as it provides the necessary lighting to capture fast-moving objects. The flash will also need to be connected to the Arduino.
5. Connecting Cables and Breadboard: These are used to connect all the components together. A breadboard makes it easy to connect and disconnect components without soldering.
6. Software: You’ll need to write a program for the Arduino that tells it what to do when it detects a sound. There are many resources and tutorials available online to help you with this.
Once you have all your components, you can start assembling your high-speed camera trigger. Connect the piezoelectric sensor to the Arduino, and then connect the Arduino to the camera and flash. Write and upload your program to the Arduino, and you’re ready to start capturing high-speed images.
Via Hack N Mod
High-speed photography can open up a whole new world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re capturing the splash of a water droplet or the shattering of glass, the results can be stunning. By building your own high-speed camera trigger, you not only save money but also gain a deeper understanding of the technology behind the art. So why not give it a try and see what amazing images you can create?
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