I bought a used Vizcam 1000 2 years ago. The device truly revolutionized my teaching. However, during the second year of use, the camera's image gradually lost brightness and color. This had nothing to do with the lighting in my room. So, I got another one. Immediately, within the same lighting conditions, this second camera displayed the bright, clear, colorful image that benefits my class so much. However, this week, it's started doing the same thing. Each day the image is a little darker than the day before, and there is little I can do to improve the situation. IThe camera is used for several hours each day, though not constantly left ON. I always keep my room's lights dimmed and use a lamp to light the surface under the camera. To remedy the problem, I have managed the light coming through the windows in my room, adjusted the White Balance, and increased the aperature, using the end of the lens. None of these things are permanent fixes. Now, students can barely read what's up there. Our district is getting us new cameras next year, but what can I do to make it 7 weeks until the end of the year? MUCH thanks.
Hello Pelota, Here is what is happening, most web cams are charge-coupled device CCD type image devices they work by caturing the image as it changes the charge along the surface of a capacitive matrix. Over time this matrix begins to break down. This is what you are experiencing. The cheaper the camera the faster the breakdown of the matrix. It can not be helped. The fact is as all of these digital cameras get older they will begin the dim and have poor color resolution due to the CCD matrix decaying. I hope this helps.
Posted on Sep 26, 2007
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