Webcam in the dark, IR

Step 2 - Modifying the webcam I’ve done the following mod on four different cameras (mini-cam Sweex 100k, Logitech Webcam Express and the Philips PCVC740k and PCVC840k), but in the end the only one worth the trouble was the Philips. This is because of the light sensitivity. The other cameras didn’t work well in low light and I guess that I would’ve needed 100 LED’s to get the same result as with 10 and the Philips.

Removing the filter on the 740 is piece a cake. Remember that this is also applicable to the PCVC840k as it’s the same construction even though the look different. Unscrew the lens and put it upside down. Insert a small (~2-3mm) screwdriver into the gap in-between the filter and the plastic and carefully bend it out.

Save the filter if you want to convert it back. After all, the filter is not there for nothing! After removing the filter you will notice that all colours, especially red, are messed up. Here’s and before and after photo.

Here you can see the color difference that the absense of the filter causes.

Here’s a direct photo on the LED’s burning with and without the filter in a dark room. It’s quiet a difference, huh?

Next, have a look at the end result and how good this hack actually sees in complete darkness!

9 Responses to “Webcam in the dark, IR”

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5. jheiv Says:
   January 11th, 2006 at 21:43

   You are certainly not an electronics engineer.

   (5-(2*1.8)*50=70)??

   Last time I checked this wasn’t true.

   5-180 = -175.

   Oh now I see what you meant. You meant: ((5-(2*1.8))*50=70

   In that case, the reason you multiplied by 50 was because (due to reciprocals) multiplying by 50 is the same as dividing by 0.02 A (or 20 mA). Thus, using Ohm’s law of V=IR or in this case R=V/I where V=1.4 (5 minus the two 1.8V LED voltage drops in series), I=50 Therefore, an appropiate resistor would be a 70 Ohm Resistor.

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7. Freddy K. Says:
   January 26th, 2007 at 17:19

   Here’s a video showing the conversion process of a standard webcam into an infrared cam:

   http://images.metacafe.com/thumb/385098/2760327/4/submitter_catalog/0/transform_your_webcam_into_an_infrared_cam.jpg

   (nice examples of use at the end!)

8. Sebastian Says:
   January 21st, 2008 at 12:27

   Very useful article. Thanks

9. Gopakumar Says:
   November 16th, 2009 at 18:57

   Hey

   Thanks for the info, how ever if i wanted to use a webcam to record combustion efficiency by measuring flame color is it possible?

   Thanks

   Gopu

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