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Overview
The live viewfinder display can be used to feed images to motion detection software which instructs the camera to take a photograph when motion is detected. Applications include security monitoring and wildlife photography.
The Webcam Zone Trigger motion detection software was developed by a company called Omega Unfold and can be purchased from their website.
Please note: This release of PSRemote requires "Webcam Zone Trigger for Breeze Systems" version 1.8 or later.
Setup and Operation
Connect the camera to your PC and run PSRemote. When PSRemote is running and connected to your camera select "Motion detection..." from the Camera menu. Next run Webcam Zone Trigger and select "Connect to Breeze Systems PSRemote software". You should see the live viewfinder display from the camera in the Webcam Zone Trigger window. Now select "Add Trigger" and a circle showing the area being monitored will appear in the viewfinder window. Use the mouse to drag the circle to the area you wish to monitor. When motion is detected the circle will turn blue and a picture will be taken. It make take a few seconds for the camera to take the picture.
All recent Canon PowerShot cameras that support remote capture operation can display live viewfinder images using PSRemote which can be used for motion detection. Please see the Breeze Systems' website for the latest list of Canon PowerShot cameras that support remote capture.
Hints and tips
| 1. | Mount the camera firmly (e.g. on a sturdy tripod) to avoid the camera moving and causing pictures to be taken |
| 2. | Use an external power supply for the camera as it can only run for two or three hours on one set of batteries |
| 3. | Use the AF lock option in PSRemote to reduce the delay in taking a picture when motion is detected |
| 4. | Use the AF lock option in PSRemote to prefocus the camera on the area of interest e.g. if you are taking photos of birds at a bird feeder turn the camera and prefocus on the bird feeder then move the camera so that the feeder is on the edge of the shot |
| 5. | Make sure there is sufficient of free space on your hard disk to store any photos that are taken |
| 6. | Take a few test shots to check the camera exposure. If necessary use exposure compensation to adjust the exposure for the best results. |
| 7. | Monitor the photos and setup regularly to check for problems like exhausted camera batteries, out of focus images, incorrect exposure or loss of connection between the camera and the PC. |
| 8. | Use a low ISO setting for maximum image quality and set the aperture to f/8 to maximize the depth of field (the range of range of distances that are in focus). Take a test photo and check the shutter speed is fast enough to freeze any motion in the subject. If the shutter speed is not fast enough you will need to set a higher ISO setting or larger aperture (smaller Av number e.g. f/4). |
WARNING: Canon PowerShot cameras are not designed to be operated for long periods of time. Running the camera continuously for several days or weeks may result in permanent damage to your camera. Breeze Systems cannot accept any responsibility for any damage caused to cameras.
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