Advice for Beginner on Selecting a (Research) Camera

[Zehn Ziegen]

Good-day,

Background Information:

I am currently designing a research system in which I will be taking profile pictures (i.e., side-on, digital) of stationary, molten magnesium droplets around 3-10 mm (~0.1-0.4 in) in diameter, with heights that should range around 1-5 mm (~0.04-0.2 in) (these are only preliminary numbers, and, as such, the actual droplets will most likely be closer to one end of the estimates, depending on the amount of metal used).

(Note: molten magnesium does NOT glow like other molten metals, but, rather, is somewhat dull grey in appearance).

The droplets I will be imaging will be immersed in a molten salt electrolyte (the electrolyte is relatively transparent for a window of time), in a rectangular-prism quartz crucible with an open top, with the pictures taken through a window located in the side of an upright,
cylindrical, "lab-sized" (~10 in diameter) furnace.

The furnace will be operating ~750C, with enough internal insulation to prevent most heat loss, save though the open top, which I am currently thinking of covering with an insulated cap (i.e., the outer metal covering of the furnace can be safely touched without protection). Do not worry at all about the temperature affecting the camera, as I have many methods I can use to completely protect the camera from the heat.

One of my requirements is to obtain an at least distinguishable image of the drop profile, as I am currently looking at using image analysis software to determine the drop outline in the pictures taken in order to determine the contact angles. For this, I will be using a digital camera positioned to photograph though the crucible and window mentioned above. As long as I can distinguish the drop outline from the surroundings, my needs will be met.

Any additional lighting necessary I am thinking of providing with a halogen light, reflected into the furnace with a mirror, so as to avoid heat rising from the furnace from affecting the light. Note: Lighting is NOT a factor in selecting a camera, as I can completely control the lighting.

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Summary of Key Information:

digital images of 3-10 mm (~0.1-0.4 in) diameter, 1-5 mm (~0.04-0.2 in) high, dome-shaped, dull-grey droplets
imaging through furnace window, quartz crucible, melted transparent electrolyte

Budget for Camera System : ~$4000-5000 CDN (~$3000-3800 US)

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I realise for still images it would be much better to look into digital SLR still-picture cameras, and I have been looking into this area for a while. However, some of the images I need to capture I need video for, hence why I am here in this forum.

As I am completely new to the digital video field, ANY AND ALL knowledge, experience, comments, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated. More specifically, I am looking for ideas of where to start looking (i.e., camera models, useful websites, etc.).

On the side, if anyone has any knowledge in the use of fibre-optics in capturing images (i.e., could I insert a fibre-optic strand into my furnace in a sheath, cooled by gas, to feed images back to a camera, and get decent images?), that would be vey useful for another project.

If any additional information is desired, feel free to ask.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Auf wiedersehen,

James

[Skyman]

Ok i might have missed some info as i am recovering from a friends 21st but from what i can gather you want a reasonably high quality video with accurate colour of something that is relatively small. i think the poblems you will potentially experience are getting a lens that can zoom in well enough with a high enough resoliving power to give you the detail you require. I think that basically any 3 ccd digital video camera will do the job. to that end any video camera that you can change lenses on would be good. you will probably want a relatively long focal length and to that end the best i can think of off the top of my head is the canon xl1s with the ef lens adapter so you can put canon 35mm lenses on it and a 50mm macro lens (becomes a 360mm macro lens when on the video camera should be good 4 your purposes). this should do the job, but it may be a little bit expensive and playing with the macro capabilities of a fixed lens video camera might turn up a cheaper alternative. might i suggest using mercury droplets to test the cameras that you might b looking at and find and talk to your local pro video supplier. you might be better with a different camera, and there are plenty of specialist cameras for medical dental purposes that might work.
hope this helps
Simon