Auto release

I need to set my camera up to take a single frame each time movement is detected in the garden. Things are disappearing and moving with no real explanation so I want to see who is doing it.

Does anyone know of an auto release based on a PIR type sensor - the type that will turn the security lights on when someone walks past?

I can buy a camera with an integral PIR and flash - £300! so I am hoping there is a cheaper alternative that would work with a either a *istD or K20D

got a manual focus lens and a locking release cable? snap in focus (see your manual) may fit the bill.

a headphone jack, and any number of switches/relays or cheap battery powered motion detectors can be made to trip the shutter.

you might find a video camera and software (such as Evo Cam on the mac) might be easier to set up....

What sort of things? Children's toys? Flower pots? Anything small and interesting looking/colourful?

Dan

Dan,

A large 600 x 300 x 250 mm galvanised steel wire rat trap weighted down with a brick, bricks being "restacked", scaffolding boards moving ...

Don,

Just wondering if there is anything "off the shelf" -

I think this might be what you need http://www.zigview.co.uk/prdzigs2.htm

It detects motion and fires the shutter and lotts of other useful things beside. I think warhouseexpress do useful wildlife kit but then you're probably looking for 'lowlife' kit. Just make sure the camera dosen't disappear

Wow, that's one mean sounding rat But hey, he's tiding up after himself.

I can see why you wouldn't want to be nearby when he turns up though!

Not a fox then. Unless it's a big one.

Your K20D has the interval timer. You could just set it up to take a shot every 30 seconds or so, use a big memory card and small image size, you should be able to get a day's worth of shot which you could then just whizz through to see who did it.

Dan

Daniel,

I thought of that, but I think it is happening at night - my desk overlooks the garden and I am there most of the day. I can set the camera up in the office but I think the neighbours might get a little upset wit a flash every 30 seconds or minute.

It would also be nice to see what else happens at night - families of foxes, deer and who knows what else.

Assuming it is people then they'll certainly notice if you take a flash photo of them. Chances are they'll then also want to "destroy the evidence" by nicking your camera - you still won't know who it is and you'll be a DSLR short...

Can you not contact a local security company and see if they'll hire you a night vision camera for the evening?