JVC GS-CD1U video camera.
Purchased 1986, ~$1,000
This is an old video camera which was a top of the line consumer product at the time it was bought. Makes a good webcam, but you have to supply 12 volts DC to run the camera and need a video capture card to connect it to a computer. You also have to jerry-rig the cable to adapt it to the card and power supply. If you don't know anything about wiring, computers, or video systems I would not recommend buying one of these unless you are into antique video equipment. Occasionally you may find one at an online auction like Ebay.
Pluses
- Good quality image, comparable with, or better than, most current market webcams
- Totally automatic internal controls, including auto focus, no software controls necessary
Minuses
- Requires a video capture card
- Complex to make work unless you are good at working on computers
- Not good for low light conditions
- Requires modification of cable to connect to your computer
Pinouts for this camera
Referring to the camera plug, from top to bottom
Camera | VCR | Function |
1 | 1 | Video center |
2 | 2 | Video shield |
3 | 3 | |
4 | 4 | |
5 | 5 | Right audio |
6 | 6 | supposed to be pause |
7 | 7 | Left audio |
8 | 8 | Audio shield |
9 | 9 | - 12 volts DC |
10 | 10 | + 12 volts DC |
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