Hi guys.
I'm investigating two possible alternatives for a new capture device (after the ToUcam).
The logical choice would be one of the DMK's, which aren't too bad on the pocket, or if you want to spend extra, the DX or LU which are serious bucks.
However in the "budget" range, i'm looking at:
a) Mintron b/w camera
This is like what Steve Massey uses, and produces amazing images. Cometcatcher and now Mick Pinner also use them.
This should give:
1) Monochrome RGB imaging (full resolution in each colour plane, ability to focus each colour plane)
2) High frame rate no compression
Extra requirements would be:
1) Colour filter wheel (manual (cheaper) or auto (expensive!))
2) Colour filters
So a bit of extra cost.
b) V-Gear TalkCam Tracer CCD
This is a colour webcam, but it appears to be
true USB2, so it would definitely be a step up from the ToUcam, as it uses the same chip as the ToUcam (SONY ICX098BQ).
I've been in touch with an Australian supplier of these, and i'm trying to arrange a unit to be sent to me to test it out. At only AU$150 it's priced the same as the ToUcam so would be a
huge step up if it turns out to be true USB2 (I've asked them, and they've said it is). They've also confirmed the lens can be removed.
The only other requirement is a 1.25" adapter, so maybe it uses the same threadsize as the ToUcam, but if it doesn't, i'll use a film cannister for now and if it turns out to be good, i'll get Steve Mogg to make one up for me.
Anyway i'll let you know how I go as I get more info on both of these units.