Workbench Optics

For the last three days I've been fiddling (read: obsessing) with DIY fisheye lens attachments for my camera(s).

It all started when my friend showed me this tutorial that shows how to attach a peephole door viewer (the ones that most hotels have) to the lens, giving you fisheye possibilities.

I mostly need it for the tiny camera on the left, called the Digital Hero. It is a small video camera inside of a waterproof case with lots of attachments for helmets, bikes, etc, designed to shoot action sports. For whatever reason, it has a 50mm equivalent lens that is way too narrow for any kind of jittery, bouncy video that you get from skiing or surfing. The wide-angle attachment costs $40 plus shipping (aha, that's the real reason it is 50mm ;).

After several trips to the hardware store, disassembled peepholes, and testing different lenses, I found a combination that's in focus for less than $15!

Next I will build attachments for my camcorder and my point-n-shoot (that I used to take this photo).

Speaking of hacking, there exists a custom firmware for Canon's PowerShot series of cameras called CHDK. A few features: shooting in RAW, live histogram, custom time-lapse and scripts, a file reader, high-speed exposure, battery meter, DOF control, auto-bracketing, etc. I highly recommend seeing if your model is supported and trying it out. Sadly my SD400 is not. :(