Best way to capture a pallet from 5 angles with one trigger and automatic upload?
Asked 2/7/2016
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2 answers
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I need a fixed setup in a warehouse to photograph a pallet before shipping from five views: four sides plus a top view. The goal is to roll the pallet into position, trigger all five cameras at once with one button or sensor, and have the images transfer automatically to a computer or cloud service.
I was considering compact cameras with remote triggers and AC adapters, but I’m also looking for a simpler or less expensive approach that can stay ready throughout the day without manually powering on each camera. What type of camera system makes the most sense for this kind of multi-camera documentation setup?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
2
For the price tag (dpreview lists $598.00 per unit and ebay uk auctions aren't hugely different) there will definitely be many cheaper options available if your concern is cost.
At this point much cheaper options for 12mp wifi enabled cameras like GoPro clones at around £40 ukp which could be triggered over wi-fi via some kind of control system (either pc or embedded box like raspberry pi.)
Even a fully blown (automated) system would probably be cheaper than the price you're looking at and wouldn't require any human interaction, just roll the pallet over a sensor and job done - you should talk to a specialist in the field to look at solutions that fit your needs better.
prices as of 6th February 2016.
Originally by user14028. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14028
10y ago
0
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For this use, dedicated compact cameras are probably not the best fit. A fixed webcam/IP-camera style system is a more practical and usually less expensive approach.
Why it fits better:
- It’s a permanent installation, so portability and typical camera features matter less.
- Webcams or network cameras are available in many resolutions and price points.
- They can often be triggered or queried by software, so one button press—or even an automated sensor—can capture all five views.
- Images can go straight to a computer or server, which is much easier than relying on SD cards or consumer camera wireless workflows.
- Replacing or upgrading one camera later is simpler because you’re not tied to one camera brand’s remote system.
If you want the process to be very reliable, consider a fully automated setup: pallet enters position, a sensor triggers capture, and software saves the files to local storage and then syncs to Dropbox or similar cloud storage.
In short: use a computer-connected webcam or IP camera system rather than five consumer still cameras with remote triggers.
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