Need minimal control of an external camera for video capture

[jimmek]

I have an old CVI 6.0 data acquisition application. PCMCIA port occupied by a DAQ card. I need to add video to the application but have a number of constraints. Camera to be mounted on a Segway. Video to be used more for general information/logging and not for specific data purposes. I also need to determine the camera equipment and the means to control the camera. Application is running on a laptop computer under Windows XP. I have used frame grabbers in the past using a desktop computer but my current needs are very different.
 
Camera must work outside under both bright and shadow conditions. Thus camera must have auto exposure. Must be lightweight and compact. Video captured to camera memory card.

Turn record on and off via CVI via camera provided external port and then using CVI to send a signal or operate a relay switch. Rewiring record on/off switch if needed. Another possibility is control via a USB port. Naming of camera file for each acquisition via USB connection would be nice but not required.

Be able to sufficiently synchronize acquired video with acquired analog data, most likely by date/time stamped files on image or the camera file name date/time. There is sufficient time between acquisitions to ensure file differentiation via time stamp.

I have looked at a number of solutions including dash board cams, sport cams, etc. but no exact match found. So far my thought has been to use a camcorder and use either an external switch or tap into the record on/off switch to add an external switch capability.

Any suggestions regarding a solution to the above need?

[dcl9000]

Google "USB 2.0 Machine Vision Cameras", "Firewire Cameras", or "Ethernet Cameras".

You can program these cameras via USB, Firewire, or Ethernet port of your notebook computer.

The vendors should supply software drivers that you can use in CVI to fulfill what you need to do.

[ZachAttack]

I echo what dcl9000 said.  You just need to make sure your cameras are compliant with the correct standards.

USB cameras must be DirectShow Compliant.

Firewire (IEEE 1394) cameras must comply to DCAM

Ethernet (GigE) cameras must comply to GigE Vision

I would suggest using any one of these cameras, then use our Vision Acquisition Software to control the camera.  By doing this you will not need to create any customized wiring schemes or external switches or relays.  Most cameras will not have onboard memory to store to, but if you use the Vision Acquisition Software (which can be used with CVI) you will have full control over when the camera start and stops filming and how to store the files on your computer. 

National Instruments sells Firewire and GigE cameras that are lightweight and compact.  These cameras also come with the Vision Acquisition Software with the necessary IMAQdx drivers to control these cameras.  Let me know if you have any other questions.