Convert a Webcam to Work Outdoors in Bright Light.

Web cams work fine indoors, but using them outdoors (especially when the sun is shining brightly) is nearly impossible.  To much sunlight washes out the image.  This instructable details my solution for this problem.

Warning:  This modification will probably invalidate your warranty and make it useless indoors.

Step 1: Disasemble the Camera

The reason web cams work so poorly outdoors is because there is such a large aperture.  Sunlight floods through the lens and the web cam cannot handle all that light.

Dissembling a web cam is simple.  Just a few screws.  Make sure to put all of the pieces in a small container. 

Step 2: Make a New Aperture

As you can see the aperture is way to big for outdoor use.  Using the cardboard that came with the camera, cut out a small square that will fit into that small box area above the lens.

With a needle place a pinhole EXACTLY in the center.

Put a drop of glue on the cardboard.  With your finger spread it around and avoid moving glue over the pinhole.

Place the cardboard next to the lens and resemble.

Step 3: Before and After Photos

These pictures were taken outside the college when the sun was shining really bright.  I hooked up my first attempt and then the camera for this instructable.

As you can see from the pictures from the modified camera, placing the hole in the center is extremely important.  Otherwise you will lose some of the Image.