On Fri, 13 Dec 2002 03:51:56 GMT, Andy Smallwood wrote:

>I would like to connect a camera to display on a TV so that
>someone with poor eyesight can magnify books and small objects
>like pill bottle labels. The special purpose devices marketed for
>this purpose start at $1000 for a video camera with a zoom lens on
>a mount. For 1/2 that price I could maybe get either a camcorder
>or a digital camera connected to a TV, mounted on an adjustable
>stand. Also, this way, I'd also have a camcorder or camera for
>other uses.
>Note that I would not need hi resolution.
>I've visited several electronics or camera stores and find the
>clerks friendly but ignorant.
>Am I way off base or is my idea feasible?
>Would people recommend a camcorder or digital camera?
>Do they output to a TV and do they take external power?
>I see very few cameras advertised with macro lenses. Do the few
>that advertise it work well?
>Would the camera or camcorder wear out if left on all the time?

Almost any video camera (and at least some digital still
cameras) can be hooked directly to a TV, and almost all
video cameras can be fitted with simple, inexpensive
single-element close-up lenses of the right diameter
thread. Camcorders generally come with AC power supplies,
and they can be run for extended periods on these without
problems. Adding a light would improve the image, and
increase depth of field - though if the magnification is
high, the material to be read would need to be held
still, and at the proper distance for good focus...