Pinhole Camera

Abstract

This large scale demonstration is suitable for a large lecture hall. We have a class activity that involves making and/or using pinhole cameras that is suitable for labs.
This large scale demonstration is suitable for a large lecture hall. We have a class activity that involves making and/or using pinhole cameras that is suitable for labs.

The amazing lens bends the rays so the hole can be large and the image both sharp and bright. Suitable for large lecture theatres with the use of a video camera.

Portable

Yes

Principles Illustrated

Pinhole camera: image formation, better quality but dim image with small hole, poorer quality but brighter image with larger hole. Image is dramatically improved by a lens.

This demo can be used in stage one to motivate the study of lenses. See how the magic lens allows a large hole but bends all the rays to the right places so the image is very sharp and very bright.

Setup includes a video camera so that the demonstration can be used in a large lecture hall provided the room can be made dark. In a small room there is no need for the video camera.

NCEA & Science Curriculum

SCI 1.3, PHYS 1.4, PHYS 2.3 , JNR SCI

Instructions

TopView-SmalllThe pinhole camera can be cut and assembled from cardboard. The camera is designed for use with a +15 cm lens. The length of the camera can be adjusted for other lenses.

For use in large lecture halls that can be made dark, a video camera connected to a computer running VideoPoint Capture and a projector is pointed at the screen of the pinhole camera. The object is an “L” cut from black paper. The L is illuminated from behind with a bright fluorescent bulb. A bit of diffuser from an old fluorescent ceiling light helps to illuminate the “L” uniformly.

Detailed photos of apparatus

Safety

Individual teachers are responsible for safety in their own classes. Even familiar demonstrations should be practised and safety-checked by individual teachers before they are used in a classroom.

Example Data

Small Hole (artificially brightened a bit)
Small Hole (artificially brightened a bit)

 

Large hole, brighter but blurry
Large hole, brighter but blurry

 

Using the lens to focus the image.
Using the lens to focus the image.

PowerPoint and camera activity

Powerpoint: PinholeCamera.ppt

Related Resources

We have pinhole eyeglasses. The pinhole camera, single pinhole eyeglasses, and commercial multiple pinhole glasses make a nice set of demos for use with a discussion of how lens cameras and lens eyeglasses work.

Pinhole Glasses || Through the pinhole glasses

The pinhole glasses are an interesting toy and a person with myopia can sometimes see better with them than with no glasses.

Teaching Resources

Would you like to contribute lesson suggestions? Contact us.

Credits

This teaching resource was developed with support from

The MacDiarmid Institute
Faculty of Science, Victoria University of Wellington
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington

Copyright

Copyright and fair use statement