Video Camera Screen?

[Klaymator14]

If I took apart my prehistoric old camera screen, will I be able to use it in a portable? I think it was manufactured by Panasonic, and its a Hi8 camera. It's screen is about 3 by 5 inches.

[Super Cameraman]

If it's got some kind of composite input on it then yes. How many wires does it have coming off it? If it's got 2 or so, then it might work, but if you have a lot, then it's probably digital, and wouldn't work.

Also, are they're any buttons on the screen? That will add to the number of wires coming off it, maybe.

Sorry if that doesn't help.

[Klaymator14]

Hey thanks for the quick reply! Well, It is digital not analog...so It won't work? And yes, it does have buttons, So i guess that will have more wires. As for the number of wires it has, I don't know, because I have not taken it apart yet.

[jongscx]

how many is "a lot of wires"?

some say around 4 is a lot... depending on the model, you'd need at least 3 (common ground, Video signal, Voltage IN) sometimes, there is a separate ground for video and voltage.


Even if there are a lot of wires, follow them into the camera. Sometimes, there's going to be a discrete board or part on the board that will house the Video signal-to-LCD driver circuitry. Hijack the video signal and you'll be all set. (a little harder, you'd need to kinda be able to read circuits)

If you're up to it, look for the model numbers of the chips on the circuitry. sometimes, datasheets are available, and all you'd need to do is plug into the proper pins with the right signals...

Hope that helps.

[marshallh]

In short, no, there is no easy way do it. If you're lucky, there will be composite video or YC to digital RGB for the LCD on a small PCB somewhere. But usually it's integrated onto the main board with everything else.

You'll have better luck the older the camcorder you have. I wouldn't even bother with anything made past the mid-90s.