Camera to use time lapse snapshots to monitor manufacturing process

CCTV Camera Pros had a customer ask the following question related to using security cameras for time-lapse photography.

I am looking to get a recommendation for a bullet camera. I will be using it more manufacturing process monitoring rather than security so desired functionality may be slightly different from normal use. I am looking to take time lapse shots of product during drying to determine any changes that are occurring over a 7 day cycle.

I am looking for a camera capable of taking clear images/video of objects at a range of 3-4’ at a viewing area of at least a 3’ diameter although more would be better. The camera would be looking through a pane of glass at the subject. The camera needs to easily fit into a 6” cube, which from browsing some product shouldn’t be an issue. The camera will be indoors although it will be in an industrial environment and exposed to some dust and temperatures outside of standard office environments.

For recording I had planned on just using video capture software and connect the camera to a computer, what adapters or connectors would I need to connect to a standard port on a computer such as S-video, USB, or VGA?

Any help or direction you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

CCTV Camera Pros recommendation:

Thank You for contacting CCTV Camera Pros. Please take a look at this article that I recently wrote on time lapse with security cameras:

https://videos.cctvcamerapros.com/security-cameras/ip-camera-time-lapse-photography.html

Just about all of the cameras on this page have the same interface that is documented in that article on how to setup the camera for time-lapse photography.

https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/Zavio-IP-Cameras-s/404.htm

If you go with one of these Zavio IP cameras, there is no need for a video capture card on your PC. You can access the camera over IP from the same network or over the Internet (if you want to set it up for remote viewing and access).

Based on your requirements that I know so far, I recommend this one. I am assuming that the area is pretty well lit and you do not need low light or zero light (infrared) support.

https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/720p-IP-Camera-p/zavio-f3102.htm

If you do need low light or IR support, please take a look at this model:

https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/Infrared-IP-Camera-p/zavio-f3110.htm

If the camera will be exposed directly to a lot of dust and the temperature will be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, then you may want to go with an outdoor model, like this one:

https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/Megapixel-Security-Camera-p/zavio-b5110.htm

Please let me know your thoughts and if you have questions.