Pinhole help!

[Realist]

I tried to make my DSLR into a pinhole camera today by cutting out a thin piece of cardboard, and poking a thumbtack through the middle. The images are extremely blurry, and I'm wondering if the hole is to big, or if something else is the issue here. Perhaps it may not work with a DSLR. Does anyone know anything about pinhole cameras? Here are some test pics.

This one is my curtains.


Here is a self-portrait from about 2 feet away.



Last is some alcohol bottles, because the stereotypical drunk has blurry vision.

[ewaizel]

You can try Aluminum foil instead. That's in my experiment list with my DSLR.

[Realist]

You can try Aluminum foil instead. That's in my experiment list with my DSLR.

Well no luck with the foil. I bet the pinhole has to move forward or backward from the sensor, not sure which way though.

[Barefoot]

What's the in camera aperture you're using?

[Realist]

What's the in camera aperture you're using?

I took the lens off, and put a piece of cardboard over the opening with a pinhole in it. I've heard of pinhole cameras for 35mm film, they're supposed focus everything I believe.

[Doug L]

...pinhole cameras ... focus everything I believe.

Never tried to make a pinhole camera, but as far as I figure, the huge depth-of-field is due to the set up having a hugely long focal ratio (because of the tiny aperture). So, moving the pinhole farther away from the sensor might be best. Also, if that makes the exposures become too long (multiple seconds?), a tripod will be mandatory. I wonder if the quality (raggedness or smoothness) of the hole edge affects the image? Anyway, sounds like a fun project. Keep experimenting.