Pixel Mapping using a camera

[B U H N A N A]

Hi y'all,

I am an electronic enthusiast and I am trying to learn how to pixel map using a camera. However, I have no idea how to start all of it or any of it. Can I take my internal pcb of my old camcorder and connect via some kind of bus connector to push assembly/C code? Or are there easier process to this? I just want to map pixels for colours and send a feedback to a computer. I do have the necessary coding skills and I have designed a robot on a MC9SD variation microcontroller at school using Assembly only, however I don't know how to code an everyday electronic device. At school they were readily programmable, we had access to all hardware and software. How do I do the same at home though?
 

Sorry if this all sounds confusing but I am just as much confused. Is Raspberry Pi a better option since it is open source?

 

- Buhnana