literal translation from the LATIN
camera = chamber (room)
obscura = obscure (dark)
camera obscura = dark room
(but not what you think)
Extensive site:
http://brightbytes.com/cosite/cohome.html
camera obscura in San Francisco:
http://brightbytes.com/cosite/sanfran.html
camera obscura in Santa Monica
http://brightbytes.com/cosite/santamont.html
camera obscura at Griffith Observatory (L.A.):
http://brightbytes.com/cosite/griffith.html