Webcams

[Leigh]

Hi everyone,

I would like to buy a webcam to try some astro imaging but the dedicated CCD cameras are way out of my budget. I have seen the Philips SPC900NC is a popular choice but also heard good things about the Lifecam Studio HD.

Has anyone had good results with the Lifecam and how would they be modified?

Thanks,

Leigh

[UnderTheRain]

Here's a link to modding a lifecam cinema hd not sure if the studio is the same

Instructions for Converting Microsoft Lifecam Cinema HD Webcam for Telescope Use -by Gary Honis

I've spent a lot of time recently reading up on ccd/cmos sensors and talking to a few people about them as I've struggled to find much technical info thats newer than 2005. After Joining a yahoo group on modding cameras for astro it seems that moddern cmos sensors are more than good enough and that apart from specialist pieces the rate of development of cmos is outpacing that of ccd's. That being said I don't have any difinitive technical info newer than 05. If you had two sensors of identical resolution and pixel size ccd would give you a better dynamic range because more of the light hitting each pixel is recorded compared to cmos (because each pixel contains additional circuitry) but modern cmos sensors are now mass produced at much higher resolutions (giving smaller pixels and therefore lower loss) at much lower costs than an equivalent ccd.

Brian

Brian

[Leigh]

Thanks for the infor and link. It looks fairly simple to modify anlthough saying that, I went for the easy option and ordered an SPC900NC so I'll play safe for now

Thanks,

Leigh

[Bizibilder]

Well done! The other Lifecam is a bit tricky to set up and use (As I found out!). You can download and use "Sharpcap" for the SPC900 - it is easy to use and works well. To stack your images use Registax5 (NOT 6 as it is buggy!).

This tutorial: Astronomy Shed UK Astronomy Forum • View topic - SPC900NC Step By Step will help you.

[Leigh]

Thanks,

That looks like a great tutorial, I'll follow it step by step.

With the exception of the IR filter, what else are considered 'must have' filters for using webcams?

[Bizibilder]

Just the IR filter will do. If you are doing planetry and lunar work with an SPC900 you should be OK with just that.

[littlebeagle]

I've just ordered this webcam as well. Didn't really think I'd be that bothered about taking photo's but I quite like sharing (boring) friends and family with them. I got a barlow with mine as well, figured it would be useful for both the photography and visual use.