...which webcam for imaging??

[c3po]

Hi all,

i know that, by far, the most popular WebCam for imaging is the SPC900NC (or the 880NC flashed to a 900NC), but given the extreme lack of these on the market at even affordable prices, i wondered where i should start looking for a reasonable webcam for planetary and the odd DSO imaging session...for example would, say, a CMOS based Logitech QuickCam Messenger (amongst many others in its class) be of any use at all, and if so what could I expect from this kind of webcam....

are there any 'rules' i need to follow that would get me a webcam for astro imaging on the cheap?

[Kerrp30]

have you tried this:

Buy Cheap Astronomy at Morgan Computers

you can mod these for long exposure, but they are suited for planets and the moons. not done much myself but did some moon stuff

Paul

[FrankieValley]

This says they are in stock and includes a nosepiece and IR filter - Telescope House Webcam Astro-imaging Kit including Philips SPC

[Kerrp30]

see for my moon

http://stargazerslounge.com/imaging-lunar/174387-first-moon-images-webcam-dslr.html

Paul

[Flyingpig]

Hi there

See this thread http://stargazerslounge.com/beginners-help-advice/174064-webcam-use.html where the topic has recently been discussed

Phil

[c3po]

thanks all for the replies, especially the link from FlyingPig.

I've had a look at that thread and decided on the XBox Live web cam as a starting point, its only a few quid and if it works will give me a great starting point! Also, i gather that there are a few users here with the XBox Live web cam so i can ask if i get stuck and pick up tips from their wrong doings!

thanks again all!

[Flyingpig]

thanks all for the replies, especially the link from FlyingPig.

Glad to have been of help

Definitely worth having a play with the Xbox Live cam at £4 or £5 each. I'd have a go myself if I didn't already have an SPC900NC and my proper Astronomy Camera my Imaging Source DBK41AU02.AS which is basically similar but more professional with a superior CCD and cooling. See here astronomycameras if your interested

[c3po]

... just wondering, and this might be a totally stupid question....but when converting my camera - i've got the Xbox Live Cam in the post - do i remove teh IR filter?