Using a CCD based CCTV camera instead of a webcam

[Ninja of the Net]

Hi

It would seem that there are not too many options available anymore as far as CCD webcams are concerned for doing some basic webcam astrophotography.

What I would like to know is this: Would a CCTV camera that uses a CCD chip be suitable for this purpose?

The reason I ask is becuase these CCD chipped CCTV cameras are quite resonably priced, and they use CCD and not CMOS. I do see some downfalls, like you would need a seperate capture card in your computer, and you would also have little control over the shutter speed, white balance, etc.

Has anyone tried this, and did it work?

Thanks

[WayBig]

there is a video astronomy subgroup somewhere on here...no sure where...

[Ninja of the Net]

Thanks, I found it after scratching around a bit. I will post my query there.

[Stargazing_Cliff]

Any cam can be used for astrophotography some cams more sensitive to light than others and some can be modded for more sensitivity

soon as i get another security cam for outside i shall mod my mini ccd spycam