Image on Laptop

[MartyB1973]

I want to be able to get the image in my telescope on to my laptop screen so I can take long exposure pics. Does Megapixel count or should I be looking for something else? The one below is on eBay and looks ok. I have added the page as an attachment as well. This one is 3.1 MP.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120906490011?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Camera.doc

[JamesF]

I think that in the general case that camera is unlikely to be suitable.

There are different requirements for imaging planets and DSOs, and you might choose a different method again if you wanted to take images of the Sun and Moon, though there's a certain amount of crossover there. By "long exposure pics" I'd assume you're talking about imaging DSOs. Is that correct?

It might also be useful to know what scope/mount you'd like to use for this.

James

[Cornelius Varley]

I would take the reference to 3.01mp with a large pinch of salt. Also the camera has limited exposure control. Infact the camera needs an ND filter to photograph the moon http://www.nipon-sco..._page=page&id=3.

Peter

[MartyB1973]

I'm using a Skywatcher 127. I would take pics of the planets as well but want it to be flexible. Be also nice just to be able to see the telescope image on the laptop as its easier to view

[Phil Fargaze]

Have you looked into one of the astro video cameras available, I use a Watec, for example and it gives me complete control over the exposure. I can view the Moon or get good results on deep sky. The image can be fed to a laptop for viewing/recording or I can use a monitor.

[willdabeast182]

I noticed in the description the sensor type is CMOS, generally for astrophotography you should be looking at a CCD sensor. For planetary imaging you don't need to do long exposures and would recommend the Phillips SPC900NC which will set you back around £75 for a ready prepared one. For deep space imaging which generally involves long exposure, you would need to be spending at a minimum £275 on Imaging Source camera.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Will

EDIT:

Heres the Imaging Source camera for long exposure/DSO imaging http://www.firstlightoptics.com/imaging-source-cameras/dfk-21au04as-colour.html

And the SPC900NC on eBay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Philips-SPC900NC-CCD-with-1-25-eyepiece-adapter-and-IR-blocking-filter-/200797970099?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_Webcams&hash=item2ec07ddeb3#ht_500wt_1414

[MartyB1973]

I don't wanna spend too much on a camera but want something usable. Even pics of just the moon and planets would be a start as I'm not sure my scope is good enough for DSO. I searched for CCD cameras, what about the one at this link? Its a CCD for £99

http://www.365astronomy.com/scopiumcam-ccd-planetary-imager-p-2525.html?zenid=7c3baa0d04ef41a27c50ad059868140e

[JamesF]

If it's genuinely better than a modded Toucam or SPC900 then I think that's not a bad deal. When you consider that it could cost you £50 for an unmodded SPC900, plus at least another £35 for nosepiece and filter, you're nearly all the way to the price of the Scopium camera anyhow.

James

[MartyB1973]

What about this one?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CCD-Camera-Planetaryimager-f-Telescope-digitalEyepiece-/370373290714?pt=UK_Photography_Telescopes&hash=item563bf7eada

[JamesF]

I think that might actually be the same camera as the previous one, albeit with a different logo.

[Cornelius Varley]

I think the Lacerta camera and the TS one are the same as the old Celeston Neximage. ModernAstronomy also sells the same camera.

Peter

[JamesF]

Sounds quite plausible to me.

James