DSLR, CCD, Webcam

[Kenza]

To cut a long story short, we basically have three types of imaging methods, right?

1) CCD

2) DSLR

3) Webcam

So what's for what? What is the main difference between them and which do you prefer?

[jgs001]

CCD and DSLR are primarily for deep sky... although you can use a DSLR for the moon and sun (when properly filtered) and others have had success using the video modes of an SLR for lunar and planetary.

A webcam or similar high frame rate camera is great for lunar mosaics and planetary.

A CCD can be used for lunar and planetary, I've seen some very good images taken this way, but I don't think the software is really designed to support it.

I've no experience of using a CCD...

[JamesF]

As John says, DSLRs tends to be used for deep sky/wide field, but I use mine for full disc lunar and solar imaging as well.

CCDs tend to come in two different varieties. There those that are more targeted at DSO imaging and those that support high frame rates that are more orientated towards planetary and close-up lunar/solar imaging. There's a certain amount of overlap, but generally the DSO type cameras have greater resolution (and ideally lower noise) than the others.

Webcams are generally also used for planetary and lunar/solar close-ups, though those modded for long exposures can be used for DSO imaging as well.

There are no hard and fast rules, though for imaging solar system objects at long focal lengths high frame rate cameras tend to be preferred.

James

[Kenza]

I have a DSLR so the DSO field is covered, but what camera would you suggest for planetary ( up to 400 euros)? Thanks!

[JamesF]

I still use an SPC900 webcam, but they're not so easy to get hold of these days. There are probably better cameras to be had for less than 400 Euros, too.

James

[Sammyb]

I have a DSLR so the DSO field is covered, but what camera would you suggest for planetary ( up to 400 euros)? Thanks!

The Imaging Source DFK/DMK/DBK21 range

[Atlas]

I haven't tried any DSO imaging yet with my DSLR, I'm mainly a planetary imager atm until I feel compelled to try DSO Stuff.

[atmenterprises]

Let me jump in with a question I think I already know the answer to...are there any webcams or CCDs with decent megapixels (five and up, maybe)? I'd like to eventually do prints, but I think I'd be relegated to my dSLR for that.

[Gina]

You can get CCD cameras with high megapixels but expect to pay several thousand pounds.

[atmenterprises]

Thanks Gina. I figured.