WebCam advice

[farren272]

Morning all,

I'm looking to do a little bit more with my scope setup, probably only to get decent moon shots and blurry planets (for now).

I have the Skywatcher 200p Dob without any tracking etc, so I know my options are very limited.

However, can someone still recommend a good webcam? Are there ones that are specifically designed for this type of thing or will it always require me to 'adapt' them in some way?

Regards

Farren

[sparkyjon]

you can pick up an xbox webcam cheap and convert it.. it's really easy i did it so it must be lol..

all mod stages can be found here:

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/131246-xbox-livecam-mod-cliff/

i did one and it cost me about £5 to do. i also have another one with a proper 1.25" adapter that is a relativley unknown make but has amazing light gathering properties in my tests, and does 30fps at 720p i will run tests on both when i've sorted my kit out and post the results..

[farren272]

That's great. Thanks Sparky,

Will be interested to see the results.

Farren

[farren272]

Actually, another question.

Is there a reason to use say a webcam rather than the video mode on my dslr? I have a Canon 60D.

Can webcams be used in conjunction with eye-peices?

Farren

[sparkyjon]

Not really sure about dslr video i can't see why not though with the right t adapter.

As for webcams you don't really want to use eyepieces you strip the webcam down to the bare minimum and focus the image on the bare ccd and use either a 35mm camera film case or you can purchase a 1.25" adapter so basically your making the webcam your eyepiece you then process video clips and stack them to make one, hopefully,clear image of your chosen planet or object.

[farren272]

Thanks Jon,

Maybe I'll give my dslr a go first. I already have thje t-adapter and have already got some ok shots of the moon so my simple mind says it shoud just work.

We shall see :-)

At least I have multiple options now.

Cheers

Farren

[JamesF]

The Moon is far bigger and brighter than the planets. A DSLR is quite suited for imaging it. Generally though DSLRs aren't sensitive enough and can't sustain the frame rates necessary for planetary imaging. Have a go, but be aware that your results may not justify the effort

James

[skysculptor]

The 60D like the 550D Has a crop 640 x 480 video mode that uses the central part of the sensor and it uses all the pixels, If you can get the exposure right this is a very useful mode for the moon and planets, The crop on the sensor gives a useful zoom!