good but Cheap webcam for modding for astro imaging

[romx 82]

Hi I am in the middle of getting together things for imaging, my question is can someone recommend a cheap but decent quality webcam for modifying for astro usage, I did once try a xbox one but had terrible results (possibly a damaged cam though as most people liked those at the time). I looked on Ebay for webcams but most are not what they claim to be like 50 megapixel for under £2 lmao

[Stub Mandrel 11,578]

I use a Microsoft HD Lifecam, example pictures in this thread: Downside is a slow capture rate and it doesn't work with a standard adaptor.

 

[riklaunim 503]

QHY5R-II or MS Lifecams

[Philip R 1,621]

I was fortunate to pick-up a Phillips Toucam Pro PCVC 840k a few years ago at a branch of Cash Converters for £2.99GBP. Also came with a 60day warranty. Even works with my Apple iBook G4 (PPC) running Maccam 0.9.2

[Aussie Dave 1,104]

I've been using the original white Xbox 360 Live Vision webcam for a while now romx with good results but can't resolve the finer detail and processed images are on the soft side, filters can help to bring out certain features to an extent.

For lunar it's ok, a bit noisy but if you have tried it before then you may want to buy something that will cost more than loose change, you get what you pay for with webcams. A couple of the better webcams have been mentioned above. A good second hand one may be the go to try out.

It has been great start to astrophotography with the Xbox 360 cam and learn with pre-processing software and image editing. Many variables play a part in astrophotography not just the camera.