Webcams

[mattshrops]

My webcam has broken, and i need to get a new one!

If i want to use it in the future for astrophotography (when i get a nexstar 6se) which web cam is best to get??? there are so many to choose from out there!!!

thanks

matt

[MrEd]

Hi Matt

Its down to budget and types of targets....

what do you have in mind for both.

Ed

[mattshrops]

I haven't really got a budget in mind!

I'd like to start off with mainly lunar and solar system pics

[MrEd]

OK....

Then the top dogs in the field are (cheapest first)

Phillips Toucam pro 2 (second hand only)

Phillips SPC 9000

DMKs 21,31 or 41

and Luminara Lu75 or Skynx2.

There are others of coarse but these are generally the best

examples in their classes.

Ed

[PH-R]

HI

Tou may find this list useful http://homepage.ntlworld.com/molyned/web-cameras.htm

Regards,

Paul

NB I use a vesta and its great

[timetraveller]

hi I use the philips spc900nc its a superb webcam you can either use it unmodified for planetary imaging or get a modified one which will allow you to do long exposure imaging for DSO's they can also be used for guiding

regards Pete

[Ant]

I've got the SPC900 as well and it's a very nice Webcam, will do great with the moon and planets.

Get it modded and then it's good for LX imaging, I had some nice results with it. But a modded webcam uses a parrellel port on the back of the laptop. You can get Parrellel to USB convertors but then you have to use paid for versions of software...

The DMK is a big step up from the webcam, I also have one of these and the results are fantastic. Only had a slight dabble on the planets - but the moon was AMAZING. I have the DMK21 which is USB2, Firewire versions are also available.

My DMK is a mono chip, but I beleive that colour versions are available. The cam comes with it's own software which will allow exposures from 1/6000 (I think) to 60 minutes. (no parrellel lead).

The Luminara is again a step up I beleive. There are some stunning results with these.

But as always the higher the spec the more they cost.

HTH

Ant

[mattshrops]

thanks all, have brought an spc 900! will let ya know how i get on!!!