Starting out

[wookie1965]

I am thinking of dipping my toe into the world of astrophotography. 

I have looked at this https://www.firstlightoptics.com/zwo-cameras/zwo-asi120mc-s-usb-3-colour-camera.html

I have an older laptop which has not got USB 3 would this still work and if so can you recommend software I would need please. 

I have two refractors a Tal 100rs and a Meade LXD55 127 emc. 

Thank you 

Paul 

[Merlin66]

Paul,

The USB3 camera will still work under USB2 albeit at a reduced frame transfer rate.

I use many ZWO cameras (mostly for spectroscopy and solar ) and use FireCapture to control the camera and image acquisition, then AutoStakkert 3 for stacking followed by ImPPG for the tweaking.....

Hope that helps.

 

[PeterCPC]

That camera would be ok for planetary work. I use Sharpcap for that  and AS!3. I presume that you are only thinking of planetary imaging?

[wookie1965]

2 hours ago, PeterCPC said:

That camera would be ok for planetary work. I use Sharpcap for that  and AS!3. I presume that you are only thinking of planetary imaging?

I was hoping to do some DSO`s not like the horse`s head things like M13, M57, M42 clusters and things like that brighter objects.

[PeterCPC]

16 minutes ago, wookie1965 said:

I was hoping to do some DSO`s not like the horse`s head things like M13, M57, M42 clusters and things like that brighter objects.

I think that you will struggle with DSOs with that camera. I would suggest a DSLR might be easier but you will also need to be able to guide and the ZWO would be a good guide camera. You could try some "lucky imaging" with the ZWO taking lots of short exposures. Give it a try and see.

[wookie1965]

I wasn't planning on spending loads of money and I would probably need a new scope F5 or less. 

I was just going to  give it a go and see then maybe then expand. 

[faulksy]

hi paul. you have only just found m31 🤣😃 only playing. good luck mate, expensive choice. just get a big dob you will see everything on a great night as good as i picture minus colour. that is true

here come the imagers 😝

[wookie1965]

26 minutes ago, faulksy said:

hi paul. you have only just found m31 🤣😃 only playing. good luck mate, expensive choice. just get a big dob you will see everything on a great night as good as i picture minus colour. that is true

here come the imagers 😝

I'd love a big dob I looked through Damians and was blown away but a bit more expensive than a £140  camera lol. 

[faulksy]

2 hours ago, wookie1965 said:

I'd love a big dob I looked through Damians and was blown away but a bit more expensive than a £140  camera lol. 

very true paul