Astrophotography with web cams?

[mark993]

I have been wondering is it possible to buy a standard web cam online and use that for astrophotography? And do i need to mod it much to make it work?

[Arushin]

Hi,

Absolutely, although some are better than others. Do a little research and you will find that there are a few good usable webcams.

If you can find one, I recommend the Philips SPC900NC although I believe that the Toucam Pro II and the Philips 880 (which can be flash upgraded to a 900NC) are also suitable. You will simply need to unscrew the lens from the webcam ,replace it with a 1.25 adaptor and I recommend using an IR filter.

There are plenty of threads here regarding the software you need (all free) and you should be able to find suggestions for capture settings etc.

Good luck and happy imaging.

[gustavo_sanchez]

Those are still available? I have searched for them but I could not find any.

[Revs]

Cheap Philips SPC880 webcam - 49269 - discounts & offers

[Pete Presland]

Those are still available? I have searched for them but I could not find any.

still available at £9.99 at morgans

Cheap Philips SPC880 webcam - 49269 - discounts & offers=

[Arushin]

Great link to Morgans.. they also sell the IR filter and the 1.25" adaptor.. whey hey...one stop shopping.

[mark993]

Thanks that's a great help. Sorry to be rude but does anyone know where I can find the software. There are that many threads here it's sometimes hard to find the right one.

[red dwalf]

google search for

Registax, this is for processing your images.

wx astocapture, for capturing the images, also sharpcarp i belive is good although i`ve not used it.

[Revs]

You'll need to flash it first, though. All the details are here..

http://stargazerslounge.com/astro-lounge/113699-philips-spc880nc-now.html

[Ian_A]

Probable a silly question, but why do you need to re flash the webcam first...what does it change ?

[Revs]

AFAIK it makes it possible to use the webcam on Vista/7 by using the Philips SPC900NC drivers. Otherwise it's XP only.

[JCJC]

Ian, the 880 can only be 'seen' by windows xp with the driver/info file from the Morgans site. After flashing it is a 900, this can now be used under other operating systems using drivers from Philips.

(JCJC's dad)

[Ian_A]

thanks for the answr...

any comments on this webcam from pc world

LOGITECH C600 Webcam at cheap prices | PC World

1600x1200 res 2megpix sensor..

[mjn321]

Does that mean that on a computer runs XP there is no need to flash the chip?

[Revs]

I'm not 100% sure on that. I thought I'd read somewhere that some of the adjustments (gain, shutter speed, etc) aren't available unless it's flashed, but maybe not. Hopefully someone will chime in and confirm...