CCD Help

[04Stefan07]

I have been looking for a CCD for my scope to take some pictures. Here is a brief history of my experience with them.

Used my iPhone to get some basic pictures and DSLR. Bought a webcam, modified it but was unsuccessful so I would rather purchase something already made.

I am aiming just something basic, between $100 and $200. I have had a look at a few products, listed below.

http://www.bintel.com.au/Astrophotography/CCD-cameras/StarShoot-Solar-System-br-Colour-Imager-IV/789/productview.aspx

http://www.bintel.com.au/Astrophotography/CCD-cameras/Orion-StarShoot-USB-Eyepiece-Camera-II/1487/productview.aspx

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/360499964092?ssPageName=STRK:MESIND XX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649#ht_2581wt _1397

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-070A2

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-070A

Anyone can suggest a place to start with my budget? Wanting to take photos of the moon and planets if possible.

Also I have posted a thread in wanted for 2 specific types but I wouldn't mind a used CCD. Would love to get a low end DBK but they are $200 or so out of my price range.

Thanks! :)

[04Stefan07]

Anyone? :)

[alistairsam]

Hi Stefan
From what I gather, high frame rates at the highest resolution available are ideal for planetary work, as well as an ED 2x or 5x Barlow or similar.
You'd have to compare specs on your options but narrow down by frame rate and then resolution
Pixel size also makes a difference.
What scope and mount are you using?

The qhy5 also comes in a planetary version.

[04Stefan07]

130 slt with the standard mount so I don't need anything that will beak the bank.

I got a bunch of links with cameras in my budget below and wanted to know which is the best one for my needs.

[Tandum]

Stefan,
Been there done that. You are just throwing your money away on any of those webcams. You are asking which is best for your needs, what are your needs?

I think you should save up another $100 odd and go for one of these new qhy5 II cameras. These new cameras are coming up with some pretty decent images and if you progress to a larger camera, they make great guide cameras. They come in both mono and one shot colour. They are brand new though and there may be some bugs lurking about.

Some images here -> http://qhyccd.com/ccdbbs/index.php?topic=3580.0 http://qhyccd.com/ccdbbs/index.php?topic=3495.0 http://canaryastro.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=170094945

And for pure amazement, not shot with a qhy5, check this 3D image out -> http://qhyccd.com/ccdbbs/index.php?topic=3539.0 WTF!!!!

robin

[graham.hobart]

Stefan- do some more research then let me know if you want a modded phillips Toucam, or a Meade DS 1. I have both up for offers.
It all depends on your software/experience etc.
Pm Me:thumbsup:
(Having a clear out to make way for the big purchase!)
Cheers
Graz McTaz

[04Stefan07]

Thanks for the advice guys. I would like to stick within my budget for beginning.

Mainly moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus.

Would like at least a 800x600 resolution or bigger.

[2stroke]

The 5mp celestron is probably the best in that price bracket, it uses a micron cmos sensor though does have its draw back like noise ect. I only googled this up though it looks like people are getting better results with it over the color 900nc low end DBK color ect. Garry honis has already shown how the microsoft hd cinema cmos beats out oldschool ccd 900nc's so why bother with old tech. I would be saving my money and going for a 618 sony HAD though or even going higher but money is a problem and your got to take a stance somewhere.

[04Stefan07]

Yeh I always try to stick to my budget because if I fork out another $200 then I will see a model for an extra $50 that is better, then it will keep going.

Plus since I do not have a mid-high end telescope I would like something simple because in the future I will be defiantly upgrading my scope and ccd.

[Poita]

Stretch your budget a little and get one of these:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/ZWO-Astronomy-Camera-ASI130MM-Gold/521403546.html
or one of the other zwoptical cameras.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/311206

You will get immeasurably better results, it has a reasonable DSO ability and great planetary capability. It is a league apart from the lower end cameras, and will keep you happy for a long long time.

Anything less is false economy. Go without a coke or a coffee for a few weeks and grab one of these.
These cameras deliver images very close to the $500+ cameras, it is giving good results similar to the Sony 618.

[04Stefan07]

These look good! Are there any sample pictures taken with them?

[allan gould]

Have a look here for images and also look around the site for cameras
http://www.zwoptical.com/Eng/Galleries/ASI120.asp
Also look at this IIS link for the camera
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=100372&highlight=Asi120mm
Allan

[04Stefan07]

Wow these pictures are pretty good for a camera at this price.

[04Stefan07]

Really interested in one of these now!

Is there a huge difference between these 2 models to justify the $130 price difference?

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ZWO-Astronomy-Camera-ASI120MC-Free-shipping/311206_647462122.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ZWO-Astronomy-ASI030MC-0-3Mega-USB2-0-Color-Camera/311206_553675052.html

[Tandum]

Different sensors.
The first one is the same sensor as the qhy5l II.
The second is 0.3Mpx.

[04Stefan07]

Is it worth the extra $130?

[Karls48]

Definitely - for one if you enlarge your image the stars will look round and not squarish.

[04Stefan07]

I am going to buy one of these later in the week and since its Christmas i will have some more money to put towards it.

I will stretch my budget to $300. Is this the best one for its price range or are there any alternatives?

Is it safe to get this camera? Any help would be appreciated!

Merry Christmas.

Stefan.

[naskies]

That one also comes with a super wide angle lens and IR-cut filter.