4 Mega Pixels 1/3" CMOS Web Camera

[Karls48]

Recently I have seen 4 Mega Pixel Web cameras on eBay. Has anyone try one of those for astronomy imagining yet?

Specifications:
True 4.0 Mega Pixels camera , it provide up to 2304x1728 resolution ( Photo )
Provide up to 1280x960 resolution ( Video )
Camera Size : 51 x 35 x 77 mm
Built in High Quality CMOS Image Sensor ( 1/3" )
Frame Rate Up to 30 fps
Focus range 30mm - infinitive
Lens 6mm able adjust glass lens , Visual Angle of 62 deg.
High performance with special designed 5-layer optics lens
Image focus : 3cm to infinity
Interface USB 1.1 or USB 2.0
Minimum illumination 2.5Lux@ f1.4 , 0.5Lux@ f1.4
Info noise rate > 48dB
Working temperature -15-50 deg.C
Exposing Control Auto
Gain Control Auto
White Balance Auto
Gamma Correction Auto

[[1ponders]]

Can you provide a link Karl?

[ballaratdragons]

"Minimum illumination 2.5Lux@ f1.4 , 0.5Lux@ f1.4"

Something amiss there.

Regardless of a chip being CMOS or CCD, the Lux rating has to be <1 lux for Astro work.

Be nice to know what the above quote actually says. Can't have 2 ratings both at f1.4

[[1ponders]]

These ones? (http://cgi.ebay.com/4-0-Mega-Pixels-WebCam-WebCams-web-cam-USB-2-0-Skype_W0QQitemZ250135228897QQihZ015 QQcategoryZ103412QQcmdZViewItem)

As a general rule, CMOS is not very suitable for webcam planetary imaging, though meade sort of did it with the LPI (sorry my prejudices are showing through :P )

[Karls48]

This one. It got most likely same sensor. I have send them eMail abot Lux rating, but got no answer.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/4-0M-Pixels-USB-PC-Laptop-Web-Cam-Webcam-Camera-Mic-1V_W0QQitemZ120135885008QQihZ002QQc ategoryZ4616QQcmdZViewItem

[[1ponders]]

Warning Will Robinson.

How can it be 1.3 megapixel at the top of column 4 yet 4 megapixel at the right of row 5 ? 'eh? 'eh? :evil:

The image capture is interpreted/extrapolated. The real size is the 1280x960 = 1.22 MP.

[ballaratdragons]

:lol:

[luka]

I had a look at one of these a while ago. All you have to do is to look at the 4 MP image in full size - clearly extrapolated.

[iceman]

I'd also question this:


Does that mean it's a USB2 interface that's backwards compatible, or a USB1 interface that's forwards compatible?

There could be horrible compression if it's only USB1.1.

[JohnH]

Sounds like another camera based on the Micron MT9M001 chip as used in the QHY5/QGuider and Fishcamp Starfish to name but a few. It might be ok therefore but it will depend on they way the manufacturer has set it up...usb interface/access to raw frames/frame buffer etc etc.