Some toUcam questions - Page 2

asimov (John) · #21 21-12-2006, 08:15 PM

If you will be happy with this quality (see pics) I suggest going straight for the modded 900nc. The modded 840K...well you simply won't get anywhere near this.

Taken a couple of months ago. 5.5" schmidt newt/EQ5//900nc.

The Swan/Triffid/NGC 2438/M42/The crab.

asimov (John) · #22 21-12-2006, 08:27 PM

Oh yeah & before I go, a widefield with the 840K & standard lens

stephenmcnelley · #23 21-12-2006, 09:24 PM

Ken, Asimov, Mike and many others have set the bar for Toucam round here, i reckon there is more to come too.
Inspiring images guys, - that planetary nebula of Asi's... wonderful !

sheeny (Al) · #24 21-12-2006, 09:32 PM

Asi!!! What a pilot! There's no doubt you can make a toUcam fly!

Al.

matt · #25 21-12-2006, 10:03 PM

Nice little webcam images.

Definitely pushing the envelope of its capabilities. It don't get much better than this. Maybe a bit better... not much

Keep that in mind stephen.

stephenmcnelley · #26 21-12-2006, 11:07 PM

Sorry Matt i perhaps should have put your name in that post to.

I wasnt so much refering to me, but the small legion of people that will follow and take advantage of the posted experience of others, and not the least different equipment accesories and software capabilities that are discovered or come along.

CS and kind regards,
Steve

matt · #27 21-12-2006, 11:17 PM

Not at all, Steve.

I've never imaged DSO with a Toucam and was certainly not pushing any claim for any acknowledgement in that last post.

The point I was making is what you see there in John's gallery of images, as nice as those shots are, is about as much as you can expect from the Toucam.

Which for many people would most likely be a case of "good enough", and that's great. However, keep in mind you have to be as good as John to pull images like that from a Toucam. It takes good technique and processing skills.

Also keep in mind that's about as much as you can hope for when capturing DSO with a Toucam.

It just gets back to your expectations and budget.

Please don't think I'm coming from a negative standpoint. I'm just offering my opinion. I'm not saying that my comments are categorically right or wrong. It's just my opinion.

stephenmcnelley · #28 21-12-2006, 11:32 PM

Your comments are very true mate, no doubt about that!

PS, I am a bit spoilt in that i have access to some very nice gear and imaging, but i dont own what it produces due to intellectual property and copyright laws, besides as i dont own the said equipment (which is a collaborative long term effort between many) it wouldnt be right to put it up for viewing.

I guess the toucam is a fun backyard challenge that isnt too hi tech, but from what i can gather and am learning this sort of imaging sure is a hell of a challenge for all and sundry!
I am personally amazed at what people have done with such a modest little webcam! great stuff.

asimov (John) · #29 21-12-2006, 11:33 PM

Matt is pretty well right. There was a LOT of work in those images of mine. It really does come down to continued practice. One can't afford to think 'within the box' either. Experimentation is the name of the game with webcam capture settings.

Even though I own a DSLR now I fully intend to go back imaging DSO's with the 900nc. To get better shots I have to get better at it. The 900nc still has a few tricks up its sleeve I reckon. It continues to suprise me. ;-)

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #30 22-12-2006, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asimov

Matt is pretty well right. There was a LOT of work in those images of mine.

and it shows, AsiJohn! Top stuff mate!!!

asimov (John) · #31 22-12-2006, 07:35 AM

Thanks guys.

stephenmcnelley · #32 22-12-2006, 08:00 AM

Great to hear you are going to continue to do imaging with the toucam Mr Asimov, one day perhaps i will appreciate the work involved, but for now appreciating those images and it gives us toucam beginners something to aspire to.

davidpretorius · #33 22-12-2006, 09:16 AM

i bought a modded 840k toucam when i first started out with my 10" dob and series 500 eyepieces.

I had a budget and I have had an amazing ride and learning experience because of the equipment.

The 840k still is great for planetary but due to poor tracking, i have never made it work for dso's.

Asimov has produced the best DSO's I have seen with the 900nc.

Would I have changed it, if I had my time over again...NO I would not.

At the time, I did not have the extra $000's for a solid eq mount or the extra $000's for a canon 400d (or 350d at that time).

Did I enjoy my series 500's eyepieces, you bet.

I now only use my $100 eyepieces because they are definately better.

The main thing is to get what you can afford.

A 900nc is almost a must have in my book to get you going. If you can afford the extra $$ to have the long exposure, have a think first to how good your tracking is and give it a rip. The fun you can have on the planets and moon is sooo much fun.

I would challenge anyone on this forum to say they were not excited the first time they viewed the moon or planet zipping across the computer screen from their toucam.

Within a year, you can then have a look at upgrading to a dslr etc