Here are 3 webcams I modded myself for Astrophotography. Last night I had the chance to test them out on the Moon. I captured some video using each camera.
The cameras are:
- Logitech QuickCam Express (white)
- Logitech QuickCam IM
- Microsoft VX-1000
(all are 640x480)
Tested under the following conditions:
- Each camera was tested in my MAK80 (Ap:80mm, FL:1000mm) telescope
- Tested under XP using the standard Logitech and Microsoft software downloaded from their websites.
- Had limited time before the Moon went behind the many trees in my backyard therefore I placed the camera in the eyepiece, recorded some footage then placed the next eyepiece in, etc. I tried to get the best focus I could and recorded a video with the standard image settings.
- Each camera worked and produced an image.
Things to note:
- Logitech QuickCam Express had the best results
- Logitech QuickCam IM produced some white dots in the video and quality of the image wasn't as great as the Express. The settings may need to be adjusted.
- Microsoft VX-1000 produced good results however there were black marks on the video. The CCD chip needs to be cleaned but other than that worked perfectly. Another thing to note in the clip I attempted to re-focus the telescope and moved it around which is why the image is a bit shaky.
- I used duct tape to hold the 1.25" tube to each camera. If you would like you can take this off and either glue it on or use less tape so you can get the CCD chip closer in the eyepiece hole.
Links to footage:
- Logitech QuickCam Express
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...%20express.avi
- Logitech QuickCam IM
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...ckcam%20IM.avi
- Microsoft VX-1000
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...%20VX-1000.wmv
I can supply the parts that were taken off as well.
This is a cheap way to get started into Astrophotography or if anyone needs a cheap camera to have a muck around with. If you like you can mod it for long exposures or tweak them to get better performance out of them.
Make me an offer for each, 2 or all 3!
